Page 20 of Billionaire's Runaway

“Oh, yeah.” Doug made a dismissive gesture. “It’s not the first time we’ve run into this. Those permit committees pull this shit all the time. You’re a good family. You’ll fix it, and we’ll be back at it before you know it.”

“Thanks, Doug.” I shook his hand. “Send your boys home. I’ll be in touch. Make sure they know their wages are covered.”

“No problem.” He nodded then headed over to dismiss his guys.

I glanced around the site and kicked a rock with the toe of my shoe. I was pissed. Doug might think it happened all the time, but it had never happened to us. Our company was meticulous, and we didn’t let these things affect us or our crews.

My phone chirped, and I looked down to see a message from Jameson.

It was Willow.

Jesus Christ. Willow Tate and my brother had been at each other’s throats since kindergarten. Honestly, I thought they were secretly crazy for one another but both were too chicken to admit it.

She worked for another development firm that built strip malls in the towns surrounding the Burroughs of New York, just as we did. Well, we didn’t build strip malls, but that company was our competition and occasionally we battle over land and contractors. If she’d been able to get our permits revoked, her boss must have pulled a million strings. I knew for a fact the state made way more off our buildings than his developments. He must have called in every favor he’d ever gotten to pull off something like this for spite.

Can you fix it?I texted back.

His reply came immediately.It’s being handled. Give me a few days.

I fucking hoped so. This was a nightmare.

Instead of going into the office, where I’d just be bombarded with questions I couldn’t answer, I climbed into my town car and had the driver take me home.

I heard music as soon as I got off the elevator to the penthouse. Silently slipping into the living room, I leaned against the wall and watched Laura as she danced around the room. She’d gotten dressed, more’s the pity, but her tight jeans highlighted her pert little ass as her hips swayed to the pop song she blared through her phone.

“Honey, I’m home,” I called out as soon as the music ended.

She jumped, spinning around as her hand went to her chest. “Jesus, Luke, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”

I walked over and pulled her into my arms, kissing her deeply.

“I’m sorry,” I said, leaning back to look into her eyes. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She pulled away and turned off the speaker. “You’re back early. I wasn’t expecting you for hours.”

“Yeah, well, there’s a problem at the site, so they had to shut down. Jameson is working on it.”

“That’s your youngest brother?” she asked.

“Yeah. He’s kind of a goof, but if he says he’ll get it taken care of, he really will.” I pulled her back into me. “But for now, it looks like you’re stuck with me.”

“Lucky, lucky me,” she murmured, going up on tiptoes to kiss me. “Whatever shall we do with ourselves?”

God, I was so in love with this woman. I knew I’d never tire of coming home to her. Of kissing her. Of holding her in my arms. I wanted her forever, and I needed that forever to start as soon as possible.

I knew I couldn’t ask her yet. But before the end of this week, I was damn sure Laura Moretti would be Laura Cassel for the rest of her life.

Her stomach grumbled, and she giggled as her cheeks turned pink. “Oops. I finished my coffee but skipped breakfast.”

“Well, I suppose I’d better feed you,” I said with a mock sigh.

“Sorry, I went online when you left, and then when I came up for air, my song came on and I was feeling so good I just had to dance. I forgot to eat.”

“I’m not complaining,” I assured her. “I love to watch you dance. You look very happy today.”

“And you look like you could use a ten a.m. beer.” She ran her palm over my cheek. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I promised her, covering her hand with mine. “I’m just a little shell-shocked from work.” I pulled her toward the door. “Let’s get an early lunch then come back here and make the most of my free afternoon.”

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