Page 70 of The Billionaire's Ride

“Look, I’m sorry I woke you up, but I have something to ask you.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll be in New York next week. Would you want to join me?” I ask, almost spitting out the words. I hold my breath, and my heart pounds in my ears.

There, I asked. The ball’s in his court now.

Chapter Thirty-Four

KATE

The days leadingup to my trip could not have dragged on any slower than if I’d stayed in bed all day staring at the ceiling. Finally, I’ve arrived in New York. Drew won’t be in until tomorrow evening, which gives me just enough time to settle in at my dad’s townhouse in the West Village, a couple blocks from the Hudson River.

I absolutely love this house. So many beautiful memories here. Perhaps I’ll make some more this week with Drew. The idea brings a smile to my face. I roam the halls and peruse my father’s art collection, paying special attention to the Ferguson Burke pieces. After Drew sent his photograph, commemorating our time together, I hung it in my bedroom immediately.

Every time I look at it, I can’t help but think that it’s really good. And it’s not just because of its sentimental value or because I really, really,reallylike the photographer. Or at least I don’t think so. His work, his real work, should be out in the world. And now, looking at these sought-after photographs hanging on my father’s Manhattan walls, I’m even more convinced of that.

If only I could convince Drew. The man is so daring in every area of his life except this one. I’m not sure why. I’ve been toyingwith the idea all week, but now I pull the trigger and reach out to my old friend Olivia Parker from L.A. She left about a year ago when she got a great offer as a curator for a gallery in Chelsea. I have this feeling that she’ll love his work. I have several retailer meetings over the next few days, so what’s one more? Olivia responds immediately, and now I have a lunch date.

Perfect. Now, I just have to get Drew to bring his portfolio. So I give him a call.

“Hey, baby,” he answers, and my stomach swirls in excitement. I love the way he calls me that with a deep bass in his voice. Damn, I can’t wait to get his hands on my body again.

“Hi, there,” I respond in my own flirty way. “I’m walking around the house.”

“Naked, I hope.”

I blush and glance down at my fully clothed body. “Maybe,” I tease.

“That’s it. I’m calling the jet now.” Drew has the kind of wealth that allows him to fly private everywhere.

“Now, hold on. I have a request.”

“Anything for you.” So far, it seems like he means that. But this request isn’t just for me. It’s really for him. For his incredible work. And all the people who will love it as much as I do.

“Can you bring a portfolio of your best photographs? There’s an empty space on this wall that needs an exclusive piece by a very sexy, talented photographer.”

“You’re sweet, Kate,” he says with a gentler tone.

“I’m serious. A Drew Blake would be perfect right here. You’ll see.” Anything of Drew’s would be perfect in this house.

“Okay.”

“So you’ll bring your portfolio?” I ask, just to be sure.

“Anything for my girl,” he says. I love when he calls me that.

“You better get to sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The next day is absolutely gorgeous. I walk five minutes up the block to Pastis. Olivia has already arrived at the popular bistro, and I hardly recognize her when she calls out, “Kate! So good to see you.” She kisses my cheek in European fashion but doesn’t offer an L.A. hug.

“You too,” I say, looking her over. Back in L.A., she had bright highlights in her dark brown hair and super tan skin, and the girl could strut in stilettos like no one else. Today, she’s dressed in pointed-toe pumps, wide-leg pants, hair up in an American Ballet Theater bun, and dark, wide-framed glasses. I’ve never seen her without her signature tan in the winter, let alone in the middle of summer. “I love your new city look.”

“Thank you. It’s a whole new world out here,” she says.

“It really is. I just got here, and I already know it’s going to break my heart to leave.”

“Then don’t leave. New York is the best!”

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