Page 81 of 21 Nights with Billionaire Boss

I tell her about the previous day and then the night.

“Yes, Maddie! Get it.”

“No, no. Not get it.”

“Oh-oh.” Nat’s excitement tanks. “Why not?”

“I have feelings for him, Nat. It’s not fun or cute or cool. I feel things when I’m with him.”

“Oh...” She’s silent for a few seconds. “What kind of feelings are we talking about? Love feelings? Sex feelings? Friendly feelings?”

“The first,” I whisper. “And the second too. The third is a given because he’s so cool and fun and... The first worries me the most.”

“Oh, Mads...”

“I’m so stupid. I should have known I can’t do physical without wanting more.”

“Hey, you’re not stupid. You’re just kind and sweet and you have a soft spot for everyone around you.”

“I wish it’s only a soft spot I have for Chance.” I tuck my knees against my chin and rest my chin. “It feels like more.”

It is more.

“What about him?”

I scoff, shaking my head. “What do you think? He’s a man being a man. Of course, he’d take the sex and the kisses... But that’s all it is to him.”

“And you know that for sure?” Nat asks.

“I’m not going to put my heart on the line to find out. Just imagine the rejection.” I exhale. “I just want this week to be over so I can get back home.”

“You’ll be welcomed with open arms. It’s been too long since we saw each other.”

That comforts me a bit. It’s nice to know some things stay the same even when everything else is all up in the air.

“I’ll be happy to, seriously. Magic Island has been nothing but spectacular, but I think my time’s up. It’s time for me to face my life once more.” My voice tapers out on the last few words.

“Don’t sound like that. It’s not like Todd’s here to bother you anymore.”

I sputter a laugh. “Heard from him since the last time?”

“Nope.”

“Well, at least that’s some good news.”

“Yeah.”

A few beats pass as we’re both quiet.

“Hey.” Nat sounds perky like she’s injecting forced cheer into her tone. “You’ll keep yourself safe for me, right?”

“Yes, I will.”

“I mean your heart, Maddie. I know Chance is a far cry from Todd, but I don’t need you crying over any man again.”

“I will. I promise.”

I say so more to myself than to her. I only need to survive the next few days and then I’m up and away from here.