Accidentally Married to the Billionaire 2(29)

Brandon glanced at the agenda on his monitor and shook his head.

“Can’t. I have too much on the docket for tonight. Maybe by eleven-thirty if traffic isn’t bad.”

“Right. So, you called to tell me how busy you are? I, on the other hand, just bought mascara because mine was all clumpy and I talked to Britt about, wait for it, bottled water versus getting one of those reusable bottles with a carbon filter. She said the water tastes like charcoal, so I decided against it. Anything else exciting you’d like to know?”

“No, I guess I just wanted to hear your voice,” he said.

His screen flashed with an incoming Skype so he had to hang up with Marj. It made him feel better, hearing her flippant take on the day, her reassuring liveliness. He went through the preliminary negotiations on a land deal out in Montana and when Holly brought him a wrap and some hummus for lunch he nodded at her in thanks and continued to talk.

Still, he had to deal with his assistant at some point. That’s why he had an assistant, to delegate tasks. So he called her into his office, steeled for a terse, professional exchange. And there she was, at his door promptly, looking utterly destroyed. She swiped her fingertips under her eyes as if she’d been crying, her brow furrowed, her lip trembling. He had to ask what was wrong.

“I just heard from HR that I’m being put through cycle training again and sent down to IT. You know, where they don’t actually have to deal with real people? What—I can’t figure out what I did that was so terrible. Was I too slow? Was it because I came in running clothes that time? Because I changed right after…” she shook her head in disbelief.

Holly looked hurt, shocked, and completely unsure of what her infraction had been. You’re too perfect, is what he should have said.

“It’s nothing you’ve done. Simple personality conflict. Happens in business from time to time. You’ve a glowing reference from me anytime you need one, but I hope you’ll stay with Power Regions in the future,” he said.

Holly nodded, lips pressed together. She stepped closer until she was standing before him, less than an arm’s length away. Leaning on the corner of his desk, she bit down on her lip, eyes bright with tears.

“I’m sorry,” she said, a tear slipping down her cheek, “I know what the problem is, and I’m truly sorry. I should have resigned as soon as I figured out it was going to be a problem. I have…feelings for you. It’s totally inappropriate, and you’ve never done anything to encourage me in that way. You didn’t harass me or anything. You didn’t even flirt with me, no matter how hard I tried. And to be honest, this is the first time I’ve ever wanted someone who didn’t just act completely grateful I was interested. I know that sounds arrogant, but it’s also the truth. I’ve never had trouble getting men to notice me before now.”

“I’m married, Holly.”

“That never stopped anyone before,” she said ruefully.

“I don’t know what to say to you except that this interdepartmental transfer is truly the best thing for everyone.”

“I know for a fact you don’t love her,” she said. “Do you?”

Brandon didn’t answer.

“So answer my question,” she said.

“It’s complicated.”

“It’s an easy question. Yes or no.”

Holly scooted up until she was sitting on the corner of his desk, her long legs crossed right up in his face.

“She’s the love of my life,” Brandon said.

“Interesting. But you can’t tell me if you truly love her.”

“Why are you trying to seduce a married man?”

“Because I can’t stop thinking about you. Marj isn’t right for you. You married her when you were drunk in Vegas. What you two have isn’t real. But me and you can have something real. Are you willing to throw away a shot at us being together over a girl you barely know and don’t love? We have so much in common, and I know you feel the chemistry between us. You just have to give us a chance.”

“Who told you I was drunk?” he asked.

Nobody knew that but me and Marj…and the people at the chapel.

Lena could’ve paid for details. She could’ve thrown thousands of dollars at those people for more information.

“Kiss me,” Holly said, her voice soft and wistful, full of longing. “If you don’t feel anything, I’ll leave and never bother you again. But don’t you think we both owe ourselves at least that?” That golden tendril fell alluringly across her cheek and she leaned in toward him.

His heart was pounding. That had to be why he didn’t hear the door. He saw her, though, from the corner of his eyes. The flare of auburn curls and a green dress filling his doorway, a hiss as she caught her breath.