The Broken One (Corisi Billionaires, #1)(30)

I slid my phone into my jacket pocket. “What do you want? Please tell me it’s not just lecturing about my assistant.”

“You could be nicer to her.”

“She could be better at her job. We all have areas to work on.”

“You’re a real asshole sometimes.”

I expelled a breath and deflated a bit. “Tell me about it.”

Mauricio’s eyebrows rose. “You’re not referring to Miss Steele. What happened that I don’t know about?”

“Nothing I can share. I just messed up with someone, but I’ll fix it.”

“A woman. The woman?”

“Yes.”

“You made a move on her while she was sick?”

“No, and I don’t want to talk about this with you. Since when are you interested in my social life?”

Mauricio picked up a piece of the wrapping paper, balled it, and tossed it at me. “Since you found someone you might actually like. You spent the night at her house. Was she as amazing as Mom thinks she is? I think we should wait to see what skeletons she has in her closet before any of us endorse her, but you know how Mom gets once she has an opinion on something.”

I made a warning sound deep in my throat. “Heather is not a topic for family debate. I went to see her because she was sick. That’s all anyone needs to know until, and only if, there is anything else to share.”

“But you do like her, right?”

I sighed. “She seems like a very nice woman . . . who might want someone who is less of a dick.”

Mauricio came over, chucked me in the arm, and joked, “Don’t be so hard on yourself; you’re a catch.”

“Thanks. Now can I get back to work?”

“Sure you don’t want any advice? I have a keen understanding of the female mind.”

“I’ll pass,” I answered with heavy sarcasm.

He shot me his winning smile. “Come on, you know you want to tell me.”

“I don’t.”

“Did she see you out with someone else?”

“No.”

“Did you punch someone she’s dating?”

“She’s not dating anyone.”

He shrugged. “I know what this is. You’re used to not caring if a woman likes you or not. You’re spooked.”

“I’m not fifteen.”

“Women are not that hard to please. Send her a few little gifts. She’ll forgive whatever you did.”

“Wow, with such deep insight into the female psyche, you must be considering writing a book on the subject.”

“Fine. Make it more complicated than it has to be.” He sauntered back toward my office door.

“Mauricio?” I hated that I didn’t have a better plan than the one he’d tossed out.

“Yes?”

“What’s a good first gift to send?”





CHAPTER SIXTEEN



* * *



HEATHER

I absolutely want to fuck you, but this weekend doesn’t work for me.

Over the phone I read the text to Erica, because there was no way I was going to let her talk me into behaving rashly again.

“Hey, on the positive, it wasn’t a no.” Her tone was light, but I knew she felt bad.

As we spoke, I walked my blanket back to my bedroom. Ava would be home in a couple of hours, and I intended to have everything back the way it had been. The house. Me. “I know you’re trying to help, but does he sound like someone you can imagine me with?”

“No,” she admitted grudgingly. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve seen you meet and turn away so many guys. I wanted this to work out for you.”

“I know. I’m not upset. I just feel like an idiot.”

“He’s the idiot for saying no. You would have rocked his world.”

I chuckled without much humor. “That’s pretty much what I told him.”

“What did you end up sending him?”

I told her, and by her silence I knew it wouldn’t have been her first choice. “I’m sorry, I don’t cook.”

“Do you know if he got it?”

“The service said it was delivered.”

She choked on a laugh. “I’m sorry. Is it wrong that I hope he’s sitting there with those dice, realizing that if he wasn’t such a douche he’d soon be having one hell of a weekend?”

“You saw him. You think it’s hard for him to find my replacement?” I read his text aloud again. “Who even talks like that? And what did he think I’d write back? ‘Oh, then, please, sir, if it’s convenient for you, could you see if you’re free next weekend?’”

“He might actually have plans he couldn’t get out of.”

“I’m sure he does.”

After a pause, Erica asked, “So, since your weekend is pretty open now—how would you feel about watching my crew?”

“Like you said—my weekend is wide open.” I straightened my shoulders, refusing to wallow. There was too much in my life to be happy about. “What I meant to say is that I would love to. I know Ava will be thrilled.”

Another pause. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Heather.”