Page 43 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“Yeah, he was married to his career.”

I blushed. “Like me.”

“Yeah, like you.”

“I didn't mean for that to happen. It just happened. I wanted to impress my boss and secure myself in the business world.”

“And how did that go?”

I whistled. “Well, it's certainly been paying off. I have more than I could ever use.”

“You're basically a billionaire now, right?”

“I mean, I wouldn't say that.”

She giggled. “But youcouldsay that. You said you have more than you could ever use.”

“I guess you're right about that.”

“Ten points for Laura.”

I laughed. “Oh, are we still keeping score? What was the last tally?”

“I think I was twenty points ahead of you.”

“For what?”

She chuckled as she reached for her glass of water. “For saving your buns on Valentine's Day.”

My eyes clouded with memory. “Oh, wow.”

“Yep—that was the night you had completely forgotten about your plans with Clara. She was waiting at the diner for twenty minutes before you got there.”

“And you helped me get flowers with a gift to pretend like that's what I was doing.”

She nodded. “That's right. And did she love the gift?”

“She did. I was just as surprised about the gift as she was.”

“Which I hope she didn't notice.”

“No, I don't think she did. But I think she expected a lot from that ring.”

Laura shrugged. “It was supposed to be a romantic gesture, not a promise.”

“But you know how Clara is. She wants to get married. She wants to have kids and have the whole family thing. And she wants all of that here in this town.”

“I know.” She sighed and set her glass down. “If only someone would commit to that.”

“Is that a request?”

“Did it sound like a request?”

I held her gaze for a moment, chewing on my lower lip. “I mean, a little bit.”

“It was just a thought. Clara deserves everything she wants in life. I firmly believe she can find it in the right person as long as that person commits.”

“How has she been since the break-up?”

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