Lauren (Silicon Valley Billionaires 1)

“Admit what?”

“You like me. A little.”

I looked at him, incredulous. I’d given him my late-stage virginity the night before. “Of course I like you.”

“I told you so.”

I shook my head, blushing. “I have to go get ready. I’ll see you later.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” he called, and I could hear the self-satisfaction in his voice.

I straightened myself under the shower, the hot water on my face welcome, as I hurried through my routine. Because no one could see me, I smiled a little—even though things were clearly getting worse. Someone in China had my technology, and that meant my troubles were inexorably mounting.

I thought about Gabe, that same warmth blooming in my chest. At least he was a bright spot…even though I feared getting burned.

Chapter 13

I felt oddly anxious and unhappy going through the doors of Paragon. My company, along with the people who worked there, had always been my sanctuary. But now we were under siege.

In my office, I pushed all anxieties to the side. I had a report to finalize, and it was more important than ever that I focus. I set up a meeting with my legal team for later that day. I caught up on emails, working for an hour, happy to lose myself in the details.

Hannah came into my office at lunch, bringing us both salads. Her usually sunny disposition was nowhere to be found. She sat across from me, eating quietly and watching me.

Finally, I broke down. “What’s your problem? Why are you staring at me like that?”

She kept chewing, a foul look clouding her face. “I’m just waiting.”

“For what?”

Her lower lip stuck out in a pout, just like it used to when we were little and she wasn’t getting her way. “For you to tell me about last night.”

I sighed. “It was…fine.” Clearly, my little sister was feeling left out.

Hannah snorted. “Stephanie said you came in this morning after she did.”

Stephanie might get fired today. “She had no right to tell you that.”

Hannah jutted her chin out defiantly. “I made her. Don’t be mad at her.”

With my appetite shot, I pushed my salad to the side. “I told you I was at Gabe’s. I slept at his house last night.” My cheeks warmed at the memory. As engrossed as I’d been with work that morning, I hadn’t been able to dwell much on the previous night.

“Obviously.” She sniffed and continued to inspect me. “Your skin looks really good.”

I patted my face, confused. “It does?”

She leaned forward in her chair, suspiciously examining me. “You’re glowing.”

I caught on to what she meant. It must have been written all over my face. A small smile played on my lips. I had to tell my baby sister, even if she’d probably use the information as leverage to start shopping for wedding dresses and all other sorts of ridiculousness. Still, I couldn’t resist.

I patted my hair as a full-blown grin spread across my face. “I should be.”

“Shut the fuck up!” she yelled, springing to her feet. “You did not!”

I nodded, unable to stop smiling. “I did so.”

“Oh my God, finally!” Hannah clapped and jumped up and down. “Was it awesome? Did it hurt? Is he your boyfriend now?”

“Yes. Sort of. I think so.”