Page 48 of Loving a Billionaire

He tsked and shook his head before looking over his shoulder and grinning wide. “And to think, you turned down a penthouse suite for this.”

She laughed. “Exactly. Now you can see why, right?”

He moved back to her at the counter by the sink as she filled the vase with water.

“Yes, I can see why you wouldn’t be able to give up a place like this. Creaky floors, chipped walls and ceilings. Warped cupboards in the kitchen. And if I’m not mistaken,” he glanced at the sink’s faucet, “a dripping problem to go along with the other extra bonuses that came with the apartment.”

She playfully slugged him in the arm. “Right, and it’s all mine for only eight-hundred dollars a month.”

“You certainly live in a fairy-tale, don’t you?” He winked.

“But of course. That’s the only way to make it through the day – to pretend I’m in a fairy-tale.” Closing her eyes, she opened her arms wide and sighed.

“Am I your Prince Charming?” he asked, closing the space between them as he circled his arms around her.

She released another sigh, heavier and more meaningful this time, cuddling against his chest. “Definitely, you’re my Prince Charming.”

He stroked the length of her ponytailed hair. “Then you shall be my Princess Charming.”

Giggling, she peered up into his seducing gaze. “Princess Charming? Who in the world is that?”

“It’s whoever you want to be, sweet lady.”

“For tonight, I just want to be myself with you.”

He kissed her forehead. “Do you want me to take you out to eat?”

“Actually,” she caressed his muscular chest, “if you don’t mind, I want to stay right here with you. We can have dinner here. I’ll order pizza or Chinese delivery. Which one do you want?”

He gave her a crooked grin. “Would you think I’m a snob if I confess I haven’t had pizza or Chinese delivered to me for many years?”

“No, I wouldn’t think that way about you.” She pulled out of his embrace, “However, I think you’re going to love either one of them. The nearby restaurants in this area have the best food.”

“Which one are you hungry for?” he asked.

“It doesn’t matter to me.” She shrugged. “Chinese?”

“Get it ordered.”

She pulled out her cell and dialed the number she had on speed dial, and ordered two of the specials of the day. Because she liked anything that came from their restaurant, she knew she’d eat it. And of course, being a special meant it was two dollars off the regular price.

When she was finished and placed the phone back in her pocket, she noticed Austin had made himself comfortable on her couch. He sure looked handsome tonight. Then again, he always looked handsome. But he wasn’t quite as dressy as she’d seen him before. He wore dark blue Levis that appeared brand new, and his normal dressy baby blue shirt and tie. But his tie was loosened and the top two buttons on his shirt were undone.

He motioned for her to sit beside him, so she did. Once on the couch, he slid his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

“Tell me, what do you usually accomplish most evenings when you’re home alone?”

“Accomplish?” She laughed. “Not much. Some days I do the laundry, but the other times I do nothing but watch TV. I might open my laptop and check my emails or other social media sites, but I’m pretty much a dull person who sits around and does nothing.”

He frowned. “I can’t remember the last time I sat around doing nothing.”

“What is your evening like when you get home from work?”

“Well,” he said, stretching his legs out as he scooted down onto the couch, bringing her with him, “I look over papers from the several meetings I’d attended that day. I answer my phone messages, and if I have time after that, I check my emails and answer those.”

She cuddled against him, lying on her side and placing her leg over his. This felt so nice. Too nice, in fact. She could get used to this if she wasn’t careful. Then again, maybe that’s what she really wanted to do. “When do you eat?”

“When I get hungry.” He chuckled. “But I usually just order room service.”