Page 37 of Mr. Billionaire's Second Chance

Chapter Ten

Preston

Manhattan was lit with warm streetlights and bustling little boutiques that whizzed by as the black town car took me to Katherine’s apartment. She came walking down her building’s concrete stairs, clutching her purse underneath her arm, as her stilettos carried her right to the car door. Her long legs glistened underneath the light and that familiar diamond around her neck glimmered, making me smile.

“Kat, you look absolutely beautiful,” I said, holding the door open for her.

“Why, thank you,” she responded.

Her tone was low, soft like she was afraid that someone may have been listening, but she slid into the car, and I followed after her. She started to loosen up now that we were alone, but even though we kept up pleasant conversation on the way to our destination, I could tell she was distracted.

“You know, this is about the time on a date where I’d ask you how your day was and how work is going, but judging from the look on your face, I may not want to know,” I teased.

“I-I’m sorry, Preston. I’m just a little distracted. Things have been a little stressful at work and my boss just wants me to close this thing so we could all move on.”

“That’s what we all want, Kat, but don’t let it drive you crazy. Tonight, you’re not auditing me and I’m not lying in wait worried that you’re going to report me to the authorities even though I know I’ve never cut any corners. Tonight we’re just Kat and Preston. Two ridiculously hot people ready to have a good time. What do you say?”

“I say, that sounds wonderful.”

She grinned and it was at that moment that I saw the girl I was falling for. I wanted nothing more than to help her get out of her head and get closer to her all the same. Every moment I was with her I knew that there was no damn way I’d ever let her go again. Fuck the press. Fuck the investigation. It’s just you and me, Kat. You and me.

“So, what kind of surprise do you have in store tonight, Preston?” she asked, with a smile.

“Let’s just say we’re getting away from here for a little while. I’ve shown you my art, but I think it’s time you see someone else’s. Their collection is a lot better than mine,” I responded.

She furrowed her brow at me and I smirked because I knew she was in for one hell of an evening. The black town car pulled up to the world-famous Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“I thought we were staying out of the public eye for now.”

Her eyes lit up when she saw the stone steps leading up to the doors, the fountain that gushed water nearby, and how perfectly empty the place was. Her eyes widened when she realized that there wasn’t anyone around and she turned to look at me inquisitively.

“There’s no way we’re alone here tonight, are we?”

“Oh, yes there is. Trust me, there’s no better way to see the Met,” I said.

I slid out of the car, outstretching my hand as she took it, and I led her up the stairs. We made our way inside, greeted by our hostess for the evening who had set up private dining for us. Katherine was absolutely floored, and I watched her eyes study every inch of the place in awe.

“You are absolutely insane, you know that?”

“I’ve been told once or twice,” I murmured, smirking at her.

I pulled out her chair, making sure she got comfortable before I took my seat, and we ordered drinks to start. I got a good look at her beautiful face, chiseled cheekbones, and those soft lips I couldn’t wait to kiss again.

“You really do know how to wow a girl, don’t you?”

“Yes, I definitely do. So, can I consider you wowed then?”

“Aha, yes you can.”

“You know, Kat, I did say that we didn’t have to talk about work while we were here, but I want you to know that if there’s anything you’d like to ask me, I’m all ears. You look like you’ve been swallowing your words all evening,” I said.

Her eyes widened at me like she didn’t think I noticed and I smiled, taking a sip of my wine just as our amuse-bouche platter came out.

“I-I don’t know, Preston.”

“I told you that I’m an open book, didn’t I? You’ve probably looked at every expense report and know every purchase I’ve ever made by heart now. There’s nothing you can’t ask me.”

I watched her eyes shift around the room like she was debating whether to tell me what had been bothering her. She cut into her artichoke heart, before glancing back at me with her lips parted.

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