Her Best Match: A Sweet Billionaire Romance (The Best Girls Book 1)

by Tamie Dearen

  Anne began a frantic search inside her purse for nothing whatsoever in an attempt to hide the flush she felt on her face.

  Johanna continued. “Perhaps you could get off early, and we could go shopping.”

  Gherring was clenching his jaw and Anne thought he might object, but Alexander said, “I’m so glad you are having fun, darling. If we sign a contract today with Gherring Inc., we will probably be coming to New York often.”

  At this encouraging pronouncement, Gherring smiled broadly and turned the conversation back to business.

  Lunch was long but productive. Alexander Klein appeared to be ready to make a commitment once a few details were ironed out back at Gherring Inc. Johanna Klein returned with her husband to the top floor, once again suggesting Anne be allowed to leave work early for a shopping trip. On the trip up the elevator, Gherring, feeling very generous because of the successful negotiations, agreed Ms. Best should accompany Mrs. Klein.

  “Anything to keep our clients happy,” Gherring smiled as the group departed the elevator.

  Suddenly Johanna gasped. “What beautiful roses—those are gorgeous. Are they yours, Anne?”

  Gherring’s smile turned to a scowl as he eyed the flowers.

  “I don’t know.” Anne stared, agape at the enormous bouquet of red roses on her desk. Her body froze in place as the rest of the group filed past.

  Johanna gently moved her toward the desk. “Come, come. We have to see who sent the flowers to you. Look at the card.” Johanna peered over Anne’s shoulder as she opened the florist’s envelope with shaking hands. “Who is Henri?”

  Anne felt her face burning as she read the card.

  You have captured my heart with your beauty! I await your call. 212-882-8945

  Your devoted,

  Henri

  Johanna smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me you had an admirer? Maybe he could come to the play.”

  At that moment, Gherring emerged from his office, speaking to Alexander in a loud voice. “I have good news. My calendar is open tonight, so I can accompany you to the musical after all. Thanks so much for the invitation.”

  As they zipped through traffic in the taxi, Johanna quizzed Anne about Henri. She demanded details about his appearance and how they met. She declared the whole thing to be very romantic. Then she told Anne how she’d met her husband.

  “Someone introduced us at a party, and when I shook his hand, I felt sparks. I think he felt them too.”

  “So it was love at first sight?”

  “Not exactly. I was engaged to someone else when I met Alexander. I tried to forget about Alexander and go on with my marriage plans. But I kept running into him, and every time, those sparks were there. I finally started wondering why there were sparks with Alexander and no sparks with my fiancé.” Johanna chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.

  “And now? Are there still sparks between you?”

  Johanna answered with a soft smile. “Every time, there are sparks. But sometimes those sparks come from us hitting our heads together. Still, there are always sparks…”

  To Anne’s surprise, Johanna led her into an upscale resale shop. “I love shopping here. My family did not have a lot of money when I was a child. I still hate wasting money. I love a bargain!”

  Johanna was an expert huntress, quickly spotting several dresses for herself and grabbing potential outfits for Anne as well. In two hours, each woman had acquired a new dress for the musical, and Johanna had talked Anne into purchasing a number of cute casual ensembles.

  They returned to Gherring Inc. and Anne rushed to tie up the loose ends from her afternoon hiatus. She decided to leave her roses at work rather than wrestle with carrying them home on the subway. She left work on time, hoping to have time for a quick shower before the musical. But noticing the door was unlocked at the diner, she stopped in to visit at Papa’s Place.

  George came out of the kitchen to sit and chat for a moment with Anne. “We’ve missed you. Are you sure you’re getting enough to eat?”

  “Yes, no worries. I never skip a meal. I miss you and May, and I need some advice.”

  “About work or food?”

  “No, I need advice about a man.”

  George held up a hand. “Speak no more—I’m going to get May. I’m no good for dating advice, and May will kill me if she misses this, anyway.” George disappeared through the office door, calling May’s name.

  May appeared with a clipboard in her hand. “I’ve been working on inventory. Whew! I need a break. Now, tell me all about your man troubles.”

  “Long-story-short, there’s a Frenchman named Henri who’s been flirting with me, but Mr. Gherring says he has a reputation for using women. He sent me roses.”

  “Mr. Gherring sent you roses?”

  “Henri sent me roses and asked me to call him. But that’s not the only problem. Now I’m sort of going to a play with Mr. Gherring. Not really with him, but I will be with him and another couple.”

  “Mr. Gherring asked you to a play?”

  “Mrs. Klein asked me to go to the play, and Mr. Gherring decided to go. I think he just didn’t want me to go with Henri.”

  “Henri invited you to the play too?”

  Anne sighed at the confusion. “No, but Mr. Gherring was invited to the play and didn’t want to go if I was going, so he said he had a prior engagement. Then he suddenly decided to go to the play when Mrs. Klein suggested I invite Henri.”

  May shook her head. “I’m a little confused. So the problem is you don’t want to go the play with Mr. Gherring? You’d rather go with Henri?”

  “It’s not that I don’t want to go to the play with the Kleins and Mr. Gherring. It’s just that I know Mr. Gherring doesn’t want to be seen with me in public.”

  “And why wouldn’t he want to be seen in public with you?”

  “I’m not young and beautiful like the women he usually dates. I’m just a hick from Texas. What if people thought we were, you know… together-together?”

  “Then I guess that’s his problem isn’t it? He didn’t have to go. He had an excuse already.” May snuffed a bit. “And I think he’d be lucky to have you. There’s nothing wrong with you.”

  “You’re right.” Anne tapped a finger on her arm. “It’s his own fault he’s stuck going to the play with me.”

  “Anne, dear, you should just go to that play and have a good time. Gherring will just have to deal with the consequences of his attempt to control your life.” She smiled and winked. “And you can still call Henri.”

  “Yes, you’re right. I can. Thanks May. Everything sounds better since I’ve talked to you. I’ve got to go and get ready for tonight.”

  Charlie assessed her mom’s appearance on FaceTime as she twirled around in her newly acquired dress. “I’m so jealous, you’re going to a musical. And now you’re making friends from all over the world, although it sounds like Henri wants to be more than friends.”

  “So, do you like the dress?”

  “Yes, it’s adorable. But maybe you should wear Giselle.” Anne had a slinky black formal dress, with a deep v in the front and a really deep v in the back. Charlie and Emily had pitched in together to buy the expensive dress, which they nicknamed for its designer, and they’d each worn it for very special occasions. Both girls had agreed their mom should take Giselle to New York City.

  “I’m not wasting Giselle on this outing. Anyway, I’d look silly wearing a formal.”

  “I’m just kidding,” Charlie said. “Your new dress will be perfect. What shoes are you going to wear?”

  “I’ve got these cute wedge heels.” She held up her shoes to the camera.”

  “Oh yes, those are perfect.”

  “Yes, and I won’t lose my balance in wedges like I do in those spike heels.”

  “So let’s get this straight—my mom is going to see a play in New York with Steven Gherring.”

  “No,” Anne shot back quickly. “I am not going with Mr. Gherring. I’m going with Johanna and Al
exander Klein, and Mr. Gherring is going also.”

  “But aren’t you going to sit together?”

  “No, I’ve thought about that. I think the Kleins will sit in the middle. I’ll sit by Johanna, and Mr. Gherring will sit by Alexander. That way the tabloids won’t think we’re together.”

  “I don’t know, Mom. After what he did—trying to spoil your chances with Henri, trying to control your life—maybe you shouldn’t let him off so easy.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Maybe you should hang all over him and act like his date. If that complicates his life, that’s his problem.”

  “There’s no way I could ever do that. Anyway, a stunt like that could cost me my job.”

  Charlie screwed up her face. “Yep, there is that little job problem. Okay. But maybe you should meet Henri for coffee after the play. You haven’t called him yet, have you?”

  “You know what, Charlie? You’re a genius. I’ll call him right now. If he agrees, he can meet me at the theater and bring me home. Johanna won’t mind—she thinks the whole thing is romantic.”

  Charlie clapped her hands. “This is better than Downton Abbey!”

  Henri sounded ecstatic when Anne called him. He quickly agreed to the late-night coffee date, unfazed by the fact he’d be picking her up from an outing that included Gherring. Feeling freshly confident after Henri’s charms were lathered upon her, Anne went downstairs to wait for the limousine, which would pick up the Kleins before stopping at their apartment building.

  Gherring, who was already waiting downstairs, looked her way when she entered the lobby. At Gherring’s perusal, she was suddenly conscious of the side slit in the dress that revealed a bit more thigh than she was quite comfortable with. She quickly donned her leather dress coat before continuing into the room.

  She heard a whistle from her left. “Oh baby—you look hot, Anne!” called Antonio. She laughed and walked over to share a hug with Antonio.

  “How’re things with Rayna?” she asked quietly. “Are y’all still dating?”

  He grinned broadly. “It’s great. She’s great. And I’m forever indebted to you. So, if you ever need a favor, just let me know.” He whispered, “What’s wrong with Mr. Gherring?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at the furrowed brow of Steven Gherring. “Don’t pay any attention to him—he just has a bee in his bonnet over having to go to this musical tonight with some clients from Germany. And he’s trying to control my life.”

  Then she giggled and whispered in his ear, “Let’s see if he dislikes Italian men as much as French men.” She gave Antonio another big hug.

  “Yikes,” Antonio whispered. “Here he comes, and I think he might kill me.”

  “Anne!” Gherring called as he walked toward the couple. “We should wait at the door. The limo will be here any time.”

  She turned around, with her arm still around Antonio’s waist. “Yes, Mr. Gherring. I’ll be right there.” She turned her back to Gherring and gave Antonio another hug and a big wink, although the young doorman looked rather terrified facing Gherring’s glare.

  “I’m ready, now,” she said to Gherring as she turned and marched past him and out the front door.

  Just then, the limousine arrived and she hopped in, hoping to sit next to Johanna. Unfortunately, the couple was seated together on the short side next to the bar, so she sat opposite Johanna. Gherring joined them but left a large space between, placing his coat in the space on the seat.

  Johanna chatted excitedly about the play, while Gherring and Alexander began to talk business. After a short ride, the limo pulled in at the curb in front of the theatre. Although limousines were quite common in New York, the crowd still watched to see who might emerge. Anne jumped out ahead of Alexander, to avoid being seen with Gherring. As she made her way into the theatre, she heard people in the crowd exclaiming as they recognized Gherring.

  When the usher led them to their seats, she found her seating strategy was impossible to execute. “I’m sorry,” said Johanna, “but we have two pairs of tickets, one directly behind the other. So I have a plan. Anne and I will sit in the front seats for the first half, and then Alexander and Anne can trade after intermission.”

  As usual, Johanna had her way, so Anne found herself sitting in front of Gherring, relieved she could ignore him for at least half of the play. She noticed people were looking in her direction, but quickly realized the attention was aimed at the man behind her. She was nervous and uncomfortable, but Johanna was talkative enough for the whole group. Then the lights dimmed and the musical began. She soon forgot everyone around her and all her worries as the story progressed. She was completely enthralled—caught up in the music and plot and emotions.

  When the lights came up for intermission, Anne realized she was sitting forward in her seat, entranced.

  “Hello?” Johanna tapped on Anne’s arm. She turned to Johanna, who was laughing with the men seated behind her, and heard her saying, “She’s in another world—”

  “Oh I’m sorry. Did I miss something?”

  “No Anne, you didn’t miss anything. I think you were actually in Oz. I’m so glad you are enjoying the play.”

  “It’s… It’s amazing. It’s so wonderful! I never imagined how great it could be. I’ve never seen anything like it. And the actors are so good and their voices are amazing, and the sets, and the costumes…”

  Johanna’s voice tinkled with laughter. “It’s more fun watching you than watching the play. I’ve seen it before, but it’s wonderful every time.” She patted Anne’s arm. “Would you like to visit the ladies’ room before we change seats?”

  Anne nodded in agreement, abruptly feeling extremely tense about sitting next to Gherring. As they walked into the lobby, Anne told Johanna that Henri would be picking her up after the play. Johanna was delighted and promised to drop by Gherring Inc. the next day to hear about the first romantic date with her mysterious Frenchman.

  As the lights flickered to signal the end of the intermission, Anne returned to the theater to take her place next to Gherring. She continued to talk with Johanna until the lights dimmed and the second half began. At first, she sat stiffly in her chair, but soon she was absorbed in the excitement of the musical production. Occasionally, she sensed Gherring looking at her, but when she glanced his direction, he seemed to be ignoring her presence.

  Then the two lead characters began to sing the emotionally tugging duet. Anne couldn’t help herself, as tears streamed down her face. She thought of all the people in her life that had loved her and effectively changed her life. Sniffling, she dug into her purse looking for a tissue, but Gherring handed her his handkerchief. She looked up, gratefully mouthing, “Thank you,” and he simply nodded, a slight smile on the face that had looked so grim the entire evening.

  When the play ended, she clapped so hard she thought her hands would break. She even threw in a shrill wolf whistle, at which her three companions stared in amazement or perhaps mortification. But she didn’t care. She would’ve thrown flowers at the feet of the actors if she were able. Gherring must have enjoyed the evening despite having to go with her, because he actually smiled and talked pleasantly as they walked out of the theater into the lobby. Suddenly, his expression became a glower.

  “Hello Anne!” exclaimed Henri as he took her hand and raised it to his lips. “You look very beautiful tonight. And who is this lovely friend you have with you?” he asked, indicating Johanna.

  “You must be Henri.” Johanna addressed the dashing man with twinkling green eyes. “You are just as charming as Anne described. But you are wasting your flattery on me—I am already taken,” she said as she took Alexander’s arm. For his part, Alexander seemed unfazed by Henri’s flirtations.

  “That is sad for me, but lucky for him.” Henri smiled teasingly. “But this one beautiful woman is already too much for me.” He tucked Anne’s hand in the crook of his arm.

  Gherring spoke between clenched teeth. “What are you doing here
, Henri?”

  “I am here to escort the beautiful woman home, with a little detour en route.” He winked at Anne. “And we should go now. I have so little time with ma jolie femme.” He led her quickly out the theatre doors. She didn’t look back, but she felt Gherring’s intense stare. She knew Johanna would report Gherring’s reaction when she came by the office the next day. They strolled along the street, teeming with people despite the late hour.

  “Henri, maybe this was a bad idea. Mr. Gherring looked really angry. What if he fires you?”

  “He cannot fire me. On paper I work for Gherring, but only by agreement—by contract with our company, La Porte. We have joint ventures with Gherring Inc. Mon père (my father) is chairman now, and I will be chairman in two years. Monsieur Gherring needs me.” He chuckled a bit. “But he does not like me, that is for certain.”

  Then he stopped and his eyebrows drew together. “Mon dieu! He could fire you. Je suis désolé. I am sorry—I was not thinking. I should take you back?”

  Anne considered for only a moment. “No. I’m not going back. I can’t let him think he can control my personal life. He’s only my boss at work. If he fires me, I’ll just go back to Texas.” She took Henri’s arm and started walking again. “Now tell me about Paris… Is it as beautiful as they say?”

  Emily’s face looked irritated as she FaceTimed with her mom. It was Wednesday night, and Anne was reporting in to her daughter. Unfortunately, Emily had learned of her mom’s date with Henri from her sister, and now she was demanding details. “I can’t believe you didn’t even call me.”

  “There just wasn’t time…”

  “But you called Charlie. You even showed her the dress before your date.”

  “Okay, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. But you’re still my favorite.”

  Emily knew this game well. “But didn’t you tell Charlie she was your favorite?”

  “Yes, but of course I was lying to Charlie. You’re the real favorite.”

  Emily chuckled. “Okay, just give me the details about the big date so I can tell Charlie I heard about it first.”