The Billionaire Recluse & The girl who stayed.

The meeting.

~Lexi~

I didn't sleep.

Not properly.

I tossed.

Turned.

Replayed it over and over again in my head like some kind of punishment I couldn't switch off.

The moment.

The kiss.

The way he pulled back.

My chest tightened just thinking about it.

God, how could I be so stupid?

I buried my face into my pillow with a groan.

"He clearly doesn't like you, Lex," I muttered to myself.

And yet—

That didn't quite feel true either.

That was the worst part.

Because if he didn't like me at all, this would be easier.

Cleaner.

But the way he looked at me sometimes...

The way he almost leaned in—

No.

Stop.

I wasn't doing this again.

—

Jasper had given me the day off.

Which, honestly, I needed.

No awkward run-ins.

No overthinking every word.

Just...

Space.

So I stayed in.

Curled up on the sofa in my oversized hoodie, hair tied up messily, letting Netflix distract me.

I ended up binge-watching You for hours, barely moving except to grab snacks or refill my drink.

It helped.

A little.

At least it kept my mind busy.

—

By the time I checked the clock, it was 6pm.

My meeting with Dale Bridges was at 7:30.

Right.

Work mode.

I pushed myself up from the sofa and headed to the bathroom, letting the hot water from the shower wash away some of the tension I'd been holding onto all day.

Steam filled the room as I stood there longer than necessary, letting myself breathe.

Reset.

Refocus.

—

Once I was out, I took my time getting ready.

Drying my hair.

Curling it softly so it framed my face just right.

The meeting was at a high-end steak restaurant—professional, but still... an impression needed to be made.

Lilly's voice echoed in my head.

"He's a huge investor, Lexi. Make a good impression."

No pressure.

—

I chose my white bodycon dress.

Smart.

Fitted.