Page 59 of Accidental Theirs

I decide to trust her. I think she will put Olivia’s well-being over gossip.

“The merger isn’t just the right move for Carter Holdings. It’s theonlymove.”

“You’re saying?—”

“I’m saying we’re broke. Yvonne put in a lot of money to a lot of risky investments, and now, we’re cash-poor. This merger will change that. Titan has saved our ass, for lack of a better term.”

“But they’ll want to make changes.”

I nod. “Big changes. And Olivia is going to have a hard time with that.”

“So, we have to be there for her.”

I just look at her, not speaking, and she sighs.

“Come on, Damien. You’ve been by her side for years now, pining for her from afar. I know that you care about her, at the very least.”

“Of course, I do. She’s a... friend.”

“Friend.” Marie’s voice is dry and sarcastic, and I want to groan, but instead, I just set my jaw.

“If that’ll be all...”

“I’m going; I’m going.” She stands up and throws the folder down on my desk. “You really do need to sign those.”

I nod and as soon as the door closes behind her, I let out a long, shaky breath.

Telling her about the merger may not have been the rightthing, but it’s better than confirming to her my feelings for Olivia.

I’d be humiliated if she told Olivia what a crush I’ve always had on her.

Even now, I know I’m probably the last person Olivia wants to be around. She only asked me to be there on a whim, maybe she just needed to fill out the roster. There’s no way she actually wants me.

She’s out of my league and always has been. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Olivia can never understand growing up without knowing where your next meal will come from.

We come from different worlds.

There’s no knock on the door, just the creaking of the door hinges, and I look up, furrowing my brow.

Olivia shuts the door behind her quickly, standing in front of my desk.

“Are you all right?” I ask after she doesn’t speak for a long time.

She has on what appears to be a forced smile. “I’m fine. All better.”

“Is there something you need from me?”

She swallows visibly. “About the other night?—”

I wave a hand dismissively at her. “Don’t mention it.”

She frowns. “But I want to talk about it.”

My eyes snap to hers. “You do?”

My heart flips around in my chest, and I curse myself for being so desperate.

I want her to tell me that she wants me again. I want to stand up and drag her over this desk, kiss her for all she’s worth.