Page 5 of The Billionaire's Secret
“I’ll give you a ride when you’re ready,” Lear says with a grin.“It’s the least I can do for my wife’s first day on the job.”
I laugh as I head to the bedroom.“I’ll be right out.”
“Wear my black suit if you want,” Jacklyn says.“I cut off the frayed edge and sewed the buttons back on the jacket.”
“I’m already pulling it from the wardrobe.”
“That’s fair since I borrowed your heels this morning,” she calls back.
We’ve shared clothes, secrets and crushes for years.I don’t know how I would have held myself together if not for her.“For the breakfast date?How was it?”
“Horrible.He saidif my mother approves of you, we can have a second date and be married by the end of the month.Then he proceeded to name our supposed children.”
“Oh no.”I shimmy into Jacklyn’s black skirt and zip it.“How’d you get out of there?”
“I faked the shits.Oops.I mean tummy upset,” she corrects.
We’ve been trying to watch our language ever since Princeton saidfuck yeahwhen asked if he wanted chicken nuggets.
“Did you eat?”I call through the door to her.I often nag her because Jacklyn deals with bouts of sudden low blood sugar and when she gets busy, she forgets to eat.
“I ate your leftovers.”
“That’s fine.”I’m good at cooking.It’s a hobby I would have pursued professionally had I not fallen in love with jewelry design.I put on a clean blouse, then kneel to dig a pair of shoes from the back of the closet.
“Ready,” I say as I return to the living room.I’m both excited and nervous.Today is the first day of taking back my life.
***
I breezed through the onboarding process and am now an employee of the company.I quietly congratulate myself as I stand in the elevator behind the older woman tasked with showing me to my desk.
Once we reach the executive floor, it’s all I can do not to whistle out loud.Leather furniture is surrounded by sculptures and artwork that I’m betting cost more money than I could earn in a lifetime.The massive cascading chandelier over my head looks like it belongs in a palace.
The woman gestures toward a large desk situated a few steps from a set of ornate wooden doors.“When you’re not traveling with Mr.Montclair, this is where you’ll be.”
“Traveling?”I barely manage to prevent myself from squawking the word like a disturbed chicken.
She nods.“He’s taking over the luxury resort division.Be sure to always have your passport ready.”
“I do, but travel wasn’t mentioned during my interview.”
Her gaze sharpens.“Is it a problem?”
Alone in exotic locations with Locke?“No,” I say, knowing I won’t let any issues arise.I have zero interest in getting involved with him despite how handsome I think he is.
Her expression clears.“Trust me, you’ll find that a lot more interesting than being here on constant alert for the women who try to sneak into his office.”
I hold up my right hand.“I solemnly swear to keep the panty crews away.”
She smiles, then hands me a tablet.“Everything you need to know about Mr.Montclair’s upcoming appointments is here.You’ll also find lists and notes for the projects he’s currently working on.”
“Projects?In addition to the resorts?”
“He’s a busy man,” she says.
I wonder how he finds time to work if the rumors about him are true.
“I’ll leave and let you get settled but if you have any questions, call me.”She passes me a business card.
