The Wager: A Billionaire Romance (10 page)

"You're awfully quiet this evening," she began.

"I was too busy admiring the view," I said, looking into her eyes.

Even in the dimly lit room, I could see the blush creeping up her cheeks at my compliment.

"That was smooth," she laughed self consciously.

"I wasn't trying to be," I answered. I was surprised to realize it was the truth. I hadn't just said it to win points or get in her favor. I found that I was genuinely attracted to her and the feeling was growing each moment I spent in her company.

After a quick tour along the Hudson, the yacht arrived back at the marina. I took Lily's hand as I helped her alight from the vessel. Once we had reached solid ground, I didn't let go, and she didn't make a move to pull her hand out either. We walked back to the valet in a comfortable silence and waited for my car to arrive.

"Thank you again for dinner," she said.

"You're welcome. Thank you for coming with me. As you can see, it would have been awfully lonely eating by myself on that big ship," I teased.

"Well I think it's too big for just two people too," she laughed. "But I had a great time."

My car pulled up and I drove her back to her store. Once we arrived, I got out with her and walked her inside. She seemed a little nervous and on edge by my presence. Maybe it was because we were the only ones in the shop, or maybe it was the wine I drank at dinner, or maybe it was the way her face flushed and how her lips were slightly parted, but I knew I had to kiss her. I'd wanted to kiss her all evening.

She backed up further into the shop as I made my way towards her. I could tell she was nervous and a little scared, but at the same time she wanted it as bad as I did. Lily stopped once her back had reached the counter. I continued my way forward until we were only inches apart. She licked her lips as she looked up at me and that sent me over the edge.

I dipped my head down and pressed my lips against hers. Her skin was on fire and her lips were so soft, I couldn't resist deepening the kiss. I slipped my tongue in her mouth and pulled her close against my body. She responded in kind, threading her fingers through my hair and pulling my head down.

The kiss was electric and I found myself lost to everything but the feel of her wrapped around me. Finally we pulled apart. I rested my forehead against hers, panting for breath. Her eyes were drugged with passion and desire and it took everything in me not to take her right then.

"Wow," I said. "That was unexpected." I stepped back a couple steps, feeling like I needed some safe distance from her.

"You can say that again," she replied breathlessly.

"I should get going. I'll see you on Monday for the opera," I said.

"Oh, right. Yeah I'll be there. Thanks again for the dinner," she said, her face registering her confusion.

"My pleasure." I gave her a quick peck in the cheek and left as fast as my feet could carry me.

I walked out the shop and hurried to my car. Once inside, I rested my head against the steering wheel as I took in several deep breaths. What the hell just happened? I'd never felt that way after a kiss before. It tugged at something deep in me. My body felt alive and on fire and I knew that Lily felt it too. It was plain to see in her response and the way her eyes had glazed over as I held her in my arms.

I had to fight myself to keep from running back into the shop. It was a miracle I was even able to break the kiss when I wanted so badly to take her right then and there. I banged my head against the steering wheel. Had I gotten in over my head? Was I actually falling for Lily Hayward?

When I had agreed to the bet I never would have expected to actually develop feelings for her. It was supposed to be the other way around. I was supposed to make her fall in love with me, but somehow she managed to worm her way under my skin. Being with her was bringing out a side of me that I forgot even existed.

I banged my head against the steering wheel again trying to dislodge these thoughts. It was crazy to be falling for this woman after only knowing her for a few days. What the hell had gotten into me? I wondered. It must be the fact that I'd been through a bit of a dry spell lately and hadn't had sex in a few months. That would drive anyone a little crazy, I reasoned.

I needed to take a step back and let things cool down. It was being in such close proximity to her that was throwing me off. I'd seen her nearly every day since Saturday and I just needed some space. Once Monday rolled around, I'd be able to control myself better. I'd also realize that it was just lust and not actually something deeper that was drawing me towards Lily.

Chapter Seven: Lily

"What does one even wear to the opera?" I asked as I stared into my closet. I cursed myself again as I realized I should have asked Mel for some help with dresses before she left for China. As it was, she was probably in Beijing right now settling into her hotel. I wondered if she had internet there and was tempted to video chat her. But I looked at my watch and realized it was only around 5am over there and she'd probably kill me for waking her up.

I had taken the day off work to get myself glammed up for that evening. Doris looked pleased as punch when I asked her to cover for me. She didn't say anything, but I knew exactly what she was thinking giving me that smirk. I didn't really mind, though. The truth was, I wanted to make the effort.

After that mind numbing kiss Roman and I shared, I knew there was no use denying it to myself anymore. I was really starting to fall for him. It was a terrifying thought, but as Mel would say, most things worthwhile in life are terrifying. I knew I was taking a huge risk opening my heart and letting him in, but I figured the reward was worth it.

Plus, I knew he felt something for me too. I could just feel it when he kissed me. He couldn't be that good of an actor. Besides, he'd never done anything to hurt me or make me question him. He'd been nothing but a gentleman from the first moment I met him, and I didn't want my past experiences to ruin something that could be wonderful.

After that wonderful kiss, I went to bed dreaming of him that night. I wondered what would have happened if we hadn't broken apart. My body thrilled at the memory of the desire in his eyes and the passion of his embrace. I knew I wouldn't have been able to say no if he'd wanted to take it further. Hell, I wanted it just as bad as he did. It was one of the only times in my life I could remember letting go of all my inhibitions and doubts. Somehow whenever Roman was around, I felt like I could be myself.

But in the back of my mind, there were still some persistent doubts and fears I couldn't seem to get rid of. The fact that he hadn't contacted me since that night left me a little unnerved. Then again, I appreciated the time apart to cool down and think. I just needed to take a deep breath see how things went this evening.

He was due to pick me up in a couple of hours, and I hadn't even tried on anything yet. I scanned through my paltry assortment of dresses and sighed. This was a moment when I would have welcomed Mel's opinion and yet she was nowhere to be found. I wanted to dazzle Roman and thought about that red halter dress Mel had suggested for the Eichendorf Gala. At the time I was appalled, but I wished I had that dress in my closet now. I knew it would blow Roman away.

My doorbell rang startling me from my thoughts. I hurried to answer it to find a delivery man with a big white box with a pink bow on top. After a moment of stunned silence, I accepted it and brought it into my apartment. I placed it on my coffee table and searched for a card. There was none outside of the box and I wondered who it was from.

My first thought was that Roman sent it to me. He had a habit of sending me things and I thought this might just be another extravagant gift. After being the recipient of his generosity I was finding I wasn't so averse to it after all. I opened the box eagerly, ripping off the bow. Inside, on top of white tissue paper sat a plain white envelope. I reached for that first and opened the letter.

Don't think I forgot. Thought you might need a little help. Miss you already! --Mel

I smiled as I read the note, my anticipation building to a feverish pitch. I dug into the box, tearing the tissue paper away and pulled up the red halter dress from that night at the gala. Mel really was a life saver. I was so happy to see that dress, I did a little jig around my living room, all the while giving thanks to Mel and her awesomeness.

After hanging the dress up, I finally began my preparations. I decided I wasn't going to look in the mirror until I was all ready. I wanted to look at the final product and not have to nit-pick my appearance every step of the way. Starting with my hair and makeup, I pulled my normally unruly shoulder length hair into a sleek bun. Each strand was straightened, pulled back, pinned and pomaded, so that not one stray hair was out of place.

My make up was minimal but for the cherry red lipstick I wore to match the dress. I finished it off with a coating of mascara and a light dusting of blush. Finally, I slipped the dress on over my head, making sure not to mess up my hair or make up. The dress fit perfectly and as I pulled up the zipper, I released a heavy breath. I stood in front of the mirror and finally looked at myself.

My jaw dropped to the floor as I stared at the stranger looking back at me. The dress was perfect and did amazing things for my body. Somehow it managed to make me look slimmer in all the right places while accentuating my womanly curves as well. The cherry red color complimented my alabaster skin and the low neckline was daring yet still classy.

Looking at myself, I didn't know why I objected to it so strongly the first time I saw it. It was a little more risqué than I normally wore, but tonight was special. I felt it in my bones. Things between Roman and I were quickly heating up and even though we had just met, I knew there was something special about him.

For the past few days, I'd been trying to keep him at arm's length, but after that kiss, I knew we'd both have to make a decision soon. As I continued to stare at myself, I wondered what Roman would think of my look. It'd been so long since I got dressed up for a man. I pushed the unwanted memories to the back of my mind. I wouldn't let the past intrude on tonight.

My doorbell rang again and I almost jumped out of my skin in surprise. A quick glance at the clock told me it was already 6pm. Roman was here. I smoothed my dress down and patted my hair nervously before walking towards the door.

I sucked in a sharp little gasp as I opened the door and stared at Roman. He was dressed impeccably in a black suit and tie. His dark hair was combed back and his face was freshly shaven. He looked absolutely gorgeous and I almost had to pinch myself, not believing that he was actually my date for the night. Those few days apart almost made me forget how handsome he was, but seeing him in the flesh again almost knocked me off my feet. Now I knew why women were always clamoring for his attention.

"You look absolutely stunning," he said, surveying me from head to toe. I could feel the heat rush up my body as he stared at me, but I maintained my composure and held his eyes.

"Thank you," I said. "Please come in."

I stepped aside for him to enter my apartment. It was the first time he'd ever been inside and he glanced around, taking special interest in the pictures that I hung on my walls.

"So um...would you like something to drink?" I asked. "Or do we not have time?"

Roman turned back to look at me, something unreadable in his eyes. "I'm in no rush to leave," he said.

"Oh. Well I've got water, cranberry juice, wine--,"

"Water's fine," he said, giving me an enigmatic smile.

I headed into the kitchen and quickly poured some water into a glass, spilling some on the counter. I felt like electricity was shooting through me--my heart raced in an unsteady rhythm and my hands trembled. I just felt such nervous anticipation. If he so much as touched me, I thought I might collapse right then and there.

"You have a lovely home," he said as I came back out with his drink.

"Thanks," I said. "It's not much, but I like it."

"It's very cozy and comfortable," he said, leaning back against my couch and stretching out his legs. His eyes never left me as he continued to stare. I felt unnerved under his gaze, wondering what he was thinking. I patted my hair nervously watching him take a sip of his water as he eyed me over the rim of the glass.

"You're going to stare a hole right through me," I blurted out, nervously.

He laughed as he put down the glass on the coffee table. "I'm sorry. I just can't get over how beautiful you are. That dress looks breathtaking on you."

"Now you're making me blush on purpose," I said. I continued to speak, feeling a little more in control and comfortable once I was talking. "What time does the opera start by the way?"

"In about an hour," he said casually glancing at his watch.

"Shouldn't we get going? I don't know how it works or if we need to show up early to get to our seats," I babbled.

"We've got plenty of time."

I felt the heat of his stare and the underlying meaning of his words. If there was any doubt that he desired me, the look in his eyes dispelled that immediately. He looked like he was ready to ravage me right then and there, but held himself back on a tightly controlled leash. My heart sped up just thinking about it. I didn't know if I was strong enough to resist him if he did put the moves on me, and a part of me didn't even think I wanted to resist.