Going in Deep (Billionaire Bad Boys 4)

“Nope. Don’t get your hopes up that you’re involved with a chef or anything. Lots of takeout and basic eating here. How about you?”

He shrugged. “I can do a little more than the basics. I used to cook for Alyssa when my mother wasn’t up to it.”

She met his gaze. “My sister and I used to make spaghetti when our mom was too depressed to leave her room.” She caught herself, having already decided she wanted tonight to be light and fun, not serious and intense, and changed the subject. “So if you want pasta, I can boil water. But I figured it wasn’t good date night food.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Lady and the Tramp made it work.”

She laughed. “Comparing us to the dogs, now?”

He chuckled but had no good comeback.

She plated the food while he watched, then he placed the dishes on the table.

The dogs had settled in beside each other in the family room, playing nicely with toys. She and Julian began to eat, talking about everyday things, television shows, movies, and things they discovered they had in common.

Soon she finished the delicious chicken, and he did the same, sliding the plate away from him.

“I’m full and that was excellent,” he murmured.

She nodded in agreement. “How’s work?” she asked.

“Busy. New clients are lining up. With hacking becoming so prevalent, my business is doing well, for which I’m grateful.”

“That’s great.”

He nod

ded. “I’ve hired outside consultants and people who work directly for me. I’m growing. What about you? How’s the job going?”

She blew out a slow breath. “I love working with dogs. I get so much satisfaction placing homeless dogs with their perfect people.” Her tone dropped a bit.

“But? I can hear it in your voice.”

“It’s not a job that gives me enough of an income to fully support myself. And the longer I’m out of the hospital and on my own, the more I know it’s time to find something more permanent.”

“Do you have any ideas?” he asked.

She hesitated for a good long while, and he gave her the space she needed to work up the courage to admit her goals.

Finally, she spoke. “I really want to be a vet tech. I’d need two years at a veterinary technology School accredited by New York State. There are a few local schools that would work and some that are in the suburbs. I could take the train… or rent an apartment there.”

“You’ve thought this through.” His eyes gleamed with approval.

“I’ve already met with an admissions counselor at one of them. I can go part time and not have to quit my job.” And the thought of having her own steady income, a goal she could work toward, gave her a feeling of pride.

“Then do it. I know you can make it happen.”

“Really? You believe in me?”

He grasped her face in his hands. “I definitely believe in you.”

She couldn’t help the smile that took hold. “You’re the only one I’ve told. I haven’t even let Lexie know. Or my father.”

And she’d have to ask him for a loan. Or, he’d insist on paying. Her father was an investment banker who could more than afford to cover the cost of school. But he’d done so much for her over the years, and even if he’d put the brunt of her care on her twin, financially he’d always been there.

“I’m glad you trusted me with your hopes and dreams,” Julian said.

She smiled. “Me, too.” She glanced at their empty plates. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked.