Page 40 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

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We drove to my private home with a beach. Of course, Elizabeth was unaware of our destination, and I intended to keep it a surprise. When we arrived, I wanted to see the look on her face when I revealed that I owned the place.

“No clue at all, Will?”

“Not at all. Just trust me.”

“Trust you?”

“Yes, why? Are you scared I’m going to kidnap you? Don’t worry— you’re safe with me,” I said as I threw a wink her way.

Elizabeth immediately averted her gaze out the window, although I could still see the redness of her cheeks. She was most likely hiding the fact that she was blushing.

Excited, I released a breath as we approached my place.

“All right, we’re here,” I said as the gates to my private home and beach opened up automatically.

“Wow, are we here to see one of your clients? Because this client has to be wealthy!” Elizabeth said as she looked around while I drove in.

“Well, he is wealthy but not a client.”

“Then who? Your friend? I have never met any one of your actual friends! This will be good!”

I let out a laugh at her innocence. Friends? I had no friends.

As sad as that sounded, I had come to realize over the years in business that there weren’t any true friends in the world.

The only people I ever confided in were my sister and my therapist. Then, once in a while, Anthony, but only regarding serious business matters.

“I don’t have friends, Elizabeth, only acquaintances.”

“Oh, so, where or who are we meeting?”

“No one.”

“No one?”

I watched how confused she was as I parked the car. She looked around and then back at me, in need of an explanation. I let out a soft laugh at first as I kept watching her.

“Well? What are we doing here?” she asked.

“How about we get out of the car first, and then we see?” I suggested.

“Oh, okay.” Elizabeth got out of the car, still puzzled as she surveyed her surroundings.

I reached out to her and to her left hand, guiding her as we walked into my home. I had purchased this property years ago but had only stayed here fewer than five times.

“Oh my god! This ceiling is . . . wow!”

I watched as she looked up to the ceiling, admiring the floating lights that seemed to be suspended in the air.

As I looked at her, I could not help but smile in awe. I loved seeing her like this—excited about the little things or in awe when she encountered a beautiful interior like this one.

“Come on, let’s go in,” I said.

As we walked further into the house, Elizabeth turned her head now and then, seemingly eager to absorb every little detail. I looked around and immediately spotted the person I was looking for.

“Anthony! There you are.”

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