Page 15 of Billion-Dollar Dating Game

Skylar cautiously ventured through the immaculate house that screamed sultry summer energy. It was the perfect place to laze at the beach and indulge in long sensual nights. A heavenly holiday destination, and it honestly just made her angry with him all over again, for buying something so damned perfect that he probably was going to sell in mere months.

She paused on the threshold of the kitchen. He was leaning on the counter, looking out the window, his arms stretched wide in an echo of that night all those years ago when she’d seen him on his balcony. He looked as lonely. But he must’ve caught sight of her movement because he suddenly turned and his expression smoothed as he walked towards her.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked with soft intensity.

An unfamiliar emotion clogged her throat.

He walked closer still—until he could take her face in his firm hands so she couldn’t look away from him. Couldn’t avoid answering him.

‘Are. You. Okay?’ His pale blue eyes glittered with fire.

For another second she was unable to utter a thing. She swallowed—hard—as she realised the source of his concern. He didn’t want to have hurt her. ‘Yes, I’m okay.’

In fact she was far better than okay. And she was melting because he was so close and she wanted his mouth on hers again. She wantedeverythingall over again and his concern only made her attraction to him stronger. But he released her and stepped back.

Desolate, she watched him walk away. She didn’t want this to be over. Yeah, she wasthattragic. But he’d moved on while she’d lost sight of everything—of why she’d even come here tonight and what it was shetrulywanted. Suddenly she was mad with herself for losing her aptitude, her capability. She was no less than he—she didn’t need to becosseted.

‘Are you?’ she called after him sharply.

He paused and glanced back. ‘What?’

She walked over to where he stood frozen in the centre of the kitchen. ‘Areyouokay?’

His eyes widened. ‘Of course.’

He looked shocked she’d asked.

‘Because I didn’t mean to give you a fright,’ she added calmly. ‘And I wanted what happened between us.’

‘Right. You know I had worked that one out...’ He frowned at her. ‘But what I’m not sure about is why you really came to that party in the first place.’

It was her turn to freeze. It all came back—Helberg. Her colleagues, their future. Indeed, her career—the one she’d worked so hard for. The company she desperately wanted to be saved was teetering on the brink of destruction and the man wielding the sword was now standing right in front of her.

‘I can’t stay the night here.’ She glanced away from him.

‘I’ve not asked you to.’

‘I’ll call a car.’

‘The likelihood of you getting any kind of taxi tonight is nil and you know it. I’ll take you anywhere you want once we’ve talked.’

‘There’s nothing to talk about.’

‘Sure there is.’ He watched her closely. ‘What did youreallywant from me tonight, Skylar?’

Her heart stopped, then pounded faster than ever. This was not how it was supposed to go at all. She’d meant to find out all she could about his plans for Helberg—not find out all about his performance in bed.

And he knew, somehow, that there was more to her appearance tonight. So she might as well just ask him now. Straight-out. She had literally nothing left to lose. ‘I wanted to find out your plans for Helberg.’

He stilled. ‘What?’

She’d surprised him. ‘I know you’re interested,’ she said firmly.

‘Indeed I am,’ he answered too smoothly. ‘Very much.’

‘InHelberg,’ she said primly, because he was prevaricating now and she wasn’t falling for his false charm. ‘I don’t know what you’re planning with those guys but I know it won’t be good. Not for the company, its customers or its employees.’

He stepped closer. ‘What guys?’

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