But suddenly, I frown. Didn’t Ricky also work for a construction company? Not that he actually worked, worked. It seemed he frequently overslept and sometimes didn't even bother to show up. But at this point, who cares? It’s not my business. I push that loser out my mind and resolve never to waste another thought on him.
Inside the make-up room, I set up my kit and prepare a small table of refreshments for the President of Karmax, who I’m told will be ready for the make-up chair at 9 a.m. Sure enough, at 8:59 the door flies open with a bang. But this must be some joke because dressed impeccably in an expensive suit is Ricky! My coffee almost drops in shock and I snort, brown droplets shooting from my mouth and nose.
Ricky laughs, a deep, charming ripple that I’ve never heard issue from his lips before.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss at him. “Seriously. What?”
His face drops into a confused, but polite smile.
“I believe I have an appointment with you,” he says in a deep male voice. I’m rooted to the spot, staring at Ricky’s impossibly handsome face. But there’s something off. My eyes practically cross, trying to figure it out. He’s the same, but not the same in infinitesimally small ways. Ricky had a small scar over his left eyebrow – does this man have that? His jaw looks more chiseled if possible, those lips more mobile.
And suddenly, the puzzle works itself out.
“Dylan Masterson,” the man says, reaching out his hand to me in introduction. “Nice to meet you.”
I shake his hand, furiously trying to connect the dots in my head. Masterson? Holy shit. Ricky had mentioned once that he had an identical twin brother, but I’d never met him. This must be him! I can't believe my asshole, deadbeat ex-boyfriend has a billionaire twin brother who’s the President of Karmax!
“I’m so sorry,” I finally manage, blushing. “I thought you were - I thought you were someone else.” I nervously shake his hand and Dylan smiles warmly at me, making my knees go soft. “I’m Fiona,” I quickly add, realizing I haven’t even introduced myself yet. “Please take a seat,” comes my murmur while nervously pulling out the make-up chair for him to sit in.
But the alpha male shrugs it off with careless masculine grace. He settles down and I drape my make-up cape over his expensive suit. As I reach forward to tie it together behind his neck, the inside of my wrist comes very close to his face. He glances up at me, his eyes the same piercing blue as Ricky’s, but so much kinder. I meet his gaze and can’t look away - an electric current travels between us. I can feel it reaching into my insides, turning them to mush, and down my legs, before settling into a tingle in my pussy. Dylan must feel it too because he suddenly clears his throat and turns his face away from my wrist.
“Your perfume’s very nice,” he rasps softly. “A lovely floral scent.”
“I’m not wearing any,” I answer sassily, unable to hide the smile spreading across my face.
He looks back up at me and matches my grin. “Just naturally sweet, huh?”
I swallow, smiling at the compliment but also completely tongue-tied. Since when are hot guys actually nice? But I catch myself. This is work. So I start doing his make-up, whipping out my brushes and paints while fidgeting a bit with the lights and mirror.
But at the same time, I’m intensely aware of Dylan in a way I’ve never been aware of a client before. The way his skin radiates heat as I lean forward to brush his bronzed skin with setting powder. The way those shoulders are so broad, his massive form hulking in the make-up chair. And I can’t get over Dylan’s physical similarity to Ricky – after all, they’re identical twins, although also different in subtle, idiosyncratic ways. Because Ricky was lazy, rude, and vain. The bad twin was arrogant, and commanded no respect.
By contrast, I’ve only known Dylan for about two seconds and already I can tell that he’s totally different. His straight posture makes him look taller than Ricky, even though they should be the exact same height. He’s gentle and kind, yet commanding, without having to do or say much.
Oh god. My attraction to him is making my hands shake. I hope he doesn’t notice! But I can see from the corner of my eye he’s keeping his eyes on my face as I work. The fact that I’m into him must be obvious as day. I bet Dylan can walk into any room and make women swoon, falling over themselves like idiots. But for him to be into me? No, that’d be a pipe dream. Ricky may have been hot, but he was still a loser, whereas Dylan is clearly nothing of the sort. He’s an alpha prime. What would a man like this want with a brunette with a couple extra pounds?
Suddenly, I’m jolted from my thoughts.
“How do I look?” asks Dylan in deep, gentle voice. I allow myself to meet his gaze and notice that he’s smiling, those perfect lips molded beautifully. His blue eyes are warm and kind, and not cold like Ricky’s. Butterflies flutter in my stomach.
“Um, handsome - very handsome,” I stumble, holding the make-up brush in mid-air, my hand trembling. He smiles and suddenly his hand is on mine, gently enveloping it within his. Even his grip is different - purposeful and confident, not clammy and sweaty like Ricky’s always was. My breath stops in my throat.
Because I have to be careful. Things didn’t end well with Ricky. He was so charismatic in the beginning, but then quickly turned into a prick and dumped me. Why would Dylan be any different? Only this morning I’d sworn I wouldn’t go out with a guy that hot again, and yet here I am, flirting away like a nincompoop.
But Dylan seems so different from Ricky. The good twin seems genuine and sincere in his interest in me, and there’s a charisma that radiates from this male form, pulling me in like Ricky never did.
All this flashes through my mind in the split second after he takes my hand, making me freeze. I must look like a startled rabbit, because Dylan abruptly lets go of my hand, looking at me with a sudden concern in his eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” he growls. “I didn’t mean to shock you.”
But I interrupt him, saying in a hoarse voice thick with emotion.
“No it’s no problem. You didn’t shock me. In fact, I want it,” comes my dulcet murmur. His blue eyes flare.
“Oh really?” comes that low growl. “You want it?”
I blush. What are we talking about here? But somehow, the language between men and women is universal no matter the setting. We both know what we’re talking about as the electricity crackles between our forms so bright that heat sparks in my heart.
“I do want it,” I confirm softly, looking deep into those blue eyes.
And my words are true because I do want it, despite my previous relationship with his twin. Because there are good twins and bad twins, and maybe this time will be different. Maybe this time, Dylan could really be interested in me despite all my faults and foibles, despite all my idiosyncratic tendencies and extra curves. Maybe this time things will be different … and I’ll get lucky.
* * *
To be continued …
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Sneak Peek: The Dirty Set-Up
Christa
Christa’s dad is ill, and he sets her up with a handsome man who offers medical help … in exchange for unlimited access to the curvy girl’s beautiful body.
* * *
Dad is fast asleep from his pain meds when I quickly shoot home to change for my date with Hunter. I don’t really have time for another shower, but some moisturizer gets rid of that oily feeling, and a fresh makeup fix brings out the best in my eyes and lips. And I know it’s a cliché, but it really is true: You can’t go wrong with the little black dress. Unfortunately, this particular outfit is more snug than the last time I pulled it on, and I think about changing before I remember what Dad and Lili both said about showing off your figure. So what if the silky fabric is kind of tight over my chest and backside? Hunter obviously liked what he saw in my photos. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let him have a better look at it.
Unfortunately, the holiday’s made traffic even heavier than usual, so I don’t
make it to Petty Cash until almost 10:30. I try to text Hunter to let him know I’m running late, but every time I get halfway through the message, the light turns green and I put down my phone again. When I finally pull up in front of the ultra-hip neo-Mexican restaurant, the valet is nowhere to be found. But I do recognize the only person standing on the curb, ear glued to his iPhone. Even in a charcoal gray suit instead of a tank top, those shoulders are broad and powerfully impressive. And as they turn towards me, those blue eyes are even more piercing in person.
Oh god, he’s gorgeous, and I hop out of my car after parking.
“Hunter?” is my breathless sigh.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” he says into his phone, “but it’s going to have to be another night.” His face cracks into welcoming smile. “Hey, you finally made it.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmur, panting and a little flustered. God, this man is so handsome. “I was running a little late, but tried to text you. I’m so sorry.”
The words tumble out like a river and I blush, already feeling stupid. But Hunter’s nice.
“No worries,” he rumbles. “The table’s waiting inside.”
My mouth opens a little in shock.
“We didn’t lose the reservation?”
He grins knowingly.
“No, they know me here. They saved it just for us,” he says with a wink. With that, we walk inside. The maître d’ bows when he sees my date, literally bending at the waist in a deferential gesture.
“Mr. Channing,” he murmurs. “Welcome. This must be your guest.”
And with that, we’re whisked off to a spot in the back. My eyes dilate because this isn’t just any table. This has to be the best table in the house, with a beautiful view of the garden outside and a warm night breeze wafting over my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I say, taking the menu and sitting as graciously as I can manage in the tight dress. “Appreciate it.”
Hunter leans back then, eyes flickering over my form. Everything goes soft and loose inside, and I blush.
“So tell me about you,” that deep voice rumbles, blue eyes seizing mine. “What brings a pretty girl like you to OkEros?”
I grow even more red.
“That wasn’t me on the site. You know that. It was my dad.”
He nods.
“I know, but it only makes things more strange. Why was your dad on the site masquerading as you?” he asks curiously, blue eyes gleaming.
I take a deep breath, ready to explain it all.
“Well, my mom left a couple years back, and it’s just been me and Ralph since. And I don’t get out much between work and taking care of my dad because he’s sick.”
Hunter interrupts for a moment.
“I know, he told me over the phone.”
“You talked to him?” is my gasp.
Hunter nods enigmatically.
“Yep. After we started messaging, he fessed up to masquerading as you. So I gave him my number, and we had a nice long chat on the phone. He told me all about you.”
I’m stunned.
“Why did you even talk to him?” is my stammer. “Why not just drop it? How did Ralph get you on the line?”
The questions tumble out one after another but Hunter’s smile is enigmatic.
“Let’s just say if I had a daughter, I’d do the same for her,” he says smoothly. “But we’re here to talk about you. Ralph told me you haven’t been on a date in over a year, and he’s worried you’ve given up on meeting anybody.”
“He said that?” I sputter. For what feels like the fiftieth time since this whole disaster began, I heave a big sigh. “Great. Now you probably think I’m this charity case who’ll go out with anybody who gives her the time of day.”
Hunter smiles again.
“Sweetheart, one thing you’ll learn about me is that I always say what I mean. If I thought you were a charity case, I’d tell you so. Besides, this isn’t even about you, or me.” He pauses, a faraway look coming into those electrifying eyes. “It’s about your dad.”
What in the world? What does that mean, it’s about your dad? What did the two of them talk about? And if this isn’t about Hunter and me, then why are we on this date, and on Valentine’s Day, no less?
Before I can ask him any of these questions, Hunter hands the menu to the waiter and orders for both of us. At first, I’m astonished. Who is this man who thinks he can order for me? But frankly, after years of managing my dad’s care, it feels nice to let someone else take charge for once.
Hunter sits back again, that long frame unfolding itself.
“Ralph told me all about his bone cancer, and he mentioned Cedars-Sinai has this treatment that’s helped a lot of people out. The thing is, I know everybody at Cedars. The doctors there have been CMI customers for years. So I told him, let me make a phone call or two. I’ll get you as close to the top of the list for that treatment as I can.”
I wasn’t expecting to hear those words. Any cancer patient or caregiver would agree, one of the worst things about fighting this disease is how often you feel like you’re going it alone, with no one in your corner and no one to lend a hand. But I never would have guessed, in a million years, that I’d find that helping hand on OkEros, of all places.
Without even being able to fight it, grateful tears well at the corners of my eyes.
“Hunter. I just, I don’t know what to say,” is my stammer. “I mean, yeah, my dad and I know all about this treatment. But he’s maxed out the lifetime limit on his health insurance, and I’m just a waitress making minimum wage,” is my teary confession. “Even if we were at the top of the list, it doesn’t matter. We can’t -”
“I can. I can afford it. And I’ll cover it.”
“What?” My mouth drops open in surprise, eyes wide. “I’m sorry? You’d pay for my dad? But...why? You don’t even know us. Why would you do this?”
Hunter grins, as the food arrives. Mmm, yummy. It looks and smells heavenly, but right now the only thing I can focus on are the alpha’s words.
“I just told you,” he drawls casually. “I can afford it. So why shouldn’t I?”
“But I just...I’m so confused. I mean, we just don’t live in a world where people do things like this.”
“Maybe we should,” Hunter replies matter-of-factly. Who could argue with a statement like that? I’m certainly not going to. This is an unexpected gift from the heavens after all.
“But it’s crazy. I mean, do you get anything out of doing this?”
“Well, that’s easy.” Hunter leans forward, fixing me once again with that penetrating blue gaze. “I get you.”
Shock shoots through my spine, making me sit up straight.
“What do you mean?” I ask slowly. “What does ‘getting me’ mean?”
He leans back, that blue gaze electric, and I go warm inside.
“Sweetheart, I don’t want to make this transactional, but I booked your dad for treatment at Cedars-Sinai hospital.”
My mouth drops open.
“But that place has a waiting list.”
He nods.
“Your dad’s at the top now. He’ll be admitted within three months.”
I gasp again before babbling.
“It’s the only hospital that has the doctors and technology that Ralph needs,” are my words. “We’ve been on the waiting list for so long, but we couldn’t make any progress, and everyone else just kept leapfrogging over us. Maybe they knew something we didn’t, or maybe my dad wasn’t sick enough,” I say tearfully when Hunter interrupts me.
“You have me now,” comes his deep voice. “And with me on your side, sweetheart, your dad should be admitted pretty soon. I couldn’t kick out an existing patient, but I could put Ralph at the top of the list.”
Tears begin falling from my eyes now, hot streaks decorating my cheeks.
“Thank you,” is my whisper. “I really appreciate it, and all for a man you’ve never met.”
But suddenly, an awareness dances down
my spine.
“But what do you get out of it?” are my slow words. “Is this what you mean when you said, ‘you get me’?”
He nods enigmatically.
“Sweetheart, all I’m asking is three months.”
My mouth falls open.
“Three months of what?”
“Three months of going out on dates,” he growls, those beautifully sculpted lips turning up at one corner. “Me and you getting to know each other.”
I gasp once more.
“But-but you didn’t have to do all that if that’s all you wanted,” is my whisper. “You know that. You can get anyone you want, Hunter. You didn’t have to help my dad.”
The billionaire leans back, self-assured and in total control.
“Let’s just say it’s been an interesting turn of events. I met a man on-line who told me about his beautiful daughter,” he says with a quirk to his lips. “And because it was easy for a billionaire to help,” he rumbles once more, “why not be a fairy godmother and make things happen?”
My eyes are round, hardly daring to believe the words.
“So my dad gets top of the line treatment so long as I go out with you for three months?” is my whisper.
Those blue eyes gleam once more.
“That’s right, sweetheart. And I promise,” Hunter rumbles, taking my trembling hands in his large ones. “You do not have to sleep with me.” Then that knowing grin again. “Unless you really want to.”
Suddenly, I go weak inside. Because this man is more than just a fairy godmother. He’s a mindreader because without warning my body goes hot and loose, burning up with want and need for this man … as well as gratitude.
Pregnant by the Billionaire Page 10
