Blame It on the Billionaire by Naima Simone

Author:Naima Simone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-11-11T16:56:46+00:00

* * *

“I should be annoyed with you right now,” Nadia muttered, sinking into the chair that Grayson pulled from the restaurant table.

A delicate glass vase filled with water and floating, lit candles in the shape of lilies cast a warm glow over the white linen. Folded black napkins that reminded her of origami sat next to sparkling silver flatware. A breathtaking view of Lake Michigan through floor-to-ceiling windows, its gently lapping waters gleaming orange, pink and purple from the setting sun, provided a stunning backdrop. Even though other diners and the low hum of conversation surrounded them, their corner table, partially shielded from prying eyes by a wall of lush greenery, exuded the illusion of privacy. And from the curious looks they received upon entering, she clung to that illusion.

By himself, Grayson would draw attention. But with her by his side? The looks seemed sharper, the whispers louder. Part of her wanted to rise from the table and walk out. She’d been on the receiving end of hushed talk behind hands enough to last a couple of lifetimes. But the other half of her—the half that brimmed with defiant anger—met their furtive glances. Yes, she’d dared to enter their cushy, exclusive turf. But she wouldn’t lower her eyes in apology for being there.

Grayson ordered wine for both of them, and as their waiter hurried away, he turned to her. “Annoyed with me?” he repeated, the corner of his mouth quirking as he settled in the chair across from her. “Whatever for? Didn’t we just spend a great day together? Buckingham Fountain. The SkyDeck. The Riverwalk. Navy Pier. Fried Twinkies.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Extra points for the fried Twinkies. They’re probably the only reason I should be annoyed and am not full-blown irritated.” He arched an eyebrow, and she sank her teeth into her bottom lip, fiddling with the napkin on the table. “I sound like an ungrateful shrew, and I’m sorry. Thank you for an amazing day I wasn’t expecting. Ezra and I have been in Chicago for a little over a year, but between work and his schedule and, well, life, I haven’t had the opportunity to explore the city. Today was wonderful. So again, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Nadia. It was my pleasure,” he murmured. Cocking his head to the side, he studied her. “Now tell me what you’re not saying.”

She huffed out a ragged laugh that abraded her throat. “It’s...this.” She leaned back and waved a hand up and down her torso, indicating the royal blue long-sleeved sheath dress that both glided over and clung to her breasts, hips and thighs. Beneath the table, black knee-high stiletto boots of the softest leather embraced her calves and feet. Yes, Grayson had escorted her all over Chicago in a laid-back, surprisingly fun tour of his city. He’d gifted her with a day that had made her feel free and special. But... “The dress for the cocktail party, this one—they’re not part of our bargain,” she finished.

It went deeper than not wanting to be the recipient of his charity.

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