Page 24 of Billionaire Hunt

“What! No! I created that business for me...I, I, I wanted it.”

“I’m not saying you didn’t want it. I’m just saying it became everything to you as if you had something to prove.”

“Oh, just stop with the sexist crap. If I had been a man dedicated to my career, you wouldn’t be saying these words now, but because I’m a woman suddenly I’m way too dedicated to my career. Give me a break!”

He sighed. “That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying now you can really focus on making you happy, just you, on your own terms...that could be interior design or being a bum under a bridge. I’m just happy you no longer have to be Misha, Misha’s daughter. Or Misha, Kat’s granddaughter. Or Misha, Wyatt’s wife. You’re free to just be you.”

For some reason, his words hurt my feelings and I mumbled some excuse about needing to get off the phone.

Is that what he thought of me? That I didn’t know who I was unless I was attached to someone else? That really hurt. I always prided myself on being independent. I had launched a successful firm all by myself. I didn’t need anyone. Ever. Uncle Niko was wrong.

Determined to get my mind off his ridiculous words, I texted Emmaline to see if she were busy. She was taking Dora to a concert so she was busy. I knew Lacey was still battling her own demon, so that left Erik.

I texted him back, “I’m heading to dinner.”

Next thing you know, my phone was ringing.

“Want some company?”

It was Erik.

I didn’t know if I wanted company or not now, but hey, I should have just ignored his text or maybe even ignored his call.

I sighed. “I’m not really in the mood.”

He paused. “Having a rough day?”

“You could say so.”

“Let me help you get over it,” his voice was suggestive. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m really not in the mood for THAT.”

“Hey, where’s your dirty mind wandering off to? I was simply offering you a nice getaway to get your mind off of whatever is bothering you.”

I opened my mouth to say no, but couldn’t get the words out. I wanted a getaway. I was tired of dealing with my own problems. I just wanted to forget about them for a while.

“What do you have planned?”

“Whatever your heart desires...”

“You really mean that?”

“Do I come across as a liar?”

“Nope. Just a womanizer.”

“Valid observation.”

I giggled. “Where should I meet you?”

“Walter Cove Yacht Club.”

“I’ll be there in 20 minutes.”

“See you then.”

I tossed a swimsuit in my purse, placed my phone on vibrate and jumped into my car.

Fifteen minutes later I pulled up in front of the yacht club. I had a problem with speeding. My problem was that I couldn’t stop doing it.

To my surprise, Simon was waiting for me out front.

“Hi there! Come on aboard!”

I gave Simon a big smile and followed him. I spotted Erik moving toward us. Instantly my heart began to race and my skin flushed. This was bad. My body reacted to just seeing him as if he were my favorite drug. God, I hoped Erik didn’t become my addiction. I made myself look away from him as he approached. He was trouble. Yep, I thought when our eyes met, I was in for some trouble.