The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

COMMENT

Chapter 22

Evelyn sat down, trying to suppress the anger boiling within her. She didn't know what infuriated her more: Derek's arrogance or the fact that he was right- she couldn't afford a scene at the company. "Fine. Let's get this over with," she muttered, picking up her menu and pretending to be engrossed in it.

"That's the spirit." Derek said, his smile widening as he signaled the walter o OVCE.

They ordered their meals, and the atmosphere at the table was thick with tension. Evelyn focused on her breathing, trying to keep calm and collected despite Derek's presence. She knew she had to play along at least for now,

tell me, Eve, have you gotten a place yet?" He asked, attempting to strike up a conversation as their drinks were served.

"Not your business," she muttered.

"I don't suppose you are still at the Orchid Hotel, are you?" He asked, and her eyes widened slightly in surprise making him smile.

"What! You thought I wouldn't know where you moved to after leaving my hotel! I don't intend to have you disappear on me ever again, Eve. I plan to keep my eyes on you this time," he said and she nodded. "I will keep that in mind" she said quietly.

-So, how do you like your

your new apartment?" Derek asked, and she raised a brow.

"Are you stalking me?" She asked and he grinned.

"I guess you've moved into an apartment now, What's it like? Do you like the place?" he said, pleased with himself for getting her to answer his question indirectly.

Evelyn took a deep breath, "What will it take for you to stop all of this!"

Derek shrugged, "Give in to me."

"Give in to you? Do you think because you have a hot body and a sexy smile you can do whatever you want?" She asked and it was only when the words left her lips that she realized what she had said. Derek grinned, "Yes, I think so. And I'm pleased to know you find my smile sexy and my body hot," he said with a wink

"I didn't mean I find

I find you appealing in any way

"Oh! You find me appealing too. Aren't you full of compliments today?" he asked with a chuckle and she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"It's fine. My apartment. I like the place," she said, deciding that it was best to answer his simple questions since avoiding them seemed to be making the conversation more complex for her. Derek grinned, "Just fine? Come on, you can do better than that. I bet it's cozy and suits you perfectly, he teased, leaning back in his chair. Evelyn forced a smile. "Yes. It's everything I need." Derek studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good. I'm glad you found a place you like.

Their food arrived, and Evelyn was grateful for the distraction. She focused on her meal, determined not to give Derek any more ammunition. But he wasn't done.

"You know, Eve, I never really understood why you left without a word six years ago. Not even a thank you," he said casually, taking a bite of his food

rtone neutral.

was better she answered his question else they were just going to keep going around in circles and he wouldn't give up. Derek's eyes narrowed slightly. "Reasons you could

would be the right

and met his gaze squarely. "No. Not now. Not ever," she

a moment, but then he sighed

Chapter 27

curious about something for a while now. Where have you been

had caught

and she decided to not let

with him

around until four years

for two years" Derek pressed, leaning forward in

saw you or ran into you? I've been looking for you since that night, Eve.

anything ridiculous about falling for me

been with lots of women, but you're the first that

her and made her feel weak.

to that decision. It was a man like him. His cousin for that matter whose deception had broken her so badly that she

"That's bullshit."

honesty,” he said, intrigued by the emotions that had flickered through her

She thought

had hoped to avoid this conversation, but it seemed inevitable. Perlups it was time she put an end to

us to revisit the past, Mr. Stone. So, I'd rather we focus

"Are yo

just going to pretend it never happened?" he asked, his voice low as he fixed his

were over this already" she asked,

I plan on making you mine before

eyes steady. "For the sake of this project, and both our sakes, I hope you abort any of those plans you have skimming in your head. I already told

"Why?" Derek asked curiously.

what?" Evelyn asked with a

want to give me

your time on me and channel it somewhere else," Evelyn said

sex with random men you're not interested in?" He asked, holding her

had sex with just about anyone as

mix of hurt and anger flashed in Derek's eyes, and to keep himself from saying anything hurtful he looked away from her as

hurt his ego,

know about that, however, I do know I will make sure thave you

am!" She asked, doubtful that he knew she was his

I want you to know that I'm not letting this go. We have unfinished business, and I intend to see it through

was," Evelyn sad

that. Eve But we both know that a not true. You started the business between us,