Page 69 of A Billion Dollar Romance

“And you said yes?” she asked carefully. “You two are really dating now?”

I nodded. “It’s not really that different from before, honestly. It just doesn’t feel like I’m sneaking around.”

“Except that… he’s your former professor. And your boss.”

I cringed. “Yes, but…” I didn’t know how to explain it. “Everyone at the office knows about us already–because of the work thing–and he’s always been my professor. None of that has changed.”

“Of course. But you used to have–I don’t know. Anout. Before, if it wasn’t working, you could just… you could have said it wasn’t real–”

I shook my head. “I don’t want an out, Edie. I’m serious.”

“I know you are,” Edie said, putting her fork down in her take-out container. “I know you are, Edie. I just–”

“You think he isn’t,” I finished for her.

“No, it’s not that, not exactly–”

“You should meet him. I’m sorry you haven’t yet.”

Her lip curled into a smirk. “I have met him. He taught our creative writing seminar, or don’t you remember? I was the girl sitting next to you, wiping up your drool–”

I kicked her under the blanket.

“I wasn’tthatobvious,” I protested, and laughed when she raised her eyebrow. “Okay, fine, maybe I was. But look where it got me.”

This time, her smile was genuine. “You’re really happy, Edie. I can tell, and I’m happy for you. I just want to make sure you’ll be safe, too.”

“I will be,” I said. “I promise.”

She nodded. “I know. But I’m your best friend, I’m allowed to worry. This isn’t one of our romance novels. Sleeping with the boss always seems good until it’s his career or you, and then what?”

I laughed. “Good news–he hates his career. If it’s being a CEO or me, I feel quite confident–”

“Okay, okay! I get it, Edie,” she said, kicking me back. We ate in silence for a moment, then she turned to me, grinning. “Upon reflection, if he has any more reluctant-billionaire friends, I think I’d prefer to meet them, instead. Since yours is taken…”

* * *

I returned to my apartment downstairs a few hours later, full of noodles and tofu and warmth. I washed my face haphazardly and brushed my teeth but didn’t bother changing out of the leggings and college sweatshirt I’d trekked upstairs in before switching off the overhead light in favor of my bedside reading lamp.

I’m starting the werewolf duke one,I texted Flora.

omggg let me know when you’re done i want to talk about page 241,I got back instantly.

Do I even want to know?I replied, and got back a string of incomprehensible emojis.

I smiled as I flipped open to the first page.

Edward, seventh Duke of Lanchestershire, awoke face-up in the gutter, unsure of exactly where he was and what he was doing there, but positive that the woman who was frowning down at him was the most beautiful he’d ever laid eyes on.

I picked up my phone again.First page and I love it already.I tossed it onto the duvet, only to hear it ding.

This time–my heart trilled, as it always did, to see the name James Martin pop up on my screen.

I’m heading home. I can pick you up if you want to stay the night at mine.

Will you be disappointed if I say no?I asked.

Are you still with Flora? Tell her I say hello.