Page 26 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

“You’re engrossed with that.” His voice still does wonders to my body. I look at him for a moment, wondering if my fears are unfounded. He grabs a cup of coffee and takes his seat. Breakfast is in front of us: salad, toasted bread, and bacon.

“I’m keeping in touch with the internet. It seems that I can’t avoid it if I want to excel at my job. I don’t like being caught off guard. Oh, and I’ll be taking some free time during the day to see my friend.” I take a bite of the toast and glance at him.

He shrugs. “You don’t need my permission to see your friend, dear. Am I invited?”

“No, I must still keep you a mystery, else the internet will break seeing me taking you to a spa.” We both share a good-humored laugh. When done with the meal, the cool comes to clear the table, and we leave the house.

It's midday and I have an hour for break, which I take advantage of to join Sheryl at the spa. I park in the adjacent lot. As I’m getting out of my car, a man in a blue suit and sunglasses approaches me. I guess he’s going to a car parked beside mine. Instead, he calls my name. “Miss Burrows…”

“Me?” I look around, surprised that he knows my name. I calm down when I realize Lance’s fame must be rubbing off on me.

“Yes, you. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I’d like to talk to you. Do you have a minute?” He’s polite and wears a small smile on his lips. He takes off his sunglasses, measuring me with his gaze.

I shut the door of my car, wary of him. “Who are you?”

“Pardon me. I’m Charles Stone. I’m with the Daily Sun. I have some questions for you. I think you have the answers I need.” He brings out a recorder from his pocket. I recognize what this is. The Daily Sun is a prolific news organization; it seems they want information on Lance. Who else will they go to other than his assistant.

I move away from him. “I’m sorry but you have the wrong person. Excuse me.” I walk past him, not wanting to be near him another minute.

“Chasmin!”Oh, now we’re on first names.“Please, this is important. You get to tell your own story. We are quite generous and will pay you. It’s great to have us as an ally, I promise you.” That is a threat. He matches my stride, the recorder now close to my lips.

I’m growing annoyed. For him to think I’ll betray Lance or even give any information to the media is an insult. “This is the last time I’ll say this. Get out of my way. I have nothing to say to you. No matter the amount you have to pay, it’s worthless to me. Good day.”

He stops following me, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “We’ll see again, Chasmin, when you are on the news,” he shouts after me. I glance back at him, not sure what he meant.

I go into the spa; the cool air from the air conditioner washes over me. A popular Christmas song plays from the sound system. Although there’s no Christmas tree, the green and red design of the space conveys a festive mood. I look out the door to see if Charles is still following. I’m glad not to see even his shadow. A few other women are in the spa; some are getting their hair or nails done. Further inside some women are in massage chairs, chatting or reading books.

I see Sheryl in one of the massage chairs and she waves me over. Her hair is wrapped in a towel. She’s stretched out on the chair, petting a cat on her thighs. “You’re quite relaxed, my friend.”

“I must get my rest where I can, and so must you. You are tense from my vantage point. Here, this seat is free.” She points a finger to the seat beside hers.

I set my bag down and climb into the massage seat. One of the workers comes, taking off my heels and turning on the chair. I sigh in relief as the chair buzzes, and I feel the knots in my body easing.

“Good, huh?” I hear Sheryl’s voice from a distance.

“Oh, yes. I needed this. Apart from dealing with Lance’s ex and a relentless reporter, this is the best experience I’ve had in a while.”

“Pause and rewind! What did you say? I must hear all of it. My week hasn’t been this exciting…other than a pile of documents and sitting till my ass gets sore.” I laugh and she slaps my arm. “Stop laughing.”

“Not your sore sorry ass. Well, I had a reporter who goes by the name Charles follow me from the parking lot. He promised me money and more if I share information. He thought I’d be tempted.”

“Were you?” She winks at me.

“Of course not. Your mind is dirty, Sheryl.”

“I try my best. Hope he’s gone?”

“He should be, and he left a cryptic threat. I’m sharing exclusive news with you. Keep your lips sealed.” She puts two fingers together and slides it across her lips.

“Zipped and sealed. Now, spill.”

I tell her about Claudette and Eric in a low voice to avoid anyone hearing us. “Now, we’re just waiting for the results. It’s likely going to turn out that Lance is the father.”

“Are you jealous? I bet many women will be suddenly thrusting a child his way.” We get off the massage chairs and head to the steam room, where we dip our legs into the warm water as steam fills the room.

“I guess if I didn’t know better I'd be jealous, but I’m not. I only see a man who needs my help and support, and I’m willing to give it. This is a complicated situation. I wouldn’t want to add my own selfish needs.” I wave my legs around in the water.

“You’re better than me, Chasmin, and that’s why you’re the best. You seem to have it all figured out. I have nothing else to say to you. You’ve grown.” She hugs me, patting my head like I’m a child.

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