Page 33 of Suddenly Desired
“I have been known to make an illegally good seven-layer gateau.” Ellie turned her gaze to the window, ignoring the burning in her cheeks at the dad joke that had sprung from nowhere. “So,” she said after a beat, “who’s this mystery person we’re meeting?”
“Nathanial Parker. Nate,” Blake replied. “He’s a genius coder and one of the original Heartbook team. He’s helped me out of tight spots before. We go way back. He’s a member of this . . .club I’m a part of and he’s, well, what can I say? He’s possibly going to save my bacon.”
“A club?” Ellie asked. “Can anyone join? Or do you have to be blessed by the god of good genes to get a look in?”
Blake laughed. “If that were the only criteria, you’d be welcomed with open arms. It’s an exclusive club for people with . . . let’s say . . . a lot of money . . .”
“Billionaires,” said Ellie. “I’m not naive, Blake. I know how much you and Heartbook are worth.”
Blake smiled. “Not everyone is as genuine as you when they find out about the money. My friends I’ve made at APEX are all in the same boat, and so we all know the shit we have to deal with. We support one another.”
Ellie was going to make a quip about using their piles of cash to keep Blake’s company alive, but she’d had a glimpse of how money didn’t really solve issues like this and decided now wasn’t the time. “And Nate’s okay with all of this?” she asked instead.
Blake shrugged. “Let’s just say Nate doesn’t scare easily.”
Ellie raised an eyebrow. “Must be nice to have friends in high places.”
Blake smirked. “It has its perks. But trust me, Nate’s not the type to let me forget this favour.”
Ellie couldn’t help but grin. “Sounds like my kind of guy.”
Blake’s eyes flicked to hers, something playful sparking in their depths. “Careful. I might start getting jealous.”
Ellie’s heart did a little flip, but she kept her tone light. “Don’t worry, Fielding. You’re still the most intriguing billionaire I’ve met this week.”
“High praise,” Blake said with a laugh. “I’ll take it.”
The car slowed to a stop, and the driver turned in his seat. “We’re here, sir.”
Blake straightened, glancing out of the window before turning back to Ellie. “You don’t have to come in, you know. This could get . . . technical.”
Ellie shot him a look. “Do you want me to come in?”
“Yeah,” he admitted after a moment. “I do.”
“Then let’s go,” she said, her tone firm but teasing. “Just don’t expect me to start speaking in code . . . or billionaire.”
Blake chuckled, opening his door. “Deal.”
Ellie followed, stepping on to the pavement. Blake appeared beside her almost instantly, his hand lightly brushing her elbow as he guided her around the car.
“Corporate secrets and all,” he said with a wink as they approached the entrance to the building. “Mum’s the word.”
“Don’t worry,” Ellie said, matching his tone. “I’ll take your secrets to the grave.”
Blake paused at the door, glancing back at her, his expression momentarily serious. “I’m holding you to that.”
Ellie gave him a playful salute, her smile easing the tension in his shoulders.
The doorman held the glass door open for them, and as they stepped inside Ellie took a quick breath, the cool air-conditioning a welcome contrast to the heat outside. She glanced at Blake, noticing the way his jaw tightened ever so slightly as they walked towards the bank of lifts.
“You okay?” she asked quietly.
“Yeah,” he said, giving her a quick nod. “Just . . . a lot riding on this.”
Ellie nudged him gently with her shoulder. “Good thing you’ve got me for moral support, then.”
Blake’s lips twitched into a grin. “Yeah, I think I’m in good hands.”
