Billion Dollar Mistake: An opposites attract billionaire romance: (The Lincolns Book 1)

Chapter 23

Jeremy: I miss waking up and seeing your drool on my pillow.

I giggle to myself as I read my messages during my lunch break.

Nova:I don”t drool. Only over you.

Jeremey:You just admitted to drooling.

Nova:Is that something you’re into?

Jeremy:Drool on my pillows? No. But if it means having you in my bed every night, I’ll happily let you drool anywhere.

Nova: I DON’T DROOL!

Jeremy:I KNOW I’M KIDDING. WHAT”S WITH THE SHOUTY CAPS?

Nova:You keep saying I drool. When I don”t.

Jeremy:I’m only joking, Star. I’m sorry. You know I care about you.

Nova:Are you going to hurt me Mr. Lincoln?

Jeremy: I’d never hurt you. You should trust me.

Nova:Do you think that’s a smart idea?

Jeremy:No. I’ll probably be heartbroken, but I have a serious problem.

Nova:What’s that?

Jeremy:I”m addicted to you.

Nova: I’d tell you to see a doctor but you are one…well, at least you were. Unless you”re rusty?

Jeremy:Definitely not rusty. My mouth-to-mouth skills are second to none.

Nova:I’d say your hands skills are top tier.

Jeremy: I’m good at getting kinks out. Especially with blockages (Winky emoji)

Nova:I’m never going to live this down, am I?

Jeremy: No, I fucking love it. Come over tonight and I’ll show you just how much.

Nova:I’m sorry but I’m having dinner with my parents.

Jeremy:What about before then?

Nova:Who knew you’d be so needy.

Jeremy:Desperate, you mean. For you…yes!

Nova:I go boxing straight after work.

Jeremy:Send me the address.

Nova:Are you serious?

Jeremy: If it means I get time alone with you. I’ll take anything I can get.

I stare at his message, and I can’t help the smile that settles on my face. Here I was crushing hard on him, but I think he might be feeling the same way. That knowledge is overwhelming as much as it is thrilling. I never expected this to happen to me.

I send him the address and eat my sandwich quickly before returning to my desk. Going back to work is easier now that I can countdown to seeing Jeremy afterward.

I settle at my desk and back into work. I pull up a new client’s file and continue on with the numbers when Dalton’s voice calls out to me.

“When you were at lunch, Bentley came down to check in on you.”

“Does he want me to call him in his office or go see him?”

I really hope I don’t have to go up there.

“He said he’ll come back after his lunch.”

“Okay, well, I don’t plan to leave this level until the day is over. I’m sure he’ll be able to catch me.”

He shrugs. “It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t. We told him you were settling in fine. Isn’t that right, Poppy?”

She sighs heavily and twists ever so slightly. Clearly not interested in joining our conversation.

“Yeah,” she mutters.

“Well, thanks, I guess,” I say, spinning back around and returning to the spreadsheet.

“What are your plans tonight?” Dalton asks. I swear he doesn’t like to stay quiet very long. It’s like silence makes him antsy.

“Boxing and then I’m headed to the parents for dinner.”

“You box as a workout?” Poppy asks.

I pause typing.

“Ah. Yeah, I go to a gym around the corner from my parents. The owners know me.”

“Is it a class?” she asks another question.

What. The. Hell?

I shake my head. “Actually, no, I just use their bag. But they have classes there and I know the teacher, he”s really good.”

“I might have to try it out. I’ve always wanted to learn, but I’ve never known anyone who does it.”

All of a sudden, there’s a loud clapping sound, and I frown and look toward Dalton. Why is he clapping?

“Look at this, ladies and gentleman. Poppy will hang out with Nova.”

“Oh, Dalton please be quiet,” Poppy mumbles.

“I am having major FOMO, so even though the thought of boxing and breaking my nose terrifies me, I’d be willing to come and try it out.”

“I’d be happy to take you. But remember, it’s not fancy. I mean it. It’s a cheap, sweaty, smelly gym.”

I’m not trying to scare them away from doing it. I’m trying to warn them that this isn’t like the gyms they would usually attend. I don’t have money for those gyms. They cost way too much.

“Sounds rustic. Just what I expected a boxing place to be like,” Poppy adds.

I nod. But really, I just have lost all my words.

I feel like this is a breakthrough. This means Poppy doesn’t hate me. Baby steps but I’ll take it.

“How’s my newest favorite employee?” Bentley’s voice booms out of the elevator.

The hairs on my neck stand up. “Good, thanks.”

“She’s settling in well, like we told you before,” Poppy adds with a biting tone.

Yeah, she isn’t a Bentley fan either.

“I’m not asking you,” he replies.

“I’m settling in well. Dalton and Poppy are great. I’m so grateful for their help and knowledge.”

Bentley nods. “Good to hear.” He rubs his palms together and wears a cheesy smile. “Dalton, you’re quiet today. Cat got your tongue?”

“No, sir. Just busy working.”

“Don’t work too hard.”

Poppy’s mouth drops.

I bite back a laugh, knowing Dalton works the least out of all of us.

“Nova, I also have a new financial breakdown I need written up for Mr. Lincoln.”

My belly flips at Jeremy’s name.

“I thought we finished everything for the ophthalmology instruments.”

“We did. But I sent him a prototype of a new product I think he’d be interested in. He said yes but wants numbers.”

“That’s where I come in.”

“Exactly.”

“I’ll forward you the stuff now,” he says before his phone rings. “I better get this. I’ll send you the information soon.”

I nod.

“You’ve been a wonderful addition to the team, Miss Lee.”

I smile. There’s something about hearing those words. Feeling like I belong. Maybe this was the right job for me all along.

“Talk soon. You know where to find me.” He winks and strolls off, answering his phone obnoxiously loud.

“Way to go!” Dalton says.

“Mr. Lincoln again? You’re the teacher”s favorite,” Poppy adds.

“Are you jealous, Poppy?” I say without thinking.

The pang of jealousy twisting in my gut feels foreign.

He’d never be interested in her, right?

I trust him.

My sudden insecurity rush makes me want to text him.

Nova: You didn’t want a new contract to stay in contact with me, did you?

Jeremy:I don’t need to do that, do I?

Nova:No. I just had to check you weren’t trying to work with me again.

Jeremy: Oh, I was one hundred percent doing that.

Nova:You’re crazy.

Jeremy:About you. Yeah, nuts.

Jealousy is replaced with desire. A more peaceful feeling. Something I needed to finish the day off.

And the next few hours fly by. It”s four o’clock and it’s time to go boxing.

I drive to the gym, and when I arrive, I scan the parking lot for his car, but it’s not here yet. I’m relieved I can get inside and freshen up. I change and tie my hair back. I’m in my black sports bra and black shorts ready to take on the bag.

I wrap each of my newly-healed knuckles, knowing I’m about to bust them open again. It happens every time I box.

I finish wrapping both hands. When I look over my shoulder, I’m disappointed. He’s still not here…

The nerves are getting to me, so I decide to box to take the edge off. No more waiting. It’s just me and the bag. I jab, punch, hook, uppercut, repeatedly. I do it for what seems like ages.

I’ve worked up a serious sweat.

“I need to watch out.”

Jeremy”s deep velvety voice sends a shock through me, causing me to jump. I spin around with a smile.

He looms tall in an all-gray dark suit, white shirt and gray tie. His hair is impeccably styled, showing no signs he’s been at work all day.

“Are you planning to wear that?” I ask, eyeing his attire.

He steps closer to me, his presence commanding. “I don’t plan to work out.”

“Then why did you come?”

He grabs my chin, tilting my head back, and delivers a brief but intense kiss. His heated breath whispers across my lips as he murmurs, “Isn’t it obvious?”

“No,” I reply, meeting his amused gaze.

“To hang out with you.”

“You’re cutting it close. I need to leave in ten minutes. I thought you’d be here waiting when I arrived,” I confess.

He smirks. “I would’ve but a meeting ran overtime.”

“So you’re going to watch me for the next ten minutes?”

“Yeah. Even though I don’t like the way guys keep looking at you.”

“They are?” I scan the gym but see no prying eyes.

“Yeah, and it’s bothering me. You look so sexy right now.”

I scrunch up my face. “You’re delusional. I’m all sweaty and gross.”

He softly shakes his head. “No. You”re half naked and flushed. Like, I’ve just fucked you for hours.”

My mouth parts. “Oh.”

“Yeah. So all the guys here are looking at you. I can’t blame them, but it doesn”t mean I don”t want to gouge their eyes out. And fuck. This place is dodgy too.”

I hesitate. “What’s wrong with this place?”

It’s not like I don’t know, but I don’t want to say I can’t afford any better. I don’t want him offering to pay for a commercial gym. If I can’t afford it, I don’t need it.

His eyes survey the peeling cream paint, stains on the floor, and other signs of neglect.

“Definitely a few imperfections.”

“You mean a massive O H S issue,” he grunts.

I peel off the wraps, wincing as the material clings to the re-opened wounds, forcing me to rip it off.

“Look at your hands,” he says, grabbing them to inspect the damage. “They’re worse than the night with Eddie.”

I shrug. “Yeah, happens every time.”

“It must hurt.”

“After a couple of hits on the bag, I can’t feel them.”

He looks up, holding my gaze. I see the wheels turning in his mind, but he remains silent.

“What?” I push, wanting to know his thoughts.

“It seems like you want the pain.” His voice is low and pained.

He’s right. It takes away from the pain my dad’s diagnosis causes. But I don’t want to ruin the moment by getting into the heavy details of it right now, so I shrug and then exhale heavily.

He unexpectedly pulls me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me and kissing the top of my head. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

I absorb the slow, steady beat of his heart in my ear, my own heartbeat syncing with his after the workout.

I can never get enough of him. Every touch reaffirms how much I need him. How much I desire him.

“Thank you,” I mumble into his chest.

He understands me, offering what I need without me asking. He knows me better than I know myself.

“Let me walk you to your car,” he offers.

Crap…not again.

“Don’t judge it,” I warn.

In the daylight it looks worse. The paint is discolored, and I have worn down tires. I’m in dire need of a new set.

He grumbles, grabbing my hand, “Let’s get out of this shithole.”

I smack his chest with my spare hand. “Don’t say that.”

“Why?” We leave through the gym door and walk the sidewalk to the parking lot.

“Someone will hear you,” I murmur.

“The guy at reception didn’t stop me when I walked in. His eyes were glued to his phone. Now when we left, he did the exact same thing.”

“The owners are really nice.”

“I didn’t say they weren’t. It doesn’t change the fact this place is crap.”

“This crap is all I can afford,” I say with light sarcasm. “I know you can have better but don’t insult what makes me happy.”

He cocks his head and I expect him to argue, but he just shakes his head.

We approach my car. “Here we are.”

He stills. His jaw twitching.

I roll my lips, preventing a giggle from his reaction. Yep. He still officially hates my car.

“It looks worse than the other night,” he deadpans.

“Yeah, well, it was dark the other night. But she’s been good to me. So don’t talk bad about it; otherwise, you’ll put a curse on it.”

“That would be a bad thing?” he mutters.

“Yes. I need this car.”

“I—”

“No!” I cut him off. “You’re not buying me a car. Don’t even think about it.”

“I have money and you”re my girlfriend now.”

Wait, what?

My mind is spinning. We’re about to have that conversation.

“Am I?”

“Yes. Of course. That’s why I don’t want you driving this pile of shit.”

“I want a boyfriend not a sugar daddy. I have a job that pays well.”

He grits his teeth. He’s struggling to figure out how to win this fight. “Then why don’t you buy a new one?”

“I can’t,” I blurt.

He frowns. “Why can’t you?”

Shit. shit. shit.

How do I dig myself out of this hole?

I help my parents with their bills. I don’t have anything to spare right now. My needs have to wait. The car is fine. The mechanic last saw it over a year ago and said it’ll be fine for a while if I don”t drive long distances. Which I don’t do.

I can’t mention any of that. We’re way too early in this relationship to have that topic thrown at him.

I don’t want him to be with me because he feels sorry for me. I want him to be with me, for me.

“I need to get home. My dad needs to eat by a certain time, and he’ll be asleep early. I want to catch him.” I say urgently. I’m not lying to get out of this conversation. It’s unfortunately true.

“Can I follow behind you in my car?”

I roll my eyes and tap his chest playfully. “No. Don’t be absurd, go home. I’ll be fine.”

His eyes are still locked on my car. He won’t leave until he gets something to put him at ease…

“How about I text you when I get there?” I offer.

He stays silent for a long moment.

“Fine,” he eventually grumbles.

I grab the sides of his face and bring it close to mine. I seal my lips onto his. He kisses me back. His body softens the longer we kiss.

“I’m still not happy,” he whispers between kisses.

“I know,” I say back, my whole body sinking into his. “But you’ll get over it.”