Page 63 of Rival to the Billionaire

Instead of sitting, she stands, hovering close to the table. "I think it's better if we go back to the hotel now."

My lips part, but then I close them. "What did you say?"

"I think it's for the best that we go back to the hotel."

"Your hotel room or mine?" I tease.

She scoffs. "I think staying in the same hotel room wasn't the best course of action. You know that, Mr. Anderson."

"I guess not."

"And since we're not exactly close allies," she says in a soft voice, "I think it's also best to go our separate ways. You'll work on tomorrow's presentation for the Ultimate Reading app, and I'll work on some of the security audits we’re focused on back in the Seattle office. It would be best if we kept our interactions minimal until the conference is officially over."

I rise from the table as she looks up at me, her hazel eyes fixing me in place. "Sure. That's a good idea." My jaw works overtime as my teeth begin to clench. "So, I guess the tour's over. You're done…working together on the app. The presentation. All of it."

"Yes, I think so."

I bring my glass to my lips and down the other half of the tequila at once. "Whatever you say, Ms. Forde. If you think that it's better that way."

"I do. Um, so, of course, I'll be in attendance at your presentation tomorrow, and we can have a drink afterward to celebrate. I'll send over the information from what I was working on with you last night.”

“Understood. That works for me.”

She inclines her head, looking at me before she starts to walk her way out of the restaurant. It's a good thing my alcohol tolerance is high, otherwise the tequila would be knocking me out.

God, I don't know what's wrong with me. Why is she getting to me like this?

She's been a thorn in my side for weeks, and yet I thought I had handled her well. I thought I understood her.

I thought I could handle her.

I obviously was very wrong.

I turn to the waitress. "Please bring me the check.” I hesitate, watching Jenny’s back as she exits. “We're done now."

"Yes, sir."

I hand my credit card to the waitress and she turns to go, and as she does, I spot Jenny loitering just outside.

I take a moment to lay my head in my arms on the table, feeling like an idiot. Of course I'm actually feeling something for her. Why else would I feel so exasperated?

That kiss…it was a turning point.

A point I wish I could take back.

I take one deep breath and then straighten up.

The waitress brings my check, and before I leave, I give her a generous tip. With one final glance at Jenny through the windows, I bring my phone up to my eye so I can call Andy, my go-to Vegas chauffeur. It's good that we have him, considering the amount of time I spend in the city these days.

"Hello, Mr. Anderson. Is everything alright? You haven't called in a few months now," he says after answering the phone.

"Yeah. It's me. I need a pick up."

"Right away, sir. Are you currently at the Oceana? Do you need a car directly? Or the SUV?”

"The SUV. And it's not for me. It's for a…colleague. Jennifer Forde. I'll send you the address shortly."

His pause is long, and I can hear shuffling in the background. "Okay, sir. I'll be there as fast as I can. Is she alright?"

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