Page 6 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

“Oh, that’s nice,” I said. If I said no to his dinner invitation, it might offend him. If I said yes, it would lead him on.

So what am I supposed to do?

“Dinner on Saturday?” he repeated his offer, leaning forward and taking my hand in his.

I knew what I had to do. I politely declined. “I’m so sorry, Ben,” I said. “I’m inclined to say yes, but I think it’s best for us to maintain only a working relationship, a client-supplier relationship… But of course, we can be friends just like you and Andie. Luxe Linen is very fortunate to have you as our client, and we truly value the business you give us…”

I got him distracted by offering a good discount on their next renewal of the contract, which was coming up in a few weeks. I also offered to make his hotel the first one to try our newest linens.

I heaved a sigh of relief when he got excited and eventually gave up on his attempt to ask me out. I was glad he could take a hint.

After just two months of working as the company’s new CEO, I was both exhausted and satisfied. I knew I had delivered much more than what was expected of me, even though I had to sacrifice some things in the process.

My body was craving for rest and rejuvenation, so I booked a spa session with my new friends from the office.

“You mean you haven’t dated anyone yet here?” Rasha asked.

“No, not interested,” I said nonchalantly as we were getting our massages. There were four of us in a large private room.

“Why?” Faye, one of the top executives of our company, asked. “I heard you’ve been turning down one date offer after another. It’s either you’re lesbian or you’re brokenhearted.”

Oops. She just nailed it.

“I wish Cole from the gym would ask me out!” Alison cried. She was one of our best account managers.

I laughed at her outcry. “I’ll let him know,” I said, grinning.

“He’s got eyes for you only,” she said with a pout. “And you won’t even give him the time of day!”

“Seriously, if you’re lesbian, you will still have to date somebody, right?” Faye said.

I laughed. “I’m not, I swear! And I’m not going to ask any of you out… ever!”

We all laughed.

“So is it because you’re brokenhearted?” asked Rasha. Outside of the office, we treated each other as casual friends.

“Spill it, Leigh!” Faye urged.

“Yes, spill the beans!” Alison seconded.

I eventually nodded. “It was a broken engagement, and it's part of the reason I accepted the offer to move here and work here.”

“Oh, my…” Rasha gasped, a hand flying to her mouth. “I’m so sorry; I didn’t know. Must have been tough, but you’re a strong woman, and it’s surely his loss.”

“Big loss, girl,” Faye agreed.

They knew not to probe further because I obviously did not want to talk about the details.

“But it’s all the more reason you should go out and date around!” Alison said. “Let’s not waste your beauty and brains.”

I laughed. “Maybe I’ll date around when I’m ready. Not just now.”

Rasha nodded. “Well, yeah! Who needs men, right!”

“I do,” Faye shamelessly admitted, making us all laugh again.

After the spa, we had drinks at my house. I was having so much fun that I forgot about the unfriendly neighbor.

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