Page 157 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I don’t have any wine.”

“Not a problem, I’m good with water.”

I pour us both a glass, adding some leftover lemon and ice from the freezer.

He retrieves the plates and dishes up.

“This looks amazing,” I say, keeping my voice light and chipper.

“Tuck in,” he says, picking up his knife and fork.

We eat in silence.

When we’ve finished, I sit back, resting a hand on my full stomach.

“Thank you. You really didn’t need to do all this,” I say, before adding quickly, “not that I don’t appreciate it.”

He leans back in his chair.

“When you wouldn’t let me call Mother, I was worried you might not have anyone…” He trails off. “Is there someone else I could call? A friend, boyfriend?”

I shake my head. He must think I’m such a sad case.

“You’re right, I don’t,” I admit. “Not outside the office anyway, and I’m not great at sharing my…”

He holds up a hand. “You don’t need to explain. The guy opposite, the one who popped his head out when I arrived?”

Dan won’t be happy he was spotted.

“He’s one of my neighbours. He and his friend live together. They look out for me. They know I’m a woman on my own, and they both have daughters my age,” I add quickly, not wanting Dan and Mitch to sound like creeps.

“I’m glad. This isn’t a bad neighbourhood, but having someone to watch out for you in a big city is good.”

The conversation falls quiet.

I bite my lip, my vision blurring.

Shit. The loneliness I’ve tried to ignore for the past few months presses in on me. I’ve never been away from my family for this long. I miss them and all their quirks.

“Hey,” he says, resting a hand over mine and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I never realised how hard it would be leaving everyone behind.”

“Brooke, I know it’s a crazy time, but honestly, if you need to go home to your family you just need to say. I’m flying out to London Fashion Week with Enzo and Mother. We can get you on the flight.”

My heart skips a beat.

If only.

I turn my hand over under his and squeeze back.

This should be awkward. My boss is holding my hand, stirring memories of being held against him earlier and the way he comforted me.

“I know I keep saying it but thank you. You don’t know what it means to have you say that, but Mum says Kat will be fine. I’ll arrange a trip back in a couple of weeks when things have calmed down,” I lie.

He nods, withdrawing his hand.

“That was your mum on the phone?”