Page 9 of When He Was Mine

“Possessive asshole,” I murmured under my breath.

“You seriously did not just call me that,” he said with a smirk, eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Maybe I did,” I said, challenging him with a grin of my own.

Oliver chuckled and put me back on the couch next to him.

We spent the next few days bouncing between meetings and lunches, never quite making it to the pool. By the time we returned to New York, I was relieved to be back home. We had one more day of work before we could finally rest for the weekend.

Oliver decided to work with both developers we had met, each for different projects. It was a smart move, diversifying our efforts and resources.

I was especially glad we never saw the younger Ryder men again. Their presence had made me uneasy, and I was worried they might do something in front of Oliver that would create a problem. Their behavior had been borderline inappropriate, and I knew I would need to develop a tougher skin and become more assertive if I wanted to succeed in a business dominated by men.

As I reflected on the past week, I realized how important it was for me to assert myself and stand my ground. The world of business was challenging, and I couldn't afford to be seen as weak or easily intimidated. I would have to learn to navigate these situations with confidence and poise if I wanted to make my mark.

Chapter 2

“I have to leave early today,” I said to Oliver as we went over a spreadsheet in his office.

“Why?” His voice was laced with concern, his brow furrowing.

“Doctor’s appointment.” I tried to sound nonchalant.

He put the spreadsheet we were looking at on the table so he could focus his attention fully on me. “Are you sick?”

“No. This is for my yearly check-up.”

“What kind of check-up? I could come with you.” He leaned back in his chair, eyes searching mine.

“To the gynecologist?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile.

“Oh.” He looked momentarily flustered. “You can join me if you like.”

“No, thank you. I’ll save those visits for when you’re pregnant.”

“That could be a while away.” I told myself to shut up because I really didn’t have a doctor’s appointment.

What I needed time to do was prepare for Oliver’s birthday the next day. He had kept me so occupied and busy since we got back from Los Angeles that I hadn’t had time to purchase a gift or plan anything. I wanted to make his first birthday with me special.

“I think I’ll pass. I have a conference call at four. What time is your appointment?”

“1:30,” I said, glancing at the clock.

Oliver looked at his watch and saw it was noon. “You could’ve told me this sooner.”

“I’m sorry. I forgot about it and just got an alert.”

“Don’t they usually call the day before?” he asked.

“They did, and I didn’t listen to my voicemail. Does it matter?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but I could see the skepticism in his eyes.

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you have an appointment?”

I fidgeted in my seat and laced my fingers in my lap.

“What are you implying?” I asked, feigning offense.

“That you’re up to something since tomorrow is my birthday.”

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