The Billionaire’s Girlfriend Bet - Leslie North Page 0,38

went on, smoothing out the wet spot on the jean jacket sleeve. “He needs something serious and stable. You two seem perfect for each other.”

Michelle smiled, but it felt strained at the edges. Doubts were flooding her, seeking all the weakened cracks in her new relationship with Blake. Blake needed serious and stable, sure—but was he ready to offer some seriousness and stability in turn? Michelle couldn’t handle a half-hearted commitment—not when Mollie’s happiness was at stake.

“We should get back, or they’re going to accuse us of doing our nails in here,” Jackie said, rolling her eyes. “I love these guys, but they’re predictable.”

Mila snorted. “Even more so when the three of them get together.” To Michelle, she said, “If you haven’t seen all three together much before now, you’ll understand what I mean by the end of dinner.”

Michelle grinned, but it fell quickly. She followed the ladies back out into the restaurant, immediately spotting Blake once more absorbed by his phone. Grayson even punched his shoulder as the three of them took their seats again, but Blake barely stirred.

So this confirmed it. If Blake could be so detached, so emotionally absent, on the doubly big occasion of his birthday and her first meeting of his friends, then that didn’t bode well for the future.

Michelle took a healthy gulp of her wine, vowing not to think about it much more. After all, it would only send her down a dark path, and she wanted to enjoy this dinner as much as possible.

Whether or not Blake even noticed the world around him.

13

By the time Blake and Michelle headed back to her house, he could tell something was seriously amiss.

“Babe, you okay?” He reached out to grab her hand in the dark car. The city lights blurred past them as he drove through the business district.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She sniffed, which meant that she wasn’t fine.

“You seem quiet.” In fact, he didn’t think she’d spoken for the last ten minutes. He’d lost track of time, that’s how lost in his own thoughts he was.

“I am,” she said with a laugh. “In fact, I haven’t said a word. I was waiting for you to notice.”

“Sorry. I’ve been distracted tonight.” He sighed tersely, dragging a hand through his hair.

“Yeah,” she said dryly. “I’ve noticed.”

He ran his tongue over his teeth. Shit. He’d really tried to be present and engaged. It was just so hard when the stress of a possible delay with the club opening was hanging over his head every second of the day.

“I really didn’t mean to be a jerk. I’ve just been so hung up on the club issues. I’ve been in constant contact with the contractor, and we’re working basically every second to get things on track again.”

Michelle seemed to soften slightly, but he couldn’t tell if all was well or not in the dark car. Not until he could get her alone, and hopefully undressed. “I wish I could help with that.”

“Well, I’m hiring extra crews to install the new electrical system so we can satisfy this damn permit. You don’t have to do a thing.” He picked up her hand and pressed her knuckles to his lips. “I’m hiring all the best, and then extra on top of that. I will open on time. I bet you a million bucks.”

She smirked. “I don’t have that kind of money laying around. I can’t join in on the bets like your friends.”

“You wouldn’t want to bet against me on this one anyway,” he said. “That’s how serious I am.”

“If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” He kissed her knuckles again, easing the SUV onto the freeway. They chatted about other things—how amazing dinner was, how sweet and nice Mila and Jackie were—on the way back to her house. And when he pulled into her driveway, he realized he was more than ready to head inside and up to her bedroom…but he wasn’t sure if she wanted that.

He cut the engine, drinking her in once the interior lights flicked on. She avoided his gaze, reaching for the door handle. His gut turned into a tight knot. Something still seemed off, but he had even less of an idea what it might be now that the previously palpable tension had eased.

“What are you feeling like, babe?” he asked, squeezing her shoulder. “I want to take you inside and have my way with you, but only if you’re up to it.”

She sent him a smile over her shoulder