Page 13 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
I like the way she thinks. She’s not just going along with everything I say, she’s critically analyzing each suggestion.
“We can always offer alternatives,” I reply. “Like using a tablet at the front desk for those who don’t want to use their phones. Or they can check in with the receptionist directly.”
She nods, impressed. “That could work.”
We continue discussing the setup, and for the first time, I realize how easy it is to talk to her. She’s not like the women I usually work with, who want to impress me or impress others. Lucy is different. She’s not here for validation. She’s here because she cares about the work.
After a few minutes, I can’t resist. I walk over to the small bag I’ve been carrying and pull out a new toy I bought for the ferrets. It’s a small rope with multiple colors, a little treat attached to the end. I’ve seen them play with similar toys before, and I figure it’ll help keep them entertained during the long hours.
I hold it up, the playful gesture almost out of instinct. “I got this for them. Thought they might like it.”
Lucy’s eyes light up when she sees it, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “You’re spoiling them.”
I grin, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I think they deserve it.”
She takes the toy from me, and for a brief moment, our hands brush. It’s small, almost unnoticeable, and yet it again sends a jolt through me, and I can’t stop myself from watching her as she ties the toy to the cage.
“I’ll give it to them later,” she says, and there’s a softness in her voice I haven’t heard before.
I can’t help but watch her, the way she interacts with the animals. It’s clear that she loves what she does, that this isn’t just a job for her. It’s a passion. And I respect that more than I care to admit.
I chuckle softly, trying to keep things casual. “I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. They look like they could use something to occupy their time.”
She looks at me, her smile genuine. “You know, you’re pretty good with them.”
I feel the flush of warmth creeping up my neck. “They’re adorable just like you.”
Suddenly, a blur of fur streaks past my feet. Pip, maybe Nibbs honestly, they move too fast to tell sometimes.
“Wait…” Lucy gasps as the other one bounds after the first, dragging something long and black behind it.
A cable. One of the new ones I just installed.
“Hey!” I bolt after them on instinct, and Lucy does the same.
We both round the corner of the office too fast. She stops. I don’t.
I slam into her, and for a second, everything else disappears.
My arms wrap around her to steady her. Hers land on my chest. Her breath hitches. Mine does too. Our lips are inches apart and I’m nearly dizzy with the need to close that space.
The closeness hits me like a wave. Her scent, something like jasmine and tea. Her gaze, wide, locked onto mine.
My fingers are still around her waist. I should let go. I know I should. But I don’t.
Her hand flutters at my collarbone. She’s trembling. Or maybe that’s me.
“Sorry,” I murmur, voice low.
“It’s fine,” she whispers, barely audible.
We stay like that a second too long. Then…
“Squeak!”
Nibbs bolts between us, clipping our legs. We both jolt back like we’ve been shocked.
The spell breaks. The air is thick with something unspoken.
