Page 92 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I wasn’t the best husband. Some might say I’m a workaholic,” he says, keeping a straight face, but the twinkle in his eyes gives him away.

“I’m not sure how anyone could say that about you,” I tease, making him chuckle.

“Loretta and I have remained good friends. I’m happy for her. She has everything she dreamed of, things I couldn’t give her,” he says cryptically.

“How long were you married?”

“Seven years. We’ve been divorced for five. The presents you arranged were for her and Myles’s twin daughters.” He smiles. “Thank you. ‘They were the best presents ever,’ apparently.”

It’s my turn to smile. “I love present shopping. It’s one of my favourite pastimes.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” he says, finishing his wine, just as our coffees arrive.

We drink our coffee in a comfortable silence, both lost in our own thoughts.

When we’ve finished, Alex settles the bill, and we head out onto the cobbled street.

“You surprise me, Brooke, you seem older than your years,” he says as we make our way back to the hotel. “I had my doubts when Mother first introduced us and Sue said you’d be the perfect PA. But you’ve proven yourself more than capable.”

“I would never have guessed,” I say, nudging him with my shoulder, before realising that is not something one should do to their boss. He doesn’t take offence. Instead, he laughs.

“Credit where credit’s due,” he says.

“Well, thank you. Fighting against being babied by four older siblings. Seven years between me and the next youngest. Thirteen years between my older brother and me. I’ve had plenty of experience.”

“You, fighting against the establishment. Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

I stop and turn to face him, placing a hand over my heart.

“What do you mean? I’ve been the model PA. You just said so yourself,” I say, chuckling and finding myself gazing up into his eyes, surprised at how relaxed he looks.

“Ah, but I see the fire in your eyes every time you disagree with me. You just swallow it down.”

“Guilty as charged, but as you’re my boss, I guess I have to do what you say.”

He looks away sharply, and I kick myself when he falls silent.

Great job, Harper! Brooke! Shit!

CHAPTER 26

HARPER

Cobbled streets are not designed for stilettos!

I shift my weight onto my toes to keep my footing, but I still find myself teetering like Bambi on ice.

Alex grips my elbow, keeping me upright as I lurch to one side.

“Thank you,” I say in a rush, my near fall and his close proximity stealing my breath. “Who would have thought that, in the city of chic, it’s almost impossible to walk in heels? I must be doing something wrong.”

I know I’m speaking fast, trying to lighten the mood.

Our hotel is at the top of the street. There’s not much further to go. Sidestepping, I try to put some distance between us, but the movement sends me stumbling again.

I grunt.

If I continue like this, I’m going to end up twisting an ankle or worse, and where will that leave me?