Page 18 of My Boss is a Billionaire

I’m not sure how to answer. I’m not sure of anything. All I know is that Liam left without saying goodbye to anybody. Marty spoke with him on the phone but didn’t say whether Liam planned to return. I can only assume he’ll be back for the council presentation and vote.

“He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d be so cruel,” Sally offers when I realize I said that out loud. “I’m sure you’ll hear from him soon. He’s probably just busy.”

Maybe.

We finish our pizza, pay the bill, and then head our separate ways. It’s a short walk from the pizza parlor to my apartment above the bakery. In a matter of minutes, I’m standing in my bathroom, rose-scented steam filling the small space from the bath I’ve drawn.

In the candle-lit bathroom, I undress and step into the tub, sinking to immerse myself in the warm water. The heat seeps through my skin, easing the tension in my muscles. Drawing a deep cleansing breath, I close my eyes and try to relax against the rolled-up towel beneath my head. The minutes tick by.

My mind slowly wanders, and of course, it wonders to Liam again. I realize I’m the one that walked away from him, but his sudden disappearance has left me feeling confused and empty inside. Did I want him to chase after me? I didn’t think I was that type of woman. I don’t play games.

When I walked into the conference room and saw him that first time—the real man, not the photographs I’d been staring at for weeks—I felt, deep down, that we’d be intimate. I knew it was probably a mistake, but there was something about him. I didn’t want to want him. I didn’t want to fall for his charm and his good looks.

I guess I’m not that immune after all.

When I caved that first night and teased him, flirted with him, I thought I was in it for the thrill of the fling.

But the joke’s on me because I fell hard and fast.

I let out a long sigh, frustrated with myself. I should never have agreed to that first drink.

Unfortunately, I fell for him long before that. Perhaps my attraction for him is the underlying reason for writing those articles.

I slowly open my eyes and stand up from the bathtub. I wrap myself in a soft terry towel and climb into my bed, shoving my extra pillows to the side.

I hope tomorrow will bring clarity because I need answers. Will I ever see him again? Do I mean anything to him?

More importantly, I need to figure out if I’m really in love with my boss.

Chapter10

Liam

After meeting with my lawyer, I hop on my private jet and head back to Springdale.

It’s been two long weeks since I left. And in the past fourteen days, I’ve been accused of brooding, being argumentative, and being distracted.

I take exception to all accusations other than the third. I will admit to being distracted. Harper has been on my mind constantly since our last night together. Thoughts of her vanilla scent, silky soft skin, and sweet taste have haunted me during the most inopportune times. Hell, I’ve woken up with my hand wrapped around my cock at least four times in the last two nights alone.

She’s even infiltrated my thoughts during meetings. A word, a gesture, even a glance out the window, and I’m reminded of a confident auburn-haired woman with green eyes and luscious lips.

To make matters worse, she’s written another unflattering article about me after I expressly instructed Marty that I would not support those. After all, I own the paper.

I’m the boss.

And today, I think it’s time that Harper Anderson be reminded of that.

* * *

When we land, I instruct my driver to take me straight to the paper and arrange with my assistant to call and check me into the hotel.

After the limo pulls up to the curb outside the building, I sit for a few minutes, contemplating what to say to her. The decision to return to Springdale was rash. I had already arranged for Simon to continue with the presentation. It should have been him flying here today.

But I stepped in before he left our office building. I’m sure he thought I was nuts. Judging by the knowing smirk on Nancy’s face, my change in plans didn’t surprise her at all. She even offered to explain the situation to Simon so I could get going and not miss the flight.

Thinking I have my shit together, I shove open the door and climb out of the limo. I stroll into the office, plastering what I hope is a solid, even scary, ‘I’m-here-to-do-business’ expression on my face.

Considering it’s mid-afternoon, I’m not sure where Harper will be. Would she be out chasing down a lead on some community piece? Or would she be searching the internet for the next piece of information about me she could twist into something negative?

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