Page 14 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

“Of course.”

We chat some more until he has to go. Before he disappears, I gaze at him with longing, praying for him to stay safe.

Chapter 7

Grace

“Matt, it’s so goodto see you.”

He steps inside and I give him a hug. I’m glad Mel invited him to dinner. I miss Rowan so much, and it’s comforting having his best friend here.

“Great to see you, Grace.” He lifts a bottle of red wine. “I guess this is just for the three of us since Melanie can’t indulge.”

“Thank you.” I beam. Glancing over my shoulder, I lower my voice. “Did you do that thing?”

He gives me a conspiratorial wink. “Mission accomplished.”

“What are you two plotting?” Mel appears in the foyer to eye us with suspicion.

“Nothing,” I answer a little too quickly, making Matt chuckle.

“Uh-huh.” She gives Matt a kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re here. We can get dinner started.”

“Melanie, how are you still pregnant?” he asks, laughter gleaming in his eyes.

She scowls. “Hilarious. I see now why you and my brother are best friends.”

Matt’s hearty laughter carries around the room as they walk off. He looks back at me and winks again.

Our little secret is nothing serious. I merely asked him if he could try getting that painting I did of Rowan back, and he did. I figured since the media is hungry for any morsel they can find on him, a half-nude painting of him shouldn’t be out there.

I don’t want to wake up one day to the image all over the TV with a headline like “Hunky Billionaire Moonlights as Nude Model” or something crazy like that.

Smiling, I close the door and join the others in the dining room.

By dessert, we’re all talking about how Mel’s baby boy, who refuses to be born, will be just as stubborn as his uncle Rowan.

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