The Billionaire's Wife (Part Two) by Ava Claire

Author:Ava Claire [Claire, Ava]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: billionaire romance, Romantic Suspense, billionaire, ava claire, billionaire love
Published: 2014-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

TEN

****

I pretended like I was being productive, my attention on the laptop perched in my lap, but leaving Jacob and Cole to have time to themselves after dinner was really just a cover. I'd snatched up pieces of conversation, each laugh, each smile behind words making me feel less and less like the worst wife ever.

After they reintroduced themselves, Jacob had honored their unspoken truce. He talked about growing up, lonely even though he was surrounded by kids just like him. Rich kids discarded by ambivalent parents. He talked about turning Whitmore and Creighton from an underdog to a contender in the field of public relations. When a publicity shit storm hit, Whitmore Creighton was the first name that came to mind for damage control.

Cole talked about growing up in a whole different world. He was adopted by a middle class family, his mother was a teacher, his father owned an auto shop. Cole was their oldest, and his sister, Melody, was their miracle that came eight years later. He graduated with a degree in English literature and wanted to be a high school english teacher, like his mom.

They talked about everything from politics to their worst hangovers—everything but Alicia. She was the elephant in the room, the only subject that was forbidden.

Before I left I wanted to tell them that tiptoeing around Alicia Whitmore was exactly what she wanted. That she was the person that connected them couldn't ever truly be disregarded, but I didn't want to derail their progress.

I leaned in, clutching my laptop as I strained to listen when their laughter drifted from the dining room.

“You sure you got enough to eat?” Jacob's voice was warm. Friendly.

“Absolutely. Too much even.” A chair scraped against the floor. “I better head out. Back to work bright and early.” He came into the main room, seeking me out. He waved, his smile bright and disarming. “Thanks again for having me over, Leila.”

“Anytime,” I replied, biting my lip when Jacob appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with an arched eyebrow. “If that's okay with you?”

“Now she asks me,” he said sarcastically, but I saw the half smile on his lips. He faced Cole, holding out his hand. “You're welcome anytime. We'll talk soon.”

“Handshakes are for strangers and business.” Cole bypassed the hand, embracing Jacob. The shock on Jacob's face melted into a look so hopeful that my heart leaped in my chest. He mumbled something and clapped his brother on the back and Cole made his exit, leaving us staring at the spot where he stood.

I felt Jacob's eyes on me, but I couldn't bear to look into his eyes and see disappointment. “I know you're pissed-”

“I'm not pissed.”

I jerked my gaze upward, sure that I misheard him. “You're not?”

He crossed his arms, his face hopelessly unreadable. “Get over here.”

I slid my laptop onto the cushion, but made no other moves toward him. “What?”

“You heard me.” His voice deepened to that delicious, terrifying timbre that made me tremble and melt all at once.

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