Facade (Billionaire in Disguise 1)

I THOUGHT IT WAS ODD that Emma’s office door wasn’t locked, but it made things easier to get into. I toggled her mouse and then searched for the computer tower when the screen didn’t come on. Great. Now I would have to fucking figure out what this woman’s password was on her computer just to get in so I could see things.

It shouldn’t have shocked me at all when I booted up the computer, and it logged me right in.

No passwords on her work computer meant anyone could come in here and snoop around. I made a mental note to tell Derek that she wasn’t keeping his sensitive information under wraps. Her having an open computer like this meant anyone could stroll in here and get shit on him. His schedule. His emails. Tap into his records. The fucking works.

All of this made my job that much more complicated.

“Well, hello there.”

I whipped my gaze up and saw Jacob standing in the doorway. What the fuck was he doing here? Hadn’t Derek sent him home?

“Mr. Carl, how are you feeling?” I asked.

“Eh, could be better. Got a big burly man following me around everywhere. It really ruins my game,” Jacob said.

“Does Derek know you’re here? I could go get him. I’m sure he would want to see you,” I said.

“No, no. He actually sent me home. I left my wallet in my office earlier, and I sort of need that around.”

“I can only imagine,” I said with a sigh.

“I saw the door open and thought Emma might’ve been here. I was gonna pop in and let her know I was okay. I haven’t seen her since the accident.”

“Did you see her that day?” I asked.

“I mean, she was around at work, but I figured she was the one who notified Derek about what was going on. I wanted her to know I was up and about, but I see her desk is occupied by something a bit more interesting.”

I had no idea how the hell I was going to get out of this one. Did Derek not hear Jacob’s voice? I was just down the hall by the elevator. Surely Derek would come out of his office and see Jacob standing around like he wasn’t supposed to be.

“So, whatcha looking for?” Jacob asked.

“Nothing. Just trying to find something interesting to do,” I said.

“I didn’t realize you were here with Derek.”

“I just got here a few minutes ago, but he’s not ready to go to dinner yet.”

“You’re going to dinner dressed like that?” he asked.

I looked down at my clothing and tried to force a giggle. Fuck. I was in my jeans and a T-shirt with my leather jacket on. How the hell was I gonna play that shit off?

“I know exactly what’s going on, Miss Samantha.”

The way his voice dropped made me nervous.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I know what you’re doing. Why you’re here, in Emma’s office. Why you keep asking me all sorts of questions about her. Why you’re dressed the way you are.”

My heart started pounding in my chest as I moved my hand toward my pocket. I was ready for anything this man threw at me. I didn’t have any reason to suspect Jacob of anything like this, especially since he was attacked, but with the look in his eye and the way his voice changed, there was something off about the whole thing.

“Enlighten me,” I said.

A grin tugged across his cheeks as he leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.

“You’re checking out the competition, aren’t you?”

“What?” I asked.