Who could make such a declaration and leave it at that?
Obviously Max could, for he sat down behind his desk again and
told her to pick up her note pad as if he said nothing so personal
to her. Yet, he said it like he admitted things like that often,
making it seem less personal. She rubbed her forehead. Her
head hurt trying to figure him out. She should just give up.
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The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire
Slowly she bent down to retrieve it where she tossed it on
the floor still reeling from his confession despite the way he
made it sound. ―Isn‘t this Nancy‘s job?‖ Her voice sounded
surprisingly
vulnerable.
―Yes, but she doesn‘t pay attention to me when I yell at
her. I‘d much rather get in a row with you, it makes me feel
better, now write!‖
Well, he was full of confessions wasn‘t he? She silently
churned and began to scribble, trying to keep up with him. It
was no wonder Nancy had not even paid attention to her little
tantrum, she probably expected it sooner or later remembering
how many PAs he‘d gone through this year.
The rest of the week seemed to rush by. Lily found a
routine with Max and began to anticipate his moods and his
schedule. At least the long hours of companionship were having
an advantage. Not only that, she got to spend a lot of time with
him. It was a dream come true for her and she never complained
except that time he told her to stay away from Nikos. She also
kept to herself around the rest of his staff because of Brittney‘s
accusations the week before. Yet Max‘s mood had improved
during the week and had even taken her to lunch a few times to a
fancy restaurant. It must have something to do with the fact that
Nikos stopped sending her flowers by mid week although she did
wonder if Max or Luke had mentioned something to him.
On Friday something unexpected happened. She walked
into his office while her brother and Max were in the middle of
what seemed like an argument and hadn‘t noticed she was
present.
―I told you this has to be done on her time, her choice
Max.‖ Luke said.
―I know. It has been, but this has moved things up a bit.‖
Max countered.
―You promised me that you would take this slow. Taking
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Lietha Wards
Lily to Athens is not slow.‖ Luke tapped the top of Max‘s desk
hard with his fingers in time with the last three words.
―Athens?‖
Both men abruptly stopped talking and turned to her. If
she didn‘t know better, both of them looked embarrassed, like
being caught with their hands simultaneously in the cookie jar.
Luke cast a quick speaking glance at Max before centering
his attention on his sister, ―I was just telling Max that you have
been working too much.‖
―I‘m fine Luke. If this is what it‘s like in the real world, I
need to become accustomed to it. Besides, I seem to have found a
routine.‖ She smiled at Max who‘s expression remained
unreadable. It made her think there was something else going on
here. However, it was between them, and none of her business,
even if they were discussing her work schedule. Besides it just
looked like Luke was being her overprotective brother. She‘d
never gone out of the country before and quite frankly, it thrilled
her to death that Max was thinking of taking her. Her brother‘s
next words confirmed it.
―Max wants to take you to Athens next week. It seems
Nikos and his father quite big on family and trusting
relationships in their business dealings. They have assured us
that the contract is in the bag, but they would like to extend their
hospitality to us.‖
Lily pulled out her PDA, automatically checking Max‘s
schedule for next week. ―I don‘t know if you can do this Max, you
have…‖
―Lily,‖ Max‘s voice interrupted her, ―That can be cleared
just as easily as it was filled. We need you to listen for a
moment.‖
She glanced up at the two men whose expressions
remained serious, ―What is really going on?‖
―It wasn‘t Max‘s idea that you go. Nikos has specifically
50
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire
asked for you to accompany Max.‖ Luke said. ―It seems you really
impressed him.‖
―So? I‘m his PA.‖
―It‘s more than that. He has plans for a party, boat tours
around the island his brother in law owns.‖
―…It seems, ― Max added sparing a wary look at Luke,
―That he has his sights set on you. The man won‘t take no for an
answer.‖
―Max wants to cancel the contract…‖ Luke added.
She was appalled, ―What? No you can‘t…you said
yourself that this took almost a year and a half to set up. Big
deal, I‘ll go to Athens with you.‖