Read The Billionaire Boss for Free Online Page B

let go by the end of the summer.
    She said nothing.
    Ariel shifted in his chair. “Does that sound like something you would be interested in?”
    "I'm not so sure."
    He looked dumbfounded.
    Heather turned to her. “This will be a good opportunity. I think you’ll do a great job,” she said with a smile.
    January wanted to roll her eyes. It was the first time the woman had ever smiled at her.
    “Why aren’t you sure?” Ariel picked up the ballpoint pen on his desk and clicked the top.
    Because you didn’t even have the courtesy to call me.
    “I’d just like a day to think about it.”
    Ariel nodded. "That's more than fair."
    What do you know about fair?
    "All right.” Ariel dropped the pen. “Heather and I just have a few more things to go over. Thank you.”
    It was a polite dismissal.
    January stood. Her eyes focused on the edge of Ariel's desk. She turned without making eye contact with him and headed toward the door. Safely on the other side, January took a deep breath. She felt like an emotional basket case. She loved him. She hated him.
    Did she want to be close to Ariel Cunningham or as far away as possible?  In her heart she knew she wanted more of Ariel, but was that the smart move?
     
    ***
    January went through the morning doing data entry work. She enjoyed the repetition of entering the numbers. She just needed to sit and avoid thinking about Ariel.
    When January got back to her desk, she sighed in exhaustion. She hadn’t slept a wink the night before.
    Do not do that to yourself again! She’d definitely get some sleep that night.
    The phone rang on her desk. January arched an eyebrow and picked it up. “Hello.”
    “It's me. Can you come to my office?”
    “Okay.” January hung up the phone, wondering how Ariel could’ve called her that instant.  She looked around and spotted a camera.
    I wonder how often you monitor your staff.   She didn’t like the idea of Ariel being able to watch her at any moment.
    She got up and would’ve checked her face in the mirror she had in her purse, but she didn’t want Ariel to see her primping for him. Instead she pushed back her chair and made her way to his office.
     
    "I'm sorry about what happened between us.” Ariel looked sad.
    January lifted her chin.
    "Let's just move forward.”
    “You’d like that, wouldn't you?
    “I didn't mean forget what happened between us, January.” Ariel licked his lips. "Let's start over.”
    “Sure.”
    “Please don't shut me out.”
    His words got her attention and she looked him directly in the eyes. They were gorgeous, as usual. “I hear what you’re asking. But have you even tried to let me in?”
    Ariel sat up straight in his chair. “Perhaps not.” He looked away. “I would really like you to accept the offer from this morning. I’ll give you some valuable experience and it will give us time to get to know each other.”
    “In a work capacity?” January was surprised at her boldness, but she wanted to know what the expectations were.
    "We'll just have to see. I am your boss.”
    It wasn’t a clear answer. “Okay then."
    "Well then, it’s settled."
    "I guess so.”
    “When will I start?”
    “In about two weeks, unless Heather goes into labor early.”
    She nodded.
    Ariel steadied his eyes on hers. He began to talk slowly. “I feel as though we have a connection.” He sighed again. “But you have to try to see things through my eyes. I’m your boss and I don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you”
    I thought I was an adult . January tried not to show her annoyance. “I don't think anyone could see things through your eyes, Mr. Cunningham. You’re the boss of a billion dollar company.”
    Ariel opened his mouth, but held back.
    January turned on her heels and left Ariel's office. She wanted so badly to believe what he’d said about them having a connection.
    He plays with my emotions like a yo-yo. One minute I'm feeling high. The next minute I’m spinning down fast.
    But