The Billionaire Next Door (Billionaire Bad Boys #2)(71)

“Don’t forget to tell them about the redesign and the server’s wells.” Eyes bright, she turned to face him. “And how you’re going to move the bar back and provide extra seating. Oh, and…”

As she talked, he listened, admiring her pluck and her ability and the fact she was wearing a blanket in his penthouse. She looked at home here. She looked like his.

The thought sent him down another path, one laced with women who had been in this very penthouse, on this very couch, looking sleepy and satisfied like the girl there now. Thoughts about morning sex and breakfast and shared showers were nothing new, but this was the first time he’d ever thought the woman on his couch looked like she belonged with him. To him.

Maybe this was how it happened. The beginning of what Luc and Gena had. He remembered his best friend after he’d met Gena. Luc was a changed man. Walked around constantly with a goofy smile on his face. He was exclusive from the start with her. Tag was always exclusive with the women he saw, right up until the point he let them go.

Right about now, he would plan his escape, work out the details of how to send the girl on his couch packing.

“…the map for the liquor placement is important because there will be less spillage. Less spillage equals more profit,” she finished with zest.

“Got it.”

“Knock ’em dead.” She sipped her coffee and hummed in the back of her throat.

“Your turn. What’s on your agenda today?” he asked.

“Oh…just some…things.”

“Some things.”

“Yeah.” She bit down on her lip and elevated her coffee cup. He put a hand on her knee and watched her, waiting. Seconds ticked by before she rolled her eyes. “Fine! I’ll tell you.”

“Only if you want to,” he said easily.

“I’m looking for an apartment today.”

“Oh yeah?” His chest hammered at the surprise those words caused, and more surprise coated him as he realized he was surprised. She had roommates, but she’d stayed here some, too. He guessed he’d gotten a little used to that arrangement. His forehead creased.

“Which is a little backwards, because I haven’t found a job yet,” she continued. “I did get one callback, but it paid less than bartending for a receptionist position. I thought it’d be simpler to land a marketing gig since I can list Crane Hotels on my resume.” Her face scrunched. “That’s okay, right?”

“Of course it’s okay. I didn’t realize you were looking.” He stole her coffee mug and took a sip.

“Didn’t I mention it?” She looked genuinely perplexed.

“No.” He handed back the mug, once again in the position of being the last to know.

“Oh. Well. Now you know. I’ve scheduled a few showings at apartments today. I figure if I can find one within a reasonable price range, I can wiggle by until I land the elusive professional job I seek.”

“Why the rush?”

“Bree and Dean found a house. They’re ready to move out on their own, like yesterday. I don’t want to hold them up. Ideally I’d have secured a better-paying job by now, but as luck would have it, I’m doing things ass-backwards.”

“Can I help?” he asked, unsure what he was offering.

“No. I’ve got everything under control. And you have a meeting.” She touched her finger to his chin and rubbed his beard.

He frowned, irked, though he wasn’t sure why. He wanted do something—help somehow. Maybe he was irked that she hadn’t asked for his help. He owned a damn apartment building. He knew about rentals and the area. It would only make sense to ask him his opinion, but she hadn’t.

“You know if you needed money, I technically owe you for helping me in Hawaii.”

“Absolutely not.” Her eyes were fierce, her tone angry.

“Dimples.”

“No, Tag. I can’t and won’t take your money.” She pressed her lips into a line, giving him a flat smile. “Thank you for the offer, but I don’t need to be bailed out.”

He blew out a breath of defeat. That stubborn streak of hers was a mile wide.

“At least let me call you a car so you don’t have to take cabs all over the city.” She wouldn’t let him help her with the place to live, fine, but he could at least get her transportation for the day.

She shook her head.

“You can ride home and decide then. I’d drive you myself if I didn’t have work.”

Her turn to sigh.

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Okay. Yes, thank you.”

“Yeah?” Her giving him that inch made him feel as triumphant as if he’d won a mile.

“A car would be great. You’ve been great.”

“An hour work for you?” he asked as he dialed on his cell phone.

“Better make it two. I did promise you a shower,” she replied with a wink. “You have a big back.”

*



By afternoon, Tag had finished his pitch to the board, ending it with, “Construction starts tomorrow. Oahu is the test.”

From the board came nothing but a penetrating silence. He and Reese exchanged glances.

“This is some nice work, Tag,” Frank said.