Page 5 of The Billionaire Dating Dad

“If I win, the rest of your evening belongs to me.”

“And if I win?” she asked.

“You won’t.”

She quirked her eyebrow at his confident response.

He smirked. “If you win, I’m at your mercy for the rest of the night.”

Violet swallowed against her rising excitement. “So either way, I’m stuck with you.”

He chuckled. “Fine. I’ll honor whatever you decide.”

She didn’t know which she wanted more, to win or lose. By the time Mrs. Townson made an appearance, Violet found her mind occupied with thoughts of Dimitri and winning their bet. He had a self-assuredness that made Violet comfortable in the presence of their current company. He was charming and observant.

“Here comes your employer.”

Violet turned in time to see a woman in her early fifties heading directly toward them. She barely had time to give into a fresh wave of nervousness at being caught having fun, before Dimitri’s palm intimately caressed her lower back. Her heart somersaulted in her chest when his fingers lingered.

After exchanging a brief greeting, and introducing Dimitri as her boyfriend, he excused himself. Yet, as she and Mrs. Townson talked she felt the weight of his gaze following her from across the room.

He was making a grand show at being an attentive date, Violet reminded herself. Yet, his presence was like an anchor tethering her to him. Dimitri's gaze had snared her more than once, making it hard for her to focus on the older woman's words.

“When you said you’d bring a date”— Mrs. Towson’s eyes lit up with delight — “I never expected it to be a Popova.”

She didn’t know what Mrs. Townson meant, but she hoped it didn’t jeopardize her chances of getting the job. “Is that a problem?”

“On the contrary. Most women I hire claim to be in love until…” Mrs. Townson smiled.

“Until?” For the first time, Violet gave the woman her full attention. She had a sinking feeling she was about to lose the bet to Dimitri.

“Let me be frank. I won’t tolerate any attempts to seduce my husband.”

Violet resisted the urge to glance toward Dimitri. “I assure you, Mrs. Townson, I take my job seriously. And though I’ve only recently begun dating Dimitri, I have no interest in anyone else.” She had no interest in datinganyone,period. Her attraction to Dimitri was unexpected, and after tonight she would lock it away in a box, but this woman didn’t need to know that.

“I think we’ll get along nicely, Miss Terrell.” Mrs. Townson linked their arms. “Let me introduce you to my daughter.”

“Did you get the job?”Dimitri asked from behind her.

Violet closed her eyes at his nearness. His presence was a live beast at her back. She felt him as keenly as the pulse in her veins. “I start Monday. What about you? Did you get the paintings for your sister?”

He nodded. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, thank you.” Why did the end of their night feel like a physical blow? It shouldn’t. She didn’t know him and he wasn’t enthusiastic about being forced on a date.

Violet knew the answer. It had been ages since the last time she’d gone out with a man. Even longer since a man stirred her senses the way he did. None of that meant she would stay in his company a minute longer than necessary. He’d done his part. More than his part.

They were halfway across the room when Mrs. Townson’s voice flooded the room through overhead speakers. Everyone except Dimitri stopped, giving the woman their attention. He maneuvered them around people to reach the exit. She understood his eagerness to leave, but this was ridiculous.

“I’m pleased to announce that a very generous donor has purchased all the art pieces.” Violet learned from Mrs. Townson that the children had painted the art pieces.

Dimitri grunted.

“Thanks to Dimitri Popova, every child in this room will have their summer art program fully funded.”

Violet gaped as the room broke out in applause. When he’d asked earlier about what it would take to end the event, she never thought… "Wait, shouldn't you go up—"

"No." He grasped her elbow to get her moving.

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