Page 35 of Dial B for Billionaire

“That’s when I realized why you never called. And why you looked at me like I kicked your dog in the boardroom.”

His jaw tightens. “So you're saying this was all just... a comedy of errors?”

“I’m saying it was a mix-up. Not a con. I wasn’t playing you. I didn’t know who you were at the festival. I didn’t know about the deal.”

Silence stretches.

“You realize how this looks,” he says.

“I do. But it's the truth.” I take a long sip of water, nerves making my fingers tremble slightly.

A muscle twitches in his jaw, and something I can't read passes over his face as he downs the last of his drink.

“It doesn’t change anything.”

The words land with a dull thud. “What?”

“The acquisition. The company. None of that changes because of...” He glances at me, frowns and just shakes his head.

“I know.” My voice is quiet. “I just didn’t want you thinking I lied.”

He places his empty glass on the bar and turns to me with that unreadable look again.

“I appreciate the clarification.”

That’s it? That’s all?

“Right.” I finish my water a little too forcefully. “Well. Mystery solved. Festival Girl isn't a manipulative bitch. Just a klutz who gets sweaty around hot guys, and messesup her own phone number. Thanks for hearing me out,Mr. Mercer.”

I turn to go, but his hand catches my wrist, his grip firm but gentle.

“Layla.”

Just my name. But it hits somewhere low in my stomach.

I turn back.

“I didn't think you were a manipulative bitch,” he says, voice dropping to something intimate only I can hear. “I thought you were a complication I didn't need.”

“And now?”

He looks at my mouth.

“Now I’m reconsidering.”

“Ms. Carmichael!”

Caleb Kingsley's voice cuts through the moment. His timing as impeccable as always.

Bennett drops my wrist. The loss of contact is immediate and jarring.

“Mr. Kingsley,” I say, schooling my expression. “Nice to see you again.”

“Please. Call me Caleb. We're not in the boardroom.” He looks between us, amusement obvious. “Hope I'm not interrupting. I was on a call, and it took a little longer than expected.”

“Ms. Carmichael was just clarifying a misunderstanding,” Bennett says smoothly.

Caleb lifts a brow. “Really.”

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