“Is that…” Ellie cocked her head to the side, leaning closer as she squinted at the screen. “Cousin Charlotte?”
I nodded. “Yep. It’s one of her makeup tutorials.”
“She looks so different,” Ellie said, and I couldn’t tell whether she thought that was a good thing or not.
“I know,” I said, my eyes never leaving the video. “Just wait.”
“What on earth is she doing?” Ellie peered at the screen where Charlotte was using different colors of bronzers and highlighters to color her skin in zones. “She looks… that’s just weird.”
“I know, right?” It was weird, but also utterly fascinating.
I’d watched several of these videos, and I was obsessed. The way she could completely change her look just by the colors she used or a subtle effect of shading. Mind blown.
“It’s called contouring,” I said. “And the final result is amazing.”
Ellie watched the rest of the video with me. When it was over, she said, “She looks beautiful, but I think she’s even prettier without all that makeup.”
I frowned. “Perhaps, but she looks like a freaking super model with it. I want to look like that.”
“Why?” Ellie asked. Her tone lacked judgement, but I sensed she was curious.
Sure, we’d never worn much makeup before. Okay, any. But as I glanced back at the screen, Charlotte seemed so happy. So full of life. I wanted to look like that, to be like that.
“Why not?” I asked. “Look how happy she is. I bet she has guys beating down her door.”
Ellie arched an eyebrow. “Do you want guys beating down your door?”
I clutched my pillow to my chest, my cheeks heating. “I’d be nice to have just one guy interested.”
Ellie rubbed circles on my back. “You don’t need makeup or fancy clothes to catch the attention of a guy.”
“You sure about that? We live in Dallas now. The standards are higher here.”
I hadn’t had much luck attracting guys’ notice in the past, when the dating pool was much smaller. Back home, I’d always been the friend, never the girlfriend. I was sick of it. Besides, what would Charlotte think of her plain cousins from the country?
Ellie shook her head with a laugh. “Maybe. But I’d rather spend my time and money on other pursuits.”
“Easy for you to say. You’ve already had your first kiss. You’ve had a boyfriend.” I fell back on the bed with a sigh, the laptop all but forgotten.
Her expression soured, but she was quiet. Always so studious, so reserved. Ellie wasn’t like most girls her age. She wasn’t out partying at bars or attending college. And even if she’d had the opportunity to go to college, I knew she’d be more likely to spend her weekends in the library than a frat house.
“Do you even know what you’re looking for in a guy?” she asked. Her question could’ve come off as condescending, but it didn’t.
I stared up at the ceiling where rainbows danced from the prisms of the chandelier. “I want… a guy who has similar interests. Someone who’s passionate about music. I want a guy who sweeps me off my feet. I want a great love, like Mama and Daddy have. Had,” I corrected, the word lodged in my throat like a shard of glass.
She nodded, her expression somber. “You don’t think I want that too?”
I rolled over and propped myself up on my elbows so I could look at her more easily. “Do you?”
“Who doesn’t?” She pushed off the bed. She went to the closet, putting her back to me and signaling an end to the conversation.
I’d never really given Ellie’s love life much thought. At least not since Daniel left. They’d dated in high school, but then he moved away after graduation. Ellie seemed sad for a time, and then she’d moved on. She had too—our family needed her too much. But now I began to wonder if she still missed him.
The next morning, Mama and I took Amy to her new school. It was nice, nicer than any school I’d ever seen in real life. The football field looked like it was built for a professional team, and the students’ designer handbags had to cost more than my entire wardrobe. I only hoped Amy wouldn’t feel out of place with her second-hand clothes and thrift-store backpack.
I marveled at the wealth on display, especially considering it was a public school. It made me wonder what it was like for Charlotte growing up. I knew she’d attended a private school and had competed in a number of pageants; it seemed like a whole different world. And I was looking forward to spending time learning more about her and her world when she came home for winter break.
When we returned home, Mama excused herself to her bedroom. She’d been spending a lot of time alone lately, and I tried not to worry. When she was ready to come out, she would. At least that’s what Ellie kept telling me when I pushed.
I took my laptop downstairs, intent on continuing my job search. Ellie was earning good money as an assistant at Uncle Steve’s law firm. And we were living rent free, but I knew there were outstanding bills. I also knew we couldn’t live here forever, much as I might want to.
“Good morning,” Aunt Karen said as she strode into the kitchen. She was wearing a fitted dress with a cobalt snake pattern and some of the highest heels I’d ever seen.
“How do you walk in those?” I asked, unable to tear my eyes away from the gorgeous shoes.
She smiled. “It comes with practice.” She set her designer bag on the counter before placing her laptop inside. “So, I had an idea. My PR firm is looking for an intern. The job doesn’t pay much, but it would look great on your resume.”
I opened my mouth to say yes, but she continued speaking. As if she needed to sell me on it. Ha!
“It would teach you skills that could be useful for your music career, should you pursue that path.” Wow, she really had thought of everything.
“Really?” I asked, hope bubbling inside me.
It seemed like the perfect fit—apart from the low salary. But maybe if I proved myself, I could get a more permanent job, with better pay, when the internship ended. Even if not, it would still build my resume while I continued searching for something else.
She smiled. “Of course.”
“What about Mama? And Amy?”
They relied on me for transportation. Mama hadn’t been well enough to drive herself anywhere in a long time. And Amy wouldn’t be old enough to get her license for another year.
She smiled. “Your mom thought it was a great idea. Besides, the internship is a part-time position. So, you’ll still be able to take Amy to and from school. And if it gets to be too much, we can always hire a car service.”
My mouth fell open. A car service?
I shook my head. Why was I even surprised? My aunt and uncle were wealthy beyond my wildest imagination. They owned a mansion on a golf course, a fleet of nice cars, and their daughter attended an Ivy League school. If they had the money for a personal chef and a housekeeper, they could clearly afford a car service. Still, they shouldn’t have to spend their money on their poor relations.
“Really, you’d be doing me a favor,” she said. “Our last intern had to quit half-way through the semester due to a family emergency, and we really would like to fill her place.”
I didn’t feel so bad accepting the position after hearing that. “When do I start?” I asked.
She grinned. “If you can be ready in fifteen minutes, I’ll take you with me today.”
“Eek!” I ran from the room, only to return a moment later to give her a big hug. “Thank you, Aunt Karen,” I said, then darted up the stairs to my room.
When we arrived at her office, it was all so stylish, so modern. The walls were decorated with photos from past events she’d planned, as well as artsy pictures of Dallas. Aunt Karen introduced me to her assistant, Doreen, before excusing herself for a meeting.
Doreen gave me a tour of the office and explained what I’d be doing, before leading me to my very own cubicle. Compared to my job at the record store back home, this definitely felt like a step up
. There was an actual break room with tables and microwaves. And the restroom had marble countertops. Everything was so sleek, and I felt energized by all the activity.
“Karen would like for you to work on prepping the swag bags for the Winthrop Foundation event later this week.”
I nodded, though I didn’t have a clue what a swag bag was. I’d find out soon enough.
Doreen led me to the conference room where an array of boxes, bags, and all sorts of things were laid out. I spotted high end cosmetics, shampoo, a lighted makeup mirror.
“Here’s an example of what we’re looking for,” Doreen said, grabbing a hot pink leather bag filled with all sorts of goodies. “Put one of each in the bag, and be sure to add the event printout last. That way it’s easy for the guest to grab. Any questions?” she asked, glancing down at her tablet.
I shook my head. “Nope. Seems fairly straightforward.”
“Great. Then, I’ll leave you to it.” She turned and left before I could say another word.
I spent the morning assembling the bags. It was mindless work, but I enjoyed it. And as I got into a rhythm of stuffing, fluffing the tissue paper, and adding the printed insert, I could hear a certain melody to it. I hummed along, smiling to myself as I worked.
By the time lunch rolled around, I was famished. I grabbed my purse and took the elevator down to the street level. Doreen had recommended a few options within walking distance, and I hoped the cash Ellie had given me would be enough to cover a small meal. Tomorrow, I’d be more prepared and pack a lunch.
The sound of a jackhammer echoed off the concrete and steel of the buildings, and numerous cranes loomed overhead. The office seemed to be surrounded by construction. The building next to ours was getting a facelift, and there was a large fence blocking most of the entrance.
I was walking down the sidewalk, taking it all in, when a man shouted, “Get out of the way.”
Someone grabbed me and pulled me under an awning of scaffolding just before a large piece of stone plummeted to the ground. It landed where I’d been standing moments before, shattering as it struck the sidewalk.
My heart was pounding, my ears ringing. I stared at the stone in shock. That could’ve been me. I could’ve been… I placed a hand over my fluttering heart, as I gulped in breaths of air.
A man came to stand before me, though he couldn’t be much older than I was. His eyes were the most vibrant green, and they drew me in.
“Are you okay?” he asked, stepping closer.
He smelled good, like fresh soap. I blinked up at him, unable to answer. Was he really talking to me?
He was so handsome, so tall. Everything about him was perfect from his patrician nose to his wavy hair. He peered into my eyes, and I realized I was staring. And then I remembered that he’d asked me a question.
I shook my head as if to clear it. “Yes, thank you. And thank you for rescuing me.”
He bowed low, like a gallant knight and my knees felt unsteady. “I’m just glad you’re okay. And whom do I have the pleasure of rescuing?”
“I’m Staci,” I said, extending my hand to shake his. It felt so formal, especially after his heroic effort. “Staci Wildwood.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Staci.” Instead of taking my hand to shake it, he lifted it to his mouth. He placed a kiss on my knuckles, grinning up at me from beneath his dark lashes. “My name is William Livingston, but my friends call me Will.”
“Will,” I repeated, like the feel of his name on my lips, his hand still clasping mine. “Well, Will,” I said, feeling a bit lightheaded. “Thank you again. Can I buy you lunch?” I offered, without thinking. I barely had enough money for one meal, let alone two.
“How about dinner instead?” He smirked.
Was he asking me on a date? He was so handsome, and a hero too. He was…perfect.
“I’d like that,” I said, trying to reign in the urge to do a happy dance.
“How about this Friday at seven?” he asked, finally relinquishing my hand.
“It’s a date!” I said, before cringing at my over-enthusiasm.
He smiled, and we traded contact information before heading our separate ways. As I walked down the street in the opposite direction, I kept stealing glances back at him, thinking he couldn’t possibly be real. Did men like him really exist? Ones who were handsome and kind and heroic? All I knew for certain, was that I couldn’t wait for Friday.
Chapter Six
Brandon
“Sir, I apologize, but there are still no messages.” The waiter bowed over the table, outfitted in a tuxedo. “Can I get you anything else while you wait?”
“No. Thank you.” I glanced at my watch, and tried not to let my irritation show.
After a grueling day of practice, the last thing I wanted to do was spend the evening making small talk with a stranger. A woman who had paid to spend the evening with me. I mean, come on. It was bad enough I’d had to attend a gala and be bid on like a piece of meat. But then I had to spend the evening wining and dining said woman. Considering my current predicament—settle down or be cut from the team—the situation seemed even more preposterous.
After scanning the restaurant, I glanced at my watch again and sighed. Only one hundred and fourteen minutes to go until I was free and clear. At least that’s what the contract I’d signed obligated me to. A date with Brandon James, not to exceed two hours in duration, unless agreed upon by both parties. No exchanging personal contact information.
Where is she?
If I remembered correctly, the woman who had “purchased” me—excuse me, had purchased a date with me—had to be pushing ninety. But there was still no sign of her. Though a number of other women tried to catch my attention.
I knew I’d caught theirs. I wasn’t known as America’s Heartbreaker without good reason. Everyone wanted a piece of me, everyone wanted to be the woman to tame me. But they didn’t want me, they wanted the fame, the fortune attached to my name.
I knew what they said—afraid of commitment, heartbreaker. But it didn’t bother me. In fact, it was all part of my carefully constructed façade. I never stayed with any woman for more than a few dates. I’d learned long ago that you couldn’t let a woman—or your opponent—get to close, or you’d get burned.
Lately though, my life had grown tiresome. I was sick of feeling like a show pony, and I craved the type of connection my sister had with her husband. The type of relationship some of my teammates had with their spouses. The type of connection I’d had once, though it felt like a lifetime ago.
My thoughts were interrupted by a chorus of whispers that spread through the room like wildfire. And it only reminded me why I avoided places like this. Given the choice of a classic, simple meal—hamburgers on the grill, potato salad, watermelon—or a three-course dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, I’d pick the simple meal any day. I didn’t want anything fancy, though I could certainly appreciate the effort that had gone into preparing such a feast. But I was a man of simpler tastes.
The whispers grew louder, and I saw what everyone was looking at—or rather who. The maître ‘d led a young blonde through the restaurant, his expression tight. Unlike the restaurant’s usual clientele, she wasn’t dressed in a fitted designer sheath or wearing sky-high heels. And she didn’t wear a haughty expression on her face.
Her hands were clasped before her, her shoulders back despite the curious whispers. Her blond hair cascaded in a waterfall down her back, and her face was completely bare of makeup. Unless she was doing that crazy thing where she’d spent hours applying makeup in an effort to look barefaced. But I didn’t think so.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her, even when she glanced up at me. She blushed furiously, the pale skin of her cheeks turning a beautiful hue. And I tried not to smile. It was as if there was this invisible pull between us, a thin thread stretching from her to me. It made no sense. She was a complete stranger. But I couldn’t shake the feeling all the same.
“Here you are,�
�� the maître d said, gesturing toward my table. “Mr. James,” he said to me before leaving.
Huh? Surely, she wasn’t my date. Right?
She was completely underdressed, and she’d attracted a fair share of notice. But I knew what it was like to be an outsider. And she seemed a little out of her depth. So, I took pity on her and stood while the waiter assisted her into a chair.
“You’re not what I expected.” Her voice was soft but melodic. Beautiful, like her.
I chuckled softly. “I could say the same.”
“Oh, right.” She shook her head, seeming to recover herself. “Mrs. Stanton, your date, won’t be able to make it tonight.”
“Mm-hmm.” I crossed my arms over my chest, gratified when her eyes darted to my biceps. “And let me guess, you’ll be taking her place.”
“Oh no.” She shook her head, her eyes going wide. “I, um, have plans. My aunt’s event planning company organized the league auction, and she sent me to tell you that your date was in an accident.”
I frowned. “If what you say is true, then I’m sorry to hear that.”
Her mouth fell open. “If what I say is true? Why would I lie about something like that? What kind of person would do that?” Her little fists shook with rage.
She was either a really good actress, or… she was telling the truth. I’d been deceived in the past, so I rarely took anything a stranger told me at face value. Especially when that stranger was a beautiful woman with the most beguiling blue eyes.
“Why lie? For a chance to spend the evening with the famous Brandon James, of course,” I said, as if it were obvious.
She scoffed. “Right. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I actually have a date of my own. Well, at least I think it’s a date.” She frowned.
“You don’t know?” How could she not know? Though my question seemed to only irritate her further.
“Well, I—” Her phone vibrated, and she held up a finger, asking me to wait while she checked it. At the same time, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to see Scott’s name flashing across the screen.
Catching the Billionaire Page 4