Page 73 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I’ll call her when I’m finished with Dante,” I snap. “Order our lunch and try not to get distracted any further.”

I turn away, only to find my friend scowling at me from my office. I walk towards him, without a backward glance. I close the door with a loud click.

“That was a bit harsh,” he says, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not sure she deserved that.”

“You know nothing,” I snap.

“Ouch, someone clearly got out of bed on the wrong side this morning,” he says, not letting my sour mood tarnish his own. “Want to talk about it?”

I drop into my chair, the backrest springing me forward. I run a hand through my hair, watching a smirk form on my friend’s face.

“She’s getting to you?”

I scowl at him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Brooke. That incredibly beautiful young woman who is sitting outside your office. The one who’s taken over from Callie. Who is lovely by the way and has a very professional manner.”

“I know who Brooke is,” I snap.

I ignore the fact that he called her beautiful. It’s not like I can deny it. I have eyes in my head. But she’s more than that, she’s also highly intelligent and super-efficient.

I close my eyes, inhaling deeply, knowing the more I deny it, the worse he’ll get. He’s been my friend for over twenty years. I met him at university in London, and we have been friends ever since. He was my best man at my wedding to Loretta and supported me in the aftermath of my divorce.

When I look up, Dante is sitting back in the chair opposite, relaxed and watching me.

“What?” I say.

He chuckles. “Oh, man. How long has this been going on?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You’re attracted to her.”

“Keep your voice down for Christ’s sake,” I hiss.

“Are you going to deny it?” he asks with a shrug.

“She’s closer in age to my niece,” I say.

Dante shakes his head. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

“That’s all the answer you’re going to get. I’m not playing this game with you.”

“Okay, how’s Aubrey? When are you going to finally introduce us? How long’s it been now? A year?”

I quirk an eyebrow as a knock sounds at the door.

“Come in,” I say.

I’m surprised when Molly, one of the kitchen staff, enters. I’ve only learned her name recently after hearing Brooke talk to her. I stifle my groan.

Bloody Brooke.

“Come in, Molly,” I say to the young woman hovering in the doorway.

“Er, I have your lunch, sir. Where would you like me to put it?”

Her eyes shift nervously between Dante and me.