Page 97 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

"Nonsense."

"You're looking out for her. Not because you think she’d actually work for me, but because you’re afraid I might take her home tonight."

"Think what you like. I’m only here to test how serious she is." He's not entirely wrong, but I'm certainly not going to confirm his suspicion. Especially not while he's sitting there with a grinning broadly, raising his glass to me again.

"We could make a bet. What do you think her reaction will be? Will she sit down and coldly conduct the conversation with me while ignoring you? Or will she leave as soon as she sees you?"

"London is tough. She’ll stay."

"Yes, I think so too."

"Then I guess there won’t be a bet," I say, taking a sip.

"Then the only question is who she’ll choose in the end. You or me?" If only I knew.

"She’ll choose you," I say.

"And I believe she’ll stay with you," he replies. "What are we betting on?"

"I don’t believe in betting money."

"Then let’s bet on her," Matthias suggests suddenly. Apparently, he’s not acting purely out of the goodness of his heart—he seems energized by the thought of taking the woman away from me.

"If she chooses you, you can have her. Is that what you mean?" I ask.

"That’s what I had in mind. So?" He brings his glass closer to mine, and we clink.

Alright, London. It’s up to you. If you want to work for him, you belong to him—and I certainly won’t interfere or chase after a woman I’ve known for barely a month.

Women like her are a dime a dozen.

She’s just one of many.

And nothing more.

Chapter 29

London

Ten. Just ten seconds to go. I inhale deeply, raise my hand to knock, and fix my eyes on my watch.

Five.

My future is about to be decided. More money. A new boss. Different colleagues.

Three.

A fresh start.

Two.

A second chance.

One.

I knock.

Silence. It's so quiet that I panic for a moment, wondering if I’ve got the wrong door. Then it opens.