The Wager: A Billionaire Romance (13 page)

In all my 33 years, I'd never met a woman who brought out these feelings in me. I could hardly believe that I had so easily dismissed her that first evening that I saw her. To my mind, I couldn't think of another woman whom I found more desirable or attractive.

She wasn't the typical woman I normally went for, but then again, those relationships went nowhere and were ultimately unsatisfying. They'd start off with a burst of excitement, but quickly fizzled out once the novelty wore off. I even began to think I wasn't made for long term relationships, but now that I had found someone like Lily, I was very interested in exploring where it would lead.

In a way, I had to thank Warren for all of this. If it weren't for the wager, I would have never even bothered to talk to Lily in the first place. Thinking about the bet sent a bit of uneasiness through me. I knew I couldn't continue with it now, not after last night. I wondered if I should confess it to Lily when I saw her again, but then I thought of her reaction. She'd be upset, angry, and rightfully so. What person wouldn't be? But if she did find out from someone else, I knew she'd be even more upset.

I had to call Warren as soon as possible and let him know the bet was off. There would be no need for Lily to find out any of it ever happened. Once I had made the decision, I slipped my phone out of my pocket and dialed Warren's number.

Hey, it's Roman. I just wanted to let you know I'm calling off our little wager. The car doesn't hold the same appeal to me as it once did. I'm sure you'll understand.

Beep.

I felt a sense of relief to have that out of the way. Before I could put my phone away, it started buzzing, letting me know I had an incoming call. I look at the screen to see my cousin Rob's number pop up.

"You're here," I answered.

"Hello to you too, Cuz," he laughed good naturedly. "I just got off the plane and am headed over to the hotel right now."

"Good. Did your parents come with you?" I asked.

"No, Dad's still getting over his bout with pneumonia and Mum couldn't bear to leave him," he said.

"Ah, I hope he's getting better."

"Yes, no worries in that quarter. You know how anxious she can be though."

"That I do. So it's just going to be you at the Halcyon this year?"

"Don't sound so excited," he drolled. "What are you doing for dinner? I'll come over and we can head to Bolo to catch up. I haven't been to the club for ages. I almost wonder if they've revoked my membership," he joked.

I hesitated. "Uh, not tonight Rob. I've got plans," I said.

"Ah, I see how it is. Got a new lady love already, is it?"

"That's none of your business."

"Mm hmm. Can't believe you're ditching your own cousin for some new fling."

Even though he was just joking his words irritated me. I didn't like the way he was talking about Lily like she was some new piece of ass I was just using. Granted, my reputation didn't do me any favors, but the way my cousin was talking about her rubbed me the wrong way.

"Watch your mouth, Rob. This is not just some fling," I said.

"Oh really?" He sounded surprised. "It's serious then?"

"I'm not discussing this with you right now," I said. My tone said I was done with this line of conversation, but Rob didn't seem to get the hint.

"It
is
serious! Oh my God, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd finally settle down. Who is this miracle worker?" he said.

"You're annoying," I said, half exasperated.

"You didn't answer my question. And when do I get to meet her?"

"If I had my way, never."

"Ouch. You hurt my feelings. No matter though, I'm sure I'll meet her soon. And then there's always the Halcyon," he said, undeterred by my growing irritation. "You are bringing her to the ball aren't you?"

"I haven't asked her yet," I said.

"We'll, you'd better do it soon."

"What I'm going to do is hang up this phone."

"You can run but you can't hide," Rob said laughing.

I shook my head and smiled. Rob was the only one who could get away with talking to me like this. We'd grown up together and he was more like an annoying brother than a cousin. I hung up the phone, agreeing to meet with him tomorrow afternoon for lunch. It would be good to see him again, I admitted to myself. I was sure to get bombarded with questions about Lily, but somehow I found I really didn't mind.

***

I arrived back at Lily's apartment six hours after I had first left. It had been a long six hours. I kept thinking about her and how she looked as I left her lying there naked on her bed, her hair tousled and sexy with the sleep still in her eyes. It had been hard to leave, but I was more than happy to be back.

Lily opened the door and greeted me in a skimpy little dress I knew she wore just for me. She looked nervous, innocent, and yet so seductive. It was a miracle I didn't just rip her dress off and take her right there up against the door. I felt like some horny teenager, letting my hormones control me.

"You look beautiful," I said, pulling her towards me.

"Thank you," she replied. "You don't look half bad either."

"High praise coming from you," I laughed.

It was sweet the way her face blushed whenever I complimented her. She had no idea how gorgeous and radiant she really was. It wasn't the type of beauty that was shallow and obvious, not that she wasn't physically pleasing. But Lily's beauty was something deeper. There was a natural grace and elegance about her and her wit and intelligence brought a spark and liveliness to her eyes that was mesmerizing.

"You're staring again," she laughed. "Do I have something on my face?"

I shook my head slightly. "Sorry, I was lost in thought," I said.

"Well, I hope you're hungry. I made us dinner."

"You cooked?" I asked, surprised.

"Why do you sound so shocked? I do know my way around a kitchen, for your information."

"Not shocked, just impressed," I said.

I took a sniff and inhaled the delicious aroma of a home cooked meal. I couldn't remember the last time someone not on my payroll had cooked for me. Probably my mother when I was last home for Christmas five years ago. She led me to her small dining table set up between the kitchen and living room. It was set for two with candles and a small vase of flowers.

"Have a seat," she said, pointing out my chair for me. "Did you want anything to drink? I've got some red wine--,"

"That will be fine," I said.

Lily went into the kitchen that was opened up to the dining area. I could see her tasting whatever was cooking on the stove before she reached up to grab a wine glass. I didn't know what it was about watching this domestic scene, but it felt right. I felt like I could do this every night--come home after work to Lily, and sharing a meal together. It seemed so cozy and comfortable.

Lily came back out with my wine and placed it on the table in front of me. "Dinner should be ready in a few minutes," she said.

"Smells good, what is it?" I asked.

"Beef Bourguignon."

"My favorite," I said.

"Is it really?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I think it will be my favorite after tonight," I said.

She rolled her eyes at me and gave me a playful punch on my shoulder. "Or you know, you could swear off it after tonight," she said.

"Hmm, now which is it. Are you someone who knows her way around a kitchen or someone who's cooking is so bad it will turn me off of my favorite meal after one taste?" I teased.

She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again with effort. Instead, she pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at me. "You keep this up and there'll be no soup for you," she said.

"Technically it's a stew," I replied, ignoring her
Seinfeld
reference. I enjoyed pushing her buttons, and liked the way her chest heaved and her lips thinned with her suppressed irritation.

"God help me," she muttered, looking heavenward as she turned back and headed into the kitchen.

I sat back and watched her ladle out the stew, and sipped my wine. "Did you need any help?" I called out watching her balance the two bowls in her hands.

"Yeah actually, if you could just grab the bread on the counter," she said, turning her head in that direction.

I stood up and headed towards the kitchen brushing against her as she walked by me. The contact surprised us both. After last night I knew there was definite chemistry between Lily and I, but to have it feel so electric and charged was still a surprise. I felt drawn to her, as if I couldn't help myself.

I could tell she felt it too. Her body shuddered slightly as her arm grazed me as she passed. She looked up at me briefly, the surprise and wonder evident in her eyes, before heading to place the bowls on the table. I grabbed the bread and followed behind her. Lily was just headed back into the kitchen as I came out again.

"I'm just going to get the salad," she said.

I sat back down in my seat and waited for her. Everything looked and smelled delicious and again I was impressed that she had gone through all the trouble just for me.

"Well dig in," she said, once she had taken her seat.

"Thank you for this," I said. I lifted a spoonful of the stew to my mouth and tasted it.

"So what's the verdict?" she asked, eyeing me intently.

"It's delicious."

I could tell my compliment pleased her. She wore a happy smile on her face and looked like she was glowing. It was interesting that she could take compliments on her cooking but not on her looks. I'd have to make a mental note to remember that.

We ate in silence, both of us too caught up in enjoying the meal to talk. I was just scraping my bowl with the crusty French bread when I heard her chuckle. I looked up to see her watching me with an amusing twinkle to her eye.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"I guess you do really like Beef Bourguignon," she said.

"I told you it was my favorite," I said.

"So how was your day today?" she asked, leaning back and watching me over the rim of her wine glass.

"The morning started out wonderfully, and then after that, it's been pretty much business as usual."

"Did your cousin arrive safely?" she asked.

"Yes, he gave me a call when he landed. I'll be seeing him tomorrow for lunch."

"Oh nice," she said. I couldn't tell if there was just a hint of disappointment in her voice when she said that, but my ego swelled at the thought that she was upset she wouldn't be able to see me for lunch tomorrow.

"Speaking of my cousin, he actually reminded me of something today. My family throws an annual charity event for the City Ballet Company. It's actually part of the reason he's in New York. I wanted to know if you'd like to go with me," I said.

Her eyes widened and her mouth slightly parted as she stared at me. She was silent for a long time and I was beginning to feel a little unsure. It was an extraordinary situation where I found myself nervous. I didn't realize how much I wanted her to go with me until this moment.

"You want me to go with you as your date?" she asked, in a hushed voice.

"Well yes, that is what typically is meant," I said.

"But why?"

"Why not? There isn't another woman I'd rather go with than you," I said, truthfully.

"Oh," she said. I could tell she was unsure about it by the way she kept chewing on her bottom lip and scrunching up her yes at me.

"Listen, it's not for another two weeks. You don't have to make any decisions now," I said trying to put her at ease. "If you're not comfortable being seen with me--,"

"No it's not that. It's just kind of sudden. But, you know what? I'd love to go with you," she said, a look of determination in her eyes.

I released a pent up sigh and felt a great weight lift off me that I never knew was there.

"Thank you," I said.

"Just do me one favor," she said, her eyes twinkling before the candlelight.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Make sure Maxwell Stein isn't on the guest list," she said, laughing.

I smiled back at her and nodded my head. "I'll personally make sure he's excluded from the guest list," I said.

Chapter Nine: Lily

I stared in my closet and wondered what had become of my life. It seemed not too long ago that I was just content to sit at home alone with a good book. But nowadays, I seemed to find myself getting dressed up more often. After that first night attending the Eichendorf Gala with Mel, my schedule had been pretty overflowing with black tie events.

I laughed to myself remembering how I told her that would be the first and last one I'd ever attend. Oh how wrong I was. Being with Roman flipped my whole world on its axis. I was doing things I said I'd never do.