Page 5 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

Chapter 3

Grace

I’ve been so anxiouslywaiting for Rowan’s return that my eyes are glued to the door. He called when he left Mel’s, letting me know he’s fine and on his way home. I’m prepared to have the conversation we’ve been avoiding—the one about his needless guilt.

It’s time for us to quell the tension between us.

I’m wound so tight that I almost catapult off the couch when the door opens and Rowan steps in. He freezes at the sight of me. When I stand up, his gaze travels from my head to my feet, then back up to my cleavage, exposed by the tiny red satin dress that borders on lingerie. Butterfly wings flutter in my stomach, as they always do, under his hot gaze.

“You look nice,” he says. “Heading out?”

I bite back a smile because as cool as he keeps his expression, I hear the horror and jealousy in his words.

“Would that be a problem?” I tease.

He folds his arms over his chest and rocks back on his heels. “Well, you know, only because I’m worried about you possibly being targeted by a lunatic with a camera...” He does another slow sweep of me.

“That’s all?”

He sighs heavily and drops the act. “Okay, you’re not going out in that dress without me. There, I said it.”

I laugh, and he frowns.

“You’re messing with me,” he concludes.

“I’m sorry.” Watching him struggle to subdue his more domineering side is a tad amusing. “I’m not going out. I got dressed up for you.”

Rowan’s shoulders relax and he smiles. “Really? What’s the occasion?”

“Our date on the balcony,” I tell him with a huge grin.

“I didn’t know we had a date.”

“It’s an impromptu one. I made dinner... unless you already ate at Mel’s.”

“No, I thought I’d come back here and do what I do best: order something.”

I can’t hold back my chuckle.

“Because I was hoping we could have dinner together and talk.”

“So, we’re on the same page. Let’s go.”

Before I take a step, I’m swept into his arms. I gasp, falling against him with a little laugh.

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