One Night With a Billionaire - By VickiLewis Thompson Page 0,11
though, so she’d have to move on when she had the means to do so.
“He’s a good guy. I hate that this happened, but it sounds like you came out in pretty good shape.”
“I did. His townhouse is amazing. I wish I had my phone so I could send you pictures.”
“What about him? He was pretty cute as a teenager, but I haven’t seen him since then. Is he handsome? So-so? The Hunchback of Notre Dame?”
Melanie laughed. “He’s gorgeous. Tall, dark hair, and the bluest eyes. When he’s on his computer, he wears these dark-framed glasses that make him look all serious and scholarly.”
“Well, now. Sounds as if you have a crush going on.”
“Nah. It’s like drooling over movie stars. We’re from different worlds.”
“I’m not so sure about that. You and I are friends, and I’m from that world.”
“That’s different. We were sorority pledges together. We went through Hell Week. I’ve seen you at your worst.”
Astrid laughed. “That’s the truth.”
“Drew’s just being nice. He saw a fellow Texan in need.”
“Maybe, but you still don’t know that he’s not interested in you. Why are you writing him off as a lost cause?”
“Astrid, you haven’t seen him, or this place. My daddy is a cowboy, and my mama is a cowgirl, and my two brothers are both cowboys. We all know I’ll end up with a cowboy eventually. You might end up with a billionaire because you move in those circles, but I’ll be perfectly happy with some broad-shouldered rancher.”
“You haven’t been happy with one so far.”
“Jeff’s a bad example.”
“Before Jeff was Pete, and before that was Jeremy. I know you think a cowboy’s in your future, but I question that.”
“I just haven’t found the right one.”
“If you say so, toots. Like you said, you’re there and I’m not. But it sounds like a great setup for a romantic interlude.”
“Uh, no. But you’re welcome to your fantasies.” Melanie glanced at an ornate clock on the bedside table. “I need to get going. He’s offered to take me to see the sights this afternoon.”
“Uh-huh. Like I said, don’t discount the possibility that he likes you.”
“Okay, I won’t.” The thought that Drew might think of her as something more than a goodwill project sent squiggles of excitement through her stomach.
“Have fun.”
“I will. I’m in Paris!” She disconnected, set the phone on the nightstand, and started stripping down for her shower. But as she stepped into the elegant bathroom, reality intruded.
She might have stumbled into this fantasy world where Drew lived, but it was only a tiny blip in her life. When it came to men, Astrid might feel comfortable with guys like Drew. But Melanie had more in common with a cowboy of modest means, someone like her father.
Drew was kind, as evidenced by his interest in charitable causes. He might even want to think of her as a charitable cause, but she wouldn’t allow him to. Maybe she couldn’t pay him for the water and electricity she used while she was here, because she had no way of tracking what she owed. But whenever a receipt was involved, she would grab it and keep a running total. He’d never miss the amount if she didn’t reimburse him, but she’d never taken advantage of a generous person, and she didn’t intend to start now.
Four
Drew usually had an exceptional ability to focus. That ability had been recognized early by his tutors and had played a huge part in his financial success. But knowing that Melanie would be coming downstairs shortly so they could spend the afternoon together had blown his fabled concentration all to hell.
He could explain his fascination with her, but that didn’t mean he could eliminate it. She was so unusual to him because she clearly had no interest in cashing in on his wealth. She didn’t view him as a human ATM ready to spew cash and grant her every wish.
Instead she had the habit, both endearing and maddening, of wanting to balance the scales. He didn’t want to balance them. She was adorable, and he longed to shower her with anything she desired. Ironically, she didn’t desire a single thing from him.
If she’d had the resources, she would have left by now. Once her new credit card arrived, she would be able to leave. He didn’t want that, either.
It was a frustrating scenario. Any hotel in her price range would be inferior to having her stay here for the rest of her visit to Paris. She’d have to sacrifice location to