Page 23 of The Billionaire's Kiss

“I have to admit that, most of the time, when I’m reminded of either of my parents, I tend to withdraw—from both the memory and whatever reminded me of it. But I don’t feel like withdrawing from you at all. I actually feel like hanging onto you. How about we get some lunch?”

She held up the half-eaten bagel. “I’m not hungry.”

It was just a bagel. I didn’t think that that alone could possibly fill her up. Her answer made me wonder if my brother was on to something when he’d said maybe she’d decided not to spend as much time with me as I wanted.

But I was still going to try. “Even though it’s on the chilly side today, we could take a walk in Zilker Park. It’s really pretty. You’ve got to see it. And later, we can go to eat somewhere nice.” My heart raced as I waited for her answer. If she came up with another reason not to go, then I knew she’d had a change of heart.

“Warner, I understand that you’re busy. You were extremely clear about that last night. I don’t want to get in the way of your work.”

I didn’t like her answer. “Are you just making up excuses not to hang out with me?”

“Heavens no!” Absolute shock filled her pretty face as she shook her head. “I just don’t want you to think that you’ve got to spend a lot of time with me, is all. Iwantto hang out with you. But I don’t want to get in your way.”

“Youarenotin my way. Even if you were, I would make time for you, Orla. So come with me to this amazing park, then we’ll go have something delicious for dinner?” I crossed my fingers behind my back.

“If you’re sure that I’m not keeping you from pressing work, then I would love to go with you.”

Thank God.