Remove the Empty Spaces Read Online Free PDF Page B

smile.
    “Patrice is evil. Everyone in my family would tell you that.” Patrick crossed himself.
    “Thanks so much, Mr Bellamy, for giving me this opportunity.”
    Ion approached Adrien’s desk, holding his hand out. After pushing to his feet, Adrien took Ion’s hand to shake. He stroked his thumb over Ion’s knuckles, and held on a little longer than he needed.
    “You’re more than welcome, Ion. You allowed me to save a thousand jobs today, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Giving you a promotion is the least I could do for you.” Adrien inclined his head, loving how they were both acting like the kiss never happened, and that Patrick hadn’t seen it.
    “After you’re done helping Ion, I need you back here, Patrick. We have some emails to send out, and some meetings to set up.”
    Ion and Patrick took his statement as a dismissal, and left his office. Adrien wandered over to the windows, staring out over the city.
    Adrien hoped that dinner would lead to spending the night together. He had a feeling Ion might be someone he could date for longer than a few weeks. Adrien was looking for a serious relationship. He wasn’t interested in one-night stands or weekend flings any more. He was older now, and ready to settle down.
    Was Ion going to be the one who stuck around long enough for Adrien to fall in love with?

Chapter Three
    Ion paced from one end of his living room to the other. Adrien had contacted him earlier in the day, letting him know they were going to go the Bridge Café.
    He wasn’t freaked out by Adrien’s money or his position running one of the world’s biggest companies. None of that was important. Ion was nervous because Adrien was so good-looking, that Ion didn’t understand why the man would want to go out with him.
    His phone rang, and he checked the screen. Answering it, he said, “I really don’t want to talk right now.”
    “Oh Ion, I wasn’t calling to give you a hard time. I just wanted to tell you to enjoy yourself. Let whatever happens happen.” Patrick sounded serious about the whole thing.
    “I plan on it. I have to admit, Patrick, I’m really hoping this goes well.” Ion flopped onto the couch, but almost immediately jumped back onto his feet.
    “Of course, you do. Adrien Bellamy is one of the most eligible bachelors in the world, and he’s a nice guy, which is overkill in my opinion. No man should be that rich, gorgeous, and be a good person as well.” Patrick huffed in annoyance.
    Ion laughed. “True, but you know me. I don’t care about money and looks. Sure, it helps to have those. Ultimately though, it’s more important to be a nice person.”
    Patrick sighed, and Ion could picture him shaking his head. “I love you, honey. I truly do, but some days I don’t understand where you’re coming from.”
    “I know you feel the same way I do, so don’t act all shallow and everything. I’ve seen how you look at Mr Richardson. He’s handsome, rich, and a nice guy.” Ion teased.
    Patrick squeaked, than started to mutter, “You better not tell anyone about my unrequited love for Richardson. The man is straighter than a ruler. There’s no way I have a chance with him, but I don’t want anyone pitying me because of it.”
    After chuckling, Ion tried to reassure his friend. “You know I’m not going to say a word to anyone, Patrick. Your secret is safe with me.”
    A knock sounded on the door, and Ion inhaled sharply.
    “Adrien must be there,” Patrick said. “We’ll have lunch on Monday, so you can tell me all about it. I better not hear from you until then.”
    “Love you, too,” Ion said before hanging up.
    He rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants, then checked his reflection in the mirror by the door one last time. Ion opened the door with a smile, but his jaw almost hit the floor when he saw Adrien standing in front of him.
    Seeing the man in suits all day at the office had told Ion Adrien had a sense of style and loved tailored clothing. Obviously