Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 236

Padgett Novak leaned in, a note of concern in his voice.

“Everything all right?”

Noreen jumped in quickly, “Oh, nothing’s wrong. I was just wondering—when are you opening bids for the Port Redevelopment Project?”

Padgett grinned. “Are you interested?”

Noreen answered honestly, “If there’s money to be made, you can bet I’m interested.”

He looked at her, clear admiration flickering in his eyes. After a sip of his lemon water, he set the glass down and, quite seriously, asked, “Forgive me for being forward, but… Miss Gilmore, do you have a boyfriend?”

The sudden shift almost caught Noreen off guard. “No, I’m single.”

“What’s your type? Do you think I might qualify?”

This was only their second time meeting. Noreen figured he was probably under family pressure to settle down, so she gave a polite but firm answer. “Honestly, I’m not looking to date right now. At this stage, I’m just focused on building my career.”

Padgett took it in stride, his good humor undimmed. “I get it. Women these days want independence, equality, self-fulfillment—it’s great.”

“But if you’ll allow me, I’d like to get my name on the waiting list.”

Noreen laughed, genuinely amused. “You’ve got a sense of humor, Director Novak.”

Padgett’s gaze was steady. “I’m serious.”

…

When dinner ended and they stepped outside, rain was falling. The weather had been dreary for days.

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