One White Lie: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book One by Jeannette Winters

day.”
    “She’s knows I’m busy.”
    “Yet you’re not too busy to be sitting here with me, when you know I don’t want to be sitting here with you.” Folding her hands in front of her on the table she asked, “Why is that, Brice?”
    He laid his fork down and stared at her. “Protest as much as you want, but you are here because you want to be.”
    Like hell I am. “You forced me to come,” Lena said with a voice full of anger, both at him and at herself.
    Brice leaned across the table and said softly, “I don’t recall dragging you here, kicking and screaming.”
    “You’re my boss. What was I supposed to say after I clearly told you I didn’t want to go?”
    He grinned. “So, what you’re telling me is I hold all the power to make you do anything I wish because I sign your paycheck?” She didn’t answer. “That’s good to know because next time I’ll invite you to have breakfast in bed with me.” His laughter echoed through the room. “Would tomorrow work for you?”
    When she went to tell him exactly where he could stick that offer, he raised his hand to cut her off.
    “I’m joking, Lena. When did you become so uptight? Was it so long ago that you can’t remember how to laugh and enjoy yourself when you’re with me?”
    I remember everything. I wish I didn’t. “I don’t think about the past. Like you, I only look toward the future.”
    “Good. What are your future plans with what’s his name?”
    “Who are you talking about?”
    He was watching her closely as he spoke. “The guy who sent you the roses. Was it his thank you for a good time over the weekend?”
    They weren’t from you? Who could they be from? There’s no one. She would not give him the satisfaction of knowing that since their breakup, she’d been alone. Going out with Rex over the weekend had been the closest thing she’d had to a date in nearly three years, and that was a casual outing with an old friend. What she didn’t understand was why Brice cared who she spent time with. He didn’t want her, so why would he care if she found someone who did? Was it possible he was regretting how things ended between them? God knows I do. Was he hoping for a second chance to make it work?
    Do I want a second chance with Brice Henderson? The old Brice had been everything she’d wanted in a man. He was brilliant. He’d been attentive, kind, focused, funny, and it would be a lie if she thought she’d experience anyone better in the bedroom. Now he was cold, volatile, and unpredictable, and seemed to have no concern about sleeping with her even if he thought she was with someone else. Would he do that to me if I took him back? Sleep with another woman just because he wanted to? Part of her wanted to take him back, but the decision didn’t only affect her. Nicholas would be affected by whatever choice she made. Her feelings for Brice, whatever they were, needed to stay buried. She couldn’t risk exploring them more than she already had. If he found out he had a son, it would end everything and possibly risk having to share custody with him. That’s never going to happen. Never.
    The only way to make sure was to let him believe there was someone else in her life. But who is that person supposed to be? I’m home every night with my son. Searching her list of friends she could ask to pretend to be her boyfriend was limited. Everyone male she knew was married or related. Except Rex.
    “Have you forgotten his name already?” Brice accused.
    “My relationship with Rex is none of your business.” There. She said it. He has a name. Hopefully, now he can drop the questions. By the look on his face, she knew he was more adamant than ever. Sorry Rex. Hope you forgive me for this. “We had a wonderful time together this past weekend. Dinner, a movie—it was great. What did you do this weekend, Brice? Spend all your time in the lab?”
    He had asked but had hoped she didn’t have an answer for him. Brice knew the flowers