Lauren (Silicon Valley Billionaires 1)

It only then occurred to me—that was exactly what normal people did.

“I’m actually interested in your latest patent,” I said bluntly.

He laughed a little and sat back. “I figured as much.”

The waiter came over, and we ordered. Thank goodness there were scallops on the menu and we were that much closer to being done. I didn’t know if Gabe was still in the restaurant, but I felt like someone was watching me. I just wanted to go home, eager to put an end to the evening as soon as possible.

“My latest patent is something you should be interested in, actually.”

“How’s that?”

“I’ve been working on a deliverable system that might dovetail nicely with Paragon’s work.” He went into a detailed, technical description of his new invention.

I nodded at all the appropriate places, but my mind wandered as I picked at my dinner. Where was Gabe? Was he here on a date? Was he here with his girlfriend?

“What I’m interested in,” Clive was saying, “is partnering with Paragon once your technology goes live. If you’re interested in talking about it in more detail, I can have my team put together a proposal.”

I didn’t want to be rude, but the technology he’d described wouldn’t be a good fit with Paragon, and I wasn’t interested. “Paragon’s not really in a position to take on partnership deals

right now.”

“Oh, really? Why’s that?” Clive sounded defensive.

I took a deep breath. “We’re not ready to come to market yet. When we do, it’s going to take some time testing the waters before we’re ready to commit to long-term contracts with partners. We’re not ready for that sort of commitment.”

He put down his fork. “Then why were you having lunch with Gabriel Betts earlier this week? Weren’t you talking about partnering with Dynamica?”

It was my turn to put down my fork. “How did you know about that?”

Clive shrugged. “I might not be in the Silicon Valley CEO billionaire boys’ club, but people still talk.”

“Gabe and I had lunch.”

Clive sniffed. “Oh, so it’s Gabe now?”

I stiffened, trying to keep my anger in check. “We talked about business, yes, but I didn’t make any agreements with him.”

Clive pulled down his glasses again, and I decided he was not even remotely attractive. “But will you?”

“I’m not going to answer that.”

He leaned across the table and over his pork bellies, or whatever they were. “I think you at least owe me that much.”

“I don’t owe you an answer or anything else, because it’s none of your business. And I don’t appreciate the turn this conversation’s taking.” I didn’t like being pushed. Clive had no right to interrogate me. It was unacceptable. I took out my wallet and put two hundred dollar bills on the table. “I’m ready to say good night now.”

“Lauren, wait—” Clive said, but I was already up and halfway across the room, securing my pocketbook against me.

I waited impatiently while the hostess collected my coat. I didn’t want to give Clive the chance to get to me. His aggressiveness had taken me by surprise and had left me feeling slightly sick. I felt as if I might cry, which was a foreign and utterly repugnant sensation.

“Do you need a ride?”

I whirled to find Gabe standing at the door with his own coat on, ready to go.

“I have my driver, thanks.” The hostess handed me my coat, and I nodded at her silently.

Clive rounded the corner then. His face fell when he saw Gabe standing near me. “Lauren, they just poured us some more wine. Please, come join me.” He sounded as though he were pleading.

I shook my head. “I need to go. I’m exhausted.” I suddenly realized how true that was. This was why I didn’t go out much. The world wanted all sorts of things from me, but I could only give it my technology, on my own terms. All the maneuverings and fancy restaurants were just too much.