Page 64 of Rival to the Billionaire

"She's fine. I just want to get her back to her hotel as soon as possible."

"Ah. Another of your stunning dates, I assume?"

I shake my head. “Yea—um, no. She's one of my colleagues. We were sharing a work dinner."

"Ah. Of course. I see. Okay."

With a few adjustments, I type out the address to Andy. ”Alright, I've got it. I'll be there in a matter of minutes."

"Thanks, Andy."

"No need. It's what I do."

I end the call and put my phone in my pocket. I glance around and see that Jenny is sitting outside, waiting for me. The look on her face is unmistakable. I have no doubts that she wants nothing to do with me right now.

I suppose that's for the best.

We’ll wrap up the conference and go back to being enemies…as if we were anything else to begin with.

The last of my stress begins to leave me, and I sip on the water to keep myself straight. As Andy pulls up in the black SUV, I see him talking to Jenny who watches me intently. I quickly rise up, exiting La Sonrisa and casually strolling over to the SUV.

"Get in, Jenny."

"But this isn't your…"

"Just get in."

She does as I say, opening the door and climbing in, her face as tight as before. I run a hand over my face before turning to Andy. "Jenny, meet Andrew Hale, my local chauffeur. Andy, this is Jenny Forde, my colleague. She's the one you'll be taking to the Fountain Springs, her hotel."

Jenny eyes Andy carefully then bows her head slightly in a greeting. "Hello, Andrew. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, ma'am. You can call me Andy."

"Alright then, Andy."

"Great," I say, turning to Jenny then. "Then you're all set." I close the door and start to walk away. I hear Jenny's voice from behind me.

"Wait! Ryder, you’re not?—?”

I turn to her and shake my head. "I have a lot to do tomorrow."

"But aren't you…?" she starts but I cut her off.

"Don't worry about it. Just go to your room and get some peaceful sleep. I'll be back to the hotel soon to grab my things before I leave."

She’s quiet for a second before she looks me straight in the eye. "Ryder…"

Her face falls slightly and her lips part, but before anything can come out, I call out to the driver.

"Andy, get going. I'll catch up soon."

"Yes, sir." He starts the engine and pulls off, twisting the wheel slightly before pulling out. I watch them pull off until they practically disappear, and then I head towards my bike, jumping on and cranking the ignition. Soon, I'm roaring down the city streets in a straight line back to the hotel, thinking about nothing but the look on Jenny's face back at our table.

This woman. I don't know what she does to me. She has been the bane of my existence from day one, ever since she was hired.

Her sharp tongue and her smart-ass commentaries. Her devastating looks and her sensual glares. Her perfect body, her golden-green searing eyes and her maddening smile.

I've never hated anyone more.

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