HACKING THE BILLIONAIRE: Part 2 by Jenny Devall Read Free Book Online

eyed him as if she didn’t believe him, but she didn’t say anything.
    “Dessert?”
    “That wasn’t it,” she said.
    “That was part of it.”
    She started to get up. He shook his head. “Don’t get up. I’ll get us some pillows.”
    He returned with some large pillows, and he made her comfortable before he left to get the ice cream that Chef had made. She sat up as he handed her a bowl of it.
    “I’ll feed you.”
    “You are in a mood tonight,” she said.
    “Why?”
    “You’re being very sweet. Very boyfriend-like.”
    He wondered if he’d crossed a line. She wasn’t mad, but she seemed wary. Maybe he shouldn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. She might squash it. The thought hadn’t occurred to him. She might not feel the same.
    Now he knew how all of his previous girlfriends felt. They must have had feelings for him, and he’d never considered them. He just dumped them when he was bored. The same thing would happen to him.
    Riley wasn’t shallow. She was smart and ambitious. Smarter than he would ever be. How could he ever keep up? She’d get bored of him, so he shouldn’t try to keep her. If she wanted to leave he would have to let her.
    She ate her ice cream in silence. She put down the bowl. “What’s wrong?”
    He couldn’t tell her. Instead he said, “I’m not truly on board with you meeting this person. I want to go with you.”
    “No. They will most likely clam up or not meet me if you are there.”
    She had a point. At least he’d deflected from his real feelings. She would never know them, and he knew he was a coward for not saying something. He was the man. He was supposed to be strong, but he had a feeling that when Riley left she’d take a piece of him with her.
    “I guess that’s true. You have to call me as soon as it’s all done. When are you meeting this person?”
    “I haven’t set it up yet.”
    She didn’t make eye contact when she said that. She was lying, but he had an ace in the hole. Kent would let him know what was going on. Hopefully she hadn’t charmed him. The man should remember who paid him. Not Riley.
    As adorable as she could be, she wasn’t his paycheck. Dirk was.
    “Well, let me know when you have. I’d also like to know what Kent has to say and his idea for the logistics of this.”
    “Sure. I’m sure he’ll have a lot to say.”
    “Please do whatever he says.”
    “Dirk, I will. I said I would. Let it go.”
    Strong words from someone who was lying to him. He’d let it go because he’d figure it out eventually. He took their bowls, and then Riley helped him clear the table. He could leave it for his housekeeper. She was in tomorrow, but Riley insisted on cleaning up the kitchen.
    “Okay,” he said.
    Later they snuggled in front of a movie. Dirk was beginning to like movies, and it kept Riley resting. That way she’d heal and feel better. He liked her healthy and felt bad that she’d been injured on his job.
    His movie was another romantic comedy. Riley’s favorite. He didn’t care as long as he could spend the time with her. He’d miss this when she was gone, but he knew they had no choice.
    He had no choice, and that didn’t make him happy.
     
     

Chapter Seven
    Dirk left for work, and Riley got down to business with Kent. She wanted them to strategize. Joan was on her way over. Another body to help. Another brain to come up with ideas.
    An excitement ran through Riley. Maybe this time she’d get the information and this case would be done.
    Kent sat in his usual spot at the kitchen island, reading a newspaper this time. He turned his gaze to her, wariness in his eyes. Had Dirk warned him that she might do something like this?
    “Hi.”
    “Hello, Riley. You look like you are up to no good.”
    She laughed. “I have an appointment. With someone who might be able to give me information about what’s going on at Dirk’s company.”
    “Okay.”
    “I’ve told the person that I won’t meet him alone. That’s not an option.