Home > Going Down Hard (Billionaire Bad Boys #3)(14)

Going Down Hard (Billionaire Bad Boys #3)(14)
Author: Carly Phillips

She stood in the recently remodeled kitchen. “I have to say this one’s my favorite.”

“Because of the kitchen? Do you like to cook?” he asked.

“I enjoy it when I have time. I’m sure I’ll have more of it once I live in Manhattan and my commute is cut down,” she said, thinking about the positives of this upcoming change.

Because one thing was for certain, she’d have a lot less space. She’d have to store much of her furniture and things, and the thought made her sad. She hadn’t realized how lucky she was living in the guesthouse as opposed to a small New York City apartment. She could, if she wanted, buy a house, but she wasn’t ready to make that kind of leap.

She turned to Brad. “I need some time to think about which one I want though.” Because one on the East Side had more space.

“I totally understand. Nobody expects you to make a decision right away. He gestured toward the door, and she walked to the exit, with him close behind.

He turned to face her. “I realize you need to get home now,” he said, pushing open the door. “But would you like to go out some time?” he asked, taking her by surprise.

“Oh. I—”

“Ms. Storms isn’t available for the foreseeable future,” Derek said from outside the door.

She glanced over to see him standing there, ready to enter as they were walking out. Snow dusted his dark hair and jacket, and he had a scowl on his handsome face.

“Derek!” At this point, she hadn’t expected him to show.

“Hansen, I’ll take it from here,” he said, dismissing the other man.

His cheeks flushed a ruddy color. “Sorry, boss. Didn’t realize it was like that.” He glanced from Derek to Cassie and back again.

She hadn’t realized it either. Nor was she sure how she felt about him staking a claim she hadn’t known he’d made. She hadn’t planned on saying yes to a date with Brad, but that was something she should be able to decide for herself.

“Brad, thank you for showing me around today. I appreciate it,” she said. She’d deal with Derek when they were alone.

“You’re welcome. When you make a decision—”

“She’ll call me,” Derek said.

Cassie blinked in surprise. This possessiveness was a new side to Derek, one she hadn’t seen before, and it annoyed her as much as it—surprisingly—turned her on.

She waited until Brad had left and headed for the elevator before turning his way. “You didn’t need to be rude to him! Besides, I think I can decide for myself whether or not to accept a date.”

He raised an eyebrow, looking aggravated and tension-filled, a muscle pulsing in his jaw. “Some things need to be clarified … man to man.”

“What are you, a Neanderthal? The man works for you and deserves some respect.”

“And now he’ll continue to work for me because he knows not to hit on you.”

She didn’t know whether to be flattered or angry. She settled for annoyed. And a whole lot pleased that he was interested in her enough to stake a claim.

Not that she could let him know that, so she rolled her eyes at his comment. “You didn’t have to rush over here. I’ve seen all the apartments, and Brad was very thorough,” she said, complimenting the building manager just to get under Derek’s skin.

“Bravo for him. I’ll give him a raise,” he muttered.

She shook her head. “Okay, caveman,” she said, unable to hold back a laugh that broke the tension.

He shoved his hands into his jacket pocket and grinned. “Guess I got a little carried away.”

“I’d say so.” She met his gaze and turned to a more serious subject. “I hope your family emergency turned out okay?”

His gaze shuttered as he replied, “Fine.”

Clearly he had no intention of elaborating, and she wouldn’t push him. “I should get going. With the snow, it’s going to take me awhile to get back to the train station.”

“It’s actually pretty bad out. I took my SUV so I can drive you there. Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“You’d like to forgive my asshole tendencies and have dinner with me.”

He treated her to a smile she found incredibly appealing. And sexy. She exhaled a slow puff of air. “I’d like to. Really. But with the weather the way it is, by the time I get back, it’ll be hard enough to drive home.”

He leaned against the doorframe. “Actually by the time the train gets you back, it’ll be dangerous for you to drive on the roads. The weather on Long Island is blizzard conditions.”

“Oh, no.” She ran a hand through her ponytail and groaned. “I should have paid more attention.”

“The storm shifted during the day. I’m not sure you could have planned for this.”

“So what are my choices? Have dinner with you and stay over in a hotel?” She bit down on her lower lip, knowing she hadn’t planned for the possibility. No change of clothes, no toiletries.

“That’s one possibility. Or I have a guest room. You’re more than welcome to stay over. My sister leaves things for when she sleeps in the city, so I’m sure you’ll be comfortable. I’ll even be on my best behavior.” His light blue eyes gleamed with a promise she didn’t want him to keep.

“Hmm.” She obviously needed to remain in town, so the only question was where. “Decisions, decisions. A hotel room all to myself for the night with room service and movies. Or hang out with you.”

   
Most Popular
» Nothing But Trouble (Malibu University #1)
» Kill Switch (Devil's Night #3)
» Hold Me Today (Put A Ring On It #1)
» Spinning Silver
» Birthday Girl
» A Nordic King (Royal Romance #3)
» The Wild Heir (Royal Romance #2)
» The Swedish Prince (Royal Romance #1)
» Nothing Personal (Karina Halle)
» My Life in Shambles
» The Warrior Queen (The Hundredth Queen #4)
» The Rogue Queen (The Hundredth Queen #3)
billionaire.readsbookonline.com Copyright 2016 - 2024