My Billionaire Fling by Maci Dillon
SOPHIA
Six Weeks Later - August
“Gabe, what are you doing here?”
As I enter my office, I find him sprawled out over my sofa as if he belongs there. His tie hanging loose around his neck, his hair disheveled, and that fuck-me grin he wears unknowingly thrusting me into a dangerous place.
Kelli is on the phone at her desk when I glare at her through my glass wall.
“How the hell did you make it past the front desk?”
“Flattery gets you everywhere, Sophia. Even Kelli isn’t immune to my charm.” He winks, standing to approach me and delivers a quick kiss on my cheek. Shoving him off a moment too late, his woody masculine scent fills my senses, and on weak and shaky legs, I round the desk to take a seat.
Distance is my friend.
My breathing is uneven, and my words fail to deliver the impact of the emotions I’m experiencing.
“You can’t show up at my place of business unannounced, and for fuck’s sake, don’t act like we’re something we’re not.”
Gabe chuckles and pulls up a seat across from me. I grip the edge of my desk so tight I fear my nails will leave imprints in the solid timber. “What we’re not is strangers. I’m in town securing a business deal and want to take you to dinner.”
“I’m busy.”
“Yes, you are. I checked your schedule with Kelli, and she blocked out tonight from eight o’clock on. I’ll have a car pick you up.”
“I’m more than capable of finding my way.” I level him with a glare. “I don’t require a car or driver.”
Gabe grins, his dreamy eyes glittering in the fluorescent lighting. “That’s not a no to dinner. I’ll see you there.”
He moves to leave, my head a whirlwind of frustration.
“Mr. Lugreno.”
My words stop him dead in his tracks. Slowly, he turns to me, his gaze piercing mine.
I gulp.
I’m not one to be intimidated by a man, much less one who’s younger than me. And money does nothing for me. God knows my fortune probably matches his own, regardless of whether I choose to flaunt it. But Gabe’s stare has me rethinking what I was about to say.
“Where’s there?”
“You ask too many questions, Sophia. My driver will collect you from your apartment.” With that, he stalks out of my office, past Kelli, who’s staring after him with wide eyes.
“Kelli!” I screech from behind my desk.
Sheepishly, Kelli steps into my office. It’s not normal for me to chastise my employees, but this is Kelli, my best friend and partner in crime. “What the fuck, Kel?”
“I can explain,” she rushes, taking a seat.
“I’m waiting.”
“He called earlier when you were in a meeting to check your availability for a dinner meeting. I didn’t know he was coming in this afternoon.”
“Why was he waiting in my office?”
“He insisted.”
Of course, he did. The entitled bastard.
“Are you…”
“Mad? Working? Busy? Yes, all of the above.”
Kelli nods, her expression serious. “I’ll be at my desk if you need me.”
“Kelli,” I say as she’s halfway through the door. “How does he know where I live?”
She cringes. “I only gave him the street address to the apartment block.”
Waving her off, I’m annoyed with the unexpected visit more than her giving out information she shouldn’t have.
No idea where we’re going or what Gabe’s game plan is, I dress as I would for any meeting with a client. I watch from inside the foyer of my apartment building for a town car to pull to the curb before I make my way outside. “Enjoy your evening, Sophia.”
I smile at Saul, the concierge. “Always do.”
Viktor is waiting with the door open, happy to usher me in as I approach the vehicle. “Hello again, Miss Evans.” I nod politely and scoot into the back seat, shocked to find Gabe isn’t here.
As we pull out into the traffic, I quiz Viktor unsuccessfully, “Where’s Mr. Lugreno?”
“Waiting patiently for your arrival, Miss Evans.”
It’s been six weeks since my weekend in New York, where we agreed to leave things open but casual between us. His showing up today, unannounced and requesting my presence for dinner isn’t my idea of casual.
We pull into the pier. Gabe stands waiting for our arrival with a bottle of bubbly and two glasses, dressed more casually than usual in jeans and a royal blue dress shirt rolled to his elbows. Until Gabe, I’ve never been a fan of rolled-up sleeves, but this man and his chiseled forearms—they’re too perfect to be covered.
Exiting the car and waving goodbye to Viktor, I marvel at the idea of taking a cruise on the River Thames. “Thank you for joining me,” Gabe says, pulling me to him. With a gesture as grand as a river cruise, I can hardly deny him now, can I?
“Kiss me as if you miss me,” he growls, owning my lips before I can answer.
The sun setting in the distance, our river boat waiting, and bubbly at his side, I embrace his need for me. Our tongues dance as I press my body to him, my hands clutching his collar.
Music from the boat wafts across the pier, and we pull apart, my mind dizzy with desire.
“I didn’t miss you one bit,” I smirk, taking my glass from him.
“I noticed,” he groans wryly.
Two hours of dancing as we glide down the river overlooking the beautiful London cityscape at night has to be one of the most romantic dates. I need to suggest this more often to my clients. Eating canapes and sipping fruity bubbles over casual chit-chat with other diners and the ambiance of a great local jazz band is surprisingly good for the soul.
The night air is cool when we pull back into the pier, and I see Viktor waiting for us in the distance. As we thank our waiters and the hosts of the evening, I tuck myself beneath Gabe’s arm and crush against his side for added warmth. “Take me home?” I say, glancing up at him with a grin.
He brushes a kiss on the top of my head. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Chuckling, I dig my shoulder playfully into his ribs. “Like you’d have it any other way.”
“You know me too well already.”
He’s only in town for one night before flying to Argentina for a meeting, and I’m damn sure going to get my fill of him before he leaves again.
