Page 74 of The Billionaire's Ride

“Really?” I ask, my pitch way higher than usual.

“Yes, Kate’s right. I can see a little bit of the Burke influence, but only because I know about it. It’s very subtle.”

“Well, thank you,” I say, breathing a sigh of relief. Why did I think this was going to hurt?

“How would you like to be showcased in a show we’re hosting next month?” Olivia asks, and my heart jumps into my throat. Okay, showing her is one thing but putting them on display for the New York art crowd is another. “Five pieces will be great. We should be able to sell them all.”

I open my mouth slowly, half fearful that vomit will come spewing out in place of words. “Did you say sell?”

She goes from staring at me like I’m a brilliant artist not unlike Ferguson Burke to glaring at me like I’m a total nutter. “Yes, we have to keep the lights on somehow.”

“Right, of course. I just never planned this,” I say, swallowing a nervous lump in my throat. Kate grabs my mildly trembling hand and squeezes it.

Olivia offers a tight-lipped smile. “Life is full of unexpected surprises, and I think it’s time you make your debut in the world.”

She shares the rest of the details about the show, but my adrenaline is pumping so much that I can hardly concentrate. In six weeks, my work will be on these gallery walls. I practically float out of there. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. I never thought this would ever feel right but now it does.

“So . . .” Kate starts when we’re out on the sidewalk.

I take a deep, refreshing inhale. “So, what?”

“I told you so, I told you so, I told you so!” she sings, wiggling her shoulders.

“Okay, okay. You were right,” I say with flushed cheeks. Who am I right now?

She crinkles that cute nose of hers. “You’re damn right I was! And it’s really hot that you’re man enough to admit it.”

“Mmm,” I growl, pulling her in for an R-rated kiss. “I guess this means I’ll be back in New York soon.”

“Me too. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Ah, now I have two things to look forward to.” I pull her in at the waist, attaching the side of her hip to mine, and we head back to the motorbike. I could get used to being in this city with her.

Kate has the rest of the day free and we spend it cruising over the bridges and riding around the other boroughs. In the evening, she’s planned what she calls a classic night on the town. I blast myBest of Billy Joelmix through the speakers as we get ready for our date. I peek in on Kate who’s dressed in a silky kimono robe and finishing up her makeup. I lean in the doorway and gaze at her beautiful reflection in the mirror. She smiles back at me and swipes her lashes.

“What?” she asks, cheeks slightly pink.

“Nothing. Just enjoying the view,” I say, and she giggles. “I really loved today.”

Manhattan is much more magical with Kate by my side. As I watch her in the bathroom mirror, prettying herself even more, it begins to settle in. I don’t think it’s just the day that I love. This feeling I have is so new. It’s exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

“I did too,” she says. “It’s not over yet.”

But it will be over soon. What happens next? How do I keep this going? How do I keep Kate?

I finish buttoning my crisp, white shirt, trading my leather jacket for a suit jacket. Kate’s still getting dressed, so I wander downstairs to the front room with the baby grand near the window. I settle in and begin playing, feeling the weight of the keys beneath my fingertips. The sound is smooth as I play “New York State of Mind”, and the melody seems to penetrate my entire being. Just like Kate.

She glides in, pulling my attention. My jaw goes slack, and I release my hands from the keys. She’s wearing a short, black lace dress with a neckline that plunges all the way to her belly button.

“Oh, baby,” I say playfully, but it’s no joke. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through dinner with you in that dress.”

She blushes and spins around. A silver zip trails right down her back. “You like it?”

Like it? We haven’t left the house and already I want to skip to the end of our date so I can pull that zip and watch that dress fall to her heels. “I love it.”

“And I love the way you were just playing the piano. I didn’t know you played.”

“I do. A little.”

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