Law #1: Never Bet on Love: A Sweet Billionaire Love Story (Laws of Love) Agnes Canestri (best books to read in your 20s .txt) 📖

just trying to imagine you as a young kid. From what Marjorie said you must have been the most adorable little boy.”

“You mean, I’m not the most adorable one anymore?”

She chuckles. “No, it’s not what I meant. You’re…”

“Adorable? Oh please, Eva. Don’t be afraid of saying nice things to me.” I step closer and deepen my voice a little. “Especially now that we are officially dating. Believe it or not, there’s nothing that I would want to hear more.”

Her signature wrinkle forms between her brows, which isn’t the reaction I’d hoped to provoke with my flirting.

“Not even the news about your promotion? I thought that was on the top of your priority list.”

“How did we jump from you admitting that I’m still adorable to my career plans?”

Eva shakes her head. “Sorry, my bad. It’s just that, after talking to your aunt, your plan about leading your family’s company keeps popping into my mind.”

“Ah, how so?”

Could Eva suspect something about the bet? Did Marjorie make a gaff I didn’t catch?

She sucks in a breath and holds it in longer than necessary. When the air comes out with a soft whoosh, she shrugs. “I don’t know. Perhaps hearing the stories about you as a cheeky and careless kid, made me wonder about your working life. Your job seems to take up most of your time already, right? Leaving you with little chance to do anything that’s just fun… Wouldn’t it be worse if you became CEO?”

I finger my shirt collar, unsure how to answer. Eva’s point is valid. As AMEA’s leader I wouldn’t have much free time—probably none if I want the company to double its revenue as quickly as possible. “It’s likely. But that aspect never discouraged me. I don’t mind the extra hours I need to put in.”

Or, I didn’t until I met you. No, I don’t mean that. Or do I?

I recall how this morning I entrusted Larry to take over an important client of mine. I actually delegated for the first time in my life, but it was necessary, otherwise I couldn’t have taken off the afternoon to be with Eva. I told myself I did it because winning the bet needs to be my priority. Plus handing a bone to Larry felt right, given that soon I’ll be snatching away the position to which he aspires. But if I’m honest, there was also a part of me, a big one no less, that just wanted the sheer joy of spending time with Eva…

Eva licks her lips, quickly. “Ah, I see. Then I must have misunderstood your comment last night. You know, when you said you don’t feel the same passion for your job as I do for dancing.”

I did say that. And perhaps it’s true. The way Eva’s whole persona radiates when she hears her music isn’t something that signing a deal, even a multi-billion one, could ever unleash in me. I might not have the pure love of sales coursing through my veins, but I’m also not an artist. I don’t have a passion. I have goals and the sense of satisfaction when I reach them. That’s enough.

I square my shoulders and press my hips to the kitchen counter. It’s cold and rigid against my skin. “Do you mean you don’t approve of my ambition then?”

“Nathan, please. I didn’t say that. I would never dare. I’m just a dancer in a bar, and you’re a future director of a large company. I’m in no position to give you career advice.”

“You, Eva Flores, aren’t just a dancer in a bar.” I touch the tip of her nose. “You are the star of Desert Rose as far as I could see. Everyone is dazzled by you. Myself included.”

She blushes and the delicate pink on her skin makes me want to bend forward and kiss her, but I keep my longing at bay. I need to understand exactly what she thinks about my plan. Mostly because without knowing it, she plays a big part in its success. “So with this in mind,” I continue, “what do you think about my wish to lead my family’s company?”

“No, Nathan. I don’t want to step on your toes.”

“I’m interested.” And I am. Especially after hearing a hint of objection in her voice.

I wonder briefly if I’m still respecting Murphy’s condition if the why of Eva’s thoughts and the what of her actions fascinate me beyond anything I ever thought possible?

“You know, after mom died,” Eva keeps her eyes somewhere above my shoulder, “I went to countless therapy sessions with my step-dad. I hoped it would help him with his addiction issues. His psychologist told me once that choosing what to strive for after a great loss can be influenced by an internal obligation we feel for those who are gone. But…he also said it’s not healthy…”

I give out a dry chuckle. “Are you sure you’re Eva and not my brother in disguise?

Eva smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Yes, it’s still me.”

“You could have fooled me.” Why is Eva even bringing up my father? I decide to meet her comment with a lighter tone. “I see. Murphy also tries to shove some of my shortcomings on Father’s departure. I always tell him that it’s he who became a psychologist to cure himself.” When I see that Eva doesn’t care for my joke, I add, “Eva, it’s kind of you to worry about me and my vocation. But I was only six when Father died. That’s like twenty-something years ago. I have gotten over his death.”

Eva’s eyes flick to mine. “I just wanted to make sure you have the right motivation. Since your career may cost you so much sacrifice.”

As much as I’m usually able to keep anyone’s opinion about my behavior in the place where it belongs, Eva’s words touch me more than I like. But why? She must be wrong, so her insinuations shouldn’t bother me. Father’s death might have impacted my life, but it isn’t the reason I…

No, certainly