Page 44 of Baby for My Enemy Billionaire

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Finn

I thought Jade would be home alone, so to see her with her friend took a bit of wind out of my sails. But it doesn’t stop me from openly staring at Jade. She still looks gorgeous, wearing leggings and a soft-looking green sweater that fits her curves. Her hair is loose about her shoulders, making me remember how soft it was when I ran my fingers through it. She does look tired, though, and I feel the urge to pull her into my arms and hold her.

What is wrong with me? I need to control myself better, especially if we’re not alone.

Both women stare at me, and I realize I haven’t said anything. I manage to find my voice, although I’m now stumbling over my words.

“I…well…” I cough and try again. “I was just in the area and thought I’d come by and see how you were doing.”

“Oh.” Jade’s voice is faint, her expression confused. “I see. Right.”

We stare at each other until I hear her friend clearing her throat loudly. Then I remember that I’m on Jade’s doorstep, covered in snow and dripping water onto the floor. Her friend raises her eyebrows at Jade.

“I think I’ll leave you to it,” she says, moving to a bag by the table and picking it up. “I do have work early tomorrow, after all.”

“What?” Jade stares at her. “You’re leaving, Maddison?”

“You said that I should, didn’t you? And I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a weather warning not to go out, with how it’s looking out there.” Maddison slings her bag over her shoulder and pulls the coat off the back of the chair. “You two look like you need to talk.”

Jade’s jaw tightens. Is she upset at her friend for leaving now? I’m slightly relieved; I’m going to be feeling awkward enough talking to Jade after deciding, on a whim, to come and see her. If Maddison is going to stay as well, I’m going to look like a fool. From the way Maddison looks between us, I have a feeling she also knows this.

“Maddison…” Jade starts, but Maddison is waving as she heads towards the door.

“Sorry, Jade, I’ve got to dash. Let me know if you need any more help with the store. And you know what I’m talking about.”

I realize that I’m about to block her way and quickly jump out of the way, bumping a little too hard into the doorframe. Maddison gives me a knowing smile before she starts her way down the stairs, managing to shrug on her coat as she juggles her bag around. I watch her get to street level without falling down the stairs, and she looks up at me as she gets a wooly hat out of her pocket. She grins up at me and gives me a little wave before she opens the door and heads outside, the wind threatening to yank the door out of her hands. A moment later, she manages to shut the door, and the sound of the wind is abruptly cut off.

Now I’m alone with Jade. Again. And I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve done the right thing.

Sighing, Jade beckons me to come in.

“You might as well come in now. There’s no point in hovering on the doorstep.”

“Sorry for coming over without letting you know,” I say as I enter the apartment and close the door. “It’s been a while, and I wanted to check that you were okay.”

She frowns at me.

“You don’t need to do that. We have no obligation to each other, do we?”

“I know, but...”

“But what? You thought you would come back for round two?”

I can’t help but flinch at her sharp tone. Now that had crossed my mind, but I put it aside. I didn’t want that to be part of my reasoning for coming to see her. Before I can respond, a buzzing sound comes from the table, and I see her phone vibrating. Groaning, Jade picks up the phone and checks it.

“That fucker!”

She throws the phone across the room. It hits the wall and lands on the couch. I will be surprised if the phone is working after that. Now I’m nervous about her.

I watch as Jade lets out a shuddering breath and runs her hands through her hair. She’s in profile to me, but I can see that she looks close to tears. Shrugging out of my coat, I hang it up with my scarf and approach her.

“What was that all about?”

“It…it’s nothing.”

“It didn’t look like nothing.”

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