Page 191 of Billionaire Temptations

“Not at all. I have you and plenty of men to occupy my time and needs. Remember, women are a man’s weakness. We have the bodies they crave, the vagina they want to bury their cocks inside, and the breasts their mouths desire. We make them feel good. In return, they make us feel good. It’s purely physical, and as long as that’s all it is, life is good and uncomplicated.”

Chapter One

Emily

I was there when my mother took her last breath the day cancer claimed her life. I remember it as if it was yesterday and not two years ago.

“Hey. Are you okay?” Katie asked as she walked past me with an armful of clothes.

Snapping back into reality, I nodded my head.

“I’m fine. I was thinking about my mom.”

“That’s right. Today’s the anniversary of her death.” She pouted. “I’m sorry, Emily. She was such a great woman. Man, did I respect the hell out of her. Strong, independent, and a woman of many talents. She’d be so proud of you right now.”

“Thanks. I stopped by the cemetery this morning before coming to the shop and put some roses down. She would be proud of me. Wouldn’t she?” I gave a small smile.

Katie set the clothes on the white chair in the middle of the store and hooked her arm around me.

“She would be very proud. She knew opening up this shop was always your dream.”

I was the proud owner of a boutique on East 9th Street called Emily’s Edge. My shop ranged from vintage clothing, couture, American labels, and up-and-coming designers. I wanted a store that housed a little bit of everything—kind of like a one-stop shop. Any style and occasion could be found at Emily’s Edge. I opened the store about six months ago after a yearlong process of planning, designing, and making sure it was everything I wanted.

Fashion had always been my passion. I loved clothes, fabrics, and accessories, and I had a talent for styling. After graduating high school, I attended NYU, where I obtained my BBA, then I went to Parsons for two years and received an AAS in Fashion Marketing. After Parsons, I was hired by Bloomingdales, where I worked for two years as a buyer for their women’s casual clothing.

My mother owned her own insurance company, which she started when I was three years old. Before she passed away, she sold it to a colleague of hers who had worked for her since the day she opened the doors. She knew insurance wasn’t my thing, and she didn’t want me to feel pressured with having to take over her company. She made sure I was set money-wise and told me to follow my dreams.

I didn’t let anyone deter me from my dreams of becoming a successful businesswoman—especially men. I dated a lot: a few dates here and there, casual sex, and plenty of one-night stands. I wasn’t looking for a relationship because they were taboo, but I did like the companionship of men as long as they didn’t become attached. Any sign or showing of feelings on their part and they were kicked to the curb faster than I could say, “It’s over.” My mother was right all those years when I was growing up. From the time I was a teen, I’d watch my friends get their hearts broken beyond repair by a guy. I’d watch them change, not only in style but in personality as well. They put their boyfriends firstand let their friendships drift away as if they had never meant anything. I’d sit up endless nights with my roommates crying on my shoulder about how they caught their man with another girl or how they were just broken up with because their partner told them that they didn’t love them anymore. It was nothing but a clusterfuck of emotions and a position I would never put myself in. Like my mother, I would never let someone have that kind of control over my emotional state and well-being.

“By the way, how was your date last night?” Katie asked.

“You had another date last night?” Evelyn spoke as she walked into the shop.

“It was nice, and yes,” I looked at her, “I had another date.”

“Same guy as a few nights ago or a different one?” Evelyn asked.

“Same guy as the other night, and his name is Cliff.”

“Have you slept with him yet?” Katie asked as she hung some blouses on the rack.

“Nope. But I think tonight is the night. I’m horny, and we’ve been on three dates already, so I think it’s time.”

“So, what’s his story?” Evelyn asked.

“He’s a real estate agent. He’s been divorced for about a year because his ex-wife cheated on him.”

“Does he know you’re not looking for anything serious?” Katie said.

“Yes. I made that very clear the first night we went out. He said he was getting back into the dating game and wasn’t looking either. So, we’re just enjoying each other’s company.”

“Is he the one you met on Match?” Evelyn asked.

“One of the ones I met on Match.” I smirked as I rested my elbows on the counter.

“Good luck.” Katie smiled. “I hope the sex is everything you want it to be. Unlike the past few guys you slept with,” she spoke with a twisted face.

“Ugh. Don’t remind me.” I shuddered. “It’s sad when you have to finish the job yourself after they leave.” I rolled my eyes.

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