Page 16 of The Mysterious Billionaire
When we’re done, we observe each other. She moves closer and straightens my bow tie. “There. Perfect. You’d never know we’d had wild monkey sex.”
I chuckle, looking at her pink lips. “I wish you hadn’t put lipstick back on. I’d like to have kissed you goodbye.”
Primly, she offers me a cheek, and I give a short laugh and kiss it.
“Thank you,” I say softly.
“It was a lot of fun, wasn’t it?”
I nod and tuck her hair behind her ear. I still think it’s a wig. I wonder what her natural hair color is? “It was amazing. I can’t believe how lucky I was to meet you tonight.” I hesitate.I can’t let her go without one more try. “Please… can I see you again?”
She looks up at me, and there’s longing in her eyes, but she still says, “I can’t, I’m sorry.”
I frown. I’m not used to being told no. Briefly, I debate telling her my name anyway. Once she realizes who I am, she might change her mind. That sounds arrogant, but it’s just practical—my money changes things.
But wasn’t that why this was such fun? Because she didn’t know who I was? My money and position had nothing to do with this. She had sex with me because she was attracted to me and nothing more. If she knew who I was, how could I be sure she wanted to be with me purely because she liked me?
I sound desperate now, and I huff an aggravated sigh.
“Poor Captain,” she says. “I’m sorry.”
She’s really going to walk away. I’m oddly shocked, and a little hurt that she’s not as affected by what’s just happened as I am.
“We’d better go,” I say, trying to hide it. “Come on.”
I lead the way out of the apartment, and we walk down to the elevator. We wait quietly for the carriage, then go in once the doors open, and I press the button for the lobby.
The carriage sinks smoothly. We stand a few feet apart, watching each other. I feel frustrated and resentful that I have no control over this. I want more. But I can’t make her agree to that.
“Don’t glower,” she says.
“I’m not glowering.”
“Yes, you are.” She moves closer to me. She’s taller now she’s back in her sandals, but she still has to look up to me. “I can’t believe I squirted over your face.”
That makes me laugh. I slide an arm around her and pull her toward me. “Best part of my week,” I murmur, bending to kiss her nose.
“Thank you for a fantastic evening,” she whispers.
“Thank you. I’ve had a great time.”
“I hope your meeting goes well.”
“Thanks. I hope you enjoy the rest of the ball.”
She brushes my cheek. “It felt… real, didn’t it?”
“Yeah.” I hesitate. “If I got on my knees and begged… would that make a difference?”
She laughs. Then she reaches up and touches her lips, ever so lightly, against mine. “I’m sorry.”
The elevator slows, and I lower my arm as she steps back.
The doors open, and we go out into the lobby. It’s busy, full of guests arriving at the hotel, as well as people coming and going from the ballroom. We stand a foot apart, and I feel a wave of panic at the thought that I’m never going to see her again.
“Well, goodbye,” she says, smiling.
I just nod. I can’t bring myself to speak.
