Page 6 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

As business operations begin winding down for the day, I check in with Emily to review her progress. As she flips through her notes, I lean over her shoulder for a better look, inhaling the alluring scent of her hair. And just as my thoughts are about to betray me, Chloe bursts through the gym doors, and sees Emily and me in my office going over the revised contracts, and a knowing smile spreads across her face.

“I knew it,” she says. “I’m so glad to see you two working so well together.” Her tone was deceptively casual, causing me to take a second look. “Lucas, do you have a minute? I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Emily excuses herself to make some calls, leaving me alone with my sister. As soon as Emily’s out of earshot, Chloe turns to me with a stern look, her dark hair shadowing her features to near sinister levels.

“I saw the way you were looking at her,” she says with a sharp look in her eyes. “Don’t even think about it, Lucas. I know how much the gym means to you, and I don’t want you screwing that up over some crush. I know she’s hot, but getting involved with her is not a good idea.”

“What are you talking about?” I protest, but I feel the flush creeping up my neck. Chloe knows me too well. “I’m impressed with her skill, nothing more.”

“I’m serious,” she insists. “Emily is my best friend, and I care about you both too much to see this end in disaster. Keep things professional, or I’ll have to find you a new contract negotiator. Got it?”

I open my mouth to argue, but Chloe silences me with a glare. As much as I hate to admit it, she has a point. My life is finally getting back on track after years of struggle, and I can’t afford to complicate that now—no matter how intriguing Emily might be.

With a sigh, I nod in resignation. “Message received,” I tell Chloe. “Strictly professional.”

“Good. I’m glad we understand each other.” Chloe smiles, relieved, and gives me a quick hug. “Now, tell me how she’s doing. I knew she’d be great.”

As we discuss the gym, I glance over at Emily now and then, her laughter drifting over to where we stand. Chloe is right that I need to be careful, but that doesn’t make ignoring the simmering tension between Emily and me any easier, challenging every barrier I had so skillfully put into place.

Chapter Three (Emily)

By the time Lucas finishes his conversation with Chloe at the front desk, I manage to compose myself, recovered from his close proximity as we reviewed my work. Well, mostly. My cheeks still burn at the memory of our first night together, his fingers tracing slowly, teasing circles over my skin, and the sight of him standing there now, so casually handsome, makes my pulse quicken.

I can’t deny the chemistry between us, as much as I might want to. It was foolish of me to think one incredible night together wouldn’t impact things or make our working relationship awkward. Lucas stirs something deep inside me, a hunger I’ve never known, and one that threatens to consume me whole if I’m not careful.

Which is why, when he wanders over a few minutes later, I paste on my most professional smile. “All set?” I ask briskly. “We should probably finish up if we want to review the latest offers before your next meeting.”

“Right.” Lucas clears his throat, shoving his hands in his pockets. He looks almost nervous, though I’m sure that’s impossible. “Lead the way.”

As we head back to his office, I feel the weight of his gaze on me. It takes every ounce of willpower not to turn and meet those deep blue eyes, to get lost once more in their depths.

This partnership is going to kill me, I just know it. But when it means staying close to Lucas, even in this limited capacity, it’s a fate I’m willing to accept.

#

After a couple weeks of getting the hang of working for him, I walk into Lucas’s gym, the familiar scent of sweat and determination filling my senses. The space is empty this early, the mats freshly mopped and equipment gleaming under the fluorescent lights.

Lucas emerges from his office, wiping his hands on a towel. “You’re early.”

“I couldn’t sleep.” I shrug, avoiding his gaze.

“Me neither.” He tosses the towel aside, his eyes darkening as he moves closer. “The marketing campaign is shit,” he growls out of nowhere. “Who approved that garbage?”

I fold my arms, raising a brow. “You did. Last week.”

He scowls, running a hand through his hair. “Well, I changed my mind.”

“You can’t just change your mind, Lucas. The digital ads are already running, and this campaign cost us nearly fifty grand.”

He paces the area like a caged beast. “It’s not your area of expertise. You shouldn’t be involved in it.”

Anger flares in my chest at his unreasonable behavior. “You hired me to give you my opinion, remember? To make sure you don’t make stupid business decisions you’ll regret later.”

“I don’t need a watchdog, Emily,” he snaps. “I’ve been doing this for years without your help.”

I suck in a sharp breath, stung. His eyes widen as if realizing his mistake, but the damage is done. Without another word, I turn on my heels, prepared to storm out of his gym, ignoring his call for me to come back.

Our fiery personalities and clashing approaches to business have led to more than one argument, but he has never snapped like this, out of nowhere. And he never insinuated I’m not needed before. I thought we were past this point, that he respected my role here.

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