Page 16 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

“Actually, yes,” I said. “I’m officially working. This hotel is one of our company’s clients.”

“Wow, really…” he said. “But you’re off now, right? Maybe we can have coffee?”

He was being straightforward. I did not know how to respond. I wasn’t prepared for this accidental encounter.

Well, I needed to be straightforward too. I had to set my foot down. “No, we can’t,” I answered, forcing myself to meet his gaze. When I stared into his eyes, so many memories came flashing back. But I stood my ground, feeling the sudden heaviness in my chest.

“Okay, how about tomorrow then?” he asked with a smile. To my shock, he had the nerve to take my hand and squeeze it. Did he think I’d forgive him and give in just like that?

I pulled my hand away and glared at him. I could feel the anger rising to the surface. It was a kind of rage that I never realized I still had inside of me. But having to face him like this all of a sudden made it come out.

“We can’t have coffee today, tomorrow, or any other day, Drake,” I said, trying to remain calm, although my body was literally shaking from the boiling anger I was trying to control. “We can’t see each other anymore. I came here to start a new life, and I don’t ever want to see you again.”

There. I’ve said it.

He was quiet for a while. Then he nodded slowly. “I understand how you feel, Leigh…”

“You don’t!” I hissed, trying to keep my voice down. “You have no fucking idea what I went through because of you! So please, just please stay away from me.”

I turned around, ready to walk away. But then he grabbed my hand and hugged me from the back. “Please, Leigh… Just give me a chance. Just hear me out. I came all the way here for you because I care so much about you.”

I pulled away again. “Don’t you dare touch me,” I said angrily. Then I spun on my heels and walked out, glad that he did not attempt to stop me again. I was trembling from the fury.

I half-ran and half-walked to the front of the hotel; my vision was blurry from the tears that threatened to fall down my cheeks.

That was when I crashed into someone tall and muscular. I breathed in his delicious, musky perfume before I even saw his face. I felt his strong arms wrapping around my body to support me as I stumbled backward from the impact.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

That voice made me look up immediately. It was none other than my neighbor Carter. I quickly recalled him closing the blinds so he could have privacy with those show girls.

Why did I have to run into him now???

His face registered astonishment at seeing me. Then the expression changed into one of annoyance and repulsion.

“You, the neighborhood gossip,” he muttered.

“Excuse me?” I said defiantly. I heard what he’d said and it surely did not sit well with me. I have never gossiped about him with anyone… Well, other than Ellie, of course.

“First, you throw parties and have renovations on the weekends, disturbing my peace and that of others,” he said, his voice showing obvious irritation. “Then you gossip about me?”

He sounded angry, but I wasn’t in the mood to argue or even defend myself.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said. Then before he could say anything else, I hurried outside and left him standing there.

All I wanted was to get away from all these men who made me feel so mortified and who kept destroying the new beginning I was building for myself and my future.

Chapter 8

CARTER

AfterbumpingintoLeighAndrews, I immediately went to talk to The Haven’s Housekeeping Director. He was all praises for her and her company, as well as the products they supplied for the hotel.

“Change the supplier,” I ordered. I was filled with dismissive emotions and just wanted to somehow lash out at her. It was probably not the most mature thing to do, but it sure felt good.

“Are you sure, Mr. Croft?” the director asked dubiously. “Luxe Linen has been our trusted supplier for years. They’re affordable and---”

“Isn’t there any other supplier that can provide the same quality and service?” I interrupted him.

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