Page 26 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

“Who’s that?” I asked Jillian, who was standing beside me. “She seems familiar to me.”

“I think those are the people from Luxe Linen,” she told me. “They’re holding a charity event for the children today. Just a simple outreach program with some games, food, and giveaways.”

“Nice,” I said. “Luxe Linen is one of our suppliers in many of our hotels.”

I couldn’t help staring at Leigh, who appeared stunning even in a very unpretentious outfit. My head was flooded with thoughts of her lips touching mine, her body brushing against my own skin.

“You know this woman?” Jillian asked. There was something in her tone that made me turn to face her.

“Huh? Why do you ask?”

She grinned meaningfully. “You’re looking at her in a very intense way. Something tells me you’re more than acquaintances.”

I chuckled. “Oh, probably. She’s my next-door neighbor, but we don’t really know each other well.”

“Interesting,” she said, her eyes shimmering. “You should go and talk to her. Maybe this could be the start of something beautiful. You never know.”

“What?” I asked incredulously. “Oh, Jillian. You’re always pushing me to date somebody.”

“I’m just concerned,” she said, her face turning serious. “You know you’ve got commitment issues.”

“Well, yes,” I said. “And I wouldn’t want to involve any woman in my issues, right? It would be unfair.”

“Yes, but then you will also never overcome them if you keep avoiding them.”

“I’m not cut out for that kind of stuff, Jillian. You know me.”

Jillian patted my back. “Yes, I know you, Carter. I know that you have a very good heart and that you deserve to find true love. Someday the right person will come along.”

I laughed but didn’t say anything anymore. My eyes shifted back to Leigh, who was now walking toward the back of the building.

“You should join the event,” Jillian suggested, her eyes lighting up. “It’ll be fun, for sure! And the kids know you so well already.”

Before I could protest, she had already informed another member of the staff, who went to tell Leigh and her companions.

I didn’t say anything. I knew it was going to be an awkward meeting with Leigh after the meeting we had yesterday and then the encounter at her house last night. But I really did want to see her and spend time with her.

In just a few minutes, I found myself face-to-face with her. She was shocked to see me but did not seem annoyed or angry.

“Hello, Mr. Croft,” she greeted formally. “It’s good to have you here. Funny, we keep running into each other.”

I wanted to chuckle, but I maintained my stoic face. “It must be fate,” I mused, making her look even more surprised.

And speechless too.

It was a good thing the program host suddenly began. There was an opening prayer and song. We listened quietly, our shoulders almost touching one another. It was like there was an electric current between our bodies. I could feel a strong energy flow.

Then they called her to the makeshift stage for the opening remarks. Even though she strode to the front confidently and spoke with great composure, I could tell that she was somehow rattled by my appearance. I wondered if she had a clear memory of what had transpired last night. Would she pretend to have forgotten? I had a feeling I would find out before this day ended.

I stared at her with amazement as she delivered her speech. It was short but witty, filled with substance but delivered naturally.

Leigh Andrews was indeed beauty and brains rolled into one. In my experience, that came rarely. I could also sense how passionate she was about children when I began to observe how she interacted with them.

The friendly games ensued. It was a riot as about fifty children hopped and ran around during the relays and obstacle races.

Leigh and I cheered for them and even did a high-five at one point. Soon we found our inhibitions melting away. We began to feel more at ease with each other. I felt like a child again.A happy child.

A game calledPaper Dancecame next. The kids were separated into five teams and each team was given one huge piece of paper that could fit about fifteen people stepping on it when laid on the floor.

---