Page 21 of Meeting the Billionaire Boss

‘I want to come,’ Joe says, folding his arms across his small chest and scowling at us.

‘Not this evening. We’re going somewhere for grownups. But we’ll do something together over the weekend.’

‘Promise, Daddy?’

‘I promise.’

‘Ava looks like a princess,’ he says.That’s my boy!

‘We’d better get going then,’ I say. ‘Oh… wait a moment. There’s something in my pocket.’

I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out a box then hold it out for Ava.

‘What is it?’ she asks.

I release her and open the box so she can see.

‘For me?’ she asks.

‘For you.’ I nod. ‘Can I help you put it on?’

‘Please.’ She turns and I fasten the necklace around her slim neck. My instinct is to press a kiss to her nape above the clasp, but for many obvious reasons, I don’t. I haven’t been intimate with a woman for a long time and being around Ava, especially when she looks and smells this good, is playing havoc with me.

When she turns back to face me, I smile. ‘It’s perfect.’

The Tiffany platinum pendant holds a pear-shaped tanzanite surrounded by sparkling diamonds. The violet-blue of the tanzanite matches the dress perfectly. It sits just above the locket from Joe and both draw attention to Ava’s milky-white decolletage and the swell of her full breasts cradled by the bodice of the dress. She looks good enough to eat and I reprimand myself inwardly. I’m not supposed to be ogling my employee. Not at all. Tonight is about treating her to a good time and then bringing her home safe, smiling and untouched.

‘Thank you so much.’ Ava places a hand over the pendant. ‘It’s gorgeous.’

I hold out my arm. ‘Shall we go to the ball?’

‘I’d like that.’ She hooks her arm through mine, and we walk to the door.

‘Don’t stay up too late,’ I say to Joe and Polly, offering Polly a conspiratorial wink. I told her that Joe could have an extra story before bed and she laughed. On occasion, when Cynthia was unavailable, Polly has helped out with Joe and I know that she, like all my employees, adores him.

‘We’ll have fun, won’t we, Joe?’ Polly says and my son grins up at her.

‘With hot chocolates?’

‘That’s our secret!’ Polly fakes a horrified look and I laugh.

‘See you later.’ I wave at them then escort Ava to the car, and I find that I’m looking forward to the evening more than I’ve looked forward to anything in a very long time.

Chapter24

Ava

When we reach London, and Jeff drives through the busy streets, my stomach flutters with anticipation. I have no idea where we’re going and it’s exciting to have someone take control, someone who cares enough to want to surprise me.

‘How’re you feeling?’ Edward asks.

‘Excited,’ I reply, then I admit, ‘I never went to prom so getting dressed up like this and being chauffeur driven is all new to me.’

‘What? That’s awful!’ He frowns.

‘It’s OK. This is even better.’ And it is. I’m having a wonderful time already.

‘Good. It’s not far.’ He turns his body towards me. ‘Ava… can you trust me?’

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