Page 1 of Marrying a Billionaire

Chapter One

Lillian stood in front of her bed, staring down at the satin button-up shirt and sharp, black pencil skirt that Tamara had lent to her. She reached out and ran her hand across the smooth fabric. Anxiety rose up in her gut, and she placed her hand on her stomach.

She had to get this job. It was her last hope.

She let her fingers linger on the bulge underneath her slip. It was becoming more pronounced—the fifth month of pregnancy would do that to a woman. She just hoped it wasn’tthatobvious. A new job would most likely frown upon a pregnant woman, and she was running out of time and options.

Tears stung her eyelids as she let the memories of her previous pregnancy wash over her. If this pregnancy was anything like that one, she needed medical insurance. Now.

Letting out a deep sigh, she slipped out of her robe and dressed, sucking in her stomach as she zipped up the side of her skirt. Thankfully, it didn’t split once it was up, although it felt like it might. And that would be just her luck, her reaching out to shake billionaire Reed Williamson’s hand just to have her zipper explode.

She slipped on the blouse and as her fingers did the last button she swallowed her fear. She wasn’t going to think like that today. She was going to be calm and confident. There was no way she could let her potential employer know she was hanging onto her sanity by a thread. That her life was falling apart and there was nothing she could do to piece it back together.

There was a soft knock on the door. Lillian let out her breath—hoping to calm her nerves—and forced a smile.

“Come in,” she said as she sat down on the bed and slipped her feet into her shoes.

The door opened, revealing Tamara standing there. She was in her signature scrubs and ponytail. She had a bowl of cereal in her hand, and her lips were moving as she chewed. Her gaze swept over Lillian, and she dropped her jaw in an exaggerated movement. Tamara was back from her week-long shift as one of the nurses for billionaire and business tycoon, George Williamson—Reed’s grandfather.

“Geez, you look better in my clothes than I do,” she said, stepping into the room and walking over to collapse on the ratty armchair in the corner.

“I do not,” Lillian said, standing up and brushing down the front of her skirt. “Can you see it?”

It.Not baby—it. After she lost her first baby at twenty-five weeks, she couldn’t bear to acknowledge this one. What if the same thing happened? She wasn’t sure her heart could take another loss.

“Ugh, no. You always look amazing even when you’re pregnant. I don’t look half as good, and I’ve got no excuse.” Tamara took another bite of cereal. “Joshua’s an idiot,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Let’s not go there today. I’m already nervous as it is.” Lillian raised her hand. The last thing she needed to be talking about was her ex-husband, Mr. Run at the First Sign of Stress. He hadn’t even wanted the previous pregnancy and when he found out they were pregnant again, he told her to either abort the baby or he was gone. He moved out the next day, and they were divorced within the month. He didn’t bother giving away his parental rights, making a snide comment about how it didn’t matter, she couldn’t keep a baby inside anyway.

Now she was all alone, with no family around. And pregnant. Anxiety crept back into her chest. She swallowed, trying to push her emotions down. Not today. She had to get a grip.

Tamara nodded. “You’re right. We don’t need to waste any more energy on that loser.” She shot Lillian a comforting smile. “You shouldn’t be worried. You’re going to rock this interview. Mr. Billionaire Bachelor is going to love you.”

“I still can’t believe you got me this interview,” Lillian said as she made her way over to her dresser and picked up her heart locket necklace and put it on.

Tamara hesitated and then shrugged. “He owed me a favor. After all, I do take care of his grandfather.”

“Which translates to, you eavesdrop on private conversations and use that information for your own personal gain.” Lillian shot a glance over at Tamara who had an incredulous look on her face.

“I do not. That would be unethical. However, if said people were talking a bit too loud, and I just happened to overhear”—she raised her hands—“it’s not my fault.”

Lillian couldn’t help but smile. Tamara was always the strong, outspoken one in the friendship. Always getting them into private functions or free drinks at the bar.

She slipped her pearl earrings on and then turned. “Well, I am grateful. If I get this job, it will be a godsend.”

Tamara had finished her cereal and placed the bowl next to her chair. She stood and was across the room in a few strides. “You’re going to be just fine.” She pulled Lillian into a hug.

“Thanks,” Lillian said as emotion coated her throat. It had been a hard year and half. She was grateful to have Tamara by her side, guiding her through it. Now, more than ever, she needed a friend. Someone to help her. She doubted she could function without her best friend by her side.

“Alright, enough blubbering. Get going. You’re going be late,” Tamara said as she stepped back and waved toward the door.

Butterflies erupted in Lillian’s stomach as she grabbed her purse. “Are you sure I can do this?” She took a small step.

Tamara linked arms with her. “I know you can. But, if you don’t hurry, you’re going to be late. And I’m pretty sure, Mr. Williamson will not be too happy with that.”

Lillian took a deep breath. She could do this. She knew she could. When she reached the door, she turned the handle. Once she was in the hallway of her run- down apartment complex, she had an overwhelming desire to vomit. But she muscled it down, blaming it on the pregnancy and not her out-of-control nerves.

When she stepped out of her building and onto the sidewalk, she felt better. The sun was out and the sides of the building glowed from the sunshine. People rushed past her, and she had to spin to keep from getting trampled.

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