Page 11 of Her Brother's Billionaire Best Friend

“My dad,” she said. “He always told me that this was the best view in the world. He called it the raging view. Because you can see the Falls?”

“Oh,” I didn’t let on that I knew anything about Laura’s Dad. Derek Solomon. If I showed any interest, it might jog her memory.

“So,” she said. “What do you need help with?”

I tilted my head. “It’s the usual. I need someone to answer emails, and book appointments. Liaise with my offices in Seattle and New York. Find information, and help with inquiries. Can you do all that?”

“I can learn,” she said casually. “After all, I ran the information desk at the Post for a while. I’m sure it’s less of a headache than that,” she smiled.

I snorted. “You think running a billion-dollar business isn’t a headache? My last PA was an extremely talented person. And even if my hiring manager does think you’re up to this, I wouldn’t take it lightly.”

I saw a slight crease above Laura’s nose as she frowned. She folded her arms. “I think you’ll find I’m a pretty capable person, Mr. Barnes. After all, I was an award-winning reporter. Perhaps you shouldn’t judge me too quickly.”

“Why do you even want this job?” I went on, ignoring the rebuke. “It’s not exactly as…glamorous…as journalism.”

Did she know who I was? Was that why she applied for this job?

Laura turned. She put her hands behind her back, and for a moment, I saw her tan blazer lift, revealing the graceful, slim waist under her crisp, white shirt. I remembered a time when my hand had wrapped around her waist, a day by the lake when I’d pulled her to me. But though it might have been the same body, I wasn’t the same man.

“I’m currently living rent-free in my brother’s house, Mr. Barnes,” she said. “And I’ve just moved back here, because, as you surmised correctly, I was fired. So I really need the work. I’m not going to lie to you—I’ve never been a PA. But I work hard. And you’re a man who knows how to make good decisions, I’m sure. So you know that hiring someone with my skills is a good decision.”

It wasn’t. I’d be crazy to hire her and I knew it. There was every chance she might figure out who I was. Or that I might run into David, her brother. Or anyone else. Word would get out. But then, I relaxed, as I saw her look away.

Maybe it was better to have her here, rather than somewhere else. I’d know if she found out who I was.

Besides, it was plain to see that Laura had long forgotten Conor O’Shea. It was a gamble. A risk, for sure. But I felt sure that she wouldn’t be able to cope. After all, I wasn’t the easiest person to work with.

Maybe I could make it even less easy. With a little extra effort. I pondered it for a moment, while my eyes followed the line of her jaw, down to the soft flesh of her neck. I looked away before I went any further.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That’s what they say, isn’t it?

“Fine,” I growled. “You start tomorrow. Four days a week. The salary’s…competitive. But until I know you can do the job, you’re on two weeks of probation.”

“That’s fair,” said Laura. “Well, Mr. Barnes. I look forward to getting started.” She stepped forward and was about to shake my hand.

But I was afraid to raise mine.

Laura gave me a look of disbelief. Like she couldn’t believe how rude I was being.

Well, good, I thought. All the more reason for you not to come back tomorrow.

She seemed like she was going to saw my real identity, when suddenly her eyes locked on my throat, and she squinted.

“That’s a hell of a scar. Where’d you get that?”

I froze.

“Excuse me?” I said.

“I was just saying, it’s a big one. Not that you…not that you look bad or anything. It kind of suits you.”

For a moment, there was a glimmer of recognition in her eyes. And I would have been nervous about being made if I hadn’t felt set alight with rage.

I’d never been spoken to like that by anyone. Not in my whole life. I felt sure that the woman in front of me wasn’t Laura. Not the kind, empathetic person I’d known.

She thought the man in front of her was hideous.

“There’s something you’re going to have to learn about me, Miss Solomon,” I said. “And it’s that I keep my business and my personal life separate.”