by Karen King
THE MILLIONAIRE PLAN
KAREN KING
Amber Wynters is on a mission to find a millionaire to marry - and fast. Her parents are nearly bankrupt and being forced to sell their family home, a beautiful Tudor house that has been in the family for generations, thanks to Amber's ex-fiance persuading them to invest in his dodgy shares. Armed with a self-help book and a ten-point plan, she sets off to hook herself a rich husband. On a millionaire's yacht, she meets the drop-dead gorgeous Jed Curtess. The attraction between them is sizzling. It's a shame that he is only a hired hand. Can Amber ignore her heart and follow her plan?
Chapter One
Rule number 1: Make sure you’re seen at the right places
Great. Here she was, dressed to kill and without a clue what to do, Amber thought, tugging self-consciously at the hem of her dress. Everyone else was walking around in groups, or at least in pairs, chatting and laughing together and making her wish that she’d taken up Callie’s offer to go sailing with her and Simon instead of wandering around Coombe Bay Marina alone. Honestly, dressed in this skin-tight, short white designer dress, high heels, and the pile of make-up Callie had insisted she wore, she might as well have the words ‘gold-digger’ written on her forehead.
Well, that’s what she was, wasn’t it?
Not for the first time she wondered how she’d let Callie talk her into coming here to try and hook a millionaire. It was mad. Insane. Immoral.
And her only option if she didn’t want her parents to lose their home as well as their business.
Spotting a café overlooking the marina, she bought herself a latté and was making her way over to one of the tables when a white yacht caught her eye. It wasn’t huge or brash, like some of the yachts in the marina, but it was definitely classy. The sort that a millionaire would have for his own use, to sail around in rather than show off and entertain his friends. As she peered over at it, trying to read the name painted on the side, she collided into something hard. Her coffee cup went flying off the saucer, emptying its contents over a pair of cut-off denim shorts that were hugging lean, definitely male, hips.
‘Whoa!’ Strong, suntanned arms held her steady. ‘You want to try looking where you’re going,’ an incredibly sexy voice drawled in an unmistakeably American accent.
‘Sorry.’ She looked up into a pair of twinkling tawny eyes that laughed at her from a ruggedly handsome face, topped by thick, light brown hair with sun-kissed highlights. Phwoarr! was her immediate reaction, but she quickly pulled herself together. She’d just spilt coffee over this guy, for goodness sake, the least she could do was apologise instead of drooling over him like a lunatic.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she apologised again. ‘I was looking at that yacht over there. It’s fantastic, isn’t it? I’ve never seen one like that before.’ Not the thing to say, Amber, she scolded herself. You’re supposed to be acting smart and sophisticated as if you come to these sort of events all the time, not twittering away like an idiot and letting the first person you bump into know that you’ve never seen anything bigger than a dinghy before. Then she remembered that she had quite literally ‘bumped’ into this man and drowned him in coffee in the process.
‘Gosh, I’m so sorry,’ she said, fully aware that this was the third time she’d apologised but unable to stop herself gabbling. She looked down at his wet denim cut-offs, trying not to let her gaze linger on the sun-tanned legs below them, then shifted her eyes hurriedly back to his face. ‘Er, I’ll go and get a cloth so you can clean up.’
‘No need. I’m working on that yacht you were admiring so I haven’t got far to go and get changed,’ he replied. ‘Perhaps you’d like to join me and clean yourself up too? You don’t want to leave that to stain. It’ll ruin your dress.’
What? She glanced down in confusion and saw that coffee was splattered all over the bottom of her – or rather, Callie’s – dress and running down her legs. How could she have not noticed? Because I was too busy gawping at him, that’s why.
She hesitated. He had said he was working on the yacht, which meant he didn’t own it – more’s the pity. So his boss could well be on board. And whilst the ‘How to Hook a Millionaire’ book Callie had brought and insisted she read from cover to cover had declared she should ‘seize any opportunity to mix with the seriously rich’ – and let’s face it, anyone who owned that yacht was seriously rich – meeting them with a coffee-stained dress and legs was not a good idea. ‘Always be perfectly made up and elegantly dressed’ was another rule.
‘Is your boss on board?’ she asked.
‘No, only me.’ He was looking at her intently. ‘Perhaps I should introduce myself, I’m sure your mother drilled it into you to never go off with strangers.’ He held out his hand. ‘Jed Curtess.’
She took his hand. It was strong and warm and his touch sent tingles running up her arm. ‘Amber Wynters,’ she told him.
‘Now we’ve been introduced, Amber Wynters, would you like to come on board and get cleaned up?’ he asked, a playful smile hovering on his lips.
She most definitely would but should she? She didn’t even know this man, although she had to admit that she definitely found him appealing. Should she risk going onto the yacht with him? He might not be as harmless as he seemed. She saw the teasing twinkle in his gorgeous tawny eyes and her heart flipped. Cancel harmless. This guy was a danger to her blood pressure if nothing else.
‘I promise I won’t try to seduce you,’ he said solemnly. ‘Unless you beg me to, of course.’ His eyes danced with humour and she thought there was probably a queue of women who would love him to do just that.
Something about this guy made her feel she could trust him. Besides, there were lots of people around to hear her shouts if she needed help – not that she would step one foot on that yacht if she felt in any danger. Anyway, she further convinced herself, she was supposed to be here to meet a millionaire and she wasn’t about to do that in the state she was in.
‘OK, thank you,’ she agreed.
It was a fantastic yacht. Amber gazed around in undisguised, wide-eyed wonder as Jed led her onto the deck then down an elegant spiral suitcase to the foyer below. The interior was made of light-coloured, highly polished wood and her feet sank into the thick royal blue carpet that covered the floor. She slid off her strappy white sandals and wriggled her toes into the luxurious carpet.
‘It’s lovely and soft,’ she said, smiling in delight. She picked up the sandals and dangled them on her fingertips. ‘You’re American, aren’t you? Has your boss sailed this yacht all the way from America just for the Morgan Cup?’
According to Callie, the famous yacht race was held in Coombe Bay every year and people came from all over the world to take part or watch. It was one of the reasons they had taken up Callie’s Aunt Sophie’s offer to stay in her waterfront apartment while she visited her friends in Spain for a week. Callie had said it was the perfect opportunity for Amber to net a millionaire husband – and for Callie to have a lot of fun too, of course.
‘No, he took a break from work for a while to sail around the world. His last stop was England. We sailed around the coast a bit then thought we’d stop by to see the race, but my boss had to fly back home to sort out something to do with his business, so he left me to take the yacht back.’
‘You mean you’re sailing it back to America all by yourself?’ she asked.
‘Sure. How come that surprises you so much? Don’t I look like I can handle a yacht?’ he drawled, obviously amused.
She hadn’t meant to sound so rude. When would she learn to think before she spoke? She shook her head. ‘It isn’t that. I was just surprised that a rich man like your boss travels with so little staff.’
Something flickered over Jed’
s face but was gone before she could figure out what it was. ‘Sometimes he gets sick of being looked after and toadied to and wants to fend for himself,’ he told her.
‘Well, I don’t blame him, I’m sure I’d feel the same,’ she replied, hastily. ‘Now, where’s the bathroom? My legs are all sticky.’
‘The guest bedroom is down that corridor, second door on your left,’ he pointed. ‘I’ll use the bathroom in the master suite.’
She’s beautiful, Jed thought as he watched Amber pad across the foyer, her sandals still dangling from her fingers. With her delicate elfin face, wide fudge-brown eyes, and wavy honey-brown hair that fell into waves just above her shoulders, she appeared every inch a society girl. But something about her didn’t quite ring true. The dress she was wearing was obviously designer and her make-up was skilfully applied but he had a feeling that she wasn’t as sophisticated as she appeared. It was the way she’d gazed around the yacht, her eyes wide with wonder at the splendour of it, frankly admitting that she’d never been on a yacht in her life, the way she talked and acted, so natural, so animated, so disarmingly honest. Usually the women who hung around the yachts and boat races were gold-diggers, hoping to hook themselves a millionaire. But although Amber certainly looked the part, her face was too honest, her manner too natural. She was like a breath of fresh air, and he was intrigued as to what she was doing here by herself.
‘What a gorgeous bathroom,’ she said when she returned, her legs and dress now coffee-free, although there was a large wet patch on her dress where the spilled drink had been. ‘All that wonderful marble and glass.’
‘Thank you. I’ll pass your comments onto my boss, he chose the décor himself,’ Jed told her.
‘What’s it like working for a millionaire?’ she asked. Her tone was direct, as was her gaze. He sensed that the answer was important to her.
He shrugged casually. ‘I do my job and get paid for it, same as everyone else.’
‘Yes, but how does he treat you? You know what they say about millionaires, they’ve got so much money they don’t think they have to try to be nice. They’re supposed to be awful to work for, selfish, arrogant, demanding …’ Her voice trailed off, as if she suddenly thought that she shouldn’t be talking like this.
‘Really?’ he raised an eyebrow enquiringly, trying to hide his amusement. She looked so awkward and a tell-tale blush was creeping up her neck. ‘And how many millionaires do you know?’
‘None at all,’ she admitted and smiled sheepishly. ‘Sorry. I shouldn’t stereotype, should I?’
‘I’m sure that lots of rich people are like that,’ he told her. He knew they were, he’d met them. ‘Now, would you like a cool drink before you go?’
‘That would be lovely, thank you.’
As they sat on the deck, drinking chilled orange juice, Amber wondered what Callie would think if she could see her now. She hadn’t seen Simon’s yacht but she was sure it couldn’t be any more luxurious than this one. Shame Jed isn’t a millionaire, she thought wistfully. He seemed so nice.
Listen to me. I sound so mercenary. If anyone had told her two months ago that she would be looking for a millionaire to marry she’d have laughed in their face.
‘So what are you doing wandering around by yourself?’ Jed’s sexy drawl broke into her thoughts.
‘I came with a friend but she’s gone off for a sail with her boyfriend.’ Her tone was casual. ‘I’m meeting up with her later.’
‘Do you like sailing? Or is it the millionaires that attract you?’
She felt the colour rush to her cheek. Was she that obvious?
‘Sorry, that was rude of me,’ he apologised.
‘Yes, it was,’ she said, struggling to regain her composure. ‘My friend Callie and I are staying at her aunt’s waterside apartment for a week because she’s visiting friends in Spain, so we thought we’d take a look around while we’re here. I’ve never been to this part of Devon before.’ It was near enough the truth.
To her relief, someone chose that moment to ring her on her mobile. ‘Sorry.’ She took the phone out of her bag and looked at the name on the dial. It was Callie.
‘It’s my friend. I guess she’s back from her sail and wants to me to meet her somewhere.’ She swiped to answer the call.
‘Hi, Callie …’
She frowned as Callie explained that she and Simon had been invited to a party on one of the yachts and they wanted Amber to come too.
‘I don’t fancy it. I don’t know anyone and I’ll just be a gooseberry,’ Amber said. She chewed her bottom lip as Callie tried to persuade her.
‘You must come. This is your chance to meet someone. There’s be lots of rich people there,’ Callie insisted. ‘We’ll meet you by that café overlooking the marina in fifteen minutes.’ She cut off before Amber could protest further.
‘Is there anything wrong?’ Jed asked. ‘You look a bit worried.’
‘Callie and Simon have been invited to a party and they want me to come too,’ she told him.
‘Don’t you like parties?’
‘Not really,’ she admitted. ‘Especially when I don’t know anyone and they’re all so … rich.’
‘Do you have a problem with rich people?’
She met his gaze. After all, what did she have to lose by telling him the truth? It wasn’t as if he was a millionaire, so she didn’t have to impress him.
‘I’ve never mixed with any,’ she admitted.
‘But your friend has?’
‘She’s a model and her parents are quite well off, she’s used to mixing with all sorts of people. She’s a lot more sophisticated than I am.’
‘Would you like me to come with you? Just for moral support. No strings attached.’
Now there was a thought. Jed was friendly and he was used to mixing with millionaires. She’d definitely feel more confident if he was besides her. And she wouldn’t feel so desperate either if she turned up with a partner.
‘I’d love you to, if you’re sure you don’t mind.’ She glanced at his shorts and T-shirt. They weren’t exactly party attire. ‘I have to meet them in fifteen minutes.’
He caught her drift. ‘It’ll only take me ten minutes to shower and change,’ he told her. ‘And don’t worry about me showing you up. I can wear some of my boss’s clothes. We’re the same size.’
Him show her up? He’d look sensational whatever he wore. ‘OK, that’d be great,’ she said, smiling at him.
She tried not to think of him in the shower. There was no doubt about it, although no other guy had even remotely appealed to her since she split with Rod, she was definitely attracted to Jed. Something about him got right under her skin. Get a grip. Just because you’ve finally got over Rod there’s no need to go ga-ga over the first handsome guy you meet.
True to his word, Jed was back in ten minutes, freshly shaved and dressed in designer jeans, an off-white, short-sleeved shirt, and a pair of expensive brown leather casual shoes – Italian, no doubt.
‘Will I do?’ he asked, striking a model pose, which made her giggle.
Do? He was perfect. ‘You certainly scrub up well,’ she said.
‘Thank you, mademoiselle.’ He gave a mock bow. ‘Now, I believe we have an important party to go to.’
As if on cue, her mobile rang. It was Callie again.
‘We’re just coming,’ Amber told her.
‘We?’ Callie’s voice sharpened.
‘I’m bringing a friend,’ Amber replied airily. ‘See you in a few minutes.’ She ended the call before Calista could question her further.
Callie and Simon were standing outside the same café where Amber had collided with Jed. Simon, tall, dark-haired, handsome in a classic kind of way, and at least ten years older than Callie, looked slightly bored. Callie, her hand shading her eyes from the sun, was scanning the crowd – obviously for her, Amber thought.
Amber raised her hand and was about to shout, but realised that wasn’t really sophisticated so clamped her mouth shut.
She glanced at Jed to see if he’d noticed her action but, to her relief he was busy staring at Callie. Callie had that effect on people.
‘Is that Callie with the black hair and a light blue dress?’ he asked.
‘Yes. Gorgeous, isn’t she?’
‘Her boyfriend seems a bit attentive,’ Jed observed as Simon possessively grabbed Callie’s arm.
‘There you are, Amber,’ Callie flashed a devastating smile at Jed. ‘And who’s this?’
‘Jed Curtess.’ Jed held out his hand.
Amber felt a pang of jealousy as Callie shook Jed’s hand, her eyes lingering on his for a moment. She fancies him, she thought. But then who wouldn’t? He probably fancied her too.
Then it was Simon’s turn to shake hands. ‘Simon Purvell. Are you here for the race, Jed?’ he asked.
‘No, I’m looking after my boss’s yacht.’
‘And who’s your boss? Perhaps I know him.’
‘I doubt it. He lives in America,’ Jed replied.
‘Now, you two, no talking business. We’re supposed to be going to a party, remember?’ Callie said, pouting prettily as she clung to Simon’s arm.
‘Where exactly is this party?’ asked Jed.
‘On Guy’s yacht – Lord Guy Turner – I expect you’ve heard of him?’ Simon informed him. ‘His son Randy is a good friend of mine.’
‘Can’t say I have.’ Jed shook his head. ‘Still, it’s always a pleasure to meet someone new.’
He tucked Amber’s arm inside his, sending shivers up her arm. ‘Lead the way.’
I wish I wasn’t so intensively aware of him, Amber thought as they walked along the marina. She was sure Jed could sense she was attracted to him and was enjoying it. She’d have to get herself under control before they arrived at this party.
A motor boat was waiting at the marine to take them out to Sir Guy’s luxury yacht, which was moored out at sea. Amber had been impressed by Jed’s boss’s yacht but this one was stupendous, she thought as they went on board. It was huge, five stories high, and the inside was decorated in ivory, marble, and glass with expensive Persian carpets. A domed gold leaf ceiling was the high point of the guest lounge, where a huge, plasma screen TV dominated one wall and the inlaid wooden floor was scattered with Persian rugs. This was where the party was taking place. Amber stopped to look at an oil painting on one wall.