Next Door to the Billionaire

by Remi Carrington

  Lance stood up and buttoned his jacket. “I appreciate your time. It’s good to see you. You should come around the house more.”

  “It was good to see you, too.” Tanner tensed when he heard voices outside his office door, then relaxed when he remembered that Livvy and Lance had never met.

  Tanner pushed open the office door, and Livvy flashed a smile. Wearing a short, sleeveless, floral-print dress, she nearly took his breath away. Tanned by the hours laying out by the pool, she glowed.

  He tore his gaze away from Livvy long enough to shake hands with Lance. “We’ll be in touch.”

  “Have a good afternoon.” Mr. Withers walked down the hall, seemingly unaware of Tanner’s relationship with Livvy, which suited Tanner just fine.

  He turned toward Livvy and opened his arms. “Hey, beautiful.”

  She stepped into his embrace and kissed his cheek. “I was thinking we could—”

  “What in the world?” Lance approached, his face red. Why had he come back? “I’ll be sure Angela hears about this. Don’t bother calling me. I’ll just grab my briefcase and go.” Anger flared in his every word.

  Tanner kept his cool, trying to decide what to say as Lance picked up his bag, which had been left next to the chair. “I broke things off with Angela months ago. In fact, you were there.”

  Wide-eyed, Lance gaped. “What? I thought you changed your mind. Who is she?” He nodded toward Livvy.

  “I didn’t change my mind. This is Olivia Campbell, my girlfriend.” He intentionally chose not to use her nickname, hoping that when word got to Angela, she wouldn’t make the association. “But I understand if you’d rather not do business with me.”

  “I’ll have to think about it.” Lance left, frustration evident in his expression and gait.

  Livvy let out a breath. “That was—”

  “Angela’s father. She’s still pretending.” Tanner slipped his arm around her. “But that isn’t anything you or I need to worry about.”

  “Okay.” She smiled up at him. “What’s for lunch today?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He nodded at Mandy. “Is it on its way?”

  “Should be here in two minutes.”

  “Thanks. Just bring it in.” He pushed open his office door. “We’re staying here, if that’s okay.” He motioned to a table set up in the corner near the windows.

  Livvy dropped her purse into a chair. “This is romantic.”

  “We’ve been eating at so many of the restaurants around here, which has been great, but I thought it might be nice to be alone.” He leaned back onto the edge of his desk, admiring the woman in front of him.

  She stepped closer and straightened his tie. “Having dinner with me almost every night isn’t enough alone time for you?”

  “Not in the slightest. If you don’t have any plans for Friday night, I’ll make us reservations for a dinner cruise.” He’d already made the reservations and hoped they didn’t need to be cancelled.

  “I’m free.”

  “Will you wear the dress you wore to the wedding?”

  She jumped back when someone knocked, but Tanner pulled her close.

  “Come in.”

  Mandy led in two men, who were carrying covered platters. A woman followed behind, carrying glasses and a bottle of carbonated mineral water.

  “Thanks.” As soon as the door closed, Tanner caught Livvy’s lips with his.

  She leaned into him, deepening the kiss. “I love you.”

  “Wait until you see what’s for lunch.” He lifted the lid off the bigger tray. Two bowls of shrimp and grits filled the room with an aroma that stirred his hunger.

  “Yum! What’s under that one?”

  He picked up the other cover, revealing a lemon meringue pie. “Dessert.”

  “You are such a romantic.”

  “It was either this or drag you to the cabin and eat cold sandwiches and Oreos.”

  She laughed, then whispered in his ear. “I’ll be in that dress Friday night. Just for you.”

  Tanner wasn’t sure how he’d make it three days. Friday seemed too far away.

  Chapter 32

  Livvy smoothed her blue dress and pulled open the door. Tanner looked incredible in his suit and tie. He shifted to the side, giving Livvy a view of the limousine sitting near the curb.

  She glanced from it to Tanner. “A limo?”

  “I didn’t feel like driving.” He winked. “Shall we go?”

  Her hands shook as she locked the front door. He always made her feel pampered, but the sleek black car and chauffeur took it to a whole new level.

  She looped her arm through his as much to steady her shakiness as for closeness. “I’m ready.”

  When they slid into the limo, Milo greeted her, his bright blue eyes a contrast to the black hair poking out from under his cap. “Evening.”

  Tanner took her hand once he’d buckled in. “Milo, this is Livvy. Livvy, Milo.”

  “We’ve met.” She waved.

  “Enjoy the ride.” Milo slid the window up, leaving Tanner and Livvy alone in the back.

  She looked for clues to the evening’s significance in the brown eyes that twinkled next to her. The idea that it was more than a fancy date set her heart racing, but she tried not to get her hopes up.

  He brushed a finger along her cheek. “I love you, Livvy.”

  “You’re going to make me cry, and then my makeup is going to run.”

  His laugh echoed around them. “I’ll stop.”

  “Oh no, I wasn’t asking you to stop, just giving you fair warning.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I’m happy, Tanner. With you.”

  He smiled and put his arm around her. “When’s moving day?”

  “Wednesday. They had a vacant apartment, so I didn’t have to wait. Which works well, since Nellie and Coop get back on Friday.”

  “One week. From their pictures, it looks like they’re having a great time.”

  “They’re in love and touring Europe. I think not having a fabulous time is impossible.”

  “Have you talked to her?”

  Livvy understood what he was really asking. “We’ve only messaged back and forth a bit, but I haven’t mentioned moving out.”

  “You still going to work for her?”

  “It’s a wonderful job. I’m not moving out because of that.”

  When the limo stopped near the curb, Tanner slid out first then helped her out. He reached in the front window and handed Milo something. “I’ll text when we’re ready to go. Enjoy your evening.”

  He glanced at what Tanner had pressed into his hand. “I sure will. Thank you.”

  Tanner glanced down at her heels. “The boat picks up near the bottom of the steps. Not far.”

  She clasped his arm, enjoying the looks from tourists. Not many people strolled along the Riverwalk all dressed up.

  When they approached the boat landing, Tanner waved.

  The man standing next to the boat smiled. “Mr. Davis. Welcome aboard. Have a seat anywhere.”

  “Thanks.” Tanner gripped Livvy’s hand as she stepped onto the boat.

  They chose seats side by side near the back.

  Another man boarded. “I’m Eddie. I’ll be your captain this evening. As soon as the food and mariachis are aboard, we’ll be off.”

  “Mariachis? How fun!” She counted the chairs, wondering who else would be on the cruise.

  Waiters arrived with food. Mariachis with their instruments climbed aboard, but no other diners showed up for the cruise. The boat’s engine started, and Livvy turned to Tanner.

  “It’s just us,” he whispered.

  A platter of appetizers appeared in front of them. Bacon-wrapped shrimp, tomatoes and mozzarella, and warm bread made her mouth water.

  “This is way beyond what I was expecting.”

  “You are more than I ever expected.”

  Livvy kissed him, unsure if her heart could hold the emotional explosion fueled by his words and the look in his eye.
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  She loved him.

  The waiter appeared with more plates. After appetizers and salad, Livvy wasn’t sure if she could eat anymore, but seeing the filet mignon changed that quickly.

  Tanner draped his arm around her. “I took a chance and ordered steak instead of the chicken.”

  “And shrimp? You know me well.”

  While the musicians played, Livvy and Tanner savored their meal, occasionally waving at passing tourists.

  She could only manage a few bites of dessert. “I’m too full, but it’s delicious.”

  Tanner kissed her, and cameras flashed on the passing river taxi. Forever, that night would be captured in vacation photos.

  As they continued down the river, the mariachis filling the night with music, Livvy waited. He’d planned a more romantic evening than she’d thought possible, and she hoped that was because he planned to ask her a question while on the romantic cruise.

  When the boat docked at the landing, she tried not to let her disappointment show. Tanner texted Milo, letting him know the cruise had ended. Soon Tanner and Livvy would be on their way home, the romantic evening over and done with.

  He helped her out of the boat, and they started toward the staircase. Before he stepped onto the first stair, he stopped and pulled her against him. He didn’t say anything, just held her.

  Anticipation grew, and she thought maybe that he’d ask right next to the boat landing. But her hope faded when his phone beeped, and he glanced down at it.

  She wasn’t sure what to make of his sudden quiet. “Tonight was amazing.”

  He nodded. “You ready to head back up?”

  “Sure.” Clutching his hand, she made her way up the stairs but bumped into him at the top when he stopped. “What—”

  “Look.” He pointed at his building.

  Livvy glanced at the dark building then back at Tanner. In that split second, every light in his building illuminated, and a red heart appeared on the side.

  Her hands started to shake. “A heart?”

  Tanner dropped to one knee. “Will you marry me?” He held out a small box, the lid flipped open.

  Livvy leaned down to kiss him, ignoring the lights flashing around them. She wanted to spend her life with him, no matter if he had billions or ran a bike repair shop.

  “For it to be official, you have to say it out loud.” He pressed another kiss to her lips before sliding the ring from its cushion.

  “Yes, Tanner Davis, I will marry you.” She pulled him to his feet. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” He slipped the ring on her finger.

  Milo stepped up, phone in hand. “Wave for the camera.”

  Livvy’s phone beeped.

  “That’s probably Nellie. Or my mom. I want to think Mom would text me, but maybe not.” Tanner seemed quite pleased with himself.

  “How do they know?”

  “You’re live.” Milo grinned. “One more kiss before we sign off?”

  Tanner didn’t have to be asked twice.

  Milo ended the stream and handed the phone to Tanner. “Congrats. I’ll be back with the car in a bit.”

  “Thanks for all your help.” He stuffed the other phone in his pocket.

  A woman approached, the cameraman next to her getting shots of the lit-up building. “Could I get a quick statement? People will want to know why the heart appeared on a downtown building.”

  Tanner looked at Livvy. “That okay?”

  “Yes. Absolutely.” She wanted the entire world to know.

  While Tanner talked, she stepped away to call her mom, but not before he interrupted his answer to pull Livvy in for one more kiss.

  The camera flashed.

  Heart still pounding, she stared at her ring as the phone rang. The diamond caught the light, and with the slightest movement, stars danced on the rock wall next to her.

  “Livvy? Hi!” Her mom’s natural exuberance would triple when she heard the news.

  Livvy didn’t bother with small talk or niceties. “Tanner proposed.”

  “Oh my! Oh my! What did you say? Please tell me you said yes. He’s so handsome, and the way he looks at you—it melts my heart.” Mom finally took a breath, giving Livvy a moment to respond.

  “I said yes.”

  “I knew you loved him. I just knew it. Don’t stand there talking to me. Go give that handsome man a hug. But call me tomorrow.”

  “I will. And, Mom…”

  “Yes?”

  “I love you.”

  Sniffles preceded the response. “I love you, too, Livvy dear.”

  Livvy ended the call and eased up next to Tanner. He slipped his arm around her as he finished answering questions.

  The reporter scribbled notes. “Thanks so much for your time. Congratulations to both of you.”

  Huddled together talking, the reporter and cameraman walked away.

  “We made the paper?” Livvy gazed up at the heart.

  Tanner shifted behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “I think maybe the ten o’clock news.”

  “How did they know?”

  “A tip was called in.” Tanner winked.

  Her cheeks hurt from smiling. “How did you make the heart happen?”

  “Red film on the windows. Planning it took a bit of doing.”

  “You called in a news tip?”

  “About the heart. Only Milo knew about the proposal. I needed an accomplice. To my parents and Nellie, I only mentioned that we might go live during our dinner cruise.” He’d gone out of his way to ensure all attempts Angela had made to convince people that he would be marrying her were overshadowed by a very public proposal.

  Milo pulled up to the curb.

  “You want to stay here longer?” Tanner still had his arms around Livvy.

  “I’m ready to go.”

  He opened the door and helped her in before sliding in next to her. “So, who messaged?”

  Livvy pulled out her phone. “Your mom. She asked that we come by the house.”

  “That’s all she said?”

  “That request was followed by about fifty hearts.”

  He kissed her hand. “They love you almost as much as I do.”

  “Can you imagine Nellie’s reaction when she wakes up to this news?”

  “I was going to wait until after they were back, but my patience ran out.”

  Livvy held out her hand. “I love this ring.”

  “Really? I can get you something bigger, if you’d prefer. I just thought the daintier setting suited you.”

  “It’s gorgeous. I don’t want something bigger.”

  Tanner responded with a kiss. That kiss led to another and another.

  Livvy giggled when Milo cleared his throat. She and Tanner hadn’t even heard the window slide down.

  “We’re here. I can go in and leave y’all alone if you want.”

  Tanner danced his eyebrows. “Tempting, but we’ll go be sociable.”

  Milo opened the back door, and Livvy slid out.

  Tanner shook Milo’s hand. “Thank you for everything.”

  “I was happy to do it. What time should I be back to pick you up?”

  “We’ll find our way home. Have a great night.” Tanner caught Livvy’s hand.

  “You do the same.” Milo waved as he pulled away.

  She pointed at the door. “I half-expected your mom to meet us at the curb.”

  Tanner wrinkled his brow. “You’re right. I wonder what she’s up to.”

  They didn’t have to wait long to discover the answer. Tanner knocked, and Nellie opened the door.

  “Congratulations!” She threw her arms around both of them.

  Coop barreled up and nearly knocked the three of them over with a hug. “This is so great. Tanner is marrying a good cook.”

  Nellie poked him in the side. “Hey!”

  “Run! Hurry. The news is on.” Ruthie peeked out of the living room. “Come on.”

  As they all found places to sit, the news anchor sm
iled at the camera. “And now for a bit of local news, we go to our local correspondent, Lori Scott.”

  The reporter stood, smiling, in front of the building, which was still lit up with a heart. “Thanks, Robin. For those of you wondering about the giant heart on the side of a building here in downtown San Antonio, we’ve got the scoop. Local businessman, Tanner Davis, arranged to have the heart on the side of his building and proposed to his girlfriend, Olivia Campbell, in front of the building earlier tonight.”

  A photo of Tanner and Livvy kissing popped up on the screen.

  The reporter continued, “As you can see, she said yes. Congratulations to the happy couple. Back to you, Robin.”

  Ruthie turned off the television and wiped her eyes. “Time to break out the champagne.”

  Tanner glanced from Nellie to Coop. “Y’all weren’t supposed to be back for a week.”

  “You forced our hand. When you mentioned you had a fancy dinner planned and that you might live-stream it, we kinda put it together.” She hugged Coop. “This guy suggested we fly home early.”

  Coop chuckled. “The heart was awesome.”

  Nellie agreed. “I totally didn’t see that coming.”

  Jeffrey motioned everyone to the kitchen. “Champagne.”

  Ruthie handed everyone except Nellie a flute. Coop handed her a glass of sparkling water.

  Mr. Davis clutched his wife’s hand and raised his glass. “To love.”

  Tanner gazed down at Livvy. “To love.”

  “Forever.” After a sip, Livvy tasted the champagne on Tanner’s lips, happier than she’d ever thought possible.

  Chapter 33

  Tanner loosened his tie as he dropped onto the couch and smiled when Livvy sat in his lap. She hadn’t stopped touching him, and he loved every second.

  “You don’t mind, do you?” She trailed a finger through his beard.

  He pulled her in for a kiss. “I’d mind if you didn’t.”

  Between kisses, she asked a question. “Since everyone . . . is here . . . what if we . . . pick a date?”

  Tanner wanted to cry big, sloppy, happy tears. Her excitement added to his happiness and confirmed what he already knew. She loved him.