Billionaire Boss, M.D. (The Billionaires of Blackcastle 5)
Page 19
“There’s always more. Nothing is ever final.”
“I thought with you everything is.”
His gaze swept her from head to toe and back, swathing her in fire. “I thought so, too. But I’m learning that was because I never found a worthy challenger.”
“Me? Yeah, right.”
“I will cure you of that self-deprecation yet. For now, I’m here to tell you that you can have your project back, with all the logistical support and financial backing I would have offered you to work on mine. I ask for nothing in return.”
Her mouth fell open but nothing came out.
It was only on the third attempt that she croaked, “So what’s the catch?”
“You’re assuming again.”
“Just spit it out. The one thing I can’t handle is surprises. I have to know what I’m walking into while I’m still a thousand miles away.”
His eyes gleamed with approval. “A control freak, I see.”
“Takes one to know one. But then again, I’m just a wannabe who has nothing to show for my obsessive proclivities. You’re the real deal with the billions to prove it.”
“Again, you shortchange yourself.” He frowned for a moment before he exhaled. “There’s no catch, Dr. Accardi. Your pressure tactics worked.”
“What pressure tactics?”
His huff was incredulous. “Seems it’s not only me who does things on autopilot. You flat-out bulldozed me.”
“I was only struggling not to let you bulldoze me.”
“And your struggle was so ferocious you upended the tables. It took me a while to realize I was beaten, since it never happened before. But there’s a first time for everything. So here I am, coming with a white flag. If there’s one thing I ask, it’s that you promise you’ll separate our professional and personal interactions from now on.”
“We have no personal interactions.”
“Something I aim to rectify, starting now, over lunch.”
“What is it with you and meals?”
“We do have to eat. We’ll eat together.”
It was her turn to shake her head, disbelief coursing through her. She’d expected him to consider her a pest, to dismiss her and spare her his disconcerting focus. But not only had he come after her again, but the more obnoxious she was, the more patient and persuasive he grew.
But for whatever reason he was doing this, there was only so much temptation she could withstand.
Clinging to the last vestiges of sanity, she exhaled. “You must be in dire need of amusement. But let’s say I accept, how about something quick? Coffee? Here?”
He shook his head, unmovable. “Lunch. Out.”
“I’ll give you a muffin.”
His laugh rang out again, and she could swear all of her mother’s crystal still distributed around the living area where she’d left them sang in response.
He was still chuckling when he persisted, “Lunch. A leisurely one. So clear your agenda.”
“What agenda? I’m unemployed now.”
“You’re no such thing. We’re celebrating your triumphant return to your lab. This is nonnegotiable, Liliana.”
Her heart somersaulted. It didn’t matter that it was impossible. It did. Then it attempted to burst out of her chest.