Page 122 of The Renter

I need an “I’m sorry” gift for Dani. Something unique, rare. Something that will always remind her of me.

Nikola Petrov

Were you a bad boy?

I laugh and reply.

Adam Harris

I’m working too much.

Nikola Petrov

I’ll coordinate with Allison about when I can come by today.

Nikola sets her tote on my desk and pulls out a handful of perfumes. “All of these are bespoke and rare. You won’t have to worry about anyone else having these.”

As always, she’s nailed the assignment. I smell each offering and decide on an androgynous one. It has a woody scent. Something about it reminds me of her and the cottage. I hope Dani will love this gift.

“How are you saying sorry for working too much?” Nikola asks.

“I’m taking her to Cut tonight.”

“Take her to Paris next time.”

I laugh, but she’s right. Dani deserves a bigger “I’m sorry” present than what I’m planning.

105

After endlessly emailing, I shut my laptop, excited to see Adam at Cut tonight—a four-dollar-sign restaurant in River North, a short walk from my apartment. As I check myself out in the mirror, I realize that everything I’m wearing has been purchased by him. Everything in my apartment paid for by him. I sigh at that realization and leave, making my way to dinner.

Waiting in the restaurant’s lobby, Adam enters wearing a perfectly tailored navy suit. He looks incredible, as always, but I’m mad at him. This past week has been bullshit.

“Peanut.” The stress on his face seems less pronounced than the last time I saw him. There’s something extra—a small, wrapped present in his hands. “For you.”

Taking it, he nods, implying that I should open it right now.

A bottle of perfume.It’s thoughtful, but I hope he doesn’t think a bottle of perfume excuses this past week—especially after he missed the chance to hang out with Kelsey.

“This smells amazing.” I’m smiling after spraying it on my wrists, feeling a little less grumpy. It’s perfect. The scent feels like it was made for me.

“Think of me when you wear it,” he says, leaning down for a kiss. While we have a lot to discuss, the gift helps set a morepositive tone for the evening, making the past few days feel a little less bad.

“We’re not talking about me tonight,” he says, pushing my seat in. “How are you? What’s new?”

As we sit across from each other, the candlelight flickering between us, I’m reminded why I love my life with Adam. Even though his time is currently a very precious commodity, I always enjoy being together. Before I can share the complete details of my weekend with Kelsey, his phone interrupts me.

He groans and glances at the caller ID. “It’s a Chinese investor—he needs to wire money. I’ve been waiting all day for this call.”

Tonight was supposed to be our night! I want to scream. All I want is a brief escape from the demands of his work. Disappointment sinks in.Dating a billionaire has a growing list of downsides.

My face clearly shows how I feel. “I know. This sucks, but I have to go, Peanut. I’m so sorry.” He hesitates. “Could you call a friend?”

It’s impossible to mask my feelings with a smile. “Sure.”

“I gotta go back to the office. Hopefully, this is our last conference call. Love you,” he says, kissing my forehead. “Use the card I gave you.”

I roll my eyes, holding back a tear. Buying dinner for me and a friend doesn’t make up for the fact that he left me. The steakhouse loses some of its sparkle as I watch him leave. Determined not to let the night be ruined, I rack my brain for who could join me on such short notice.