Page 22 of Marrying a Billionaire

“It’s Persephanie. Johnson wanted me to ask you if you’ll head to Dallas today to speak to Motor Designs. Apparently, they are considering pulling out of the deal.”

Reed pulled his arm from his eyes and glanced over at his phone. “He can’t handle it?”

“They want you. Won’t talk to anyone else.”

He clenched his jaw and pulled off his covers. “Got it. I’m up. Tell Drew to ready the plane. I’ll be there in an hour.”

“Yes, Mr. Williamson.”

He grabbed his phone as he headed across his room to the door. He needed coffee before a shower. When he got to the kitchen, he started his machine. As it whirred to life, he leaned against the counter and yawned.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Lillian’s soft voice startled him.

He turned to see her standing on the outskirts of the kitchen. She was wearing a baby blue night shirt, and her hair was pulled back in a loose braid. His heart raced from how beautiful she looked with the early morning light peeking in through his windows.

“You’re up early,” he said.

Her gaze kept flicking down to his chest and he became very aware of the fact that he was standing there without a shirt. It amused him that her cheeks had turned pink. He made sure to fold his arms, hoping it caused his muscles to flex.

She dropped her gaze, tucked an escaping curl behind her ear, and stepped into the kitchen. “I needed to use the bathroom and heard some noise.”

Reed tried to keep from staring at her long, creamy legs as they came into view. When he saw her bare feet, he smiled. He liked that she felt comfortable enough to be casual around him.

“Ah. Just me.” He cleared his throat and turned, grabbing down two mugs from the cupboard behind him. “Sleep well?”

“Despite the need to pee every hour, yes,” she breathed out. He glanced behind him and saw a content look cross her face.

And then she swallowed and her cheeks reddened as if she had suddenly realized what she’d said. “You didn’t need to know how many times I went to the bathroom.”

He shrugged. “Hey, I like it that you feel comfortable enough to tell me everything.”

She let out a nervous chuckle. “Your mattress is amazing. I haven’t slept on a bed that comfortable in”—she glanced up toward the ceiling—“in ever. I’ve never slept on something that comfortable.”

He smiled as he turned his attention back to the coffee which he poured into the mugs. “I’m happy you liked it.” He handed her one.

She wrapped her fingers around the handle and studied it. Then she sighed and placed it next to her. “I’m on a sort of coffee fast,” she said.

Reed raised his eyebrows as he took sip. The warm liquid ran down his throat, heating his stomach. “I have heard coffee addiction is a real killer in the modern world,” he said as he lowered his mug.

She gave him a small smile. “Well, one can’t be too careful.”

Reed studied her. What was her story? “So, no alcohol or coffee, huh?”

She pursed her lips and nodded. “Yeah, I’m boring that way.”

“It’s intriguing.” His phone chimed so he put his coffee down and pulled it from his pocket. Persephanie had sent his itinerary. And he was already running behind.

He turned back to Lillian. “I’m leaving town for a few days on business. I have to go to Dallas to talk an investment off the ledge.” He paused as he glanced down at her and her eyes widened. “I’ll be back. Until then, make yourself at home. Desiree, my housekeeper, she’s quite a character. She’ll be here at eight. Let her know if you need anything. Do you still have that card I gave you?”

She nodded.

“I’ll put more money on it. Go and get what you need to make this place comfortable for you.” He leaned closer to her. He wasn’t sure what the protocol was for a long absence from a woman he was supposed to pretend to love. Did he hug her? Kiss her goodbye? Instead of making a decision, he gave her a one-armed hug and pulled away. Embarrassment coursed through him, heating his entire body. Why was he such a bumbling fool sometimes?

Deciding it was best to leave before he did another idiotic thing, he started toward his room then stopped. His mom was most likely not going to be happy that he was leaving. She had made it very clear that they were to be married immediately. But, she was going to have to wait. There was nothing to inherit if the company was going under.

“My mom will most likely want us to wed when I get back. Call Cassie and ask her to take you shopping.” He ripped off a piece of paper from a nearby pad and wrote down Cassie’s number. “I’m sure she’ll love to take you out again.”

He walked over and shoved the scrap into Lillian’s hand, trying to ignore the surge in his chest from their contact. He glanced down at her and she met his gaze. Truth was, he didn’t want to leave. But distance from his contract wife was probably smart. The feelings brewing in his gut were confusing him.

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