Page 20 of Loving a Billionaire

NINE

Low burning candlesand soft music from the Bluetooth speakers would set the mood for tonight’s romance. Austin hadn’t stopped thinking about his date with Talia, and he realized that he didn’t want to take her to the restaurant. He’d rather take her on his private jet and fly her to Venice, Italy. But then he quickly squashed that idea since he wanted her to get to know him, not his money. Privacy was what they needed. If it was just the two of them, she’d open up to him a little easier. And maybe, just maybe, she’d let him kiss her again.

He adjusted the wine bottle in the bucket of ice sitting on the dinette table. He picked out the overlooked green leaf in the bowl of fresh strawberries before walking over and dimming the lights.

Before his anxiously-awaited guest arrived, he hurried into the bathroom to check his appearance one last time. As he slapped on his favorite cologne, he caught his reflection smiling like a little boy on Christmas day, but surprisingly enough, he couldn’t control his eagerness.

He ran his hand over his wavy brown hair, knowing women liked this particular trait about him – hair just long enough to run their fingers through, yet not too long to get in the way. He glanced down at his gray, short sleeved polo shirt and debated whether to tuck it into the waist of his Levis or just wear it out. Then again, if he tucked it inside, she’d be able to see his muscular frame better. Grinning, he shoved the ends of the shirt into his Levis.

Showing off his pearly whites, he stepped closer to the mirror to inspect his teeth, making sure he’d brushed and flossed his teeth clean. Satisfied, he straightened. Everything had to be perfect tonight. This was his only chance to show Talia what a charming and gentle man he really was. If he failed again, she’d never come back.

His lucky stars were aligned perfectly tonight. He had a good feeling that things would turn out as planned. Talia had come back to him when he thought he’d never see her again, and he was determined not to let her go this time. He was relieved he’d stopped her from making a big mistake in following Kalama’s advice. But it was strange to think that as many situations that he’d helped Kalama get out of, she was actually helping him this time.

The doorbell rang, and his heart sprang with excitement. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he walked out of the bathroom and to the front door. He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants, chuckling to think he was so anxious. Austin Reeder? Nervous? Ridiculous. Wouldn’t the press have a field day with this story?

When he received his first look at Talia, his heart melted. Instead of the sexy dresses she’d worn before, her attire was much different tonight. Instead, she wore a short sleeve, dark blue shirt that was buttoned down the front. She had on tan slacks that fit her figure perfectly. Nothing about her clothes could be considered sexy, and yet, he liked this casual look on her.

Her jet-black hair was left long, flowing like silk over her shoulders and down her back. His fingers itched to stroke her locks; to feel it brush across his face as he kissed her neck. A Hawaiian Hibiscus flower was stuck behind her ear, and the urge to lean in and smell the fragrance became overwhelming. He quickly stopped his thoughts before they got out of hand. This wasn’t the way to start out the evening. But how could he not think that way?

Another thing different about her was that she didn’t cake on her makeup as she’d done before. But whatever she’d done, it was perfect. It made Talia appear more natural. He liked that a lot, because now he knew she had natural beauty.

A black purse hung over her arm, and one hand clutched onto it so tight her fingers were white. The poor woman looked so nervous that she might empty her stomach at any moment. He’d change that. He’d have her relaxed in no time.

Giving her a tender smile, he stepped away from the door. “Good evening, Talia. Won’t you come in?”

She nodded then walked past him into the suite. Her heavenly scent of roses wafted around him just like it had done the other night.

“How are you this evening?” He shut the door.

“I guess I’m a little nervous,” she answered as her gaze swept through the room. “Uh, Austin? I thought we were going to the restaurant for dinner.”

“We were, until I realized I like room service much better. It’s not as crowded here, either.” He smiled.

“Well, whatever we are having for dinner, smells Heavenly.”

“I hope you like this.” He glanced at the dinette table where the food was laid out. “I’ve ordered my favorite dish from the restaurant. We’ll be having smoked duck breast, peach risotto, charred broccoli, heirloom carrots, and red wine shallots. For dessert, we’ll have dark chocolate pudding.”

Her expression relaxed as a small smile touched her face. “That sounds wonderful.”

He motioned toward the table. “Shall we eat?”

She nodded, so he took her hand and brought her to the table, and like a true gentleman, pulled out the chair for her to sit.