Page 29 of Merging with the Billionaire

“It’s all right, I don’t mind answering your questions, Celeste. My mother wasn’t religious, nor any of the foster families I ended up living with, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. That being said, though unfamiliar, I found myself engrossed with the experience. I could see myself coming back.”

“That’s good to hear,” Roger admitted. “Coming here and finding a relationship with God has changed my life for the better. I hope it can do the same for you.” Turning to his sister, he added, “We need to go get Marcus, but we’ll see you later tonight for family dinner with Mom.”

Celeste and Roger took off for the kid’s area, leaving Tiffany and Conrad on their own.

“I’m glad to hear you enjoyed church today. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about it.”

“I have to admit, I’m rather surprised myself. I never saw myself as the church-going type. It’s funny how so much can change in a short amount of time.”

Tiffany nodded. “I know what you mean.”

“I was wondering, would you like to go out to lunch with me? You pick, and I’ll pay. I’d love to—”

“There you are, Tiffany. My grandmother told me you were here,” Timothy said, coming up to them. He glanced over at Conrad—who didn’t look pleased—and seemed to finally realize he was interrupting something between Tiffany and Conrad.

Tiffany wasn’t sure what to do but figured it would be better to introduce them. “Timothy Turner, this is Conrad Gaines. Conrad this is Timothy Turner.”

“Dr. Timothy Turner,” the young man corrected with pride, sticking out his hand towards Conrad, who in turn took a shook it. The exchange was awkward to say the least. Timothy turned his attention back to Tiffany. “I’m starting my internship at Johns Hopkins next month, but before I go, I would really like to take you out sometime.”

“That’s really kind of you to offer, but I’m still so busy with everything going on with my company,” Tiffany said, though it was only part of the truth. She also couldn’t date anyone else, knowing she had feelings for Conrad.

“I’m sorry to hear that, but I understand. Maybe when I come back for a visit, things will be different. I should probably go find my grandmother.”

Timothy took off. Once he was out of hearing range, Tiffany turned to face Conrad. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t know why he thought it would be okay to do that, especially when I have a guest with me.”

“Is that all I am to you, a guest?” Conrad probed.

She shook her head. “No, you’re more than that. It scares me to admit this, but I care for you, Conrad.”

“I’m glad to hear it’s not just one-sided. When I heard him ask you out, I hated it. I don’t like the idea of you being with anyone but me.”

“I’m glad we’ve established where we stand. Now, as far as lunch goes, I was thinking we could go for Chinese food. I love this little place just around the corner.”

“That sounds great. Lead the way.”

10

Another month had passed,and the warmer weather was permanently taking over Manhattan. Along with the heat, everything had settled at Boswell Energy.

As Conrad and Tiffany finished up preparing for the final stage of the solar energy technology integration, Conrad wondered how he was going to feel once it was done. He’d gotten used to being around Tiffany on a daily basis and hated the idea of that changing.

It had been exhilarating keeping their budding relationship a secret, having covert meet-ups in dark corners of the office and stealing touches and kisses when no one was looking. In the evening after work, they would often spend time going to dinner together or watching a movie at one of their apartments. Now that the merger was finally complete, what did that mean for their relationship?

“The new solar energy sales team is ready, correct, Mr. Smith?” Tiffany inquired, looking up at the older man sitting across the conference table.

The sales manager nodded. “Yes, Miss Boswell, the team is up-to-speed on the new pitch points, and they seem to be responding well to the incentives.”

“And we’re meeting our production numbers, so we are ready for the initial sales?” Tiffany followed up with the production manager.

“We are exceeding them, Miss Boswell,” the elderly man said with pride.

“Good, that’s good,” Tiffany praised. “I think we have everything in order. If anyone has questions, shoot me an email after the company picnic.”

The assembled executives stood from the table and exited the room, leaving Conrad alone with Tiffany. He glanced around the room, making sure no one was around to see them.

“I’ve been waiting all day to do this,” he whispered, reaching out and pulling her towards him. His lips came down upon hers, a kiss that he hoped conveyed how much he didn’t want things to end between them.

Tiffany leaned into the kiss, letting herself melt against his frame. She sighed, before gently pulling back. “I could do that all day, but someone might walk in. Besides, we both need to get going so we can get ready for the company picnic. You’re coming, right?”

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