Page 33 of Because You Loved Me

“Twenty-eight.”

“I think a pair of jeans might be appropriate.” I let my gaze travel over him, which is a huge mistake. He looks like a dream come true even though he’s all business class attire, and it’s making my chest feel funny. “And maybe a thing called a t-shirt.”

“T-shirt and jeans? Really? We headed to the barn to milk the cows, Bertha?”

I have a hard time breathing because I’m laughing so hard. “Since when do jeans equal milking cows? You do realize the rest of the world wears jeans to do like, everything, right?”

He places his hand on my knee, and I admit my heart stutters at the Christmas caress. “I was joking. Do you really think I don’t own jeans?”

I open my mouth in shock. “You own a pair of jeans? I don’t believe you.”

“Cross my heart, Kat.” He gently squeezes my knee, and I feel like my heart is going to pound out of my chest like those cheesy cartoons.

“Wear them tomorrow.” I don’t know what’s coming over me, but I’m not usually this demanding. Maybe I just don’t believe him and want him to prove it.

He exhales and runs his hand over his hair, shaking his head. “I have meetings tomorrow.”

“What kind of meetings? Don’t you work from home?”

“Zoom meetings.”

I scoff at him. “No one can see what your pants look like, Mr. Stuffy. Do you shake your booty at the camera? I dare you to wear jeans tomorrow, to all your boring zoom meetings. All business on top, party on the bottom.”

He grins at me, and I can’t help but marvel at how his smile along with his dimple transforms his face. “My zoom meetings are no joke, Ms. Anderson. I’m meeting with people who I might invest a million dollars in.”

My mouth falls open, and I try to shove away the guilt from him calling me by my fake last name. “Seriously?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He stares at me, and I’m getting the impression that he’s weighing my reaction.

I already knew he was a multi-millionaire. But having him say so casually that he’s thinking of tossing a million dollars at something makes it a bit more real. “Then you really need to wear jeans. Big decisions should be made while comfortable.”

He lifts his eyebrows and hides a smile. “Really?”

“Absolutely.” I picture him in a white dress shirt and jeans, and I have to pinch my leg not to bust out laughing. Oh, how I hope he takes me up on my challenge.

He shifts. “Did you fill out that paperwork? I need it before I can pay you.”

The bottom drops out of my stomach. “I forgot. I’ll do it tomorrow. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Just put it in my office.”

I nod, wondering how long I can keep this up without filling that out. Or I could accidentally put in my social security number in wrong. It could give me a little more time with Skyler before I have to disappear.

CHAPTER 13

TOBIAS BARRETT

It’s late afternoon and I’ve been hiding out in my office all day. Yes, I’m a grown man, and I do realize how that sounds. But I wore my jeans, and I know Kiki’s going to make a big deal out of it, so I pace my office as I wonder what she’s doing at this moment. I’ve been done with my work for about an hour, but I can’t seem to bring myself to leave my office.

Noises in the hallway catch my attention. “Let’s go tell Daddy!” Skyler says.

“He’s working,” Kiki says. “Let’s tell him later.”

I’m curious what they’re talking about, so I open my door. “Tell me what?”

Kiki’s gaze travels over my button-down white shirt and faded blue jeans, and a huge grin spreads across her face. “Wow,” she says, rocking back on her heels. “You look great.”

“We built a castle!” Skyler shouts.

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