Page 14 of The Billionaire's Ride

“So what can we expect from your new line?”

I resist the urge to saysame old, same oldand instead offer, “Just like you said, classic with a hint of edge.” That’s a bald-faced lie. There’s nothing edgy about my new pieces. And in a week, she’ll know. Everyone will know. Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe I shouldn’t be making a comeback. Maybe this is the end of Kate Golden Lingerie.

“Would you excuse me for a minute,” I ask with an exaggerated smile, hoping to cover up the panic attack I’m moments from having.

“Sure.”

I start for the bathroom. My three-inch booties echo against the stone floor as I pull out my phone for my trusted meditation app. When I open the lock screen, I immediately see an email from the potential investor.

Kate,

Looking forward to meeting you after the show.

See you there?—

BAM!

My forehead jams into some guy’s rock-hard chest. My phone somersaults out of my hand, crashing to the ground witha loudsmack. I immediately drop to my knees to rescue it, not caring whether my own knickers are peeking out of my short, flared, red dress. A web of cracked glass spreads across the screen of my beloved device.

“Shit!” I’ve never cracked my screen before. Ever. My phone’s been fully protected with a shock-absorbing case. Or at least I thought it was safe. My cheeks flush in irritation at the thought of having a broken screen for the next couple of weeks while I’m in a foreign place.

“Ouch,” a deep, familiar voice says. I look forward, finding myself faced with a decent bulge in a pair of dark jeans, and inhaling a sweet, musky cologne. My eyes trace up to his dark gray shirt covered with a black leather jacket.

He flashes me that breathtaking smile of his. “Hello, again.”

Chapter Seven

KATE

He offers his hand,and I have no other choice but to take it. Feeling his warm skin against mine sends a spike of heat up to my already flaming cheeks and back down beneath my dress. Suddenly, the pressure of the fashion show has completely left my mind. My attention is totally devoted to Drew. He lifts me to my feet like I’m as light as Chantilly lace.

“Why do we keep running into each other? Literally,” I ask, trying desperately not to blush, which seems to be some kind of involuntary response to his presence. Coming face-to-face with the Londoner’s denim crotch twice in one week can’t be a coincidence. Can it?

“I think the universe must have a sense of humor.” He gazes into my eyes, and for a moment, I feel like he can read my thoughts. Luckily, I don’t know what to think when he looks at me like that. It’s like I’m Just Kate.

I glance away, tucking my hair behind my ear. “What are you doing here?” Has he come here to find me? Is he going to ask me out? Do I want him to ask me out?

Yes!

No.

I don’t know.

Drew holds up his Nikon digital camera. “Just getting some photographs of the store for the magazine.”

“Oh,” I drop my shoulders and feel like a deflating balloon making a sad little squeal. Maybe Idowant him to ask me out. Ugh, it’s strange feeling like a typical girl crushing on a guy. Oh, my God—I have a crush. An actual, bona fide crush! No, no, no. I don’t get crushes. I don’t like them. The result of a crush is literally in the name.

“Nice place you got here,” he says. “I feel like I’m walking around your imagination.”

I realize he’s referring to the lingerie, but he has no idea that he’s been walking around my imagination since yesterday. Have I been walking around his?

I feel my knees shake a little, and I don’t want to make a total fool out of myself, so I say, “Well, I’ll let you get back to work.” I move past him and lock eyes with Garret, who’s ten feet ahead. He waves me back to Drew, but I shake my head.

“Leaving so soon?” Drew asks.

Soon? Drew knows a thing or two about leaving soon. I turn back, deadpan, hoping my lack of expression will lead to a lack of emotion. “Isn’t this what we do? Crash into each other and walk away?”

I should walk away. Right now. But now my legs aren’t cooperating. Why can’t I leave?

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