Page 41 of The Grumpy Billionaire
The question was issued in the tone of a man who already knew the answer.
Of course. In keeping with his reputation, Reid wouldn’t go into any battle without already knowing its outcome and being assured of victory.
He had me. He knew it, and I knew it.
I took a half-step back, lifting the paper toward him. “But why? Why are you doing this?”
“I’ve already told you—I need to feel prepared before I’ll be willing to sit down for an interview again.”
His voice took on a tone of challenge. “What’s the matter, Mara? Is it really so hard for you to be around me?”
“Of course not,” I snapped, answering a little too quickly.
“Well then, am I not worth one week of your time?”
His eyes narrowed in annoyance, but just under the surface I used to know so well there was a hint of insecurity.
Was this about what had happened with us? Was he trying to punish me after all?
When I didn’t respond immediately, Reid’s expression hardened into a sarcastic mask.
“Some people would consider me quite a catch—some journalists, I mean. I’ve been told I’m the ‘get’ of the century.”
“The decade,” I corrected. Why did I find this new arrogance a little bit sexy on him?
He grinned. “Thank you for clarifying. If it doesn’t bother you to be near me, then I don’t see what the problem is.”
My shoulders went back as I tried futilely to close the height gap between us and look him in the eye.
“This is ridiculous, and you know it. I think you’d be just fine to do the interview tomorrow morning.”
He shrugged at my noticeable irritation. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’ll just call Tamara Rogers at Channel Ten and offer it to her.”
When I refused to take the bait, he withdrew it and changed tactics, his features softening again into the Reid I recognized.
“One week, Mara. One week, and then we’ll go our separate ways and live happily ever after.”
He stared directly into my eyes, waiting for a response.
God, those were gorgeous eyes.Focus, Mara.I turned back to the door and opened it.
“Fine. Fine, I’ll do it. Iwillhave to talk to my boss, but I’m sure you’re right.”
My tone spelled out every bit of my annoyance with him for hijacking my life for the coming week.
“I’m sure Rob will be all-too-willing to rearrange my work schedule toaccommodateyou.”
I marched down the front steps toward my car. At the bottom I turned back to him and held up the paper dictating my life’s schedule according to his whim.
“Guess I’ll see you tomorrow. I hope you’re happy.”
Reid’s face split into a satisfied, amused grin, making him look eighteen again. “As a matter of fact—I am.”
His laughter filled my ears and followed me to the car. Only slamming the door shut and driving away gave me any relief from it.
THIRTEEN
Blown Away
