Page 29 of Loving a Billionaire

She slowly blew out a heavy breath.Let’s meet somewhere first, and then I’ll take you back to my apartment.After she’d typed it, she gasped. What if he took it the wrong way? Hopefully, he wouldn’t think... Oh, dear. This couldn’t be good.

He texted back with a smiley face.For drinks, maybe?

Her heart skipped a beat.Yes. Drinks.

What time?he texted.

Seven.

Where?

She paused in thought. They’d have to go someplace that wasn’t private, but then also, someplace where nobody would recognize her. Her mind scrambled for out of the way places.Kaka’ako Waterfront Park.

Yes. It’s the perfect spot for romance. The beach is very pretty at night with the moonlight reflecting on the clear ocean water.

How could she have forgotten about that? Well, it was too late to say something else. And really, they were out in the open. What would it hurt?

I’ll see you then. Let’s meet in front of the Ala Moana Apartments.

I can’t wait!

She smiled and tucked her cell back in her pocket. She couldn’t wait, either.

As she glanced around the room, she noticed Kurt again. This time, he was watching her. His expression dripped with sadness, and her gut clenched. He couldn’t possibly know who she’d been texting. And yet, if she’d been smiling wide the whole time, Kurt would know.

Trying to ignore his heart-wrenching sad, puppy-dog eyes, she turned back to her computer in hopes of doing more searching for the escort service. Even if she didn’t find anything, she still would pretend to be working. Although she wanted to talk with Kurt, right now was not a good time. She didn’t want anything to ruin her happy mood.

TWELVE

Austin paced in frontof Ala Moana Apartments while waiting for Talia. Although it wasn’t seven o’clock yet, he was anxious. Perhaps overly so. He glanced across the way, toward the beach. Palm trees lined the main roads, and tonight their leaves swayed gently in the breeze. There was an exact spot to stand that would allow one to look across the water and see all the colors of the sunset reflected in the ocean. At this time of night, the sun was just in the right spot, and created such a romantic sunset.

Of course, he’d been too busy these past few years, building up his assets and striving to reach the billionaire status, to take a night off just to enjoy the lovely view. He still didn’t know what it was about Talia that made him want to take a break from life and just enjoy a woman’s company, but he was anxious to do this with her.

His cell buzzed, and he held his breath, hoping it wasn’t Talia canceling their date. Thankfully, it was his friend. “Hey, Ariki.”

“I hope I’m not bothering you.”