Billionaire Romance Boxed Set 1(174)

Turning back to the building, I wondered if it always looked so cold. The grey stone of the exterior made the peaks of the turrets look sharper as it stood before the bright sun in the sky.

Living in the mansion my entire life, it surprised me when I noticed things like that. Stewart and I were the home’s only resident unless one counted the small team of people who maintained the property.

A long time ago the mansion was home to parties and gatherings, but I stopped all of that. I didn’t need people kissing my ass because they wanted to get into my wallet. I certainly wasn’t going to entertain them for fun. Most women jumped at the chance to visit King Manor and spend the night in my bed. I didn’t need the ruse of a party to get them here.

Entering the large hall, the sound of my shoes echoed down the long corridors. I walked straight to the back of the house to my study, my favorite place to relax. It was my hideaway and the only part of the house I changed from when my parents lived there.

Lining two adjacent walls were built-in bookcases with my vast collection of both fiction and non-fiction. They were my pleasure in life. I often found myself enjoying the company of characters in a book more than the people I had to associate with in real life.

Along the next wall was a long contemporary bar made of a black and brown granite and wood. As I walked to the bar to pour myself two fingers of scotch, I unbuttoned and removed my suit jacket then tossed it onto the sleek black leather desk chair in the middle of the room next to my desk.

The back wall of the study was made entirely of glass and faced the valley. The sloping hills were dotted with deep green trees and dried vegetation from the recent drought. The quiet view was comforting to me and I often sat on the flagstone patio for some fresh air as I gathered my thoughts.

Picking up the book I was reading from a glass side table, I went outside with my drink and thought about Deborah Hansen. I loved how her black hair framed her pretty full face, hitting just below her jaw line. Or how her smile made me think the world was a better place just because she was in it.

I tried pushing her out of my mind, but it was useless. Not only did I find her beautiful, but I could tell she was smart and funny too. It was a dangerous combination for a woman as far as I was concerned. And it was one I was unable to resist.

Reaching for the laptop I kept on the patio, I checked my schedule for the next day. After sending a quick email I changed a meeting so I would have the morning free. I knew Deborah worked tomorrow and I hoped the store would be empty.

It felt such a struggle. I normally preferred my quiet, lonely existence. That was the only reason I left her without getting to know more. I desperately wanted to be alone, to continue my private, safe, secluded existence, but I needed to know the short curvy tailor even more.





Chapter Five

Deborah



As I arrived at work the next morning, I vowed that no matter who was there I was going to make sure I was either in tailoring or in suits. Mr. Sexy had to come back and I needed to make sure I wouldn’t miss him.

Entering the men’s department, my black Mary Jane pumps clicked against the marble floor. I wore my favorite wine colored v-neck silk blouse with a black circle skirt I convinced myself made my hips look smaller.

“I see you’re dressed for Mr. Sexy today,” Dianna took a step back and look at me up and down as she fanned herself with her hand.

“Thanks,” I said laughing. “I’m going to be in suits today if that’s ok.”

“Sure, but you might have to fight Sara for it.”

With an exaggerated look, Dianna turned her eyes towards suits and I followed her gaze. Prepping the register for the day stood a tall, beautiful woman with hair the color of honey. She looked to be in her early twenties with her sun bleached highlights and athletic build. A lace cami peeked out of her snug suit jacket. It was obvious from her jiggle, she didn’t bother to wear a bra.

Give her a chance, don’t hate her yet, I thought. As she stepped out from behind the register, my eyes flew to her long and lean legs sticking out from her too short skirt.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered.

“Just wait until you see her in action,” Dianna said.

“Can’t you do anything about it? You’re the manager.”

“She’s our highest earner. They don’t care what she wears or how much she flirts, she’s making the store a lot of money.”

I sighed and reminded myself that maybe she wasn’t so bad. Maybe despite her leaving the department a mess and dressing like a slut, she was nice.

“Yeah, because that’s how the world works,” I muttered sarcastically to myself.

“Oh it looks like she’s already found her first victim,” Dianna said as she walked away.