Page 29 of Meeting the Billionaire Boss

‘I guess so.’

She purses her lips. ‘Look… Ava, I care about you and I want to see you happy. I know how you’ve struggled over the years and this would ease your financial worries. There would be no more fretting about money if you marry a billionaire, that’s for sure.’

‘Exactly.’

‘But I’m guessing that there would be a prenup? You know, so that you couldn’t take him for every penny a few years down the line.’

‘I would think so and hopefully that also protects me.’

‘Right. So if you do separate, you’ll have a guaranteed lump sum?’

‘If we do or don’t separate. I think I get something either way.’

She gazes out of the window and I look at her profile, wondering what she would do in my shoes.

‘So,’ she says, turning back to me, ‘You’d be looked after.’

‘For the first time ever.’

‘Oh Ava.’ She reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. ‘It’s a difficult one because I know how hard you work and I know that you can do so much with your intelligence and abilities. From a feminist perspective I want to shout that you don’t need a man to do all that. But… this isn’t about needing a man, it’s about opportunity and Edward is offering you a business opportunity. If it was me… and a gorgeous billionaire asked me to marry him, I’d give it some serious thought.’ She smiles at me. ‘But… is it going to be strictly business for you both?’

I lick my lips and take my time before I reply. ‘I think so.’

‘There’s more?’ she asks. ‘If you search your soul, can you tell if there are feelings involved too?’

‘I’m not sure. We had a… a moment on my birthday and there were definitely sparks on my part. But I don’t know if he’s like that with all women and if it was just because we’d had a few drinks and… I honestly don’t know for sure. I haven’t been with a man in years and, as you said, Edward is gorgeous. I’m only human, after all.’

‘If you two find that there’s more between you than strictly business then that would be perfect. Kind of like a fairy tale.’ She raises her glass. ‘Look… don’t rush. See how things go over the next few weeks and then make your decision. I think that as long as everything’s signed and sealed, and you’re protected financially then it could be a good thing for you. And, of course, for your mum and Daniel.’

‘Exactly. Just think how their lives could be improved.’

‘They could. But your mum and Daniel will want you to be happy. That matters more to them than where they live and how much they have to spend on things.’

‘I know. There’s also Joe to think about. I’m growing very fond of him. If I marry Edward, I could be there to help raise him.’

She sits back and folds her arms. ‘What about… other aspects of a marriage though? Like… I know you said you’re not sleeping with Edward right now but would you share a room after the wedding? Would you…’ She waggles her eyebrows and heat crawls up my throat and into my cheeks.

‘I’m not sure.’ Somehow, I doubt that a business arrangement of this kind would involve sex and I’m kind of disappointed by that thought. And then I’m kind of embarrassed that I’m feeling that way. Who even am I now?

‘Do you like him enough to go there though?’

Edward’s eyes pinning me to the chair. His hand sliding up my leg. My whole body responding and wanting him to touch me… That deep thrumming at my core than made me clench inside and year to feel him possessing my body.

‘I think I could.’

‘As long as he’s kind to you, go for it. But please take care of yourself because no one wants to see you hurt.’

No one wants to see me hurt. That’s one thing I am worried about. What if I develop deep feelings for him and he just sees this as business. He could be one of those men who can have sex without emotion involved. I could do that too, I suppose, but I’m already more involved in all of this than I’d have liked. The idea of being his wife is growing on me and I need to be careful not to become too fond of him. He’s lost one wife and has told me that he doesn’t want a proper marriage, so this really is a case of putting on my business head and not allowing my emotions to get tangled.

‘You’re a good friend, Nala. Thanks for listening.’

‘Anytime, honey. And if you accept his proposal and need help with any of the wedding planning let me know, although I’m sure Edward has plenty of contacts he can call on for that. Shall we have another drink?’

I nod and Nala heads to the bar. Nothing about my situation or Edward’s proposal is simple and things have the potential to get messy, but as long as I protect my heart, it will all work out fine.

Won’t it?

Chapter29

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