Page 21 of The Greek Billionaire's Rejected Secretary

"You should still feel flattered though." Her voice is just oozing with sincerity. "Those two were half your age, and they obviously still think you're hot."

I'm saved from saying something caustic when someone jostles her from behind, pushing her closer to me. For one moment, her body is pressed tightly against my chest—

And my arms automatically tighten the moment I feel her stiffen.

"If you don't let go of me in the next three seconds," she says under her breath, "you'll have people start talking."

"Let them."

Consternation flashes in her eyes, but this only makes me want to hold on to her more tightly.

"Mr. Kontides..."

She's glaring at me as she says this, but it only makes me realize that the angrier my secretary is...

Shit.

The moment I realize where my thoughts are heading, it feels like someone's dumped a bucket of ice-cold water over my head. It's one thing to realize that Shayla can look pretty damn good when she cares to wear something else aside from her shapeless sacks. But to start thinking that I'm also attracted to her?

My arms automatically loosen, and while this obviously surprises Shayla—

She doesn't waste another second, doesn't even bother giving an excuse, doesn't even look back as she makes her escape.

Smart of her.

I should be glad that one of us still has a functioning brain and knows better than to let our professional relationship develop into something else.

But I'm not.

"Kontides, isn't it?"

The voice is slightly familiar, and I turn around warily.

Ah.

It's the man who was with Shayla that evening.

"Colin Soukoulis." He extends his hand for a shake. "My wife Hope is friends with Shayla."

My lips twist in a sardonic smile. "It's my first time to hear that. My secretary believes in keeping her work and personal life separate."

Colin looks at me thoughtfully. "But you don't?"

I only shrug, mostly because I'm feeling defensive all of a sudden, and it's a feeling I haven't had since...hell,I can't even remember the last time I felt like this. Even worse, I don't even know what I have to hide or feel defensive about.

"You know," the other man says conversationally, "I almost lost my wife once."

The words put me on edge for some reason. Why is it that everything this man says or does bothers the hell out of me?

"I thought I wanted one thing. And I was firmly convinced that I had no need for the other. I had a plan, and I was determined to stick to it."

"I don't see that as a problem."

Colin only nods. "That's true. But only up to a point. People who are used to being in control have a tendency to fear change. But because it wouldn't do for them to admit such...reservations, they end up using their plans—or routines even—to prevent such changes from taking places. Even if it's the best thing that can happen...to both of them."

What the hell is this guy saying?

Colin only smiles at my silence. "Perhaps we can have dinner sometime. I'll have Hope reach out to Shayla."

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