Page 131 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I broke up with Aubrey in front of her.”

They remain quiet.

“For fuck’s sake, say something. Even if it’s telling me I’m a disgusting old man and should be⁠—”

“For goodness’ sake, chill. It was a kiss,” Dante says.

“Did she kiss you back? Slap your face? Knee you in the balls?” Leo chimes in.

“No, of course not… slap my face or knee me, that is.”

“So, she kissed you back?” Orlando asks.

I drag my hand down my face, stopping at my mouth.

“Yes, but then she freaked out and ran inside.”

We all sit back as our food and drinks are delivered.

“Thanks, Trina,” I say.

“My pleasure,” she says before making herself scarce again.

“You are big and scary,” Dante says with a grin. “Plus, you’ve spent a lot of time growling at her.”

“That was ages ago,” I say defensively.

“Maybe she didn’t like the way you kiss?” Leo adds, earning himself a slap from Orlando. “Hey, just pointing it out. It’s possible.”

I think back to the way she moaned in my arms, her fingers flexing against my shoulders.

“No, I can truthfully say she was completely on board.”

“Then maybe she’s had time to think and decided it’s a bad idea to get involved with her boss,” Dante reasons. “Especially if you broke up with Aubrey in front of her. Think about it.”

He’s not wrong.

“You’re right,” I say.

“You like her?” he asks. “I mean really like her? I haven’t seen you this tied up in knots since Loretta.”

“Great, thanks.” I huff.

“All I’m saying is, you have three options. You can tell her how you feel and see what she says, you can stay quiet and see if she comes around, or you can ignore it ever happened and get on with your life and date someone else.”

“Personally, I’d go with option three. Options one and two could be an HR nightmare,” Leo says.

When the others turn and glare at him, he holds up his hands in surrender. “Just stating the facts.”

“Romantic as always,” Orlando says.

“Come on, we’re all nearly forty and single. We’re clearly doing something wrong here. I wouldn’t take relationship advice from any of us,” Leo says.

He’s not wrong.

“I appreciate your input,” I say, picking up my knife and fork.

I cut into my steak.