―Sure thing.‖ He said darting his eyes to Max and narrowing his gaze at the look he was giving his sister. After Lily was out of earshot he spoke to him, ― Jesus, you‘re as readable as a book Max.‖
Max released a sigh and nodded, ―I definitely need a drink.‖
―It can‘t be that bad.‖ Luke arched his brows in surprise.
―Luke, speak to me when you go through this.‖ He said 27
L. R. Wards
seriously as he eyed his friend, ―She completely bewitches me.‖
He added while pulling out his phone, ―I need to call Oscar and tell him to come back in an hour.‖
‗Make it two.I‘m making desert.‖He said over his shoulder as he headed back toward the kitchen, ―Help yourself to the bar Max, pour me whatever you‘re having.‖ He began to feel the urge to have one too.Max made his intentions clear years ago, but he still thought Lily was way too young to get involved with him. Although he had to admit, he‘d never seen his friend look at a woman the way he looked at his sister.If he didn‘t think Max was serious before, he knew he was now. Something like that couldn‘t be faked. He cherished her.
Max poured himself a double scotch and by the time Lily came back he was on his second.
Lily had to admit having her two favourite men in the world at dinner was wonderful.They laughed and joked for several hours before she stifled a yawn and excused herself. Even though she wanted to stay to spend more time with them, she was thoroughly exhausted. It wasn‘t often Max stayed for dinner anymore. It seemed the more wealthy he‘d gotten, and the more his company expanded, he was busier.
Max watched her leave before he started asking Luke about Hong Kong. Every minute spent with her was precious to him and he wasn‘t going to waste it talking about business.At work it was different but in the company of family he wouldn‘t bring it up.
For Lily, the next week was brutal.He certainly hadn‘t lied to her.She put in a twelve to fourteen hour day and when she got home , would collapse on her bed and fall asleep, sometimes with her clothes still on.How the hell did he do it?
The man was a machine. Earlier that day, she was in the middle of setting up the boardroom for a meeting of directors when Max 28
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire strolled in to the room on his cell phone looking to handsome to be real.He was wearing a dark grey suit, blue silk shirt and striped tie.One of his hands was thrust into his pocket and he nodded to her briefly not breaking conversation on the phone. It sounded like he was speaking in Greek and a minute later he hung up and centered his gaze on her.
―Lily do you have a dress?‖
―I have dresses.‖ She answered with a puzzled look.It was an odd conversation.Usually he kept his conversations short and professional with her around the office probably to not let on that he knew her more than just and employee.Actually she appreciated that he didn‘t show her favouritism because there was already some animosity brewing because of the position she held. So far it didn‘t bother her too much and she was hoping that it wouldn‘t.
―No, a cocktail dress.Cybil‘s out of town, I need a companion for dinner tonight.‖
―I can go get one.‖ She answered trying to keep the tremor out of her voice and the excitement off her face.
―Do that.‖ He said casually as he studied her for a moment, ―something green to match your eyes, and elegant, but simple.‖
―Yes sir.‖ She said with a mock salute causing him to smile.
―How are you holding up? It‘s been a hectic first week for you.‖ His eyes searched hers with concern.
It was worth every minute she could spend with him, but she wouldn‘t tell him that, instead she teased him. ―Hell.‖ She said. ―You are a slave driver.‖
He chuckled, ―Yet not one complaint. I‘m impressed, not many
