Page 21 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

She drinks the wine halfway before setting down the glass. “That's tough, huh?”

“Paul! He used the money I sent Mom to buy drinks and waste away at home. It’s infuriating that Mom lets him.” She takes the band from her hair. Her hair falls around her face. She runs her hands through it in frustration.

I rub her beautiful legs and feet gently to calm her down as I listen. I like that she’s confiding in me rather than bottling it. “What if your mom, Anna, is willingly letting him use the money?”

She sighs. “Of course, she is. She’s too caring and soft hearted. Paul has been grumpy and increasingly annoying ever since he had lost his job. She does it to keep him happy and for peace at home.”

“How about we find her somewhere else to live – away from Paul. She’ll be safer, and Paul will have no chance to come near her in the slightest.” I massage her feet and wait for her answer. Paul is someone I don’t want Chasmin or Anna around. Anna being away from him will solve most of Chasmin’s problems.

“I’ve thought of that, but she’s in love with him and won’t leave. I’ve tried my best to convince her, but that man has a hold of her. My only consolation is that he isn’t hurting her… yet.” She lowers her legs and sits closer to me. She begins to unbutton my shirt slowly, her breath caressing my bare chest.

“Then we wait and watch and help when possible. Don’t worry too much. Somehow, we’ll solve this.” I tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear.

She nods, smiling. She’s unbuttoned my shirt fully by now and reaches for my belt, pulling out the shirt. “I want to hold you, Lance.” Her expression is cute and pure, so I kiss her.

“Is that all? I can offer more than a hug and you know it,” I whisper in her ear, my hand caressing her abdomen, heading down south. She holds my wayward hand and giggles.

“Oh, God! Hmmm, let’s go a bit slowly. I want to cuddle for a while, then maybe we can explore what else this body has to offer.” She trails a finger from my chest to my waist, tugging on my belt.

I chuckle. “Sure. Go to the room.” She rises and unzips her dress at the side, making her way to my room.

I go to the kitchen, bringing out the ice cream and some snacks. I get to the room to see her in sexy lingerie, sitting at the edge of the bed, looking for a movie on the TV streaming service. I admire her small curvy figure and start imagining her writhing in bed and moaning my name.

She finds one, a Christmas hallmark romcom. She looks so happy to see it. I take off my clothes and get into bed with her. I sit with my legs spread, she sits between my legs and rests her back on my chest. I feed her ice cream as we watch the movie. Everything is simple and lovely. Watching her laugh and get sad at the plot is a refreshment of its own. I begin to realize that I want more of this.

The next week, we’re back at work. I’ve successfully put down the rumor floating around about my affair with Chasmin; since she isn’t distressed, I decide not to bring it up to trouble her. We have a mountain of work to get through. I plan to go through it quickly with the Christmas celebration around the corner.

Chasmin leaves the office for a minute to retrieve a file. I go to the coffee dispenser, filling two cups. Hers is loaded with cream. I’m done with the coffee when she enters the office. She sticks her head in and smiles when she sees me with the coffee.

She steps in, her hand set pertly on her waist. Her navy blue suit is elegant. Her red heels add height to her stance. She commands my attention. I move over to her, handing her the coffee.

She takes a graceful sip. “Thanks. I needed this. I couldn’t find the file due to the message I got. Someone is at the lobby waiting for you.”

I return to drinking my coffee. “Does this personhave an appointment?” I’ve had people come around to see me, but without appointment, they’re all turned back. Chasmin ought to know that by now.

“She doesn’t. I rejected this at first. However, the receptionist insists that you’ll be interested in meeting with her. She says you have adeep history.She goes by Claudette Miranda. Does she sound familiar.”

For a minute, I’m not sure I heard Chasmin right. Why in hell would Claudette come back here with the express warning I gave her not to come around me, ever. “She does, and that doesn’t matter. She does not have an appointment, so she should leave. Follow protocol, Chasmin.” My voice is a bit harsh. Chasmin arches an eyebrow at that.

She finishes her coffee, disposing of the cup. “Okay. Would you like me to set up an appointment for tomorrow? It seems that it is urgent.”

“No, Chasmin! I want her gone and not to return. In fact, tell the security and the receptionist to never let her in again. If they do, they can kiss their jobs goodbye.” I’m huffing in anger. I thought I had grown from the anger and pain Claudette had caused me when she cheated with one of the board of directors. It seems not to be the case.

“What’s the matter, Lance? You’ve never reacted this way before.” She looks shocked and confused.

I bring my voice and emotions under control. “It’s complicated. Just do as I say. I don’t want to see her or have her around. The security should make that clear to her.”

Chasmin looks at me for a few seconds, her eyes searching for something in my gaze. She assumes a professional attitude and leaves the office. I sigh in relief. I can’t be sure how I’ll react seeing Claudette; and from my actions just now, I guess not too well.

Igor steps into my office. His face is bright with a smile; it drops when he sees my frigid expression. “Let me guess, Claudette?”

“You’ve heard?” I leave my seat, sitting at the edge of my desk.

He shrugs. “News spread fast in the company. You and Claudette were a national sensation. She’s standing in the lobby with those sunglasses that do nothing to hide her identity. She’s a magnet for many eyes and running mouths.”

I scoff in derision. “She loves the attention.” In no time, more than a dozen tabloids will have gotten the news.

“I got a chance to speak with her and she wants to see you. She says it’s important.” He sits beside me, giving me a sidelong glance.

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