Page 50 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”

I grin. “No, everything is under control, I promise.”

She sighs.

“If you’re sure, I’m going to go,” she says, rubbing a hand over her growing bump. This is the time of day when the pregnancy affects her most.

“I’m sure,” I say, tapping my notebook.

I’ve spent the afternoon answering phone calls, booking appointments, and learning to liaise with the creative team to track all the high-value samples and ensure they’re returned to the correct place.

Alongside my day job and while Callie wasn’t looking, I’ve also been following up on everything party-related. Alessandro also sent me several emails asking me to arrange meetings and travel plans for various people, which I now do almost on autopilot. At least he’s started redirecting tasks to me, allowing Callie to take a step back and simply shadow me, which has been perfect. I wonder if she’s done it to force his hand. It’s also given me a chance to work out what I can and can’t do. There appears to be more I can do than I can’t, which bodes well for next week.

“I knew I was right about you,” Callie says, sliding on her coat. “You’ve got this.”

“I sure hope so,” I say, smiling. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” Callie says as she leaves.

I glance at my phone. That was close. The delivery is due in fifteen minutes.

My phone flashes.

“A delivery just arrived for you,” Lucia at reception says.

“Hi Lucia. Shit, er-sorry. Callie is on her way down. It’s her leaving gifts.”

“I thought that’s what it was when I saw the picture of the crib… hold on, I’ve got you.” I hear some rumbling and hissing. A few grunts and an unrepeatable swear word.

Lucia comes back on the phone, panting. “That was close,” she wheezes. “We managed to get the box out of sight.”

I chuckle. “You’re a star!” I can’t believe how on board everyone has been.

“You’re welcome. Callie has now exited the building,” she says in a tone straight out of a spy thriller. “Are you happy for me to send Mr Delivery up to you?”

“Send away. Thanks again, Lucia.”

The elevator pings five minutes later, and a guy around my age steps out. His broad shoulders suggest he’s a gym bunny, while his tanned face says he spends his weekends at the coast. He shoots me a panty-melting smile.

I move to greet him.

“Hi,” I say.

“Hi, are you Brooke?”

“I am. Thanks for bringing this up.”

Alessandro’s door opens behind us.

“Brooke,” he says, stepping out. His eyes instantly lock on the guy standing next to me, his brow wrinkling.

“Callie’s baby shower presents have just been delivered. I was going to wrap them up before I leave tonight.”

He grunts and moves to my desk, placing a pile of papers on top of my keyboard.

“Can you get these copied? I need them for my meeting first thing.”

“Of course.”