Page 10 of Tempting the Billionaire (Billionaire Brothers #5)

Ezra

I think this might be the most excited I’ve ever been to head to work on a Monday morning. I’ve been unable to keep my thoughts off of Emma all weekend. I had half a mind to call her on Saturday and have her come back over.

But I’d refrained. While I can tell she’s obviously into what we’re doing together, I don’t quite know where her head is at when it comes to all this. Presumably she’s just wanting something fun and casual. Which, so am I. At least, I think so.

Anyway, especially after our first time doing anything sexual, I wanted to give her some space to process. I don’t want to smother her .

But now, as I walk down Newbury Street toward Bishop Jewelers, I feel actual goddamn butterflies in my stomach. Butterflies. Like I’m in high school or something.

Jesus Christ, I need to get a grip.

Sure, she’s just about the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. And she’s smart and sweet and funny and …

I shake my head. I was looking for a rebound and this is it. A rebound. Not … something else.

I push open the door to Bishop Jewelers, immediately spying Emma behind the counter, which gets my heart rate up.

Her eyes meet mine, and a soft blush paints her cheeks. Fuck, I love it when she blushes. I especially love that I’m the one causing it. I shoot her a smile, glancing around to see that the store is empty. Rachel must not be in yet.

I stalk across the room, bracing my hands on the counter and leaning toward her. “How was your weekend?” I ask with a smirk.

She bites her lip. “It was good, Mr. Bishop.”

Fuck, there she goes calling me Mr. Bishop again. I have half a mind to bend her over this counter and have her screaming that name over and over again .

The bell over the door rings, and I straighten up, turning to see Rachel entering. I look back to Emma. “Glad to hear it,” I say with a professional smile, walking past her and into the back room.

I spend the day sneaking glances out my office door, catching glimpses of Emma when she happens to be in my line of sight. I stare at the outline of her curves through her blouse, remembering what it was like to see her naked breasts heaving as she’d moaned and whimpered my name.

Christ, I need to get it together or I’m not going to be able to get any work done today.

I resign myself to focus, although I still find myself doing a double take every time Emma walks by. At some point in the afternoon, I feel a presence in the doorway to my office, and I look up to see Emma.

She smiles shyly, and I wave her in.

“You miss me?” I tease.

She shrugs with a smirk.

I look past her, out onto the floor. Rachel seems busy with a customer.

“What’re you working on in here?” she asks.

I shrug. “The typical. Emails, orders, the like. I also have to decide on some finalized new designs. I’m having a hard time making a choice. ”

Her eyebrow raises. “Designs for what?”

“Engagement rings. We try to release new designs every year—stay fresh and up to date with trends.”

Her eyes widen slightly with interest. “Can I see them?” she asks.

I smile, beckoning her closer. “Sure.”

She pulls a nearby chair close to mine, and I turn my computer toward her where an array of Jason’s new ring designs are displayed.

“Some of the more costly or difficult ones, like these,” I say, pointing to one design in particular, “I’ve eliminated just because I don’t think we can justify the markup on them.

But I need to approve at least three of these remaining ones. ”

Emma leans in, taking a closer look. “They’re all incredible,” she says.

“I’m having a hard time deciding,” I admit.

She cocks her head. “Well, I think you should pick at least one of these emerald cuts—it’s what’s trending right now in engagement ring design, so you know they’ll sell well.

And a classic princess cut is always going to do well.

” She pauses, thinking. “And as for the last one … just go with your gut. What feels right?”

I stare at her for a long moment. What feels right? What does feel right? Shit, I don’t know anymore .

“Which one would you pick?” I ask her, breaking the silence.

She purses her lips. “Well, oval cuts are also kind of trending—”

“No.” I shake my head. “Not what would you pick for the store. What would you pick? For yourself?”

She seems taken aback, and even I realize how suggestion it sounds. But I want to know. I truly do. I try to convince myself that it’s because she’s part of our target demographic—that her insight could be valuable, but if I’m honest with myself, that might not be the true reason.

She’s quiet for a long moment, staring at the designs. Finally, she says, “This one.” She points to one of Jason’s more unique designs. A square bevel diamond with a gold band. “It feels … different,” she says.

I smile. “It’s settled then. The emerald, the princess, and the bevel.”

She looks at me in surprise. “You’re taking all my suggestions?”

“Of course. They’re good suggestions. And now I can cross this off my list.” I laugh.

She bites her lip to try and hold back her smile, and I can’t help but grin at how damn cute it is. She stands to head back out onto the floor, but I grab her arm before she’s able to go .

“This weekend,” I say. “Are you busy?”

Her eyes sparkle. “Only with you,” she says, and it makes my stomach do a fucking summersault.

“I have a cabin up in Maine. Come with me?”

She nods. “I can’t wait.”