Page 17 of Enticing My Off Limits Billionaire

"That sounds fascinating," I say, genuinely interested. "What have you found so far?"

Madison launches into a detailed explanation of the design research she's been doing for our project, and I find myself completely engrossed. She looks so alive when she's talking about what she loves—her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright and sparkling. It's like the rest of the world falls away as I nod along with her, asking questions and urging her to keep going. I'm confident I picked the right person for the job as I listen to her speak, and I don't even realize I'm drawing closer to her until Kylie clears her throat.

"I'm going to run to the restroom," Kylie says. "Mads, do you want to come with me?"

Madison pauses and looks over at Kylie. "Sure," she says, then she smiles at me. "To be continued?"

I can't help but smile with her. "Absolutely."

The two of them get up and head to the bathroom, looking like polar opposites: Kylie is short and petite with dark hair, and Madison is tall and blonde. She's wearing an emerald green dress that does everything for her curves, and I realize with a start that I can't stop looking at her.

Gavin takes a sip of his drink. "I didn't know you two had been talking."

I look back at him, trying not to look guilty. "Well...you and I haven't been talking much, so I guess I forgot to mention my other conversations," I say. "Didn't want to interrupt you on your honeymoon just so I could ask for permission to speak to your daughter."

"Nothing's going on, is there?"

I scoff, surprised that he would even ask. "It's purely a working relationship."

"You know she's going through a hard time right now."

"I'm aware," I say, deliberately staying calm. "In fact...I'm probably more aware than you are, Sterling."

He frowns, but he doesn't tell me I'm wrong. Instead, he looks down and swirls his drink in his hand, his brow deeply furrowed.

"I'm a horrible father," he says quietly.

He's not wrong.

But I'm his friend...and I can't say that to him. Not when I know he and Kylie are talking about having a family.

So I shake my head. "No, you're not," I say firmly. "You're doing the best that you can. You were a different man when she was a kid."

He looks up at me, his eyes searching mine. "Do you think she's happy?"

I take a deep breath, considering my words carefully. "I think she's trying to find her way," I say. "And I think she's very talented, and I’m lucky to have her on this project."

"That's not what I'm asking," he says, his voice low. "I mean...in life. Do you think she's happy?"

I hesitate, unsure of how to answer. "I don't know," I finally admit. "But I think she will be. This is just going to be a bit of a rocky time for all of you. It's a strange family dynamic."

He nods slowly, taking another sip of his drink. "You're right," he says after a moment. "I think I'm just...worried about how she's going to respond."

"To what?"

He clasps his glass tightly, his knuckles white.

"Kylie's pregnant," he murmurs.

That stops me in my tracks, making my head spin. I have to put my glass down and swipe my hand over my face, tugging on my short beard.

"That...complicates things."

"I think she's going to tell her tonight," Gavin says. "She might be telling her right now."

"Jesus," I mutter. "No wonder you're nervous."

"She's never going to forgive me, is she?"

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