Page 15 of His Long-Lost Baby

I freeze. He knows my name?

I need to say something, but my tongue feels heavy. The whole room stares at me, and I lick my lips.

“Whenever you’re ready.” James steeples his fingers and grins, and I want to knock the smirk right off his face.

My heart races, but I pull myself together. This is my moment. If James sees I’m a real asset to this team, then that could be the open door I need.

“I think we could add more greenery to the design, maybe some floral patterns, to really emphasize the plant-care aspect of the app. And we could use brighter colors to make it more eye-catching.”

James strokes his chin, considering my suggestion. “That’s a good point, Billie. Let’s work on incorporating those changes into the design.”

Audrey glances at me, her lips turned down. She looks pissed — and maybe a little jealous.

Of what, though? That James like my idea? Or that I have his attention at all?

In fact, now that I notice it, she’s not the only one sending me dirty looks.

I feel a rush of relief and triumph. I’ve made myself useful, and I’ve gotten a foot in the door. It’s the first time James has even spoken to me, and maybe this means he’ll even come to trust me and I’ll get my chance to be alone in his office.

He goes over a few more points, and everyone listens attentively and takes notes. With the meeting dismissed, I head for the door with everyone else.

“Billie.” James’s deep voice stops me in my tracks.

I turn around slowly, doing my best to keep my face composed. “Yes?”

As he walks up to me, I can’t help but catch a whiff of his cologne. He smells so good. I shake my head, trying to focus.

“Good suggestions today.” He studies my face as if seeing me for the first time.

“Thank you, sir,” I say, my heart pounding. “I’m glad I could contribute.”

James nods, his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. “I was wondering if you could come to my office later to discuss the project further. Just the two of us.”

My heart leaps in my chest. This is it. This is my chance.

“Of course,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “When would be a good time?”

“How about in an hour?” he suggests. “I have a few things to wrap up, and then I’ll be free.”

I nod, feeling a smile spread across my face. “I’ll be there.”

As I walk away, I can feel the eyes of my coworkers on me. Some look jealous, others confused or annoyed. But I don’t care. I’m having a one-one-one in James’s office, and it doesn’t really matter what he has in store for me.

I’m on the path to achieving my goal, and nothing is more important than that.

CHAPTER6

JAMES

“Mr. Garris?” My assistant, Terri, holds her tablet aloft, eager and ready.

I blink, my eyes adjusting from staring out the window. “What was that?”

“I asked what would you like for lunch, sir?” She cocks her head, the slightest expression of concern on.

Which is saying a lot. In her early fifties and having personally assisted some of the most powerful politicians and CEOs in the world, there’s very little that fazes Terri.

Seeing her concerned about me is more than a little unnerving.