FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS (Ophelia Corrigan) novel Chapter 85

CHAPTER 85

MIE

“Jamie and I were just reminiscing about an inside joke, weren’t we, sweetheart?” Simon’s hand found my lower back, warm and possessive. “We’re not married, but we’re very much together.”

Vanessa’s eyes swept over the scene-Simon’s hand on me, the kids clinging to our legs like we were their parents. I saw the exact moment she looked at me like she was pissed I was with someone.

Her husband was probably somewhere cheating on her again.

“Of course,” Vanessa said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I just assumed-Jamie mentioned you were engaged, and then I saw you two here, and the children…” She paused, gesturing vaguely at the three little ones attached to us.

I felt Simon’s thumb trace a slow circle against my spine, and my skin prickled treacherously.

“And who are these little angels?” Vanessa leaned in slightly, despite her pregnant belly. “Whose children are they?”

Lily, still in Simon’s arms, answered with all the innocence of a six-year-old: “Our mommy’s name is Abigail Lancaster, but she’s sleeping right now. So Uncle Simon and Miss Jamie are taking care of us.”

Vanessa’s eyebrows shot up. “Abigail Lancaster?”

I grabbed Jack and Sam’s hands, guiding them toward the exit. Let Vanessa talk to herself.

Simon followed with Lily still in his arms, and I could feel Vanessa’s eyes burning into my back.

Mary was waiting next to the black SUV. I helped Jack and Sam into the back seat while Simon strapped Lily into her car seat.

“One minute,” he said to Mary, his voice calm but firm. “I’ll be right back.”

Mary nodded, closing the door, and suddenly it was just the two of us on the sidewalk.

“You haven’t told your family we ended things,” Simon said.

“I haven’t found the right moment yet.” I crossed my arms, suddenly defensive. “But don’t worry, I’ll do it | this week-”

“Hey.” His voice softened. “I’m not mad.”

“I know you’re not, I’m just explaining myself.”

He stepped closer, close enough that I could smell his cologne-that familiar mix of wood and something citrusy that I’d been trying so hard to forget. “Take all the time you need. I’m in no rush.”

His eyes met mine, and I saw something there that made my breath catch.

I stepped back, putting distance between us. “I should get back to the picnic. I promised Ethan I’d help him set things up.”

15:36 Tue Sep 29 1 MT.

FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

“Right.” His jaw tightened. “The picnic. With your coworker.”

mon-

“Go.” He waved vaguely toward the park, but his voice had cooled. “Go back to your date.”

I felt my face heat. “I’m not going back for a date. I told you, Ethan is just-”

“It doesn’t matter what he is.” Simon’s voice was controlled, sharp. “I’m just saying, I don’t want to get in your way. You clearly have priorities.”

“Fine, then. Think whatever you want.” I was already walking away. “I’m going back.”

I’d only taken two steps when he grabbed my arm. His fingers wrapped around my elbow, pulling me back before I could resist.

“Jamie.” His voice was low, almost rough. “Wait.”

“Simon, let go-”

“Just-” He pulled me closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his body, and then his lips were pressing against the corner of my mouth.

It wasn’t a real kiss. Barely even a touch. But somehow it hit me harder than any kiss ever had.

“I miss you,” he murmured against my skin. “I miss you so much it’s killing me.”

I went still, my pulse hammering in my throat. I wanted to push him away. I wanted to lean into him. I wanted to scream.

“We’re done with this,” I said, and my voice came out steadier than I felt. “We both agreed.”

He pulled back, searching my face, and I saw the pain flash behind his eyes before he hid it. “Right,” he said, his voice empty. “Of course.”

“Simon-”

“I need to get the kids home.” He stepped back, his expression suddenly distant. “Take care of yourself, Jamie.”

He walked back to the SUV without looking back, and I watched him go. The door closed behind him, the engine rumbled, and then the black car pulled away from the curb, disappearing into the flow of traffic.

I stood there for a long moment, the corner of my mouth still burning where he’d kissed me.

I miss you so much it’s killing me.

I should have felt relieved. I should have felt proud for holding my ground.

But all I felt was empty.

Smoothing down the fabric of my dress with my hands, I started walking back to the park.

Focus on the picnic. Focus on anything that isn’t Simon Hart.

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