Page 20 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

First, I tried making toast, but the toaster seemed to work against me. The bread came out a charred mess, blackened and smoking. I sighed, tossing the ruined toast into the trash and moving on to pancakes.

In the dim candlelight, I mixed the batter, but my measurements must have been off because the consistency was watery. Undeterred, I poured the runny mix onto the griddle and hoped for the best. The pancakes didn’t turn out as I’d hoped—they were thin and slightly undercooked.

I brewed coffee in an attempt to redeem myself and with two cups poured, I carried the coffee and pancakes through the underground hideout, following the sounds of mechanical clanking and Ethan’s cursing.

I found Ethan in the mini-gym, his muscular arms flexing as he wrestled with the generator. One of the wall panels was removed, wires and machinery exposed.

“Coffee and pancakes,” I announced, holding out the tray.

Ethan looked up at me, smiling warmly. “It’s alright, Chloe. Thank you.” He took a sip of the coffee and gave me a reassuring nod. “Mmm, this is good.”

Feeling relieved, I sipped my own coffee, only to realize that it was too strong and bitter. My heart sank—he had lied to make me feel better.

“Can I help with anything?” I asked, trying to hide my disappointment.

Ethan shook his head, his focus still on the generator. “No, I’ve got it under control. I just need some time to reassemble the control block. But there is one thing you can do…”

“Really? What is it?” I asked eagerly.

Ethan glanced up at me, a teasing light in his green eyes. “You can help by continuing to be amazing.”

I felt my cheeks warm at the compliment. “Look at you, you charmer. Since when did you become such a mechanic?”

“I worked in a few garages during summers in college,” Ethan said. “I had to pay my tuition somehow.”

Of course he did. Ethan seemed able to do everything, while I struggled to even make a decent cup of coffee. Once again, I was struck by how ill-suited we were. Ethan was a powerful billionaire who seemed able to do everything and solve any problem, and I was… well, just me.

Ethan furrowed his brow, concern evident in his emerald eyes. “Is something wrong, Chloe?”

“Nothing,” I replied quickly, not wanting to burden him.

“Fair enough.” He attempted a smile before changing the subject. “Did you have a chance to read any of those books I suggested?”

“I skimmed Atlas Shrugged,” I said. “I can’t say I cared for it.”

Ethan chuckled. “No, Ayn Rand’s writing isn’t for everyone. You can get the gist of her philosophy without suffering through hundreds of pages.” His gaze turned playful. “Although, reading it does build character just by the required application of will to finish it.”

“Actually,” I said, “you remind me a bit of John Galt.”

“Do I?” Ethan’s lips quirked. “Is it because I’m also good in bed?”

“Hey!” I jokingly punched him in the arm. “Get back to work, you. Some of us prefer hot showers to cold ones.”

“Alright, alright,” he conceded with a grin. “While I’m working, you’re welcome to pick another book. We can discuss it later.”

“Actually, I had something else in mind,” I began cautiously. “Did you mean what you said yesterday? That I could go for a walk?”

“Of course.” Ethan nodded. “I’ve already unlocked the hatch. I trust you, Chloe. Just don’t go too far or stay out too long.”

My heart swelled at his words. After being cooped up for days, the thought of going outside was bliss.

“Thank you,” I said, rising on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

Ethan’s eyes darkened. “You’re welcome. Now go enjoy the sunshine before I decide to keep you inside all for myself.”

Excited to finally breathe in fresh air after so much time underground, I made my way to the hatch and crawled through it, emerging in the dilapidated house above. Sunlight streamed through the dusty windows, and a bird chirped outside.

I walked outside, blinking against the bright sun. A warm breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the fresh scent of pine. It felt like a gentle embrace from the universe itself, and I couldn’t help but smile.

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