FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS (Ophelia Corrigan) novel Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

– JAMIE

“I’m sleeping on the floor.”

“No, I am.”

“Simon, you’re a guest.”

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“And I’m a man. I’m not letting you sleep on the floor while I’m up here like a prince in a fairy tale.”

“Okay, you know what?” I threw my hands up. “We’re adults. It’s a little narrower than a queen, but it fits two.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Because I can be a gentleman and-”

“Simon.” I pointed at the bed. “Lie down.”

He did, with a grin so wide I almost regretted it. He lay on his back, hands folded over his chest, staring at the ceiling.

“I feel like I’m in a coffin,” he said.

“Seems appropriate.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re ruining your reputation as Manhattan’s biggest playboy for me. When’s the last time you slept next to a woman and didn’t sleep with her?”

“Probably my nanny. I think I was five.”

We both laughed, and then we were quiet, both of us staring at the dark ceiling like we were at a joint funeral.

“Your ex,” he said, breaking the silence, his voice softer now. Almost a whisper. “Do you still have feelings for him?”

I turned my head toward him, startled. “What?”

“Oliver. You still feel anything?”

“No.” My voice came out firm. “Not a thing.”

“Absolutely nothing?”

“Absolutely nothing.”

1/5

11:38 Fri, Sep 25

FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

Simon studied my face for a second. “Then why are you always alone?”

“What?”

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“You’re the first one in the office and the last one out. Every single day.” He rolled onto his side, propping his head on his hand. “Since the breakup, it’s like your entire life became work.”

I stared at the ceiling. “It keeps me sane, Simon. If I’m busy, I don’t have time to think about everything that happened.”

I swallowed hard.

“But sometimes…” I murmured, more to myself than to him. “I miss having someone.”

When I looked over, Simon was watching me. Really watching.

I cleared my throat. “Okay. Definitely oversharing.”

“You’re not.” He sighed. “Everyone misses company sometimes. Even me.”

“You?”

“Shocking, I know.”

“I’ve never seen you with a woman for more than two months. You practically specialize in being alone.”

“Because I don’t attach easily. I like keeping things casual.” The corner of his mouth lifted. “Maybe you should

try it.”

I blinked. “Try what?”

“Casual sex.”

“No. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t even know how.”

His dark blue eyes stayed locked on mine.

“You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“Hart.”

“I’m serious.” A flash of lightning lit up his face. “When’s the last time you came?”

My jaw nearly hit the floor. “I’m not answering that.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re my boss.”

“I’m asking as a friend.”

2/5

11:38 Fri, Sep 25

FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

“You’re not my friend.”

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“Fine.” His voice dropped. “Then I’m asking because you spent ten years with a guy who barely kissed you, and now I’m wondering if that asshole couldn’t make you come either.”

My silence said it all.

Simon let out a low hum. “That’s what I thought.”

My cheeks burned. I hated this-hated how easily he could read what I wouldn’t even admit to myself.

“Look, Jamie.” His voice was softer now. “If you need a list of single friends, I can set you up. I know some decent guys.”

I let out a dry laugh. “Thanks, Simon. But given your reputation, I doubt your friends are exactly loyal boyfriend material.”

“That’s unfair.”

“It’s true.”

“You’re so hard on me.”

“Only when you deserve it.”

“So what are you going to do?” he asked. “Just wait around for fate to bring you someone?”

“No.”

“Then?”

“Simon, do you really want me to lay out my life plan right now? At eleven PM, in the middle of a hurricane, after I’ve been pretending to be your girlfriend all day?”

“Yeah.”

He rolled toward me again, those blue eyes catching the dim light.

I opened my mouth. Closed it.

I had nothing.

The wind howled louder, and the house groaned. Simon turned on his side, adjusting the pillow under his head.

“You know what? Forget it.” All the teasing was gone from his voice. “You’re right. You don’t have to answer me. I crossed a line.”

He paused.

“Goodnight, Counselor.”

3/5

11:38 Fri, Sep 25

FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

I watched him for a few seconds.

For the first time that night, there was no joke, no smug grin, no smart remark waiting for me.

“Goodnight, Simon.”

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I pulled the sheet up to my chin and turned my back to him, facing the wall. Rain drummed against the window, and I focused on the rhythm-tap, tap, tap-until my breathing slowed.

I don’t know when I fell asleep.

But I woke up warm.

His chest against my back. An arm draped across my waist, heavy and solid. His breath hot against my neck, slow and steady.

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