Page 77 of The Playboy Billionaire

Dorrie comes up and looks at me. “Sexy man, dark hair, olive skin. He was the one who turned up late to the meeting that day,” she says, winking. “He was asking after you.”

She tells me in hushed tones before moving away as Val returns with three steaming mugs of tea.

Val shoots her friend a suspicious look, but Dorrie simply shrugs, winking at me when Val turns her back. I bite the inside of my lip to prevent myself from smiling.

“Thank you, Val, this is lovely.”

They both pull up a seat, and we talk about what I’ve been doing. I leave out the part about moving in with saidsexy, dark-haired, olive-skinned developer. The rumour mill will never survive the scandal. Instead, I tell them I’m staying with a friend.

“I need your help, ladies,” I tell them eventually. “I have been given the opportunity to borrow some dance space at another studio. I want to know how many of those who attended my classes would be interested.”

Val and Dorrie look eager. These two will spread the word. It’s one reason I came to them. They are very much the heart of the local gossip mill.

“We will arrange transport, but we need to know the numbers. I’m wondering if you can help spread the word. I’ve arranged a meeting at the community centre to discuss options for next Wednesday night, at seven PM,” I say.

Their chests puff out, and I know I’ve come to the right place.

“You leave it with us,” Val says, patting me on the shoulder.

Dorrie already has the phone in her hand.

“Thank you,” I say, once again overwhelmed at the kindness and support they’ve shown me. “You two are amazing.”

“We know,” Val says, winking, before leaning in. “And I know she told you.”

I laugh and pull Val in for a hug.

Thirty minutes later, I finally make it out of the shop. Dorrie has already started the telephone tree, spreading the word as far and wide as possible. I’m in no doubt she will have the place filled to the rafters, or at least I hope she will. I want to show Caleb Frazer what our community really is.

CHAPTER 32

CALEB

I’ve received a message from April letting me know the Wednesday meeting isago.The local telephone tree has started spreading the word.

Wes pulls a face and asks why I’m bothering, especially when the building is in ruins. When he uncovered her lack of insurance, he was all for cutting her loose. It’s the reason I’m working around him. I’m tired of his shit, and I’m not sure how much more I can take. At least the board have come back in favour of Jaxson’s changes. The fire turned out to be a game changer, although Elana warned me, they have their eyes on me. Donald is still concerned about a scandal derailing everything.

I let myself into the apartment. It’s still early, as my last meeting was cancelled. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to escape, before Wes or any of the others could collar me.

I need to run. Not on my machine, but with the wind hitting my cheeks. Something I haven’t managed in a while.

“Hey, you’re home early.”

I jump, glancing at my watch guiltily. It’s just turned three. “So are you,” I add, turning around as April appearsbehind me. The breath leaves my body in a whoosh as I take in her tight leggings and toned abs, fully visible under her sports bra. There are definite advantages to arriving home early.

“We really must stop meeting like this,” I say, giving her the once over as she crosses her arms over her chest and scowls at me.

“Well, I was heading to the gym for a run,” she says, making to move past me.

“I’m heading to the park for a run myself. Want to join me?” I say before adding. “If you think you can keep up.”

April stops and spins on the spot, the gracefulness of the move reminding me of her job.

“I think it’s likely to be the other way around, Mr Corporate,” she sasses.

I bite the inside of my mouth to prevent the grin that threatens. I can’t be successful because April raises an eyebrow, and her hands move to her hips.

She is not aware of how sporty or competitive my siblings and I are. Elijah set his sights on the Olympics before life threw him a curve ball. Gabriel swims miles daily. I run and swim. Kat runs marathons. Only Harper is a mystery. I know she exercises, but no one is sure what her poison is, and she holds it close to her chest.

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