Page 199 of The Rebel Billionaire

I lean over and squeeze his arm. “I believe you.”

He smiles as we pull up outside the apartment block where we live. “Back to tonight. Do you think Elise will say anything?”

I groan. “More than likely.” I just hope she speaks to me before going to Alex.

“If you want my advice, be honest about why you haven’t said anything.”

I quirk an eyebrow as we make our way inside.

“You know what I mean, as honest as you can be.”

“You’re right,” I say. “How did you get so knowledgeable?” I ask, nudging his shoulder.

Mitch grins as we reach our respective doors. “Years of practice, and two daughters who are both older than you and work hard to keep me on my toes.”

“Good to know. Have a great rest of the week, Mitch. See you at work.”

“You too.”

I let myself into the apartment and drop my bag onto the sofa.

Elise is going to want to speak to me.

What do I say? Our trip to Italy inspired me? Do I admit I started studying design in England? If I do that, she might ask where, and that will open a can of worms.

* * *

“Hey, Alex, Brooke,” Elise says as she approaches my desk, where Alex is standing.

He turns. “Hi, is everything okay?”

“All good,” she says with a smile. “I was wondering if I could borrow Brooke for half an hour?”

“Of course. Is everything okay?”

“Giovanni has sent over some new fabric samples.”

Alex’s brows draw together, and I can hear the unasked question.

Why would Brooke want to see fabric samples?

Elise must also sense the question because she smiles at him.

“I’d really appreciate her opinion. She had a good eye when we were in Italy, and we’re having a debate downstairs.”

My eyes drift between the two of them.

Oh, hell, now Elise is lying for me.

“Brooke?” He turns to me.

“Er, yes. Umm, that would be great,” I say, turning to Elise and smiling.

Which isn’t a lie.

“You don’t have to, if you don’t want to,” he says.

“No, I’d love to. It’s just these reports,” I say, motioning to the paperwork piled next to me, most of which is already done.