Chapter 56

Rainey

I had no reason to be annoyed about Michael’s conversation with his “friend” Natalia. Even though she was a gorgeous and apparently wealthy woman, who fawned over Michael whenever she could, I wanted nothing to do with him outside of a professional relationship. I had to keep reminding myself of that each time I remembered how Michael had smiled and flirted with her over the phone the other day. Since then, he hadn’t spoken to her at work, but I couldn’t help how it bothered me!

I knew he liked me, that was apparent from the other day, but the way I spurned him might have thrown him into another woman’s arms. He was giving me everything I wanted: the space I needed, yet I continued to feel like a jealous ex-girlfriend.

What the hell was wrong with me?

When I found my mind wandering back to him, I dug myself deeper into my work. For two days, I caught up with the assignments I missed and reviewed the documents for the Christmas charity, going over each detail and setting up the folder and papers for next year. I hoped I’d still be around then. Michael wanted me to be, and I did as well, but so much had happened between us in a month, I couldn’t guarantee anything. Instead, I put my mind to my work and hoped that we could figure it out.

Michael assigned me to find listings for three current clients, so that provided enough work to get me through the week and to distract me enough from thinking of how much I felt for my boss.

I finally felt as if I had a handle on my feelings until Thursday morning when Michael called me into his office. He’d ordered breakfast that morning for us, and my stomach was full, and my emotions were in check. I floated into his office and plopped down on the leather chair in front of his desk.

“I see you had a nice meal?” he asked with a smirk.

“Oh, yeah. It was delicious,” I said, rubbing my stomach for emphasis. “Don’t do it every day or else I’m going to gain a hundred pounds.”

“I doubt that’s possible,” he said.

“Well considering I gained almost forty pounds when I was pregnant…”

Michael narrowed his eyes for a moment before smiling. “That’s hard to imagine since you look perfect now.”

Heat rose up my neck, and I averted my gaze.

He watched me for a moment before clearing his throat. “Anyway, the reason I called you in here is that I want you to check some island listings.”

That was a new one. “Who is it for?” Most of our clients looked for business ventures. I hadn’t explored any island options before. The prospect was exciting. Since we visited several properties before showing a client, I wondered if we’d be jetting off to a tropical paradise soon. I really could use a vacation. And with Michael already knowing about Tanner, I wouldn’t have to lie if Michael wanted to take an extended stay and I couldn’t do that. One or two days would be perfect for me to unwind after the holidays.

“This is a personal venture,” he said, not clarifying further.

“What type of property?” I asked, opening my notebook to a blank page. Why was he looking for something? I didn’t want to pry, but my curiosity was piqued.

“A getaway home,” he said. “I want it to be a sexy and romantic location. Perfect for two lovers.”

I swallowed, keeping my eyes on my notebook. Did his relationship with Natalia go as far as to find a private retreat for them?

“It has to be perfect,” he added. “Can you handle that?”

“Y-Yes,” I stammered.

Get a grip!

I let out a slow breath, writing “sexy” and “romantic” onto the page. I didn’t need the reminder, but I had to keep my mind and hands distracted while my head whirled with questions.

“Is there a particular price range you’re looking at?” I asked him.

Michael sniffed and shook his head. “Not at all. Money is no object. Just make it fair market.”

I nodded. This was personal. Between his and Natalia’s wealth, there wasn’t a reason for there to be a pricing cap. This property was for him and his new lover. It was astonishing that he could throw his money around like that, but it also wasn’t my business anymore, and neither was he. This was something that a billionaire’s assistant would do without blinking an eyelash, so I would do it with the most professionalism I could muster.

Was this what Natalia and Michael discussed the other day on the phone?

This new development in his “friendship” with this woman seemed sudden. Now they wanted to get a place together on a secluded island? The world was their oyster at this point, and I couldn’t help the seeds of jealousy from germinating deep within my body.

Sexy and romantic. That’s what he wanted. I noticed he didn’t say child-friendly. If there were even a brief moment that I thought he’d want to purchase a place I could visit, he squashed that idea within seconds. He proclaimed his right to be a playboy, one who couldn’t be burdened with a child in his life.

His message was received loud and clear.

“Is that all?” I asked, standing up.

“Yes,” he said dismissively. “Send me your top choices by the end of today. I want to review them as soon as possible.”

I nodded and turned away from him. Of course, he did. He was the type to jump in and out of relationships and this one was no different.

I was above this petty jealousy. Besides, he was perfectly professional the past few days, and we seemed to get along well enough with boundary lines drawn and uncrossed. Now I knew the reason for that. He had moved onto someone else.