The CEO, the Puppy and Me

The older man’s gaze moved between her and Ric. “How long have you two been together?”

Heat rushed to her face. She hadn’t anticipated discussing her complicated relationship with Ric. “I haven’t known Ric all that long.”

“About the program,” Ric intervened. “I have the real time results you’d previously requested.”

The older man waved off the mention of business. He took a sip of his coffee and then leaned back in his chair. His gaze continued to move between the two of them. His gaze settled on Gia. “My Elizabeth was a lot like you. She was my biggest supporter.” He sighed as though the memories were bittersweet. And then his gaze moved to Ric. “I just wish I’d have noticed her sooner—paid more attention to her.”

Ric’s jaw tightened. It was as though the man was trying to send him a message, and Ric wasn’t having any of it.

Gia went for a distraction. “Is Elizabeth your wife?”

Mr. Grosso turned his attention back to Gia. “Yes. She was. Taken from me far too soon. When are you two getting married?”

“We aren’t,” Ric said. “Now about the program.” He reached for his attaché, pulling out a manila folder. “I’ve brought some printouts that we can go over.”

Mr. Grosso frowned and waved away the papers. “You two, are you a couple?”

“Yes,” she said.

“No,” Ric said.

They looked at each other after giving conflicting answers. Had she heard Ric correctly? After all they shared, it meant nothing to him?

His eyes were dark and filled with a swirl of emotions that she was unable to make out. Still, his answer hung there in her thoughts. Each time she recalled it, it was like a stab to her chest.

Their lovemaking meant nothing?

She meant nothing?

“Aw... See?” said Mr. Grosso. “I was right. There is something between you two.” His attention zeroed in on Ric. “You’re making a mistake by not marrying her as soon as possible. And trust me, you will regret it—”

“What I regret is not going over these reports,” Ric said. “I think if you have a look at what I was able to do with my program to help Gia’s business that you’ll realize it will streamline and increase business for your company.”

“I can’t trust a man with my business who can’t see what’s right in front of him.”

Ric raked his fingers through his hair. “Gia is not part of this business agreement.”

“But she should be part of your life. When you are old like me, you’ll find your business is a cold bed partner and a demanding mistress that never has enough of your time and always wants more, but never gives enough in return.”

Ric was quiet.

Gia was still trying to wrap her mind around what was happening. Mr. Grosso was trying to be some sort of matchmaker. And Ric was denying that there was anything between them. And she was quiet because she didn’t trust her voice right now. She didn’t know which man she was most upset with.

After a tense moment, Ric said, “Would you like to see the reports?”

“I think I’ve seen as much as I need to.” Mr. Grosso stood. “You get your life straightened out, and then we’ll talk.”

Ric stood. “My personal life has nothing to do with this.” His words reached the man’s retreating back. Once the man was gone, Ric turned to her. “Can you believe him?”

“What I can’t believe is you.” She grabbed her purse and followed in Mr. Grosso’s footsteps.

“Gia, wait.”

She kept going. She didn’t want to have this conversation in the restaurant with witnesses. What she had to say to him, she didn’t want overheard. And with the number of people gaping at Ric and pointing him out, she was certain a scene between them would make the headlines. That would just take a painful situation and make it unbearable.

Outside on the sidewalk, she turned the opposite direction of the valet.

“Gia, where are you going?” Ric rushed up to her.