Page 14 of Her Billionaire Boss

There.That stumped him.

Or didn’t.“You had the idea for an Ascend property in New York.You could work on that.”

“I’m not an architect.Or a hospitality industry person,” I reminded him.“Until a few weeks ago, I worked at a weed shop after a long string of unemployment.”

“I’m not suggesting that you design the building from the ground up,” he said.“You can be a consultant.I have other people who can make your vision become a reality.”

“And I would… consult?”I didn’t even know how to dothat.

“Think about it,” he suggested.“In the meantime, I know exactly the friend you’re talking about and trust me, she can help you with the ‘suddenly rich’ thing.”

“Yeah, I got the impression that it was something of a sugar daddy situation.”I didn’t mean it in a bad way; I was, if not in the exact same pair of shoes, very much wearing a knock-off of the style.

“Give her a call,” he said.Then, at my incredulous look, rolled his eyes and said, “Give her a text.”

“Thank you, Gen X daddy.”I batted my eyelashes at him.

“Elder Millennial, thank you very much.”He jostled his cane.“Feeling very elder.So, I’m going to go get dressed and into the gym for physical therapy.”

“Wait, your home gym?”When he nodded, looking for all the world like it was an asinine question, I added, “It’s a peasant thing.We have to leave to get our medical care.You wouldn’t get it.”

He looked so confused as he left.

* * * *

“I’m so glad you caught me on a day when I was in the city!”

I wasn’t sure if I’d spoken a word since we’d entered the restaurant, easily the fanciest place I’d ever eaten.Sunlight blasted us through the tall windows overlooking the gardens behind the Museum of Modern Art.

It was surreal, being in a city where I could casually stroll past places I’d seen on TV and in the movies.

Sophie was still talking, and I was content to listen to her.She acted like we’d known each other for years and hadn’t been apart for a day.It would have been a red flag, if it had come off like love bombing, but it felt as though it was just a part of her personality.

“Neil and El-Mudad won’t come here.There’s no steak on the menu.”She rolled her eyes.“We should do the six course.A little birdy told me they have morrells right now.”

“What’s a morrell?”

She pressed a hand to her chest.“You poor thing.”

A server came over and Sophie smoothly ordered for both of us.“The six courses.And whatever beverage pairing the chef suggests.”

I had to make sure my mouth wasn’t hanging open.

“So, there’s another lesson for you.”She raised her water glass as if in a toast.“Everything about expensive dining is designed to be confusing.When in doubt, defer to the chef.”

“How long have you been living like this?”I nearly whispered.

“Eleven years.”

Eleven years.I loved Matt.Really, truly, scary deep-in-my-soul loved him.But the thought of still being with him in eleven years was…

“Are you okay?”Sophie asked, her brows drawing together.

I grabbed my water glass and gulped some down.“Yeah.Yeah, I’m…”

“Twenty-four and afraid of commitment?”A smile touched the corner of her mouth.

“How did you—”