INDISPENSABLE: Part 3: A Billionaire Romance by Maryann Barnett Read Free Book Online Page A

tight again before she held her back by the shoulders and looked her up and down. “You look different. Thinner, a little tired.”
    Sarah was a little sore from straining against the bindings, but she had no bruises. “It’s been a big fortnight. I’ve made some decisions I want to discuss with you.”
    “I’m pouring wine first. This can’t happen without wine.”
    “Thought you’d never ask.”
    Bella pulled a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc out of the small refrigerator. “I feel like I’ve been flying all day. Most of it was waiting between flights.”
    “Hope the jetlag doesn’t hit too hard.”
    “I think the wine will help me control it.”
    “Story of our life. Although out of bottle now instead of a box.”
    It was great to laugh with Bella again, to know she could talk and Bella would understand.
    “So, these decisions, they involve Brock?”
    “Yes, in an indirect way. It’s not just about him. It’s about my life and how I’m handling it.”
    Bella gave her a large glass of wine and sat beside her on the sofa. “How is it with you two?”
    Sarah shrugged. “Complicated, intense, hard work.”
    “But you love hard work.”
    “I want to get myself sorted and get my own hard work done. Allowing Brock into my personal life is messy. I want simple and relaxed. I’ve asked him to give me space.”
    “I see.” Bella took a big sip.
    “You don’t agree?”
    “I know where you’re coming from, but you do get bored easily. Brock might be perfect.”
    “I can’t do it. I feel like I’m open now, like a big, gaping wound. I have to try and mend myself and heal a little. I can’t expect Brock to be a part of that.”
    “Maybe he wants to.”
    “Maybe he does, but his energy would be better off sorting out his own messy backyard.”
    “That bad?”
    “Only a lot. But we all have issues, right?”
    “For sure.” Bella looked like she never had an issue in the world. Something was going on with her, but Sarah knew Bella would tell her when she was ready.
    “I’m resigning my position in the company.” Sarah watched for her best friend’s facial expression.
    “Are you sure that’s wise?” Bella sipped again and frowned a little.
    “If it’s your job or losing this place you’re worried about, I’m sure it’ll work out.” Sarah went into defensive mode.
    “I’m not that shallow. I mean, it’s what you wanted for all this time. The thing you talked about non-stop was that job.”
    Sarah sighed. “I know it sounds stupid. But it’s all been too easy, and I’m not feeling that I have the job through my own merits. It feels false somehow. Also the reasons why I wanted the job were egotistical. It’s not what I’d hoped it would be now that I’m in it.”
    “I guess with Rick carrying his bad blood so far, it’s bound to have a negative effect.”
    “It’s more than that.”
    “Because you and Brock are attracted to each other? Do you think he’s only given you the job because of that?”
    “Partially, yes. If the sex wasn’t involved, if I didn’t interact with him on a personal level in any way, I guess it would all seem more real.”
    “I think you’re selling yourself short, Sarah. You’re awesome at that job and you’re fabulous in the courtroom. Brock is great at making the right business decisions, and he chose you because you are the best he’s seen in a long time. He didn’t get to where he is thinking with his dick.”
    “That sounds good in theory.” Sarah took a sip of wine. Its liveliness sparkled on her tongue.
    “Why don’t you try keeping the job and rearranging the terms, only interacting on a professional basis?”
    “That’s the hard part. Being together and keeping it professional has been a major fail so far.”
    “Do you want to be with him?”
    “I’d love to be, in lots of ways. But what Brock is offering, the way he needs to be satisfied, I’m just not sure I can live that lifestyle. There’s just so much more to this. Every time