Page 27 of The Billionaire's Christmas Baby Surprise

Max wasn’t sure why he’d invited Billie to the restaurant opening in Colorado Springs.

Well, that wasn’t exactly true. He knew that he wanted to spend more time with her. The hours he’d spent with her, buying and wrapping and giving, had been wonderful, and he wanted more. He also wanted to share his own life with her. So far, he’d gotten to experience a slice of what she did every day, and he’d seen that it wasn’t nearly what he’d thought. He hoped that she might have a similar experience visiting the diner.

And he wanted her to try Bluebell’s food. Even though Max wasn’t anything close to a chef, he’d worked closely with chefs to design and taste-test the menu. He knew that everything Bluebell offered was delicious, and he knew that Billie didn’t always make enough time to eat. Even she’d admitted that her work lunches and dinners were often vending-machine granola bars or packaged supermarket sandwiches.

What Max didn’t know was why he’d thought it was a good idea to invite Billie.

Over the last few meetings, he’d grown closer to her. Their first night together had been fantastic, yes, and Max still thought about it in quiet moments. Yet it had also been an experience shared between two people who were practically strangers. Now, Max knew Billie a lot better, and he knew that if they spent the night together, or even simply kissed again, it would be a hundred times better than before.

Yet Max also knew that he couldn’t kiss Billie. The same problems were still in place: they were too different, and Max was too focused on his work. That just wasn’t going to change. He needed to keep his distance from Billie — while also being friendly and accommodating on a two-hour round-trip drive and during a dinner that was starting to look a little too much like a date.

The maelstrom of thoughts whirled through Max’s mind as he pulled up in front of Billie’s apartment building to pick her up. He hadn’t been here since they’d spent the night together in late November, and to his surprise, it looked different. Someone had put up Christmas lights over the front door, and one window — which Max suspected was Billie’s — was covered in paper snowflakes and draped in a wreath.

Max sent Billie a text to let her know he was there, then sat back in his seat to wait. A few minutes later, the front door opened, and Billie stepped out. Her gaze swept the street, then she caught sight of him. With a spring in her step and a wave, she hurried down the stairs, her jacket gapping open to reveal a long green skirt and a white sweater. The ensemble reminded Max of what she’d worn to the fundraiser where they’d met. Her dark curls were caught up in an elaborate braided style, and she wore simple makeup that brought out her beautiful brown eyes.

“Hey!” Billie slid into the seat next to Max and flashed him a grin. Her cheeks were pink from the short walk in the cold.

“All set?” Max asked.

“Yep.”

He pulled onto the road, and they were on their way. “Have you been to Colorado Springs before?”

“Yeah, a few times. I went to a music festival there a few years ago, and I’ve been to the Garden of the Gods once or twice. How about you?” Billie bit her lip. “Silly question. You must have been down to oversee the opening of the new restaurant.”

“That’s not a silly question. I don’t usually attend restaurant openings, because new locations are mostly far away. Since this one’s closer, I’ve been in person twice now, but more out of interest than anything else. And I’ve only visited Colorado Springs to check in on the restaurant. I probably wouldn’t have made it down otherwise.”

“Really? I thought you said you’ve always lived in Denver?”

“I have.” Max grinned at her. “But I haven’t had a lot of time for exploring.”

“I can see that. Have you been up to Aspen?”

“I went to a conference there.”

Billie chuckled. “I shouldn’t be surprised. I bet you didn’t even do any skiing.”

“To be honest, I’ve never been skiing.”

“What?” Now Billie’s eyes widened in mock horror. “What kind of Coloradoanareyou?”

“Clearly, not a very good one.”

“Do you hike?”

“Not really.”

“Rock climb?”

“Not at all.”

“Have you even been rafting?”

“Never.”

Billie threw up her hands. “Come on, they’re going to revoke your Colorado card.”

“I do like the sunshine, if that means anything.”

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