Page 49 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

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It’s easy to locate Cole’s office. This building is one of the most exclusive and expensive buildings in downtown Boston. I guess all the talk of his net worth is true. He recently made theForbesbillionaires list.

I look around in admiration at the polished marble floors and dramatic windows as far as the eyes can see. It’s an impressive structure, I’ll give him that.

I walk over to greet the receptionist at the front desk, but before I reach her I hear my name being called.

I turn around and it’s repeated.

“Are you Lila?” a young, perfectly put together woman in an expensive suit asks. This must be his assistant Allie.

“Yes, I’m Lila,” I respond. She stretches her hand out for a shake. “I’m Allie. Nice to meet you, Sue has had nothing but great things to say about you.” She smiles.

I smile back. “Nice to meet you too, Allie.” She turns around and motions for me to follow her to what I assume will be Cole's office.

“Here you are,” she says, stopping in front of a large door. “Mr. Matthews is waiting for you.” She turns around and walks back out.

I bite my lip nervously and wait a minute before proceeding to knock on the large, oak door.

“Come in.” His voice comes across muffled from the other side of the thick door. I exhale one final time before slowly opening the door and walking in.

It’s a large room with creamy white walls and tall ceilings. A large, mahogany desk with two chairs sits to the far end of the room, with a plush, deep brown leather sofa and a coffee table on the opposite side. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows bring tons of natural light into the room as it overlooks the street beneath us.

He sits there, behind that desk, buried behind a stack of paperwork piled so high it’s a mystery to me how it hasn’t come crashing down yet.

He takes off the glasses that were previously perched on the bridge of his nose, lifting those stormy eyes to mine.

The intensity of it takes my breath away and sends a tingle through my body. I’d forgotten what it felt like to have those stunning eyes fixed entirely on you. He raises a hand to flick a stray strand of glossy chocolate hair from his eyes, his gaze never leaving my face.

“Lila Smith,” his deep baritone voice breathes. Another involuntary shudder races down my spine at the sound of it. “Please, sit,” he says, gesturing to the empty seat in front of him. I eye the seat warily, proceeding to it after a moment. His eyes study me, slowly raking down my body in the most unnerving way as I walk towards the chair. By the time they make their way back up to mine, they’re hooded with an expression that sends goosebumps over my body. Involuntarily, I wrap my arms protectively around myself.

“I wasn’t sure you would actually come,” he confesses.

“Well, I did,” I respond sharply.

“I can see that. Why did you?”

“Because my friend asked, and I promised her I would.”

“You always keep your promises?”

“I know it must be a strange concept to you, but yes, I like to keep to my word.”

“I thought your hatred of me would be enough to go back on a promise if it meant avoiding a confrontation with me,” he says knowingly, elbows on the table between us.

“Maybe you shouldn’t think,” I say tightly.

“I find myself intrigued by you,” he responds, cocking his head to the side as he watches me.

“I wish I could say the same about you, Mr. Matthews,” I smirk, pasting a nonchalant expression on my face when he starts to chuckle.

“Ah, but you see, your body betrays you. You’re not a very good liar, Ms. Smith.”

How the hell does he know that I—

“Your hands are clammy, there’s sweat beading right above your upper lip even though it’s a reasonably chilly morning. Your legs are clamped together so tight I’m worried you might snap something. Your shoulders are wound so tight, I’m surprised you can move your neck. I can almost hear your heart slamming against your ribcage right now. Deny it all you want,” he gloats, “but I make you nervous. Now the intriguing question is why that would be,” he continues smoothly, with a flash of perfect pearly white teeth.

Shit.

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