𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 14

MILA

"Who would've thought I'd get you"

***

Fifty minutes had passed as I hoped I marked the correct answers.

In between questions, I stole glances at Mr. Romano.

The light from his balcony window hit his curly brown hair at an angle that made it look almost golden.

He caught me staring for a few seconds too long as I finished completing the pretest.

To break the awkward eye contact, I announced I was done.

He stood from behind his desk and walked toward me. The only sound that echoed through the room were the voices from outside of his office.

As he grabbed my iPad from me, his hand lightly brushed against mine.

Why am I acting as if I never had physical contact with a man before?

Mr. Romano made faint noises under his breath as he examined my answers.

"Okay. You missed thirteen out of forty-five, and I do see your potential. Have you set yourself a goal?" His deep voice vibrated through the room as he spoke.

"Um, yes I have. I'm striving for at least an 85%."

"I see your trouble is on a statistic basis as well as active business management. We'll work on that." I nodded in agreement. "You finished earlier than I expected, you still have about an hour until your father is expected to pick you up."

"He's actually closing a deal right about now I'm sure."

"Yes, with the Korean investors. But no worries, you're no bother to me." He sent me a friendly smile, which I hoped would've been more than that. "I could use your help on figuring out which company is best to buy into if you don't mind."

"You're in luck. Investing is one of the not many things I'm good at in the business field." I earned a slight laugh from him.

Theo walked over to his desk and back to the couch and sat down with a folder of papers and his laptop.

I lost track of time as he and I laughed and finally agreed to get Peru on board with the expansion of companies.

I looked at my phone to see a text from my papa.

"Principessa, the deal with the Koreans is running late. I will send a car."

I looked up from my cell and met Theo's eyes.

I saw a chance and I took it.

"That's okay, Mr. Romano offered to take me home."

"My dad is still with the Koreans, are you able to drop me at home?" I subtly batted my eyelashes at him to try and persuade his answer.

He thought for a second, overlooking his work pile. "Yes, would you like to leave now?"

"Whenever you're ready is fine with me." I smiled and began packing my few belongings into the small bag I brought with me.

"How about now?"

Leaving out of the tall building, Theo walked me to his black SUV and opened the passenger door for me.