Page 49 of The Billionaire's Ride

“Yeah, except it can’t go on forever. I go home next week.” I swipe a tasteful mauve lipstick over my frowning lips.

“Oh, girl, that’s why it’s so good. If you knew you could have him night after night after night, it wouldn’t be so hot.”

“Wait. Is that why you’re always falling in love on vacation?” I always wonder why she puts herself out there over and over again. But if she’s having sex that’s even remotely like what I experienced last night, then I can see why she does it.

Beau gasps and then lowers herself onto the edge of the tub. “Omigod. My shrink’s been telling me that I date unavailable men as a way of replicating my relationship with my dad. But maybe it’s about the mind-blowing sex. Holy shit, I really am addicted to love.”

“Might as well face it,” I say, then blot my mouth.

Beau ignores the reference. Instead, her eyes blink on repeat as if replaying every romantic encounter she’s ever had inher mind. Then her expression turns downcast, and her chin wrinkles. Uh-oh. I know that look. I turn around and watch her eyes puddle with fresh tears.

“What’s the matter?” I ask, kneeling down next to her.

“What if I never really loved any of those guys? What if fantastic sex plays tricks on your mind? Your heart? What if I’ve never really been in love?” She looks panicked.

I’ve come to the conclusion that Beau’s only been in lust. Infatuated. Which is exactly how I’m feeling about Drew right now. If I were the lovesick type, I might think Drew and I are more than sex soul mates. I might think I’m falling for him. That he’sthe one. But I know better. Now, maybe Beau does too.

“No.” She shakes her head and swipes a tear from her cheek. “I can’t believe that when I feel so heartbroken over Martino. We had something. Something special. I keep posting selfies on my social all around town hoping he’ll get on the next flight to London and show up at my hotel room with a ring and promise to love me forever. How foolish is that? What am I going to do?” Her head falls in her hands, and I reach over to stroke her shoulder.

This is exactly what I have to avoid with Drew Blake. But this isn’t about my soon-to-cease pleasure, it’s about my friend’s very real pain. “You’ll heal just like you always do. And then one day, you’ll meet someone who would jump on a flight just to win you back with an engagement ring and love you forever.”

“You think so?”

“Of course.” Though, I don’t know if grand gestures like that exist outside of Hollywood movies. And since she was raised by some of the biggest names in La-la Land, there’s a chance she doesn’t know the difference between reality and romantic fantasy. But some people need the fantasy. And others, like me, know it’s just a dream.

There’s another knock at the door. And this time, it’s room service. Beau stays with me while I review my financials and talking points. We’re both in these intense seasons and somehow, we oscillate easily between supporting and being supportive.

Soon, I’m dressed in my best designer suit and belted black blazer. On the outside, I’m all-business Kate Golden, but on the inside, I’m nervous as hell. If this doesn’t go well, I’ll be the one nursing a heartbreak.

“Beau, will you come with me to the meeting, and wait in the lobby? I don’t want to do this alone,” I say.

“Kate. Why do you think I’m dressed like this?” she says, and I finally notice her London chic threads. “I’m not letting you go alone.”

I pull her in for a close hug. “Thank you.”

We take a town car over to Bonnaire Tower just north of the River Thames. I must’ve wiped my damp palms on my knees about a hundred times on the drive. My heart pounds so loudly that it echoes in my ears.

“Breathe, Kate. It’s going to be great,” Beau offers.

I swallow, but my mouth has gone dry. “You’re right.”

We walk along the marble flooring into the grand lobby, bustling with men and women in dark-colored, tailored suits. I check in at the front, and Beau and I are escorted to a seating area near the elevator. My leg fidgets as I wait for someone to come get me.

“Kate, is that you?” A voice calls ahead.

I look up at the very familiar friendly face. “Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?”

“I’m working a deal for Solids,” my friend Liz says, approaching with open arms. Her red hair is lighter than the last time we met, but she looks absolutely fabulous. She’s a designer in L.A. with an everyday wear brand called Solids.

“What a surprise. Hey, Beau.” Liz greets our mutual friend.

“Hello, darling.” Beau pecks a kiss on her cheek. “I haven’t heard from you in forever. When’s the wedding?”

“Next spring,” Liz says.

“Perfect! How long will you be in town?” Beau asks.

“I head back on Thursday. Do you guys want to meet up for dinner later?”

---