Page 16 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“Mr. Morgan?” There’s worry in her voice. “I apologize if it’s too bold of me—”

“It would be my pleasure,” I interrupt, my tone confident. “Are you available tonight?”

“Yes!” Her enthusiasm is obvious, even over the phone. “Is eight o’clock okay with you? I was thinking of one of my father’s restaurants, the one at the golf club.”

“Certainly,” I confirm. “Would you like me to pick you up?”

“I would love that, thank you.” There’s excitement in her voice. “I’ll send youthe address.”

As I gather my things and prepare to leave the office for the day, my mind drifts back to Elana. I know her classes should have ended by now, and Mac would have taken her home long ago, but there’s a nagging curiosity about what she might be doing.

Thinking about you, hopefully?I wince at my thoughts as I step out of my office.

“Have a nice evening, Mr. Morgan.” Melissa stands and nods. “I made the dinner reservations for you and Ms. Larson, as you requested.”

“Thank you, Melissa. Go home. It’s late.”

“I will, sir,” Melissa replies. I glance over at Bethany, who, for the first time, isn’t looking at me. She’s glaring at something on her desk. Melissa elbows her softly, and Bethany’s eyes finally meet mine.

“Have a nice evening, Mr. Morgan.” There’s sadness in her voice. I’m guessing Melissa told her about my dinner plans. I fight the urge to remind her that my personal life is none of her concern and simply nod at them both.

I step into the elevator and take my phone out. There’s a text from Ethan thanking me again. He’d called me a bit earlier to let me know he’s all settledin his new apartment and even gave me a tour. I smile at the memory of how excited he looked. I push my phone back into my pocket and hesitate for a moment.

Should I cancel dinner with Mia? The thought flits through my mind, but I quickly dismiss it. I need to get Elana out of my head, and agreeing to go out with Mia is my attempt to do just that.

With a firm resolve, I make my way downstairs, where Mac is waiting by the car.

“Good evening, sir.” He greets me with a nod and opens the door for me.

“Evening, Mac.” I return the nod and slide inside the spacious backseat.

“Did you drop Elana off at the apartment?” I ask Mac once he joins me.

“Yes, sir,” Mac confirms with a respectful tone. “Ms. Turner asked if we could swing by a drive-through for some fast food on the way home.” He chuckles softly and shakes his head.

I suppress a scoff under my breath, a hint of displeasure tugging at the corners of my thoughts. Fast food. There’s a ton of fresh food waiting for herat home, and yet she goes for fast food instead. “We’re here, sir. I’ll be outside.” When we finally arrive at Mia’s apartment building, Mac steps out of the car with his usual efficiency and opens the door for her. Mia emerges from the building, dressed in a form-fitting black dress that accentuates her curves. Her hair cascades in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her face.

She gracefully slides into the car, and her gaze meets mine. She offers me her hand, and I bring it to my lips.

“Good evening, Mia.” I keep her hand in mine for a moment longer before gently releasing it.

“Good evening,” she greets me with a warm smile, and I detect excitement in her voice. “I’m delighted that you could join me tonight.”

“I’m delighted you called.”

Two hours later, we’re back where we started. Dinner went well, better than expected. I hadn’t had a lighthearted conversation like that in a while. Mia’s getting ready for another exhibition in Italy, but talk of work was quickly put to the side by the second glassof champagne. Mia’s tipsy laughter still echoes in my mind. I’m already out of the car, holding the door open for her with an extended hand.

“Thank you, Mr. Morgan,” Mia says as she steps out and puts her hand in mine, swaying slightly on her feet, “for a lovely evening.” She looks up at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. This is the second time someone’s eye-fucked me today, only this time, I’m not complaining.

“It’s Adrian,” I remind her as I close the car door. “Mr. Morgan is a mouthful to moan, don’t you think?” And just like that, I’m reminded of Elana moaning my name this morning.

Fucking get out of my head.

Mia’s red lips part slightly as she inhales deeply. “Well, then,” her eyes darken as she takes a step closer to me, “Adrian, would you like to come up for a nightcap?”

The invitation hangs in the air between us, thick with sweet promise.

“Would you like me to?” I cock my head to the side.