Affair With The Billionaire_Episode One

by Laney Powell

  “I’m not leaving until you give me a promise that I can come and take you away from all this later,” he said. “Having seen you, I can’t go back to work.”

  “I think you did have scotch with lunch,” I said. “Come back around four. I’ll have everything tidied up by then.”

  “As my lady commands,” he said, jumping up from his chair. He came around the desk, and pulled me out of my chair, kissing me soundly. “Till four.”

  He walked out of the room, blowing a kiss over his shoulder as he did so. I sat down, watching where the door for a moment. What had that been all about? Normally ebullient, which was a rarity in our profession, he’d been nearly giddy.

  Although first and foremost in my mind was that he hadn’t noticed I’d been kissing someone else only minutes ago. Thank god.

  Holly scurried in. “What did he want? He never listens when I tell him you’re not available. It’s like he doesn’t think he has to follow any rules.”

  Holly didn’t care for Kit. Probably one of the few females on the planet who didn’t.

  “I don’t know. Did he smell like he’d been drinking?”

  She gave me a funny look. “No, but I think he’s an irritating goofball normally, so I’m probably not the best person to ask.”

  “I can’t fault your honesty,” I said with a laugh. “He was happier than normal. Even for him.”

  “Maybe he just swindled a little old lady,” Holly grumbled. She was not impressed at how vigorously he worked for his clients.

  “Stop. Listen, I want to be done by four, so let’s take care of this. I have some clarifications for the Montrose account.” I switched gears, giving her all that I’d worked with Tom on during lunch. She took my notes, and left, managing to make it out the door without any further snide remarks about Kit. She was the best assistant I’d ever had so I didn’t fault her on her snark.

  She stopped at the doorway. “What happened to you this afternoon? You were really rattled.”

  I had been studiously staring at my notes, hoping she’d forgotten. She hadn’t. It was part of why she was such a stellar person to work with. That trait was working against me today. “I fell. I tripped, and fell, and I know that I did that stupid thing where I tried not to fall. All I could think was, Please don’t let anything break or anyone be recording this.” I gave her an anguished look. Prayed that I seemed sincere.

  She didn’t answer immediately. “I can see that. What was worse? Not wanting to break a leg, or not wanting to be on YouTube?” She grinned.

  I let out a laugh, more relieved than I wanted to admit. “YouTube, of course!”

  She laughed with me and left me alone. I worked steadily, and when I looked up again, my clock told me it was a little after three.

  The phone rang. I didn’t answer. Holly was an excellent gatekeeper. I was surprised when she came in, rather than calling me on the intercom.

  “You have a call from a Dane Kairis.” Her eyes were alight. “When did you meet him?”

  “You know who he is too?” I shook my head. “Am I the only one who doesn’t see him as a major source of scandal?”

  “You’re too busy with work and Kit,” she said scornfully. “You’d still be in bell bottoms if I hadn’t forced you shopping.”

  She was right. Still. “Well, what does he want?”

  “I don’t know. He asked to speak to you. I said I would see if you were available.”

  “Well?” I gestured impatiently. She picked up the phone and pressed the waiting line, then handed the receiver to me.

  “When did you meet him? You’d better tell—” She hissed.

  I took the phone, ignoring her. “This is Lilian Hennington.”

  “Ms. Hennington? Dane Kairis.”

  Chapter Three

  Lilian

  Lord. His voice was warm and rich. It made my senses remember his hand, his touch, and what thoughts those led me to. Almost led me to.

  “Yes, Mr. Kairis. What can I do for you?” I kept it light and professional.

  “I’d like to schedule an appointment, if I may.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll be of much help to you after all. I can recommend someone else if you’d like.” I didn’t think meeting him would be good. Even though every fiber in me screamed out that I wanted to meet him again. Which is why I’d recommend him to—

  “No. I don’t want anyone else.”

  What did that mean? Sexually, even though I was pretending he didn’t still have my ripped panties? Professionally? Even his voice made my thoughts go skittering into twelve different directions. “Mr. Kairis, I think at this point we will not have a good working relationship. I can’t advocate for you properly if we don’t.” I made my tone a little frosty. It was the only way I knew to refer to what had happened without saying too much.

  “I understand that I’m probably pushing it, but I am concerned with the legal advice my parents got before they left the country, Ms. Hennington.” His voice sounded strained.

  Ah. That was different, and I had to admit, intriguing. Damn it.

  He was good.

  “Are you concerned that there may have been some impropriety? If so, Mr. Kairis, you need to approach the review board. I’m not a member, and don’t deal with –”

  He cut me off. “I want to consult with you.” His voice deepened to the point of being gravelly and made it sound like an invitation. “I need to see if I am just wrecked over losing my parents, or if this is truly something I need to address.” I could hear pain in his voice.

  Hell. Hell, hell, hell. I was a sucker for those who really needed help. I did more pro bono than anyone else in my firm, because I enjoyed it. I took clients on carefully, but I always had several who were my clients because of what I heard now in Dane Kairis’ voice. Torn and stolen panties aside, I could hear the need for help.

  “Very well, Mr. Kairis. You can set it up with my assistant.” I hoped I wasn’t making a mistake.

  His voice deepened, although how it was possible I didn’t know. “The Tiger Bar. Tonight, if we can.”

  “I’m sorry, I prefer to meet in my office.” I knew it! It was a ruse to get me alone.

  “I’d rather my business concerns stayed under the radar.”

  I sighed. Looked at my phone, checking my week. “We can meet Thursday. It’s the earliest I have.” Take it or leave it, pal. I felt like I had to resist. Well, resist a little. True resistance would have been telling him to bugger off.

  Which I didn’t do.

  “Seven then. The Tiger Bar. I’ll be in the back.” He hung up without even a thank you.

  I held the receiver in my hand, staring. What a rude asshole. Got what he wanted and rolled on. No wonder everyone gossiped about him. I didn’t even have time to protest again about meeting outside the office.

  As soon as I put the phone down, Holly came back in. “What did he want?”

  “He wants a consult. I told him I’d have to get back to him.” I didn’t want to tell her I was meeting him. I didn’t like the idea that I was having a hard time with him, because that would lead to questions.

  Questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

  “Can you please keep this quiet?” I glared. She was ready to burst.

  “You’ll have to make sure you meet him in the office at least once when I’m here. Have you seen him? He’s gorgeous!”

  “Holly, really.”

  “No, really! Have you seen him?”

  “I met him at lunch today.”

  “What? And you didn’t tell me?” She frowned. “You’re not a very good boss, you know.”

  “I’m a terrific boss. When I’m done today, so are you.”

  “Don’t try and bribe me. What was he like?”

  “He’s very broody.”

  “Tall, sexy and handsome?” Her eyes sparkled.

  “Are you crushing, Holly?” I had to smile. She didn’t think favorably of many, so to see her like this was funny.

  “Probably. I saw pic
tures of him on the beach. With no shirt. At that point, I decided I didn’t care what he’d done.” She gave me a defiant look, and then laughed. “Promise me you’ll have him in here. I just want to look at him.”

  “I can’t promise that. But I’ll do my best, okay? Now, let’s get finished. I’m meeting Kit, and I don’t want to be late.”

  “Oh, Kit,” she made a derisive noise. “You always meet him.”

  “Here,” I said, handing her the last of my lunch notes. “Will you add these to the Montrose file? And set up a follow-up with him in two weeks?”

  She took them, looking at me carefully. “What’s going on, Lil? You forgetting to give me everything? Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Holly was too observant. “I don’t like tripping, and nearly falling on my face. I ripped my skirt. Dane Kairis is a pushy bastard. All things that I find irritating,” I made a face.

  She laughed. “Heaven forbid someone upset the schedule! Well, if you do decide to take a meeting with Dane Kairis, tell him to be here early so I can fetch him coffee and look at him.” She sighed dramatically.

  “You are crushing,” I teased.

  “No way. He’s got too much drama. But eye candy? He’s a prime candidate for that.”

  We laughed together, and she left. I leaned back in my chair, breathing easily for the first time since Dane had stopped me in front of the alley. I made myself close my eyes and take deep breaths, attempting to calm myself.

  Because I really did have work to do. The thought of being able to leave early was appealing. Normally, I liked working late. The phone stopped, and sometimes, Holly would stay late as well. There were fewer interruptions, and I tended to be really productive on late nights. But not tonight. Dane Kairis had put me on edge. And he rattled all the things I’d worked so hard to get under control.

  Holly was right. I leaned back, considering him. He was very good looking. In fact, I found that all I thought about when near him was sex. I’d say that was sexy, even if I wasn’t willing to admit it to anyone else. How else could I explain me up against an alley wall in the middle of the day?

  Which wouldn’t be bad if he’d keep his mouth shut. I scooted closer to my desk to get back to my work. Thoughts of rolling in the sheets aside, he was an asshole. Who grabs a woman like that?

  One who knows she wants the same thing. How did he know? It would be easy to blame Dane for being a pushy asshole, call him names.

  But I’d wanted what happened, too. I didn’t like about that.

  And how did I square this with Kit? I’d have to tell him. Which would then banish Dane Kairis to my “I shouldn’t have done that” file.

  Did I want that? The thought of how I reacted to his touch made me flush all over.

  No. No. I shook my head, sending the sexy thoughts elsewhere. At least for a minute. He might end up as a client, in which case I’d have to be professional. Hopefully if I took him on he’d calm it down. I generally didn’t take clients I didn’t like. His case had intrigue, which I was a sucker for.

  So hopefully he wouldn’t be the crappy part of the deal. If I took him on. Then I laughed quietly at myself. Who was I kidding? If his story had half the stuff I imagined it might, I’d kill for this case. His personal rating on the bang-o-meter was just a bonus. Maybe.

  It figured. Most interesting case I’d seen in a while, and the client was the problem.

  But wasn’t the client always the problem? I’d just have to treat him like my other problem children. Ignore the everything about him I found appealing, and focus on the case.

  When what I should really do is refer him out.

  But I knew I wouldn’t. I sighed and bent my head to my work again. By four, I’d finished everything I had to do, and had returned from the rest room, completely calm, when Kit sailed back in.

  I put all thoughts of lunch today out of my head. I’d need to tell him, and I’d have to figure out when and how. Soon, definitely.

  “Tell me that you’re ready,” he said, taking my hand and kissing it.” His back was to Holly so he missed her rolling her eyes.

  “I am. Let me grab my stuff.” I gave her the side glance, telling her to cool it. She pursed her lips and looked at something on her desk.

  Once I’d gotten everything I needed, Kit put his arm around my waist, and we left. He was just as ebullient as he’d been earlier. His affection made me feel like the guiltiest, most worthless girlfriend ever.

  “Where to tonight?” I asked. I’d have to tell him really soon.

  “You want to leave your things in my car?” He asked.

  “Sure.” I was agreeable. We’d be able to talk later.

  “Then let’s walk to the Dockside.”

  “Perfect,” I said, smiling. I loved the Dockside. Right on the river walk, it was not fancy, but with all teak walls, it had a comforting and cozy feel. A favorite with the people who worked downtown. It was just what I needed to calm my nerves, and allow me to forget the loss of common sense earlier. And what was coming later.

  We stopped by his car and then he took my hand as we made our way to the Dockside. Once there, we got lucky and got a table on the deck outside, off in a corner. Kit waved to a waiter, who practically ran to the inside of the bar.

  “What was that about?” I asked, watching the waiter scurrying away.”

  “I certainly didn’t go back to the office. So I arranged a little something for us,” Kit answered, looking smug.

  “You are so good to me,” I leaned back, running my hands through my hair and pulling it away from my neck. I felt even worse.

  “You should have let me carry you away earlier,” he said, giving me a small frown.

  “Unlike you, I cannot charm the pants off everyone I meet.”

  “There’s only one set of pants I want to charm off,” he shot back.

  “Oh?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

  “How am I doing? Any chance I can lure you back to my lair?” He waggled his at me.

  “Ask me later,” I said as the waiter reappeared. He was carrying a bucket of ice and what looked like a bottle of champagne.

  We were silent as the waiter popped the cork and poured each of us a glass. Kit nodded to him, and he hurried away again.

  Kit surveyed me over his glass. “To us,” he said. “You realize it’s been two years now?”

  “Yes, it has.” I took a sip. “That’s a good thing, right?” I wasn’t sure where he was headed with this. “You’re serious all of a sudden.”

  “Best two years of my life,” he said, raising his glass slightly.

  “I agree. It’s been fantastic.” It had been. I had a sinking feeling. I could almost hear the ‘but’ in his words. Was he really going to dump me here, in my favorite bar, with a bucket of champagne? Well, I deserved it.

  “I don’t lie to you, though, Lil. Never have.”

  Oh yeah. The dump was coming. I sighed, and stifled it. I’d be a lady about it. It wasn’t like I could blame him, even if he didn’t know. “I don’t want you to lie. I’ll take the truth, even if it’s harsh.”

  Had he heard? He’d heard. He’d been told I was practically doing someone else. Oh, god. I wanted to be the one who told on myself.

  “There’s nothing harsh to be said,” Kit leaned forward and grabbed the bottle, topping off my glass, and then his. He put the bottle back in the bucket, where it made a hollow clink. “I just think it’s time we re-evaluate our relationship.” His eyes met mine, and held them.

  Well, hell. I didn’t have a clue what he wanted here. “I’m always open to anything you have to say, Kit. You know that. What needs to be re-evaluated?” Couldn’t he just be done and leave me be, for Pete’s sake? Then I could wallow my guilt.

  “Well, I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’ve come up with a suggestion.” He set his glass down on the table. Pushed his chair back, and stood. He took one step, and then knelt down in front of me.

  “I think we need to make things permanent. I love you. I
have from the moment I met you. Please marry me. Please say you will?” I saw a flash as he opened a box and presented it to me.

  Dane

  After talking to Lilian Hennington on the phone and being further frustrated, I had to get out of the house. I had a ton of energy and nowhere to expend it. I changed into workout clothes, and went for a run.

  The farther I got from the house, the harder I ran. I was going to hurt like hell tomorrow. Thoughts of Lilian Hennington tossing her hair interspersed my thoughts of my parents, and how I’d found them. My obvious desire to peel Lilian out of her clothes aside, I hoped she would be able to help me sort out my parents. I’d Googled her after lunch. She was very well thought of, highly respected, and had an outstanding reputation for how she worked for her clients. She’d met my parents, and liked them. Or so she said. But she’d been nice enough to say it now, after all sorts of shit was being said about them.

  Mom and Dad hadn’t mentioned meeting her, or working with her, but it didn’t sound like she’d been overly involved with them.

  Unlike that toad Asa Carpenter. I’d looked him up too. He was going to be a major pain in my ass.

  I wasn’t really paying attention to where I ran. I was trying to get the sight and sound and smell of her out of my head when I realized I was downtown, near the river. The downtown area at night was not as crowded, and the bars and restaurants along the river walk gave off a mellow vibe.

  I stopped by one of the many benches along the walk, catching my breath. I needed a water, so I looked around for somewhere to grab a bottle. I’d been so wound up I hadn’t even brought anything with me.

  I found an ice cream cart and thankfully, it sold water. I bought three bottles, and drank the first two immediately. Now comfortably tired, I opened the third and walked along the river.

  It was nice, peaceful. I felt some of the seething energy I’d been lugging around all day dissipate. I considered heading to a bar where I could eat outside, even though it meant a long run back with a full stomach.

  I walked slowly along, checking out the places with patios. And just when I thought I was calm, I saw her.