The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires, #1)

by Lauren Asher

You might be my boss but I won’t let you tell me what to do.” “That in itself is a contradiction.”

I should be angry at his insult but all I can do is laugh. The kinds of things he says with a straight face impress the hell out of me, and I can’t help feeling oddly attracted to his blunt nature.

“You’re not special enough for any fine print.” She doesn’t look the least bit offended by my comment which only irritates me more.

I can’t compare to a woman who can light up a room with her smile alone. She’s like the sun, with everyone orbiting around her to bask in her warmth.

“You like me,” I blurt out. “No. I tolerate you more than most people. That’s why I want to date you.”

Her legs wrap around my hips, keeping me locked in place. As if I would ever leave paradise now that I’ve found it.

“That’s okay. I’ll dream big enough for the two of us.”

He’s my dark storm cloud in the middle of a drought—an underappreciated beauty that makes me feel equally alive as the sun or the stars.

“If I had a heart to give, it would be all yours. Free of cost.”

“I like the way you make me feel.” “And that is?” “Like I’m a real person.”

I like you. It’s scary as hell because you make me feel everything. And I know I’ll disappoint you. That I can’t promise much, but sometimes I think maybe I could. If I tried hard enough. If I found a way to make things right.”

It’s the closest thing to a confession of love that I might get from him. And it’s a sign of hope.

“You weren’t supposed to make me smile or laugh.” He nips at the edge of my ear before tracing my earrings with his finger. “You weren’t supposed to work your way under my skin like venom with no kind of antidote.”

I want to risk falling in love anyway in the hopes that we create something beautiful together. Like a diamond built under pressure, with flaws that make us stunning. I want that kind of love with Rowan. The one that is as passionate as a wildfire and as long-lasting as a gem.

I grin. The muscles in my face feel looser this time, like I’m finally adjusting to this kind of gesture.

You mean, SMILING 😂

It makes me want to find other things that would amaze her if only to recreate the same kind of look of wonder on her face. I’m screwed. Absolutely losing my goddamn mind.

Her smile rivals the star at the top of the tree. Yup. I’m royally screwed.

For her smile, I’d do just about anything.