Page 26 of Glitched Play

"That's generally how billionaires operate."

I ignore that. "No."

Dara pauses.

"No?"

"I got the job because I earned it. I don't want special treatment. I can afford my own place. I just need a little more time."

"We know you can. We want to make this move as easy as possible. Mr. O’Ryan wants your input immediately.”

My brain stops functioning. Completely.

"Dara."

"Until you find housing, that’s all."

I stare at the wall while my future flashes before my eyes.

New job.

New city.

New life.

And apparently a temporary residence in a billionaire's penthouse.

When the call ends, Chase is still watching me. "You have that look."

"What look?"

"The one where your brain blue-screened."

I take a deep breath, then another.

"Apparently my temporary housing solution is the company penthouse."

Chase blinks. "That's kind of cool."

"That's your response?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"Something more dramatic,” I say, tossing my favorite mug into a box.

He considers this. “Congratulations on becoming the main character."

I laugh so hard I nearly choke and for the first time all day, the panic eases.

“Seriously Maci, stay with me at my family’s house. It’ll be a blast. We can go to the drive-in after work, or I can buy you dinner,” he says, reaching for my hand.

For a beat, I think about it. But I don’t want to make things weird between Chase and me. Living under the same roof will change the dynamics. Right now, we’re friends, but I see the way he looks at me and there’s more in his eyes.

“Thanks for the offer. If I can’t tolerate a flashy, full of gold penthouse, I’ll call you.” I lean in and kiss his cheek. “I just want to dive into work and that’ll be the best place.”

He scoffs, “So you can work all day and then go home and work all night?”

I clap my hands together. “Exactly and I can’t wait.”