Page 14 of Billionaire’s Game

“Ask me out?” I was confused and had to resist the urge to look around. Clearly, he wasn’t talking about asking me out? I hadn’t heard him right. Yeah. I was just imagining things. There’s no way Florida’s most eligible bachelor had just asked me out. I didn’t believe in Aliens, the Loch Ness Monster or Big Foot, so there was no way I believed a hottie billionaire was asking me out on a date. Actually, I had more of a chance of running into Bigfoot than being asked out by a billionaire, I thought to myself.

“You’re seeing someone?” he said, misunderstanding my silence. I was in shock, but I guess he thought I was trying to blow him off.

I found my voice. “No… I’m not seeing anyone. At the moment. But umm... you’re famous... I’m… not.” I instantly felt silly for my reply, but I’d been asked out literally twice in my life and not once was the person a hot billionaire. This was new territory. It was like seeing a unicorn. I just couldn’t believe this was happening to me.

He shook his head. “I’m not famous. I’m just rich.”

“Same thing.”

“Not really.”

I looked around. “Are there cameras around here or something? Am I being pranked? Did Jude put you up to this?

“Up to what?”

“This.”

He looked confused. “I’m pretty sure I’m asking you out on my own accord.”

“Cool story, but I’m not sure that I believe you.”

“What?”

I started to collect my things. I looked at the pack of cookies haplessly abandoned and sighed. My stomach growled loudly, and I tried to cough to cover up the sign of my hunger.

“Let me buy you lunch.”

“Um no. That’s ok.”

“I obviously interrupted your peace and quiet, it’s the least I can do.”

I didn’t want to sound like a pig, so I didn’t mention that I’d eaten less than a few hours ago. I grabbed my pack of cookies, murmured no thank you and turned to walk out. He kept pace with me. “Did I do something to offend you?”

“What? No. I just... you know, I’m a normal person. You’re a rich, famous person.”

“That’s a weird reason to not go out with someone.”

“Not to me.” I stopped and turned to face him.

His brown eyes studied mine and part of me desperately did want to say yes, but for what reason? It would just be a date that would go nowhere. We lived in different worlds. He was rich. I was broke. He was famous. I was unknown. I couldn’t think of one reason why he’d be interested in me unless it was just for sex. I mean, I wanted adventure in my life, but I wasn’t interested in becoming a notch on some random billionaire’s bedpost. I knew any other woman probably would have jumped at the chance to date a billionaire, but I wasn’t like that. If life had taught me anything, it was that I was an anomaly.

“Listen, I’m flattered, but no. And Maya’s the winner. I’m sorry, but I have to get back to work.”

His eyes showed regret. “Well, let me give you my number in case you change your mind.”

Before he could do so, the door opened, and Jude and Maya appeared. Maya and Jude were talking, but upon seeing Magnus she stopped mid-conversation. Maya lit up at the sight of Magnus and made a beeline for us.

“Have fun,” I said furtively before walking away as Maya descended on us.

“Well, Magnus Deacon,” I heard her say as I walked away. “You, sir, are one lucky man because I am your partner.”

I couldn’t help but stifle a giggle as Magnus looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there.