I felt tears in the corner of my eye. I didn’t realize I wanted to cry. I didn’t realize I could cry right now. I didn’t feel anything.
I turned my attention to my purse, zipped it up and slung it over my shoulder. “Alright.”
“I’m sorry. I wish it could be any other way.” He’d said that already. I was glad I couldn’t feel anything. If I had been able to feel things right now, I’d be on the floor crying. Begging him not to leave me. “When all of this is over, we can talk. I’m going to hire someone. A professional to figure out what is going on but ... until then ...” He swallowed. “When it’s all cleared up, I’ll take you out to dinner. I’ll take you away. I’ll make up for it.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“What else am I supposed to say?” I raised an eyebrow as I turned on my heel and headed for the elevator. Was I supposed to beg him to stay with me? What good would that do me?
He’d made up his mind.
When I stop feeling this numbness, I’m so screwed.
The Billionaire’s Mystery
Book Three: Taking a Risk
A Billionaire Romance Suspense Series
Sarah J. Brooks
Copyright © 2016 by Sarah J. Brooks
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Facebook: Sarah J. Brooks
Chapter Eleven
“Hi Ally, how are you doing?”
I looked up from my computer. “Officer. I’m alright … is … is there anything I can do for you?”
“Actually, I had a quick question I was hoping you could help me with.” She held out a cup to me. “Ice frap, right?”
“Yes.” I took it from her. “Thank you,” I said getting to my feet. “Let’s speak somewhere alone.” I looked around to find the girls were staring at me. Taking a deep breath, I led the way to the elevator. If Garth hadn’t been in his office, I probably would have used that—hell, if Garth hadn’t just broken up with me, I might have still considered it. My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach as I thought about it.
I tried to shake it off. It was life, things went wrong. Boys broke up with you. It’s not a big deal. I tried to tell myself as I ran my fingers through my hair. Hair that Garth had just paid for me to have done.
“I just realized,” she said as we stepped into the elevator. You don’t even know my name.” She gave a nervous laugh and held her hand out to me. “Rebecca.” Her green eyes sparkled.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, shaking her hand with my free one.
The elevator door closed and I waited, trying to figure out what she could want to ask me.
“Look, I’m going to jump right to it and not bother beating around the bush.” She took a deep breath, and my heart skipped a beat. What could be this bad? “I’ve been removed from your boss’s case … actually, I’ve been asked to be removed from it.”
“What?”
She turned to face me, her cheeks red. “I was wondering, would you like to grab lunch with me?”
I sat there staring at her, unable to believe what I’d just heard. I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out.
Did I just get asked out?
“I …”
“I understand if … you’re not interested … I mean …”
Okay, I was pretty sure I’d just been asked out.
“Lunch wouldn’t hurt.” I meant to think it but heard myself say it out loud. “But I think dinner would work better.”
“Really? How about tomorrow?”
“Sounds perfect.” I smiled as the elevator door opened.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” She beamed as she stepped off the elevator.
“See you tomorrow.” I gave her a smile, waving as she headed towards the office door. The elevator closed, and I hit the button. Oh, my God. I closed my eyes unable to believe it. I was going on a date. With a girl.
It was never something I’d considered, but why not? I mean, Garth obviously wasn’t interested. And maybe it’s fate or something. I’d never been the type to believe in it, but Garth did. Would be kind of ironic, really.
“Mr. Adams wanted us to tell you he wants to see you as soon as you get back.” I wasn’t sure who said it and hadn’t even stepped out of the elevator before they did.
“Alright, thank you.”
I padded for his office, my heart racing, and opened Garth’s door without knocking. Despite the fact it was unprofessional, I didn’t care.
We hadn’t spoken since he broke up with me. I did everything via email, and he didn’t seem to mind. Alyssa will be back soon anyways, it won’t matter then. I was just a temp after all. Once Alyssa came back, she could have him. I didn’t even get joy knowing that he had no interest in her right now. My heart skipped a beat as I closed the door behind me.
“You wanted to see me?”
“What did the police officer want?” His brow furrowed.
“Nothing important.”
Garth raised an eyebrow. His grey-green eyes locked on mine.
A couple days ago, I would have loved having his eyes on me and would have also told him anything he wanted to know. That was different, I thought.
“A police officer came to ask you questions and it’s none of my business? Is that what you’re saying?”
“It’s not your business if it’s personal.” My lips formed a thin line.
I hated being here. I hated having to talk to him. It was less than professional and very far from a friendly feeling.
“Personal? What, are you making friends with the cop?” He didn’t sound pleased. I remembered his reaction to her when I went to her for help. He’d said he didn’t trust her.
“Rebecca is very nice.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize you two were friends. Are you going to get your nails done on the weekend?” I knew he wasn’t actually asking.
“Actually, dinner tomorrow,” I said. He stared at me with wide eyes. “And not as friends.” I knew the last part was harsh and there was no reason for me to add it. I knew I was just being hurtful.
Garth’s jaw dropped, and he stared at me. I saw the hurt in his eyes. “I see.” He nodded. “Well, I hope you and Rebecca have a wonderful time.”
I felt bad for saying it and swallowed dryly, looking down, unable to bring myself to meet his eyes. “So … is that all?”
“Yes. Of course. You …” He trailed off. I risked glancing up. He stared down at the desk, but that didn’t hide the tear I saw fall from his cheek.
My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach, and I took a deep breath. I didn’t mean to hurt him. I mean, I guess I kind of did.
“You’re the one who ended things, remember that.” I swallowed as I turned. “I’ll get back to work now. Please, let me know if there is anything you need.”
You’re the one who ended things. Her voice played over and over inside my head. Oh, trust me, I knew it. I regretted it.
A date. She had a date already. With the cop. I knew there was something off about her. I hadn’t been able to place it at the time, maybe it was just that she wanted Ally away from me. She didn’t even know Ally and I were together. Did she? I didn’t know what Ally had told her before. I took a deep breath. You’re the one who ended things ...
I couldn’t get that out of my mind. If I hadn’t ended things, she would have been a target. I didn’t want to. I wanted her—I still did.
But I couldn't bring myself to put her in danger. I wouldn’t. And she’ll be safe if she dates a cop. That was what mattered here. She needed to be safe. I sighed, wiping away the tear that rolled down my cheek and shaking my head.
“Get your shit together,” I muttered to myself. I was in the process of finding someone to take care of this situation for me.
I s
at down at my desk; it took everything I had not to cry. Not because I was sad—which I was—not because I was so mad at him. I took a shaky breath and closed my eyes. Trying to calm myself down took longer than I liked to admit. My computer beeped, letting me know I had a new email. From Garth.
My heart skipped a beat as I opened it.
I am hiring a private investigator. He may have questions for you; I have given him your email.
Garth.
100% business. So that’s how we were going to do it? Alright. I breathed deeply. I didn’t bother replying to it. I didn’t care. At least, that’s what I told myself.
The day was bad. Like most of the days since Garth had broken up with me, I hadn’t actually had a good day. It was awkward being around him. I couldn't bring myself to look at him and it didn’t seem like he wanted anything to do with me either.
I went through the motions just like I was supposed to but wasn’t really paying attention to any of it. Just like most days since Garth broke things off. Maybe it was because I’d seen another dead body that day or perhaps it was because he broke things off—I wasn’t sure which one it was but didn’t care anymore. I just kept doing what I was supposed to do. Work. Home. Sleep. Wake up. Work. Home.
The next day when I got home, there was something different. I had to get ready for a date. Am I moving too fast? I wondered as I headed for the bedroom and pulled my closet open. I stared at the contents, looking for something to wear—not just something. The right thing. I pulled out a black dress from the back of my closet. It was small, but it still covered everything. It was something I could wear to see my mom—maybe not my grandma, though.
I slipped into it and headed for the bathroom. I didn’t do much makeup wise—going for an attempt at a natural look, and then curled my hair. I took a deep breath. She’d stopped by today to make sure we were still on, and to give me her phone number. We agreed on six, and we were getting closer and closer to six. My stomach twisted, and I thought I might be sick. I breathed deeply, trying not to worry about it too much. It will be fine, I told myself. It’s hardly even a date. Just two people going out for dinner to see where things go from there. That wasn’t too bad, right? It would be fine. Just fine. Whatever happened, it wasn’t a big deal. It was going to work out.
The doorbell rang.
My heart skipped a beat. I grabbed a pair of nice heels and headed for the door as fast as I could.
When I got to the front room, I stopped running; after all, there was a window, and I didn’t want her to see that I’d been running to get the door.
My fingers curled around the handle and I pulled it open.
Her blonde hair was much longer than when I had last seen her and shockingly straight. She must have extensions in, I thought.
Her green eyes sparkled. “Hi.” Her eyes roamed over my body and as she looked me over. I took a quick second to give her a once over.
She wore a green dress that fell to just above her knees, with kimono style sleeves and a high neckline. There was a sash at the smallest part of her waist and she wore a pair of black flats.
“You look great,” we both said in unison.
My cheeks flushed. “Thanks.” I slipped on my shoes, grabbed my purse and stepped out onto the front steps. I glanced at my mailbox, my eyes narrowing. I picked up the mail today, I thought. I reached for it, my heart skipping a beat as I saw my name. I’d know his handwriting anywhere.
Goddamnit. I tucked the envelope into my purse and forced a smile over my face. I wasn’t going to let him get in the way.
“So, how was your day?”
“Not too bad, how about you? How are you holding up?” she asked as we headed down the front steps and towards a black car.
“I’m alright,” I admitted. “I mean … I haven’t seen any more body parts, that’s gotta count for something. Right?” It was meant to be a joke, but neither of us laughed.
“You said you gave up the case involving Garth, why?” I asked as we stepped in front of the car. Rebecca circled around and slid into the driver's seat as I slipped into the passenger’s side.
“It … I just thought it would be for the best.” She shrugged, gunning the engine. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have a place picked out already.”
“I don’t mind at all.” I grinned as we headed off.
“Anyways, there are a couple other officers who will handle your boss’s case better than my partner and I will. Don’t get me wrong, John and I are good cops, but … your boss is a powerful man, and sometimes we step on the wrong feet.” She gave a soft laugh.
I like that, I thought as I glanced over at her. I liked someone who wasn’t afraid of stepping on the wrong toes or pissing the wrong people off. Maybe I’d grow to like Rebecca—as a friend or as more.
“He seems to like you quite a bit, though.”
My jaw fell open. “We were friends for a while.” More than that, but I wasn’t willing to admit it.
“It must be hard on him to be going through all this.”
“It is.” My heart sank. I felt bad for mentioning my date yesterday. He’d been hostile and rude, but I hadn’t meant to hurt him. I kind of wish I could take it back, I thought. Only kind of, though. He’d still been rude to me, and I wasn’t impressed with that. “But, I’m sure it will all be over soon. I mean, between the police and the private detective he’s hiring.”
“He’s hiring a private detective?”
“Yes.” Should I have kept that a secret? I bit my lip. “At least,” I added quickly, trying to get him out of any trouble he was in. “I think he was debating it. I mean, I’m sure the cops are doing everything they can, but an extra set of hands …”
“No, it makes sense. I mean if you can afford to, why not, right?”
Of course, it wasn’t that easy for everyone. Most of us couldn’t afford to. “I would, but I can hardly afford to keep myself going some weeks.” I laughed dryly.
Rebecca grinned. “Yea, you’d think being a cop pays well, but I still have years of debt to pay off from school, not to mention the actual cost of living.”
We turned the corner, and there it was. I grinned, watching her park.
“This place?” I stared at the walkway.
“You know it?”
“It has the best burgers in town.”
The last time I’d been here had been with Garth. I bit my lip, trying not to let it bring me down. I was on a date and wasn’t supposed to be thinking about Garth. Garth was my boss—and now my ex. Then what is in the envelope? What did he send me that he wasn’t willing to just say to me? At least via email. I took a deep breath and mentally shook myself. It didn’t matter what he wanted. I was on a date and was going to have a nice time. He could move on if he wanted to, but I was going to.
Rebecca and I stepped out of the car and headed for the small burger joint, walking closely to each other.
“So, I guess I really don’t know that much about you,” I said as we stepped into the restaurant.
I froze.
Those grey-green eyes locked on mine, and his cheeks turned a bright shade of red. I forced myself to look away and make my way towards the counter to place my order.
“There isn’t much to know, honestly,” Rebecca said as she looked at the menu. I risked a glanced towards Garth. He sat with someone else. Brent. My heart skipped a beat. Garth stared down at his burger, and I forced myself to look away. “I work mostly, I mean don’t we all? But I normally get weekends off. I have a cabin that I like to go up to on the weekends, just to get away from everything for a little while. It was my grandma's when she was younger …” She trailed off. “Anyways, I’m boring.” She gave a soft laugh as we stepped up to the counter.
A girl showed up.
“Hi!” I’d never seen her before. “What can I get you?”
“The fries burger please.” Fries on the burger, who could ask for more?
“Make that two.” It was always telling to see what kind of burger someone
would get. Rebecca shot me a grin as she stepped towards the counter, pulling out her wallet.
I opened my mouth to offer to pay. She caught my eye. I closed my mouth, stepping back and letting her pay. “Fine, but I’ll pay for the next meal.”
Rebecca laughed softly. “Does that mean you’re already agreeing to a second date?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Let's see how this one goes first, but I think the potential is there.”
I liked her, she was nice. She was kind and beautiful, and it seemed like we might have a lot in common.
Chapter Twelve
If Rebecca ever noticed Garth and Brent, she didn’t say anything. Actually, she seemed happy to listen to me talk. I don’t think I’d told someone that much about myself in a long time. She wanted to know everything. My favorite food, my favorite music, my favorite flowers. It felt nice to have someone want to know so much about me.
When she pulled up to my house, I was kind of disappointed the night was over already. I bit my lip. Do I invite her in for coffee? I honestly had no clue.
“Look, I got the vibe that maybe … this was your first time.” I felt my cheeks flush.
“Was it that obvious?”
Rebecca laughed softly. “Yes. But, I just wanted to thank you for giving me a chance, and I understand if you want to get together again—as friends. If you’d like to get together as more, that would be great too, but I just … don’t want you to worry.”
“Actually …” I took a deep breath, “I had a really great time …”
“I feel a but coming.” I could hear the hurt in her voice.
“I just got out of a relationship. It was … complicated. I had a really great time with you, but I don’t want to lead you on. I honestly need some time to think about everything. I don’t want you to feel used, that’s why I’m being honest with you right now.”
“Take as long as you need.”
“Really?”
The Billionaire's Fake Marriage: A Single Dad Next Door Romance Page 57