by Ellie Danes
My mother whisked by, placed more flowers on the table next to the guest book, and promptly took the photograph down. I watched, arms crossed tightly, as she rearranged the entire collection.
“It’d be easier to appreciate your keen eye if you weren’t my mother,” I told her.
Caroline laughed. “No thanks needed. Just go and get changed before people arrive.”
I slipped into her small bathroom and took one look at my fancy dress before I had to grip the sink and catch my breath. “You are not panicking,” I told my reflection in the mirror.
It was my first gallery show, and art critics were climbing over each other to judge my work first. Not to mention the residents of Murtaugh. They’d all received free tickets, and I was worried what everyone would think. It didn’t matter that I had been assured a hundred times before that my talent was apparent. If my friends and neighbors didn’t like my work, I didn’t know what I would do.
Now I finally understood what had kept Storm reclusive for so long. The thought of everyone judging me wasn’t the worst part. Sharing my heart and knowing full well it might be rejected took everything I had.
Then I thought of Storm.
Suddenly, it was easy to slide the satin cocktail dress off the hanger. I slipped it on and pretended the shapely contours were armor. My spiky heels were weapons, and my flashing earrings were good luck charms to ward off the overrated opinions of others.
Besides, Storm loved my work, he loved me, and nothing else mattered.
I emerged from the tiny bathroom, confident and unflappable, and then immediately squawked. “What’s with all the photographers!”
My mother caught my arm before I could retreat into the bathroom. “You’re the photographer, darling. They are considered paparazzi.”
“You,” I hissed. “You tipped them off!”
“I figured why not use the press when it suited us?” my mother said.
“But what if Storm sees all those lenses and decides to turn right back around?” I couldn’t breathe.
“Don’t worry. He’ll be here.”
Susie Q flew into the room. “Speaking of here, everyone is here! Guests are lined up and cameras are flashing. Ready to make your debut?”
My mother and Susie Q both grabbed an arm and dragged me into the gallery. I was grateful for them as a sea of people immediately turned to me and started asking questions.
“How long have you known Storm Morris? All your life?” a guest with thick glasses asked.
Susie Q brushed him aside with a flirty smile. “A woman doesn’t talk about her age.”
My mother deftly handled the next intense couple who really wanted me to photograph their grandmother’s crochet collection. I hung on and let my two spotlight lovers steer me around the room. I could never admit it, but I had fun meeting all the new admiring faces and listening to the easy, charming patter of my companions.
“Now there, you made it.” My mother deposited me in a safe corner and handed me a drink.
“That was just round one,” Susie Q warned with an excited smile.
I groaned behind my polite, fixed smile. “Please tell me I can run away and hide soon.”
Caroline laughed. “Take a breath and see how many friends you have in this place.”
I wanted to take her advice, but my breath wouldn’t slow down. I was searching and worrying, and then there was a surge in flashing cameras. Voices rose to a fever pitch, and my heart felt like it might explode.
Storm pushed his way through the front door of the gallery, his face a reflection of the gratitude and discomfort that I felt. He thanked people left and right and kept a smile pasted on his face that only faded into a relieved sigh when he saw me. There was still a tight pack of twenty or so guests between us, but one look was enough.
“Better?” my mother asked with a knowing smile.
“Yes, but now where’s your escort?” I asked.
Susie Q had rushed off and flung herself into Tyson’s arms, but my mother’s eyes just twinkled. Then she waved over my shoulder at a handsome man in a pale suit.
“He’s Italian,” she said. “Maybe a count or something.”
“Have fun,” I told my mother.
Storm caught my attention again and hitched his head toward the back. If he joined me, we would be trapped in the corner the rest of the night. I quickly wove through the crowd and joined him near the back door.
“Tyson made me swear I’d stay for twenty minutes. The countdown has begun,” Storm said.
“Please take me with you,” I joked.
Then Storm forgot about all the curious eyes and the hungry lens of the paparazzi pointing through the front window. He leaned down and kissed me long and slow.
“Congratulations on your show. Now, do you believe you have talent?” He wrapped an arm around me and grinned.
I leaned on him and turned my head away from the bright flashing cameras. “Wasn’t the whole point of the webpage so we could keep our privacy?”
“What can you do? You’re the next big thing,” Storm said.
“Hey, write that down, it’s a good song title,” I quipped.
Storm laughed, and the cameras flickered again and again, but I was safe, shielded by his broad shoulders. “Bet you’d get a better picture than any of those vultures.”
I shook my head. “You know what I’ve been wanting to photograph? There are buds on the trees in your orchard.”
“You are a hopeless celebrity, and I love you,” Storm whispered in my ear.
“Now, none of that. What is the press going to think?” Tyson strode up with his arm around Susie Q.
She squealed. “Maybe wedding bells?”
We all shushed her and then laughed. As if half the world hadn’t already laid bets on when Storm and I were getting married. There had even been a doctored photograph of us making the rounds of the Internet with a badly Photo-shopped veil on my head.
“What about you?” I asked. “Aren’t you two eloping one of these days?”
“Elope? No way. My wedding’s going to be a grand affair. We’re going to turn the whole mansion upside down,” Tyson said.
“We are?” Susie Q’s eyes went dreamy, and her voice faded to a joyful whisper. “When?”
“Whenever you want, my love,” Tyson said.
They kissed and cooed over each other and delighted in doing everything Storm and I couldn’t without causing a riot of interest.
“Look, there’s Rick,” Storm said. “The only one more uncomfortable than us.”
Poor Rick had given in to Susie Q’s stylist’s suggestions. He was decked out in a dark suit and mirrored sunglasses. His thinning hair was slicked back and the only item of clothing that was recognizably his was a pair of dirty high-top Converse.
He waved but a group of vinyl album enthusiasts pulled him aside. Rick was now something of a guru in the world of record collecting and online selling. Still, he lifted his sunglasses and sent me a goofy, congratulatory wink.
“I thought he was coming with Bobby.” Storm frowned and craned his head over the crowd.
“There he is.” I pointed out our chill friend as he shuffled past the front windows.
Storm let out a low whistle. “The man is amazing.”
“You mean, she’s amazing.” We both giggled as the guests parted to let Bobby sail in with a supermodel on his arm.
“And your mother seems happy, too,” Storm pointed out.
Caroline was laughing and if the Italian’s wide, appreciative eyes were any indication, she had a new patron. He pressed a hand to his heart and watched her raptly.
“So, that means we can slip out, right?” I whispered.
“I thought you would never ask.” Storm laced my fingers through his, and we started to shimmy open the back door. Then he paused. “But this is your big night?”
I shook my head and surprised him with a kiss. “My big night was months ago.”
“The night we met?” Storm asked.
<
br /> I shook my head. “I’m not sure that’s what started all of this.”
He chuckled. “You’re right. It was probably the night you got fired.”
“You know, you’re a big star again but I can still kick you out. This is my show, you know.” I shoved his chest.
Storm caught both my hands and kissed them. “I don’t care when this started. I just don’t want it to end.”
I sighed and snuggled closer, forgetting the room full of guests behind us. “You talk as if we’re leaving tomorrow. Look around. You know what this is, right?”
“Crowded?” Storm asked.
I had to laugh as we got jostled by cater-waiters. “You’re right. I’m pretty sure Caroline likes living by herself again.”
Storm pulled me out into the gallery’s small backyard, and we looked at the art opening through the wide windows. “So, what is this place?” Storm asked.
I wrapped my arms around him. “It’s a starting place.”
“Then I’m glad I’m here with you.” Storm turned to face me and held both my hands. “Because I never want to go, or stay, anywhere without you ever again.”
There were thousands of rumors on the Internet the next day but not a single photograph. Guests recounted us holding hands and speaking privately and fans everywhere hoped for a wedding announcement. We didn’t know for two weeks that the world had decided our fate.
We never told anyone but our closest friends and family the promises we made to each other that night. Everyone took our story from there, and we went home to live very happy lives together.
Dear Reader,
Thank you SO MUCH for downloading and reading my latest release, Legend. As a bonus, I’ve include two more of my bestselling books for you to read. I’ve also included some important information in the backmatter of this book which explains how you can receive early releases and advance copies of my new books before they are available for sale. Please check that out!
Thanks again for being a reader!
Hugs!
Ellie
His Town
A Country Billionaire Romance
By
Ellie Danes
www.EllieDanes.com
Chapter One
Emily
Houston traffic was like a moody lover. Sometimes accommodating. But most of the time, not so much. Today, on the day I needed it most, it wouldn’t give me a break.
I pulled into my parking spot in the garage structure with just two minutes to spare. I hustled to the elevator and went up to my company’s office floor.
“Faster,” I urged the elevator, patting my hair and hoping I’d done my make-up okay while in a rush at home. A big day like this meant I hadn’t been able to sleep a wink.
The doors parted, revealing the receptionist’s desk. Penelope waved to me and muted the phone with her shoulder. “Hey, Em! The big guy’s looking for you.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he is,” I said, taking a quick, deep breath. There were already a ton of people in the office. Some were heading to the break room and kitchen to get coffee or to heat up their breakfasts. Others were chatting, doing the normal morning things.
I spotted the door to the CEO’s office, and to my relief it was closed. If I was lucky, I could scoot past it to my office, and no one important would know that I had technically come in late.
I ducked my head, hoping that no one else would notice me and call out my name. I got halfway across the office, and had just walked past the closed door to my boss’s office, when I heard him say, “Emily,” in a deep, booming voice.
A second later, the door opened. The man who stood before me was tall and imposing, with salt and pepper hair. I’d once overheard a couple of assistants describe him as a “silver fox,” but the thought had grossed me out. Not that I had anything against silver foxes, but I certainly wasn’t interested in this one.
I tried to cover my shock and nervousness. “Morning, boss,” I said.
“Come in, Em—need to talk to you for a minute,” he said.
I nodded and followed him into the office, closing the door behind me.
“I was just about to come and see you,” I said. “Sarah told me you were looking for me.”
“We’re going to leave in about thirty minutes to head out to Mustang Ridge,” he said. “Have you got everything ready?”
I nodded. “I’m ready to go, I just need to check my emails and make sure I’ve responded to the urgent ones,” I said.
“I’m going to want you ready to take up a lead position on this, Em,” he said. “This is one of the biggest deals this company has had going for it in three years—it’s important.”
“I know,” I said. “I was up half the night reviewing the proposal.”
“As long as you managed to get enough sleep not to fall on your face later,” he said with a grin.
“I’ve run on caffeine and nerves before, and I will do it again.” I answered his grin with a weak smile.
“Let’s go over the details one more time before I let you go,” he said.
I nodded and sat down. I’d had those same details running through my mind most of the night, so I could recite the facts and figures from memory, which made him happy.
“Okay. We meet up with them today, and we should have an answer within a few weeks, right?”
He nodded. “This is going to be the first time I let you take such a prominent role. I want to make sure you’re ready for it.”
I felt a little lurch in my stomach. Most of the deals the company had made in the past year had kept me in the background, mostly doing research and getting things ready for the pitch. But I’d been waiting for a chance like this ever since I’d taken the job.
You know what you’re doing. You’re not going to let him down, you’ve rehearsed all this mess a dozen times, I reminded myself as we went over everything one last time.
“I’ll let you get to your office now, ,” he said, rising to his feet. “See you in a few minutes.”
I stood up also, feeling the little wobble in my knees—a combination of nerves and lack of sleep—but I covered it up immediately, before he could even notice. “See you,” I said.
“By the way, Em—try not to be late again.”
“Sorry, Dad,” I said, giving him a wry smile. “I left early, but apparently not early enough.”
“The one thing you can count on with Houston traffic is that it’s going to be worse than you think,” he said. “Just keep in mind that people are watching you, and what you could get away with if you weren’t my daughter, everyone’s going to try and call out. Nothing personal against you—but there are folks in any business who’d resent the daughter of the CEO being in a cushy job while they’re still climbing the ladder.”
I nodded again. “I know,” I said. “It won’t be a problem.”
I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before opening the door to his office and letting myself out. Some of the cheerful chaos in the main part of the office had started to calm down as people went to their desks, and I hurried to my office, intent on wrapping up any little chores before we left for Mustang Ridge.
“Hey, slugger!”
I looked up at the sound of Jacob’s voice and gave him a smile. He was on his way back to his own office, a giant mug of coffee in one hand. I slowed to a near-stop when it became clear to me that he wanted to chat. Hopefully he wouldn’t want to talk for too long—I only had twenty minutes before it was time to leave.
Jacob had taken as much care with his looks as I had with mine, but that wasn’t anything unusual for him. His dark brown hair was slicked back, his face was so clean-shaven that I wasn’t even sure he really had to shave in the first place. He was in a tailored suit that looked like a slightly updated version of something from a 1920s gangster movie. I had long suspected that Jacob might spend even more time on his skincare routine than I did, but of course being a native Texan, he would never admit it.
“I heard you’re coming with us to p
odunkville,” he said.
I rolled my eyes, still smiling. “It’s Mustang Ridge. Really something you should know, since you’re going to be helping pitch them on the development there.”
“Have you seen that place?” he asked. “It’s only maybe three thousand people living in the whole town—it is podunkville, whatever its proper name is. They might not even have electricity.”
I laughed and shook my head. “They have electricity, and even the Internet.”
“Will wonders never cease,” he said, shaking his head. “I was hoping maybe we could sneak off for lunch, after the big proposal and before the boring tour.”
“It’ll depend on what the big guy wants,” I told him. “He might take a notion to have a big lunch with some of the town fathers, you know? Wouldn’t want to go missing from that.”
“Well, if nothing else, promise me that I can sit next to you, huh?”
“If you can get a spot next to me before someone else takes it, it’s yours,” I said. “I gotta get into my office, Jake—we’re heading out in less than twenty.”
“Oh yeah, I know,” he said. “Maybe I’ll talk your dad into stopping at Shipley’s on the way out, if you promise to be sweet to me on that long ride out to nowhere.”
“If you don’t talk him into it, I will,” I said. “Catch you in twenty!” I turned and hurried the rest of the way to my office before Jacob could waylay me any longer, unlocking my door and turning on the light inside all in one movement. I would have just enough time to get everything squared away before we left. I closed the door behind me to signal to everyone else in the office that I wasn’t to be disturbed. Of course, knowing that I was going to be heading out on a proposal trip, no one was likely to try and talk to me, but it was always good to make sure.
By the time we approached the town of Mustang Ridge, I had to admit that Jacob wasn’t far off in his skepticism—it was tiny. Looking out through the tinted window of my dad’s SUV, it was easy to see that we’d left behind any semblance of major towns a good hour before, and the turnoff from the highway was so unexceptional that I was pretty sure most of the people who were even looking for the town could miss it. Dad had taken the time to change out of his usual oxfords into a pair of good boots, ones he’d owned since I was a kid—worn, but well-maintained with lots of oil and curing. He’d told me more than once that they were the proper shoes for any native Texan man, to keep him in touch with the ground, and they were definitely more convenient for the tour we were supposed to be going on than his office shoes.