Page 44 of Flirting with My Billionaire Enemy

“And what is your job description?” She perches her sunglasses on her head. Her black coat looks like it’s made of ostrich feathers, and most likely the original price tag could probably feed a third-world country for a good while.

“She’s working with me to revamp the financial department for Keith Enterprises.”

“Oh, neat,” she says in a bored tone.

“What can I help you with, Blair?” I ask.

She looks around. “Is there someplace we can talk?” She glances over at Ariana. “Alone?”

“There’s no need to send Ariana away. She can hear whatever it is you have to say.”

Blair looks between us, and her oversized pouty lips drop into a frown.

“But I really don’t need to,” Ariana says, her voice controlled and steady. Too steady. It’s like her armor is back in place, and I want nothing more than to tear it down again. “I’ll just let you two catch up.”

The situation feels like it’s downward spiraling, and I don’t know how to get control of things. It’s like all the work I’ve done to get Ariana to trust me vanished the moment that red convertible pulled up.

“If you need anything, I’ll be in the conference room, putting the finishing touches on the program.”

I want to stop her or at the very least follow her, but I have to get rid of Blair before any more damage is done. “We can talk in the family room.”

I can’t take her to the formal living room because Mom is sitting in there, probably listening to every word we’re saying, dying to soak up every juicy detail.

The family room is in the basement, and that should be private enough that I don’t get any prying eyes misunderstanding the situation.

Blair seems all too happy to follow me down there. What does she want with me, anyway? I settle down on the couch, and she tries to scoot right next to me. I put a pillow between us and scoot down a bit.

“What’s going on, Blair?”

She bats her fake lashes at me and drags her long nails down my arm. “I’ve missed you, this place.”

“You’ve only been here a couple of times.”

“I know I messed up. I was stupid, Kaison. I know that now.”

“It’s in the past,” I say.

Her eyes light up, but I stop her before she gets any ideas in her head.

“That being said, I’m not looking for anything with you right now.” It’s best to set that boundary right away. I’m not into leading girls on.

“We don’t have to pick up where we left off. I’m okay with just being friends and seeing where that leads.”

I shake my head. She’s not getting the hint. “I’ve fallen for someone else, Blair. You’ve knocked on the wrong door today.” I pause for a moment. “How’d you know I was here, anyway?”

“Your mom posted about it on social media. She said you were watching over her while she was recovering from knee surgery.”

Of course she did. I sigh and clamp my mouth shut to keep from saying the words on the tip of my tongue. I stand. “Well, if that’s it, I think we should wrap this up. I’ve got a lot of work to do today.”

“Wait.” She puts her hand on my arm. “Is there any way you can help me out with something?” She gives me this pleading look that used to melt my heart, but those days are long gone.

“What is it?” I’m not in the mood to help her out, but I can’t help but be curious about what she’s about to say.

“I’m in some trouble financially.”

Right. It definitely looks that way.

“Okay.”

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