Page 32 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

“Well…” he began, his lips turning into a grin. “The first time I saw you, you were dressed professionally but stylishly. You just arrived from the airport, I think. I didn’t really have any specific ideas about you then. I just thought ‘a beautiful woman just moved in next door’.”

“And then?” I prodded.

“Then you had a party and was being so noisy all the time…” he went on.

“What? I wasn’t noisy!” I protested.

He laughed. “You were drinking, so you probably didn’t know you were being so loud. So yeah… I thought you were a party girl… But that’s not half as bad as thinking I’m some maniac or porn filmmaker!”

We both laughed. “Ellie still thinks that about you,” I told him, causing us both to laugh again.

It was just like how we were at the orphanage, chatting and laughing like old friends, teasing one another, enjoying each other’s company.

I think we really clicked.

We finished our coffee, all the while talking about our firsts--- the first crush, the first kiss, the first job, the first promotion, the first car. We didn’t even realize how much time had already passed.

“So how’s this for our first date?” he suddenly asked.

“Uhmmm…” I said, pretending to really think it over. Then grinning at him, I said, “It’s okay. I might just say yes to a second one.”

“Just okay?” he asked, grinning back at me teasingly.

I nodded. “Yeah… I guess so…” I was just kidding, of course. It was a simple, spontaneous date, but it felt the most genuine of all the firsts dates I’ve had in the past. And it was the company that truly mattered.

“Well, how would you like a second date?” he offered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Now?” I asked, taken aback. “Where?”

“Yes, now,” he said, standing up and pulling me up with him. He did not release my hand once we were on our feet. “Wait, let me make a call…”

He took out his cellphone and walked a few feet away from me. “Hello, Janna… Yes… Can you…. Alright…”

Those were the only words I could hear. I had no idea what he was up to at this hour. It was almost midnight.

I took out my own phone and asked Rasha where she was. She instantly replied, saying she was dancing with someone she had met. The guy had offered to take her home. I told her to take care and that we’ll just see each other again the following day.

Carter then led me back around the side of the ballroom, so we did not have to be seen there again. Besides, the party was already winding down. I could still hear the live music, though.

“Where are we going?” I asked as he pulled me to an elevator.

“You’ll see,” he said. “Don’t you trust me?”

“Uh, I’m not sure I do…” I answered truthfully.

He laughed. “I wouldn’t trust me either, I guess.”

The elevator doors closed behind us. He pressed on the top floor. I felt my heart going amuck.

Chapter 14

CARTER

Weenteredthepresidentialsuite. It had the most lavish interiors among all the suites in all our hotels.

Just as I had instructed Janna, the suite had been adorned with lots of fresh flowers and scented candles, making it very romantic. Soft music played in the background.

“Wow, this is an exquisite suite,” Leigh breathed as she looked around in awe. “And I can’t believe they put all these flowers and candles in just a few minutes!”

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