Page 24 of Enticing My Off Limits Billionaire

"The architect," Delia says. "You're sleeping together?"

I look over at her with an incredulous look. "What?"

She shrugs. "I was picking up a vibe."

I try to brush her suggestion off, even though the very suggestion of it sends a shiver down my spine. I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit that I've been thinking of her that way—not as a friend's daughter, but as a woman. A woman I respect, trust, value...

...a woman I really like.

But we're all working together, and Delia doesn't need to know all those things.

"Nothing is going on between me and Madison," I say. "She's my friend's kid. She needed work."

"You're a terrible liar," Delia chuckles.

"And you're relentless," I mutter, swiping a hand over my face and tugging my beard. "Fine...we're friends, but that's it."

"For now."

I shoot her a warning glance. "Delia, don't even start."

"Hey, I'm just saying, things happen," she says, holding up her hands in defense. "And if they do, it's not the end of the world. You're both consenting adults."

I shake my head, feeling a mix of frustration and exhilaration. This is exactly why I don't mix business with pleasure. If things went sour with Madison, we could lose the person who's supposed to design our space, and finding another architect at her price would be nearly impossible. Plus, things are already tense with Gavin.

No way.

There's no way I would do that.

"For now, let's focus on getting this place up and running," I say firmly. "We have a lot of work to do."

Delia nods, but I can tell she's not done with the subject just yet. As we approach the door, she lays a hand on my arm and gives me a teasing smile.

"Just remember," she says, "I called it first."

Chapter eight

Madison

Sometimes,whatagirlneeds is a night out with other women.

Unfortunately, my best friend is the problem right now...and I don't really have too many other friends to speak of, given how committed I've been to my studies the past few years.

That's why I jump at the chance for an escape from everyday life when I get a call from Sophia, the staff manager at the White Oak Society. I'm not sure if Kylie told her I might need a night out—and if she did, I'm grateful to her, I guess—but she texts me that Saturday and tells me she and Bryn are going out for drinks and want me to join them.

I throw on a pair of jeans and a floral print button-up with some comfortable booties for walking, and then I'm out the door, headed toward Greenwich to bar hop. I can't help but wonder if I'll run into Quinn; I know he lives around here, and I was just in the neighborhood earlier in the week for the site walk.

Still, I try to get him out of my head as I walk through the door of the bar, thinking that maybe I should find a good one night stand and clear my slate. Quinn is gorgeous, kind, and cares about me...and he gave me a job.

It would be a shame if I ruined that relationship all for the sake of getting revenge on my dad.

They tell me to meet them at a spot called The Schoolhouse, an old nineteenth century school that's been renovated into an upscale club. It's packed when I get there, mostly with people my age and a little older. I've never been here before, and I feel the usual nerves that I get when I'm in a new place—but then I find my friends.

Sophia and Bryn are standing at the bar, both looking like a million bucks. Sophia's red hair is pulled into a ponytail, and she's dressed in a black dress that shows off her curves, while Bryn's pixie cut compliments the blue romper she's got on. They both wave and grin as I come closer, squeezing through the crowded dance floor to stand next to Sophia.

"I'm so glad you came out!" Sophia says over the noise. "What do you want to drink?"

"Everything but whiskey?" I say with a hapless smile.

---