All Chapters of Too Late, Mr. Billionaire : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

ANYTA’S POVThe glow of the computer screen cast muted blue light over my fingers as I scrolled through listings.Auctions, blogs, social media posts which I was beginning to think were engagement baits, archives…more auctions.I pressed my fingers to my forehead as I narrowed my tired eyes a bit, briefly wondering whether to get anti-blue light glasses.I was scrolling through and checking out anything that might hold a more detailed information than some random articles with vague descriptions.Right now I was on Reddit. And besides a few jumpscare posts about Everett and our club incident from months ago, it was mostly a peaceful surf.The scent of garlic and cream hit me just before a plate slid gently onto the table in front of me.Pasta Alfredo.I looked up just in time to see Grandma Jo’s hands resting briefly on my shoulders, squeezing affection into my bones the way only she could.“What are you doing?” she asked, peering down at the screen with curiosity that was more fond t

CLAY’S POVThe elevator doors slid open with a soft whoosh, and I stepped into the foyer of my penthouse.The walk from my car to the elevator had left the wound under my feet throbbing, making me limp a bit.“Finally,” I sighed as the dim lighting enveloped me, a warm contrast to the bright LA sunset I'd left behind.I crossed the living room and tossed the manila file onto the marble console table.Next, I gently placed my keys beside it and shrugged off my jacket.The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, my housekeeper must've restocked the vases again.The city's sounds faded into the background, replaced by the gentle hum of the air conditioning and the soft gill of water trickling from the wall fountain.“Aggie?” I called, tossing my jacket at the couch.There was no answer. I paused mid-movement and listened. That was when I heard the soft croon of music coming from the direction of the kitchen.I was bone-tired. The kind of tired that sat behind my eyes and weighted

ANYTA’S POV“You know you're actually kinda of a liar…”“Wow.”I blew out a laugh as I met my bestfriend’s gaze through the computer screen.“You aren't going to ask me why I made that statement?”Clay shrugged, briefly poking his tongue against the inside of his cheek. “I usually don't ask questions about answers I'm not completely ready for.”“Well I'm gonna tell you anyways.”“Of course you would,” he chuckled.I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. “You told me you were finally getting into dating but I haven't seen or heard anything about you going on one since then.”He arched one straight, full eyebrow, “that doesn't make me a liar though.”“It does if you don't actually plan on getting into the dating scene again.”Clay opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it and smirked sweetly. “You're lucky I don't argue with pretty women.”“What about the ones you don't find pretty?”He shrugged, “I don't argue with them either. And for the record, I always find something prett

ANYTA'S POVMy heart lurched as the memory jar twisted open. I exhaled deeply, holding Jamie's gaze steadily.“That’s… a loaded question.”He raised his brows. “I like loaded questions.”I studied him for a second, debating how much to say. Then I decided, why not? If I was going to keep doing this, going on dates, letting men see parts of me.I couldn’t keep editing my life into something smaller and more convenient.It was better to be honest up front, that way they either left early, before it got too deep, or they stayed, knowing what they needed to.“It was one of the toughest times of my life,” I said finally.Jamie’s expression shifted immediately, his focus sharpening visibly. “Yeah?”I nodded. “I was very broke. One of the many disadvantages of marrying really young and without my own money.” I shrugged. “My ex-husband cut off all access to him after he…after the divorce.”“That's terrible.” Jamie stated quietly, “did you not plan for divorce settlements or something?”A knot

ANYTA’S POVI dragged Clay into the men’s room before I could lose my nerve. He followed me with no resistance.The door swung shut behind us, and I opened my mouth to speak, but something else snagged my attention.My eyes narrowed, “huh. How's this place so…clean.”Clay glanced around, then nodded solemnly. “I’m surprised too. This is, without question, the neatest men’s room I’ve ever been in.”I snorted despite myself.“No, seriously,” he continued, warming to the topic like this was the most natural conversation to be having after he clearly purposefully crashed my date.“I once went into a hotel restroom during a business event and someone had taken a massive dump in the sink.”I pressed my lips together, fighting the laugh clawing up my throat, and cut him what I hoped was a deadpan glare.Clay poked the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, though his eyes betrayed him completely.The movement was mischievous and sweet. It sent a traitorous flutter through my chest.I st