Page 91 of The Duke's Ultimatum

“What you’re saying is you only feel bad for me because it may affect our bottom line.”

William shrugged. “I, too, am a businessman.”

“Luckily not a businessman in love,” Derek muttered.

William sat up and put his empty tumbler on the desk. “What did you just say?”

Derek stopped himself. What did he just say? Did he just admit he loved Eleanor?

“Nothing.” Derek sat straighter and started collecting papers in front of him.

“No, no, no.” William reached out and covered the papers Derek was reaching for. “You said I was lucky not to be a businessman in love. Are you in love with Eleanor?”

Derek just sat there staring at the pile of papers under his hand.

“My God, you are.”

“I am not.” Derek spit out, but the words felt wrong. “At least, I don’t think I am.”

“I told you so.”

Derek looked up. “Ha! I knew you couldn’t help yourself.”

William shook his head in disbelief. “Can you blame me? I saw it happening, but you assured me it was all in good fun.” William looked up to the ceiling, pondering. “How did you say it? You were just passing the time until she was married? As if you couldn’t have any other woman out there to pass the time with.” William sat back in his chair, taking in his friend. “I can’t believe how the mighty have fallen.”

Derek did not appreciate his friend thinking of him as such. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sure this feeling, whatever it is, will pass. She is still getting married tomorrow, and that is that.”

William reared back. “What? She’s still getting married? Why?”

“What do you mean why? That was our goal to get the girls married. One down, two to go.”

William shook his head. “You’re letting her get married when you have feelings for her. Did you tell her how you feel?”

Derek solemnly shook his head. “No.”

William leaned in, hoping for more information. “And why is that?”

Derek rubbed the bridge of his nose. He never should have said anything. “Because she is not for me.”

William raised an eyebrow. “Says who?”

“Me.”

William barked out another laugh. “For second there, I thought you were going to tell me someone of authority told you no.”

“I am someone of authority!” Derek pounded his fist on his desk.

William put up his hands. “Calm down. I have never seen you this upset over a woman. Why can’t you have her? Does she not want you?”

Derek sat back. “I can’t have her because she’s not mine to have and…” He squeezed his eyes shut; he did not like admitting this next part. “… I do not think she wants me.”

William tried to hide his smile. “Stop. There’s a woman out there that doesn’t want the great Derek Fletcher? I don’t believe it.”

“Well believe it,” Derek snapped.

“Did she tell you this.”

“She didn’t say the exact words, no, but she made it clear.”

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