Page 36 of Meeting the Billionaire Boss

‘I’ll show you how. I’m a good teacher.’ As I say the words I think about how innocent she seems at times and wonder what else I could teach her if I get the opportunity. It’s not just her age but the sheltered life she’s led. I know she’s worked hard and had challenging domestic circumstances, but she still has an air of naivety about her and it’s adorable. It also turns me on.

We leave our coats and bags on a bale then I lead her to the centre of the hall and show her how to stand. When the music starts, she looks at me uncertainly, so I show her what to do. She soon gets the hang of it, and I find it hard to keep my eyes off her as she swings her hips and gets into the flow of the music. The smile on her face and the flush in her cheeks are enough to drive me crazy and I actually stumble over my steps a few times because I can’t focus properly.

When the song ends, I pull her to me and whisper into her ear, ‘Where have you been all my life?’

I must confess that I’m struggling not to develop feelings for her. In fact, despite my intention to keep this strictly business, I want to make her mine.

‘What?’ She blinks at me.

‘You’re amazing. I’ve never met anyone like you.’

Before I can say more, the next song starts and I pull her in front of me and place my hands on her waist, feeling the swell of her hips lower down, aware that if I were to slide my hands upwards they could cup her full breasts. It makes me breathless with desire and I glance around us to distract myself. Other people are lost in the dancing, laughing and singing along as they count their steps, and I push my thoughts about touching Ava inappropriately away.

After a few upbeat dances, the music changes and the band plays a version of Chris Isaak’s ‘Two Hearts’. I hold out my hands and Ava takes them then we dance, my one hand on her waist, the other holding her hand tightly. When the song changes to Kenny Rogers’ ‘We’ve Got Tonight’, I pull Ava closer then sing softly to her, meaning every word. There are no guarantees in any relationship but right now, I want this woman.

When the song finishes, I look up and spot Lucas watching us from across the room. He gives me a thumbs up and I nod.

It’s time.

I take a step back and gaze at Ava, trying to capture this moment in my memory while I know that Lucas is capturing it on camera for the board. If they have any doubts about my engagement then they can see the video evidence of what I hope will be a romantic and genuine looking proposal. A sudden wedding in May would spark questions but an engagement now in October then a spring wedding should be enough to convince them. To keep my business and secure my future and that of Joe, I’ll do anything.

Slowly, I drop to one knee. All around us, the hall falls silent. Ava’s eyes widen and her jaw drops as I take her hand.

‘Ava Thorne…’

Chapter37

Ava

Ican’t believe what’s happening when Edward drops to one knee. It’s like I’m dreaming and at any moment I’m going to wake up. I know people are staring at us and my introvert side wants to run and hide from all these curious eyes but it’s like I’m rooted to the spot and I couldn’t move even if I wanted to. But I don’t really want to. I want to find out what Edward is going to say.

‘Ava Thorne…’

‘Yes?’

‘Will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?’

I look up and all around us people are smiling, some pressing their hands to their chests, others already getting phones out to capture the moment. I guess it’s not every day the local billionaire proposes to his son’s nanny at the village hall. Even so, concern fill me because I know Edward doesn’t want people prying into his life. But then again, if this is to convince the board that our relationship is real then I can see how it could be an important step.

‘Ava?’

I return my gaze to Edward. He looks so handsome and yet so vulnerable waiting there for my answer.

I nod then reply, ‘Yes. Of course I’ll marry you.’

He slides one hand into his trouser pocket and brings out a ring.

‘Oh my god!’ I stare at the platinum band as he slides it onto my ring finger. It’s studded with diamonds and has a huge square diamond at the centre surrounded by even more diamonds. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen and must have cost a fortune. ‘That’s for me?’

‘Of course it’s for you.’ He kisses my hand then stands up and opens his arms. I step into his embrace and he holds my gaze, gently tilts my chin then lowers his head and kisses me.

All around me, I hear claps and cheers but all I can focus on is how good his lips feel against mine. How incredible his body feels as it presses close to me and how much I want him to take me home. I slide my arms around his neck and kiss him back and he moans softly against my lips, making my entire body hum with longing.

When he finally breaks away, I could cry with disappointment but then I’m suddenly aware of our audience so I straighten my shirt and run my hands through my hair while Edward accepts the congratulations being showered upon him.

‘I think it’s time for champagne,’ Edward says, pointing across the room. I follow his finger to see Lucas carrying a tray of glasses while three other men carry bottles of what I’m sure is a very expensive bubbly.

The rest of the evening passes in a blur as I’m congratulated by numerous people and they admire the ring then tell me how lucky I am. And yes, I am lucky, but not in the way they think because while this all seems like a fairy tale come true, I know deep down that there won’t be a happy ending.

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