Page 79 of A Billion Dollar Romance

I’d thought Edie was different. I’d thought she didn’t want me for my money or power–she’d never asked for anything, had she? But–

My blood froze.

She didn’t have to.

Sure, not money or parties or jewelry–not besides the glittering diamond ring she wore–but that wasn’t what someone like Edie wanted, was it? No, Edie wanted… the connections. The conference. The fuckingwriting critiquesI’d been doing for her, as ifIwerehereditor,heremployee, and not the other way around.

And I’d been so blinded by my lust for her–untouchable, perfect Miss Taylor–that I’d given them to herwithout her even asking. I’d told her a thousand times–I’d told her a half dozen times already today–this is how this industry works, all you need are the right connections.

I huffed out a bitter laugh.

Iwas the connection.

I’d thought she had chosenme.James. HerProfessor Martin.But it had been the CEO she wanted the whole time. The man who could launch her career.

I was such a fool.

“As if you aren’t gettingexactly what you wanted.”

Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

“It’s not like you agreed to our arrangement for nothing, did you?” I asked. “I seem to remember you’re gettingquitethe good deal: I’m polishing up my tarnished reputation, but you’re getting acareer. Hardly an inconvenience for you, is it, to date your boss, if it means you get an all-expenses-paid writing retreat and a fat stack of business cards at the end of it.” I was picking up speed now. “Although maybe I’m being uncharitable. Maybe you would have done it without any of that, it wouldn’t have been the first time you did somethingridiculousjust to sleep with me.”

Her pale face flushed red, and I realized I’d gone too far, but it was too late to take it back now.

“I see,” she said, standing very still. “I get it. I thought this was… something else, but you’re right. Once again…” She sighed, and all the life seemed to go out of her, her shoulders slumping in her work-appropriate sweater. “I thought…”

“I’m sorry, Edie, but I don’t know what you expected,” I said meanly. “You knew my reputation.”

“I did,” she said, “but–” She cut herself off. “Why did you come?” she asked, suddenly.

“What?”

“You told me before that your grandfather got you the job. As a professor. But why did you need a job? Why did you take it?”

I clamped my teeth together. “I needed to get away from the city,” I hedged. I’d hoped we’d never have this conversation.

“Then why not go to the cabin?”

“I needed a purpose,” I said. “My grandfather thought I needed a distraction.”

“From what?” she asked, and the way she asked made me think she already knew the answer.

“I was–” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “I was sleeping with someone I should not have sl–”

“That’s enough. I understand,” she said. Her words fell like a cleaver through the room. “I understand. I thought…” Her chin was raised high, her eyes dry. “I thought I was different,” she said.

“I thought you were different, too.”

CHAPTER39

Edie

Flora was right.

The thought stung behind my eyelids as I stood, miserable and scared, in James’s office.Mr. Martin’soffice.

In the end, it had come down to his business or my career, and he’d chosen Verity, as I had to have known he would.