Page 44 of My Bestie's Billionaire Dad

I miss him. I miss his touch.

He looks me up and down. "You look like you could use a break. You look exhausted, Maya."

I am exhausted. I've been waking up in the mornings feeling sick. Probably from stress from the rumors. They're still flying around.

Every look, every word, every silence between us is twisted and magnified around here. The whispers have grown louder, the curiosity stronger, and the pressure has been building.

"Just trying to keep up with you, boss." I wink at him.

"Oh yeah? Well, maybe you're pushing yourself too hard."

I raise an eyebrow at that. "Are you telling me to slack off, Mr. Holmes?"

Hunter chuckles. "I only want what's best for my star employee."

"Thanks for the concern, but I can handle it."

He looks at me for a moment, his eyes softening. "I know, Maya. I know you can." He lets go of my arm and walks away. I watch him disappear around the corner. And I start to miss him again.

I make my way back to my desk, my mind still lost in the warmth of Hunter's touch. I shake off the lingering emotions and focus on what I need to get done. I take a deep breath and pull out my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I find Kaitlyn. I pause. My fingers hover over the screen.

It's been two weeks of silence between Kaitlyn and me. Since I got back from the business trip to the Mediterranean, she hasn't been responding to my texts.

I'm trying to give her space, but the silence is deafening and I can't stand it any longer. I type a message, my fingers trembling as they move over the keys.

Hey Kait. It's been a min.

I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.

Can we talk?

Miss you.

I hit send before my courage wavers.

I put my phone down, the unease settling in my stomach. I hope she responds. I miss our friendship, the non-stop laughing, the secrets, and the late-night talks.

I miss her.

I lean back in my chair, staring at the blinking cursor on my computer screen, waiting for Kaitlyn's response.

Nothing.

Maybe she heard the rumors?

I hate the idea of that. The rumors about Hunter and me could have gotten to her. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt, even shame, imagining Kaitlyn picking up one of those damned tabloids. Seeing her dad's face splashed across the front page, alongside mine... Maybe that's why she won't talk to me.

I never intended to hurt her or betray her trust. But I can't deny what is happening between Hunter and me. There’s a connection that has grown between us.

I close my eyes, wrestling with the uncertainty. It's the silence that's worse than any confrontation. I wish she would scream, shout, and tell me how terrible I am. Anything is better than this quiet isolation.

I'm hunched over my desk, lost in my thoughts when a familiar scent fills the room. I don’t have to look up to know it's him. Hunter leans against my desk, his gaze focused on me. I can feel the heat of his stare as he observes my face.

"Hunter."

"Maya." He reaches out and lifts my chin, forcing me to look at him. His blue eyes search mine. "You're worried about the rumors, aren't you?"

I nod, unable to find my voice. He sighs, running a hand through his hair.

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