Page 34 of A Billionaire Rebel

I glared at her as she greeted Damon in passing.

“She seems happy,” he said as he leaned across the counter to give me a brief kiss.

“At my expense,” I muttered.

He chuckled. “How’s your day been?”

“Just busy enough to be distracting,” I said. “How was yours?”

His expression sobered. He reached out and took my hand, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. “Hard,” he said finally. “The label’s being great about handling everything even though I know they want answers about where Holden will go from here. They’re making sure everyone’s taken care of, including the families and the other people injured in the accident.”

All right, I was impressed. “Wow. That’s really nice of them.”

“Yeah, and they’re not publicizing that they’re doing it either.” He sighed and straightened, releasing my hand. “I went from there to see Otis. He’s doing better, but he’s still got a long way to go before he’ll be anywhere close to ready to decide if he still wants to be a part of Holden.”

I could hear the frustration in his voice, and it prompted me to walk around the counter and give him a hug. Almost immediately, his arms went around me, and he relaxed. We stood that way for a couple minutes before he released me. I took a step back but didn’t go far.

“Thank you.” He kissed my forehead. “I needed that.”

“My pleasure.” Heat flooded my face as my response prompted memories, some real, some from my dream.

Judging by the grin on Damon’s face, he had an idea of what was going through my mind. Instead of teasing me about it, however, he asked, “Any problems with Spencer today?”

“No, but Starla’s been here the whole time, so it’s not unexpected. He’s basically a bully and a coward.” I made my tone dismissive, but I wasn’t sure if Damon believed I was actually that nonchalant about it.

“Do you want to do something when you get off work?”

“I’m watching Kevin tonight while Jamie’s working. You’re welcome to join us if you want.”

I made the offer sincerely, but I never expected him to take it. He was a nice guy, but Kevin had to be my first priority, which meant I couldn’t be completely focused on distracting Damon from all of the shit going on in his life.

Yesterday, it’d been a fairly impulsive invite, and he hadn’t had anything else to do. Today, he could go find another distraction that offered a more enjoyable evening than babysitting a toddler.

“That sounds great.” He gave me that wonderful smile that made his entire face brighten. “What should I bring?”

“Oh, um, I don’t know. We’re having grilled cheese and tomato soup. Not exactly the sort of thing you pair a wine with.”

His eyes sparkled with humor. “I’m not much of a drinker at all, and I wouldn’t bring alcohol to a dinner that included a kid. Well, not until a fifth or sixth date. By then, all bets are off.”

He winked at me, and my knees went wobbly. “Dessert?” I blurted out, unsure if I was asking him to bring it or offering myself as it.

“Is ice cream okay?”

“Chocolate is Kevin’s favorite.”

“All right. What time do you want me there? Your car is still here, right?”

“It is,” I assured him. “I get off at six, but my mom’s watching Kevin at my place and is supposed to start dinner so Kevin and I can eat not long after I get home. Six-thirty?”

“Perfect.” He caught my chin and pulled me toward him for a slower, more thorough kiss.

I must’ve had a stunned expression on my face because he looked pretty smug as he headed for the door.

“Damn,” Starla said. “You’ve got it bad.”

Yes, I did. I just hoped my heart could survive it when it was over.

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