Chapter 298
**Tom**
"Are you actually calling to tell me more made-up Australian wildlife stories?" she teased, her tone light and playful.
"Maybe I just missed your voice," I replied, a smile creeping onto my face despite myself.
"Careful there, Professor. That almost sounded romantic." She chuckled softly, but something in her voice made my heart skip a beat.
"Must be the jet lag talking. Where are you right now?"
"At Jessica's. Emily made this amazing bed coffee - you should be jealous." The contentment in her voice was clear, and I could almost smell the rich aroma through the phone.
"What?" I sat up straight. "You're supposed to be at my apartment."
"Am I now?"
"Obviously. Who will guard my extensive collection of pretentious wine and overpriced art?"
"Pretty sure your security system has that covered." Her laugh echoed through the phone. "Plus, your doorman would tackle anyone suspicious faster than I could."
"But who's going to make sure my apartment stays pristine? Those marble counters need daily attention." I grinned at her exasperated sigh.
"Your place is cleaner than a hospital. I've seen you reorganize your bookshelf three times in one evening."
"That's different. Books deserve respect. I need it spotless when I get back."
"Here's a wild idea - hire cleaners before you return. They'll make everything shine brighter than your ego."
"Miss Parker, are you sassing me?"
"Always, Mr. Blackwood." The smile in her voice was infectious. "What are you going to do about it?"
"Just wait until I get back. I'll bend you over my knee for that attitude."
Her laugh sent warmth spreading through my chest. "Oh no, I'm trembling in fear already. The big, bad billionaire will punish me for suggesting professional cleaning services. However, will I cope?"
"Keep it up, smartass. I'm making a list."
"A list? How organized of you. Should I expect a PowerPoint presentation of my crimes?"
"Complete with pie charts and quarterly projections."
"Sounds kinky. Will graphs show the correlation between my sass levels and your failed attempts at intimidation?"
"Oh, you'll get a very clear picture when I return. Complete with detailed annotations and footnotes."
"Mmm, promise? Because last time you tried to be intimidating, you ended up making me breakfast instead."
"That was strategic. Can't properly punish you on an empty stomach."
"Right. And the heart-shaped pancakes were part of your master plan, too?"
"They were meant to be circles. The batter slipped."
"Three times in a row? That's some slippery batter, Professor."
I ran a hand through my hair, grinning despite myself. "You're really pushing your luck today, aren't you?"
"Just keeping you on your toes. Wouldn't want you getting bored in all those fancy business meetings."
"Trust me, thoughts of you are doing plenty to keep me distracted."
"Good." Her voice softened. "Try not to think about bending me over during important negotiations."
"And now that's exactly what I'll be thinking about. Thanks for that."
Her laugh echoed through the phone. "Just doing my part to make your trip memorable."
"Actually..." I shifted on the massive bed, staring at the ridiculous amount of space around me. "You know what would make this trip more memorable?"
"Hmm?"
"This suite is ridiculously huge. King bed, harbor views, private balcony... Seems wasteful to have all this space to myself."
"Tom..." Her tone carried a warning note.
"Hear me out. One quick flight, you could be here by tomorrow. I'll send the jet. Hell, I'll buy you a whole new wardrobe when you land."
"Right, because that wouldn't look suspicious at all - the new hire suddenly vanishing to Australia with a private jet."
"Take a week off. Say it's a family emergency. I'll make it worth your while." I waggled my eyebrows, then remembered she couldn't see me.
"Oh yes, because that would look great. 'Sorry boss, my non-existent aunt in Australia needs me urgently.' I just started there, Tom."
"Come on, one week won't kill them. My dear former student needs a break."
"Former student who recently joined the company a few days ago. They'll kick me out faster than you can say 'conflict of interest.'" She paused. "Plus, I actually like this job."
"I could always buy the company. Problem solved." I stretched out on the bed, grinning at her predictable reaction.
"You did not just suggest buying an entire company just to get me to Australia."
"Fine, plan B - I'll offer you a job at Blackwood Industries. Better salary, private office, unlimited vacation days..."
"Tom!" She laughed. "Stop trying to fix everything with money. I want to do this on my own, okay? Build my own career, make my own path."
I sighed, flopping back against the pillows. "Alright, alright. I'm showing you the easy path, but you want the tough route. Have it your way, Miss Independent."
"Don't pout. It's not becoming of a billionaire professor."
"I never pout. I brood thoughtfully while contemplating market strategies."
"Sure you do." Her laugh filled the line. "And I'm sure your bottom lip isn't sticking out right now."
I caught myself doing exactly that and quickly stopped. "I have no idea what you're talking about. My face is perfectly neutral and professional at all times."
"Uh-huh. That's why you make puppy eyes every time I steal your coffee."
"That's different. Coffee theft is a serious crime."
"Shouldn't you be sleeping instead of harassing me about running away to Australia?"
"Sleep is for people who don't have incredibly attractive women to talk to." I stretched out on the bed. "Besides, I need to know what you want me to bring back."
"Oh, now you're asking? Not just buying out the entire country?"
"I considered it, but the paperwork would be hell. So what'll it be? Stuffed koala? Opera House snowglobe? The entire shipment of TimTams?"
"Hmm." She pretended to think it over. "How about something that doesn't involve spending your family fortune?"
"You're really limiting my options here."
"Just think about it. I'm sure that brilliant billionaire professor brain can come up with something creative that doesn't involve buying a continent."
I rolled onto my side, phone pressed against my ear. "Nope. Fresh out of ideas. My wealth-free imagination is completely empty."
"Then I guess I'll have to spell it out for you." Her voice softened. "You, idiot. I just need you back safe. That's it."
My heart did a weird little flip. "Well, well. Is that romance I detect in your voice?"
"What? No." She scoffed. "I'm just a human being asking another human being to return without getting eaten by those drop bears you mentioned. Basic courtesy."
"Doesn't sound like a basic courtesy to me." I couldn't keep the grin off my face. "Sounds like someone's worried about my well-being."
"Think whatever you want, Professor. Now go get some sleep before you start hallucinating from jet lag."
"Look at you, all concerned about my health too. First, my safety, now my sleep schedule?" I stretched out on the bed. "Should I be checking for flying pigs outside my window?"
"Oh my god, you're impossible." But I could hear the smile in her voice. "Is it so hard to believe someone might want you to take care of yourself?"
"When that someone is you? The woman who once told me my ego was visible from space?" I chuckled. "Yeah, it's a little surprising."
"That was different. Your ego deserved the reality check that day."
"And now?"
"Now you're sleep-deprived and probably shouldn't be making important decisions. Like buying countries or harassing innocent women about their completely normal concern for basic human welfare."
"Innocent? You?" I snorted. "That's definitely the jet lag talking."
"Sleep, Tom. Before I have to come over there and knock you out myself."
"Is that a promise?"
"Goodbye, Tom."
"Bye, Sara." I hung up before she could protest the softness in my voice.
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