Page 91 of Billionaire Temptations

“It’s nice to meet you, Emerson. I actually came here to introduce myself to you. Mr. Parker told me I’m to drive you wherever you need to go.”

“Really?” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

“Yes, really. Just as long as he doesn’t need me.”

“You have perfect timing, Phillip, because I need to meet a friend for lunch at the Polo Lounge at one o’clock.”

“All right, the Polo Lounge it is.” He smiled. “We should leave around noon, so I’ll be back to pick you up.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He gave a nod and left. He was a handsome-looking gentleman with his dark brown hair, green eyes, and a light beard. I pegged him to be in his late forties, maybe early fifties. I couldn’t believe that Alex had asked him to drive me around. Maybe Alex Parker wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

I hopped in the shower, got dressed, and waited for Phillip to pick me up. When he arrived, he opened the door to the Bentley, and I slid inside.

“So, how long have you been driving for Alex?” I asked.

“About three years.” He smiled. “What brings you to California?”

“My brother, Adam. I didn’t have a choice but to return for a while.”

“Return? Have you lived here previously?”

“Yeah. I grew up in LA.”

“Why did you leave?” he asked as he looked at me through his rearview mirror.

“It’s a long and boring story.”

We finally made it to the Polo Lounge, and as I climbed out of the car, Phillip handed me his phone number.

“Put my number in your phone, and either call or text me when you need to go somewhere. The latest I can pick you up is four o’clock.”

“That’s fine. If I’m going to be later, I’ll catch a cab back.”

“Have a nice lunch with your friends, Emerson.”

“Thanks, Phillip.”

Before I reached the doors to the restaurant, I heard my name being called from the patio area. When I looked over, I saw Christine and Bayli waving me over to their table.

“Look at you,” Christine said as she hugged me. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks. So do you.”

“Long time no see, friend.” Bayli smiled as we hugged.

It was like we were the Three Musketeers all over again.

As we were catching up, I glanced over and saw Alex being seated at a table across from us. He was with a beautiful, tall woman. He looked over, and when he saw me, an expression of shock overtook him. I gave a small smile and continued my conversation with Christine and Bayli. After my second glass of wine, I excused myself to the restroom. When I came out, Alex was standing there waiting for me.

“Umm. Hi. Why are you waiting here in the hallway?”

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

I raised my brow. “Having lunch with my friends. What are you doing here?”

“The same thing you are,” he said.

---