Page 12 of My Bestie's Billionaire Dad

He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. I watch as the veins in his forearms pop through. "We're looking at a presentation in three weeks. I want concepts ready for review in a week, and a final proposal two days before the presentation."

I raise my eyebrows at him. "That's quite a tight schedule."

"Welcome to the big leagues, Maya."

I can't help but roll my eyes. "Well, Mr. Holmes," I say, matching his playful tone, "Let's show them what we're made of."

He gives me a look, like he's studying me or something before snapping out of it and nodding toward me. "Indeed."

We both set to work, the soft click of our keyboards and occasional rustling of paper creating a hum in the room. I glance up at Hunter every so often, my mind wandering as I take in his features – the strong line of his jaw, the way his hair falls over his forehead. He's the kind of man I would never expect to be drawn to. He's twenty years older than me and grumpy AF. But I find myself fighting away a blush around him.

I turn back to my work, pushing thoughts of Hunter out of my head and focusing on the proposal.

* * *

As I'm clockingout for the day, he comes up behind me, so close that I can feel his breath on my neck. "Maya, before you go, I have something for you." He hands me an envelope.

My eyes widen as I take it from him. "What's this?"

"It's a bonus check. You've been doing good work. You deserve it."

I'm speechless. I didn't think Hunter had it in him to be so generous. "Hunter... Thank you."

He nods and gives me a small smile before he walks away.

I walk out of the office feeling relieved. Maybe working for Hunter won't be so bad after all. As I start walking down the street, Kaitlyn's words come to mind.

You're probably good for him,she had said.

Maybe she's right. And maybe he's good for me too.

I shake my head and bring myself back to reality. With Hunter Holmes, nothing is ever certain. The game of cat-and-mouse could start up again at any moment, and I'll be ready to play if it does.

For now, however, I'm going to enjoy my bonus check and any other 'perks' that come my way.

I abruptly take a right turn as I walk. It's time for a shopping spree to treat myself.

Lululemon, here I come!

I am about to walk in when my phone buzzes in my purse.

I pull my phone out of my bag, glancing at the screen. It's my mom calling. I hesitate for a moment before answering.

"Hey, Mom."

"How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm good, Mom... Very good, actually. I got a bonus at work."

"That's wonderful, dear! But when are you going to settle down? You're always working. Don't you want to start a family?"

Typical.

"Mom, I... I’m not ready for that yet."

"But, dear, you’re not getting any younger. You should consider settling down. Your father and I would love to have grandchildren."

“Mom...” I sigh into the phone. "I promise when I’m ready, you’ll be the first to know.”

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