Page 59 of The Billionaire Mismatch

“And that she had a motive,” he says.

“And that was unacceptable too,” I say, getting up from the chair. I can’t sit. I need to pace. My nerves are a frenzy of loose live wires, and I can’t hold still. “So I was going to take her out a couple more times and shut her plot to fuck me over down. But it hasn’t really played out that way.”

“Because you like her,” he says, and I jerk my attention over to him.

“What? No! Are you listening to literally anything I am saying?” I snap.

“Oh, I’m listening to all of it. The words you’re saying. The words you aren’t saying. The fact that you’re sweating in your suit right now. I think this is more complicated than you expected because it’s not just a game anymore.”

“What are you suggesting?” I ask with a warning in my voice. But Matt has never been good at reading my warning signs. That, or he doesn’t give a shit. Probably the latter.

“You haven’t been sleeping with her,” he says.

“Because that would prove her point,” I say.

“Only if you slept with her and didn’t ask her out again. But you keep asking her out,” he notes.

“To string her along,” I say. “And prove that I’m not who she thinks I am.”

“Who are you trying to prove it to?” he asks.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I shout, then realize I need to pull it together here. The last thing I need is for the leeches out there to have more to whisper about.

“Are you trying to prove to her that you’re not a heartless player? Or are you trying to prove to yourself that you don’t have feelings for a girl who might not be out to get you after all?”

“You’re out of line,” I snap.

“And you’re in over your head,” he smirks.

After that, I have nothing more to say. And I definitely don’t feel like listening to any more of Matt’s thoughts.

“I need to get to work,” I say, walking out. Within seconds I can hear the whispers again, and I grit my teeth. I need to get out of here period.

I march out of the office, making a point of ignoring everyone I pass. I know they’re watching. And once I leave the building, I know they’ll be talking. But I don’t care right now. I need air.

I step outside and breathe in the city. Despite the traffic and the sun and the chaos that is inner-city Boston, it’s still better than being in the office right now.

I wipe my hand down my face and decide to hit up a coffee shop down the street. Maybe caffeine will help. I doubt it, but maybe.

Luckily JackAss Coffee is past its initial morning rush, and I don’t have to wait in line or worry about a crowd. This place gets jam-packed in the early morning, and I usually opt for a mobile order to make the secretary grab it for me.

As soon as my Americano is ready, I grab it and walk over to the sidebar to doctor it up with a little cream. I even add one packet of raw sugar. I’m not a big sweets guy, but I feel like I need it today. I feel off, and that’s not normal for me.

After using a stirring stick to mix it up, I replace the lid. But before I can take my first therapeutic sip, I hear my name from behind me.

“Luca?”

It’s a female voice, soft and quiet. And while it is faintly familiar, I can’t quite put a face with it. Until I turn around.

“Luca, hi. I thought that was you,” she says, and I just blink. So much for not running into anyone. “Sadie,” she says, reminding me of her name.

“I know,” I say.

“How are you?” she asks.

“Busy,” I tell her, looking at my watch to press the point.

“Right. I’m sure. Running the world’s most successful dating app and all. How is that going by the way?” she asks.