Page 44 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

We looked at each other without any words. He seemed shaken and hurt. This was his long-time friend, after all.

I didn’t know what to say, so I stayed quiet. We just stood there for a long time.

As I began to calm down too, I could sense the relief spreading across my entire body. My spirit felt renewed. Perhaps this was the moment I had been waiting for--- realizing that I was really over my ex and that I never wanted to have anything to do with him ever again.

Chapter 18

CARTER

“I’mreallysorryaboutthat,” I finally uttered after a long time. I threw Leigh an apologetic look.

She was looking flustered, though she still maintained her composure. I felt sorry for her because she had to see Drake again at his worst. Surely this was a scene she’d wanted to avoid, which is what led her to Las Vegas in the first place. My heart went out to her.

“Oh, of course, it’s not your fault,” she said quickly. “So don’t say sorry.”

“He’s my friend and employee, so I am still obligated to apologize to you, especially since you came here for a business meeting,” I explained.

She gave me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. To me, you’re the only one who represents your company. He’s not a reflection of it. He was hardly a part of it, anyway.”

Her radiant smile was very comforting.

“Sadly, yes,” I agreed. “But I really wanted to help him.”

“I know,” she said, smiling and squeezing my hand. “Maybe… he’ll eventually come around…”

I nodded, but I knew that we both doubted it.

We then went back to the dining area to have coffee as we tried to recover from the rattling incident. I began talking to her about other needs that her company could perhaps help us with. She quickly got engaged in the discussion.

“I’ll send the documents for you to sign,” she said, closing the deal after an hour’s talk. “Thanks so much.”

“I can just drop by your house when they’re ready,” I told her. “Just let me know.” It was definitely something to look forward to.

She stood up and extended her hand for a handshake. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you,” she said formally.

I stood up and shook her hand, but I did not let go at once. I held it with my two hands, caressing her skin, wanting to touch her more, to be with her for a longer time.

Our eyes bore a hole into each other. She seemed to hold her breath as I tried to compose my words. But my mind and my heart were a jumble. A part of me was holding back because I felt I was taking advantage of Drake’s mistake and absence.

It’s not your fault that he did what he did,a voice in my head said.He may have lost his second chance with Leigh, and it’s got nothing to do with you.

“Leigh…” I finally said.

She smiled a little nervously, waiting for me to go on.

“Are you doing anything this afternoon or tonight? Do you have another appointment?” I asked, the words tumbling out of my mouth quickly. It was stupid and silly at the same time that I wanted to laugh at myself.

“Uh, not really…” she answered. “Why?”

“I was hoping you could stay and we can hang out maybe…” I trailed off, carefully checking for her reaction. This was definitely out of my character. I’ve never felt or acted this way with any other woman.

“Oh,” was all she said. She seemed to be thinking it over, probably because of Drake too.

I was about to say we could do it another time when she suddenly said yes. My heart began to race.

We were both still full, so we decided to skip lunch and hang out on the wide terrace overlooking the pool and garden area that was still under construction. Since it was Sunday, there were no workers. Only some staff milled about for regular cleaning and also because I had asked them to be there that day.

“So, how’s Las Vegas treating you?” I asked as we sat beside each other on an outdoor couch.

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