Page 40 of The Billionaire's Ride

“What?”

She holds out a folded piece of paper and clears her throat as if making a big announcement. “Kate, thought you and Beau could use a break. See you tomorrow. —D.”

My heartbeat speeds up, and my blood races to my hands and cheeks. “What is it?”

“It’s from Kyoto Ma. Their sushi is amazing.” Beau would know. She’s big on finding the best restaurants in every city she visits. You’d never know by looking at her, but the girl is a foodie. “Let’s eat.”

We each grab a pair of wooden chopsticks and dive into the salmon sashimi. The fish is so fresh it melts in my mouth. “Mmm,” I moan.

“Is that what you sounded like last night?” Beau teases, and I blush. She isn’t having any sex right now, so she’ll have to live vicariously through me. For once.

“Maybe a little.”

She stuffs another piece in her mouth. “This is nice. Dinner for youandme. Told you he likes you.”

“Maybe. Or maybe he’s trying to sweeten me up so I’ll meet him tonight.”

“Well, why don’t you?”

“It’s been a long day. I think I’ll finish this piece and call it a night.”

“How much longer will that take?”

I shrug. “Another hour, maybe two.”

“It’s only six o’clock. You’ll have plenty of time to get back to the hotel to freshen up.” She sets the takeout box aside and wanders to the sewing table. “You can show up wearing these?” Beau wiggles her hips and sends me a wink as she flashes me the finished ruby panty set. “And only these.”

“I know I had sex with a guy I hardly know in the park last night, but I’m not bold enough to show up to his place only covered by a little lace.”

“Of course not! You can’t publicly premier this until the show.Cheeri-Ooh!would have a field day. You have to go old-school.”

“Old school?”

“Yeah, the ‘ole trench coat and heels.”

Chapter Seventeen

KATE

My stomach swirlswith butterflies as I gaze out the window in the back of the cab, willing the car to fly across the streets for a faster arrival. I wind my fingertip around my discreet black trench coat belt. Of course, the snakeskin strappy stilettos Beau let me borrow are less discreet. Once she planted the idea of showing up at his place wearing nothing but the lacy lingerie he inspired, I couldn’t finish at the studio fast enough.

I just hope he’s there. Waiting for me. Like he knows I’m coming.

It’s nearly eight-thirty when I walk into his building beneath a clear night sky. Passersby’s gazes draw to me as I approach the elevator. Do they know what I’m up to? Do they know I’m about to seduce the hottest bachelor in London? I keep my head high and curl my lipstick-lathered lips into a slight smile.

I’ve got the goods. And I’m giving it all to Drew. Tonight.

My heart thumps in my chest harder and harder with every floor as I ride to the top. Finally, there’s nothing but a steel door between me and my next sexcapade with the man who makes my body sing. I take in a breath. There’s no going back now.

My knuckles hit the steel in a knock with less force and much more flirtation than yesterday morning. Footsteps tread near thedoor. He’s here. I lower my lashes, feeling him watch me through the peephole. The lock clicks and the door slowly opens.

Drew’s bare, muscular chest and intricately drawn tattoos greet me before he does. Ripped jeans hang low on his waist, revealing a sexy V-shape like an arrow pointing to the land of pleasure. He leans on the doorframe, resting his arm above his head. “It’s you.”

For a moment, I’m caught in his spellbinding gaze. Those dark eyes feel both familiar and mysterious at the same time. “Yeah, Just Kate . . .” I say, feeling stripped down and almost wishing I showed up wearing nothing but a smile. A look I’m sure I’ll be flaunting very soon.

“I made you something today.” My hands tremble as I pull on my black belt strap. Drew pushes off the doorframe, centering his stance as if he’s bracing himself for his sexy surprise. The coat’s edges fall like a stage curtain upon the opening act. I peel back the layers so he can get a better look at the barely-there ruby-red demi bra.

I trace my finger along the satin strap, across the lace over my chest, down to my navel, and along the detailed mesh trim of my matching thong. His eyes follow my lead from my becoming peaks to between my legs. This isn’t the first time he’s seen me in lingerie. But this is different.

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