Page 2 of The Bride's Billionaire

She indicated she would be back. “There’s this guy outside the window voting on the dresses. He doesn’t like this one.”

“Do we know him? Who is he?”

She laughed. “No, we don’t know him, but he’s got strong opinions. I’ll try on the next one.”

Her fingers moved faster, unlacing the gown and putting on the next one, hoping the man would still be there when she went back out. He was beyond handsome. She slipped on her white heels, hopping as she rounded the corner to the windows. There he was, arms crossed, just as she left him. She laughed and then waved. The boys came running back and everyone jumped up and down and cheered for this dress. Except for the man. He approached slowly until he stood at the edge of the glass and motioned again for her to turn. She whipped around, and he shook his head. Then he indicated she move slowly. Her skin tingled as she rotated on her platform. When she faced him, he smiled. Then he shrugged.

Ugh. What did that mean? “The kids love this one, the guy is indifferent. I think he would prefer that sleek one.”

“Kayla, are these people we even care about? How can I even decide?” Kayla held the phone up to see her face. Tiff frowned. “Will you pick the best and put two on hold for me?”

“Of course.” She air-kissed her friend, which all the boys imitated, and then disconnected the call. She dipped her head and mouthedthank youto her audience. The man’s eyes sparkled at her, and he nodded his head in return.

She picked the two Tiff wanted and hurried through the payment hold. Would that man still be outside? How insane was this behavior? He likely thought her married. Or soon to be. And if he stuck around, then he was not her man. But maybe she could stop him and explain? It was probably too late. And probably for the best. What did she know about this stranger at the window? Except that he was the hottest guy she’d seen in a long time. But hot is as hot does, she had decided years ago. So she pretended that she didn’t want to see him, even though she rushed so fast through the transaction that she almost left her credit card on the counter.

Once she was finished at the register and the dresses were carefully stored in the back for her friend to order if she decided, she slipped outside the door to the smiling and waving of the shopkeepers. “Obrigada linda!” She loved Brazilians. Where else would you be told “thank you, beautiful”?

Once outside, her eyes scanned the area as casually as she could. The boys played soccer across the street on the beach as they had before, but no one over four feet tall joined them. People walked up and down the row of storefronts, dodging around her as she stood still on the sidewalk. Letting out a long sigh, she shrugged and turned to head back toward her hotel.

“Looking for someone?” A deep voice tingled around inside while she tried to find its owner.

Leaning up against one of the storefronts, her wedding dress judge watched her. He was even better looking without a pane of glass between them. And possibly American?

She laughed. “Oh, hi. Thanks for your help in there.” She waved her phone around. “My friend was really grateful for the feedback.”

He straightened and stepped toward her. “Your friend?”

Yes, definitely American.Nice.

She nodded and swallowed.

His steps were slow, deliberate, and his eyes seemed intense. She couldn’t tell for sure though, what with the late afternoon sun at his back. She shielded her face.

When he shifted so that the sun was not blocking her vision and stood closer, her breath hitched. His eyes were deep green, almost hazel, and they looked kind, or good-humored at least.

And then he grinned, and his whole face lit. “So you aren’t about to get married?”

She laughed at his overexuberant expression and shook her head. “Nope, not even close. You’re not a creepy guy preying on attached women?”

It was his turn to laugh, and the sound was carefree, fun, confident. “Absolutely not.” He shrugged. “Something said to stick around, just to be sure.”

She eyed him. “And if I had been engaged?”

“I’d have asked to walk you home. It’s not the safest street in all of Copa Cabana.”

Still a bit unsure about this complete stranger, she was intrigued enough to smile. “Do I still get that escort back to my hotel?”

“Unless I can convince you to play tourist with me?” His eyes widened, his face as disarming as he was handsome.

“My afternoon is free.”

“And evening, if it goes well?”

She hesitated, thinking of her presentation, but then nodded. “Yes, if it goes well.”

“Okay. The sun is setting. I’m hungry; you hungry?”

“Famished.”

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