Behind the Billionaire's Guarded Heart by Leah Ashton

Author:Leah Ashton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-08-04T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

APRIL HAD NEVER been more grateful for an unexpected delivery in her life. But she only had a minute to photograph her new peep-toe, sky-high ankle boots before heading out through the door.

Taking these lovelies out to dinner! #highheels #peeptoes #CovetMyShoesCo

She had hardly anything to wear, what with her nonexistent social life since arriving in London, but her new shoes teamed with black jeans and her dressiest shirt made her look marginally more glamorous than she did when unpacking cardboard boxes.

At least she’d recoloured her hair the week before, so there was no hint of her blonde roots. And she’d left her hair down, although there had been hardly any time for her to attempt some loose curls with her straightening iron. Back in Perth, she put more effort into getting ready to go to the supermarket.

Part of her was a little disappointed that she didn’t have the time—or the money—to really go all out for Hugh. A lot disappointed, actually. But then—did it matter? Hugh hadn’t seem bothered by her dusty, messy-haired dishabille that morning.

Plus, it wasn’t as if she needed to impress him. They’d both been pretty clear about what they wanted: each other. For a short time.

That was it. No complications. No relationship.

It should be...freeing.

But it wasn’t. Instead this felt very much like a first date to her. A first date full of nerves and anticipation and possibilities.

April knew she couldn’t think like that. It wasn’t what Hugh was offering, and it wasn’t what April wanted.

It wasn’t.

She meant that with every cell in her body—except for that little chunk of her heart that had ached when Hugh had so summarily rejected her.

She supposed I don’t want a relationship with you, April had too many echoes of Evan’s I don’t love you rejection not to hurt, at least just a little bit. She wouldn’t be human if it didn’t. Surely?

So it didn’t mean anything.

She was strong and independent and single—and she had a date with Hugh Bennell.

April grabbed her scarf and coat, and headed for the Tube.

* * *

Hugh had booked the same table he always booked.

He figured that while April might not have been matched with him by any computer algorithm, really tonight was no different from any other date.

Except for the fact she was his employee, and that he’d already kissed her...

No, he told himself firmly. There was nothing different or special whatsoever about tonight.

It was just a date.

And so they were at his favourite restaurant. A very nice restaurant, with white linen tablecloths and an epic wine list. Importantly, it valued the privacy of its customers, and kept tables well-spaced and the lighting intimate. He’d had many very pleasant dates here, with great food and robust conversation.

‘This is lovely,’ April said from across the table. She held a glass of sparkling water in her hand, and her long hair cascaded over one shoulder in chocolate waves. ‘I wish I had more time to enjoy it properly. To be honest, I just thought we’d go to a pub.

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