FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS (Ophelia Corrigan) novel Chapter 31

15:25 Tue Sep 29 ) MT

FAKA DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

CHAPTER 31

AMIE

Simon’s Bugatti slid into the Hart & Co. underground garage at 7:43 a.m., and I was already sweating through my blouse.

“Pull over there.” I pointed to a dark corner near the emergency exit. “There. Right there.”

Simon obeyed, but with a deliberate slowness that made me want to rip the wheel out of his hands.

“Jamie, no one’s going to see-”

“You don’t know the finance department gossips. Elizabeth has eagle eyes and a mouth like a foghorn.” I reached for the handle, but the door didn’t budge. “Unlock the car, Simon.”

He hit the button with a click, then turned to me with that infamous smile I knew too well.

“You look like a secret agent about to infiltrate enemy territory.”

“That’s exactly what I’m doing.” I swung the door open and planted one foot on the concrete. “Wait five minutes before you come up. Exactly five. If you come up earlier, I’m suing you.”

He laughed, low and rough, and the sound did something inconvenient to my stomach. I ignored it. Grabbed my bag, smoothed my blazer, and stepped out of the car like I was fleeing a fire.

My heels echoed against the empty concrete as I walked toward the service elevator. The air was cold, smelling of gasoline and dust, and I kept my eyes fixed straight ahead, determined not to look back.

Don’t look back, Jamie. Don’t look.

I didn’t.

But I heard the car start again, heard the engine purr as he pulled away toward the VIP spots on the other side of the floor, and I felt a wave of relief so strong I almost slumped against the wall.

Five minutes. I just need five minutes.

I stabbed the elevator button harder than necessary, like I could will the damn thing down faster. The panel above the doors showed the car on 73. Then 68. Then 62.

Come on, come on, come on.

My fingers drummed against the folder I clutched to my chest, my eyes fixed on the numbers descending with agonizing slowness.

“Jamie!”

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Elizabeth from finance was standing less than three feet away, eyes wide, coffee cup in hand, a smile that was half surprise, half bloodhound curiosity.

15:25 Tue Sep 29 JIM T

FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS. MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

“Oh my God, Jamie!” She laughed, pressing her free hand to her chest. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, fine.” I forced a smile, feeling my heart slam against my ribs. “I just… didn’t expect to see you down here. Isn’t this floor reserved for-”

“Ah, the other employee garage is closed today. Some kind of leak, I don’t know. They’re telling everyone to park here.” She tilted her head, eyes scanning my face with an intensity that made me want to shrink. “But what about you? What are you doing here? You don’t have a car.”

“I… I came with… a friend. He dropped me off.”

“A friend.” Elizabeth repeated. “What friend?”

“Elizabeth, I—”

“Wait. You look different today. I can’t quite put my finger on it…” She inhaled deeply, and I watched the exact moment it hit her. “What is that smell, Jamie? Woody.” Her eyes went wide. “Oh my God, did you stay over at your new boyfriend’s place?”

“Elizabeth!”

“What? I’m just asking.” She shrugged, but the smile on her face was pure satisfaction. “You deserve to have a little fun after everything you’ve been through. But seriously, you smell like-”

The elevator doors finally opened, and I stepped in so fast I nearly tripped.

“Come on, Elizabeth. We’re going to be late.”

Elizabeth followed me in, still grinning, and hit the button for our floor. The doors were starting to close when a hand appeared between them, holding them open.

Simon stepped into the elevator.

“Good morning, Elizabeth. Jamie.”

“Good morning, Mr. Hart!” Elizabeth practically curtsied, her smile widening into pure adoration. “What a surprise to see you here. Don’t you usually use the private elevator?”

“Felt like a change today.” He stepped in, positioning himself beside me. “Variety is the spice of life.”

Asshole. I told him to wait five minutes.

“Jamie, are you okay?” Elizabeth asked, and I felt her gaze on me. “You went really quiet all of a sudden.”

“I’m fine.” My voice came out too loud. “Just thinking through a contract.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “You work too hard, Jamie. You need to relax more.”

Simon cleared his throat beside me, and I felt a shiver race down my spine.

“Elizabeth’s right, Jamie. You should relax more.”

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Hart.” My voice came out strangely tight. “But I’m fine.”

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15:25 Tue Sep 29 ) MT.

FAKA DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

Seven. Eight. Nine.

65

Azabeth inhaled deeply, and I watched her eyes widen slightly. She sniffed the air again, then glanced at Simon, then at me, and I saw understanding spread across her face like an ink spill.

Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

“Mr. Hart,” Elizabeth said, her voice suddenly sweeter, “are you wearing a new cologne?”

Simon blinked, clearly thrown by the question. “No. Same as always.”

“Ah.” Elizabeth smiled, and I saw the gleam in her eyes. “How funny. I could have sworn it was different today.”

The elevator doors opened on our floor, and I stepped out so fast I nearly collided with Simon.

“Have a great day, Mr. Hart!” Elizabeth called, holding the doors open. “Have a wonderful day!”

“Good morning, Elizabeth.” Simon stepped out, and for a moment, our eyes met. He blinked slowly. almost imperceptibly, and I felt a murderous urge rise in my chest.

The silence between us was deafening.

“Jamie,” Elizabeth said finally, her voice low, “you slept with him, didn’t you?”

“Elizabeth-”

“You don’t have to answer.” She shook her head, a knowing smile on her lips. “His scent is all over you. Same cologne. And you’ve got that post-sex glow. I’d recognize it anywhere.”

“I didn’t-”

“Jamie, I’ve worked here for twelve years. I’ve seen it all.” She touched my arm, her expression shifting to something more serious. “Just be careful. Simon Hart is not a commitment kind of man. You know that.”

“Elizabeth-”

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