The Wager: A Billionaire Romance

by Kyle, Calista

  "Yeah actually, if you could just grab the bread on the counter," she said, turning her head in that direction.

  I stood up and headed towards the kitchen brushing against her as she walked by me. The contact surprised us both. After last night I knew there was definite chemistry between Lily and I, but to have it feel so electric and charged was still a surprise. I felt drawn to her, as if I couldn't help myself.

  I could tell she felt it too. Her body shuddered slightly as her arm grazed me as she passed. She looked up at me briefly, the surprise and wonder evident in her eyes, before heading to place the bowls on the table. I grabbed the bread and followed behind her. Lily was just headed back into the kitchen as I came out again.

  "I'm just going to get the salad," she said.

  I sat back down in my seat and waited for her. Everything looked and smelled delicious and again I was impressed that she had gone through all the trouble just for me.

  "Well dig in," she said, once she had taken her seat.

  "Thank you for this," I said. I lifted a spoonful of the stew to my mouth and tasted it.

  "So what's the verdict?" she asked, eyeing me intently.

  "It's delicious."

  I could tell my compliment pleased her. She wore a happy smile on her face and looked like she was glowing. It was interesting that she could take compliments on her cooking but not on her looks. I'd have to make a mental note to remember that.

  We ate in silence, both of us too caught up in enjoying the meal to talk. I was just scraping my bowl with the crusty French bread when I heard her chuckle. I looked up to see her watching me with an amusing twinkle to her eye.

  "What's so funny?" I asked.

  "I guess you do really like Beef Bourguignon," she said.

  "I told you it was my favorite," I said.

  "So how was your day today?" she asked, leaning back and watching me over the rim of her wine glass.

  "The morning started out wonderfully, and then after that, it's been pretty much business as usual."

  "Did your cousin arrive safely?" she asked.

  "Yes, he gave me a call when he landed. I'll be seeing him tomorrow for lunch."

  "Oh nice," she said. I couldn't tell if there was just a hint of disappointment in her voice when she said that, but my ego swelled at the thought that she was upset she wouldn't be able to see me for lunch tomorrow.

  "Speaking of my cousin, he actually reminded me of something today. My family throws an annual charity event for the City Ballet Company. It's actually part of the reason he's in New York. I wanted to know if you'd like to go with me," I said.

  Her eyes widened and her mouth slightly parted as she stared at me. She was silent for a long time and I was beginning to feel a little unsure. It was an extraordinary situation where I found myself nervous. I didn't realize how much I wanted her to go with me until this moment.

  "You want me to go with you as your date?" she asked, in a hushed voice.

  "Well yes, that is what typically is meant," I said.

  "But why?"

  "Why not? There isn't another woman I'd rather go with than you," I said, truthfully.

  "Oh," she said. I could tell she was unsure about it by the way she kept chewing on her bottom lip and scrunching up her yes at me.

  "Listen, it's not for another two weeks. You don't have to make any decisions now," I said trying to put her at ease. "If you're not comfortable being seen with me--,"

  "No it's not that. It's just kind of sudden. But, you know what? I'd love to go with you," she said, a look of determination in her eyes.

  I released a pent up sigh and felt a great weight lift off me that I never knew was there.

  "Thank you," I said.

  "Just do me one favor," she said, her eyes twinkling before the candlelight.

  "Yes?" I asked.

  "Make sure Maxwell Stein isn't on the guest list," she said, laughing.

  I smiled back at her and nodded my head. "I'll personally make sure he's excluded from the guest list," I said.

  Chapter Nine: Lily

  I stared in my closet and wondered what had become of my life. It seemed not too long ago that I was just content to sit at home alone with a good book. But nowadays, I seemed to find myself getting dressed up more often. After that first night attending the Eichendorf Gala with Mel, my schedule had been pretty overflowing with black tie events.

  I laughed to myself remembering how I told her that would be the first and last one I'd ever attend. Oh how wrong I was. Being with Roman flipped my whole world on its axis. I was doing things I said I'd never do.

  Take that night for example. I had agreed to attend his family's annual charity event. I had been hesitant to go when he asked me, but found that I couldn't say no to him when he looked at me in that way he has. He could be very persuasive when he wanted to be. I had almost begun to wonder if he was taking lessons from Mel.

  It stroked my ego to think he wanted me on his arm on his big night. His cousin was supposed to be there and he wanted to introduce us. I still couldn't believe a guy like him would be seriously into a girl like me, but the more time I spent with him, the more my doubts were eased. The past three weeks had been amazing, almost like a dream come true. I never imagined there was a man out there like him.

  Since our first night together, we'd been practically inseparable. He was so easy to talk to and confide in. We could talk and laugh for hours, or be comfortable in silence. It was great to be able to bounce ideas off of him and get advice for how to improve my bookshop, and in turn he would tell me about his work and actually listen to my ideas and suggestions. I never felt talked down to or patronized. Roman always treated me like an equal.

  He'd spent every night with me and we had worked out a comfortable routine. He'd pick me up from work, we'd go to my apartment, have dinner, sit and chat for a little bit or watch some TV and then head to bed. Sometimes he kept me up all night so I was a zombie the next morning. Doris and Miguel would shoot me sly looks, but I didn't care what anyone thought. I was finally truly happy.

  In my heart, I knew I was in love with Roman. It happened before I could even stop myself. I felt a sense of freedom now that I'd admitted it to myself. I'd finally allowed myself to let go and open my heart. But along with that also came fear. I had no idea if Roman felt the same. Sure, I knew he cared for me and definitely desired me, but love? That was a major step. I wondered if a man like Roman had ever been in love before.

  Going on what he'd said and knowing about his reputation, I learned his past relationships never lasted more than a few months. Would our relationship turn out the same? Would he ditch me once he'd finally gotten bored? The thought brought a sinking feeling to the pit of my stomach. I pursed my lips, mulling over the possibility. Roman certainly didn't seem bored by my company...yet. But I knew that if and when that day ever came, it would crush me.

  Before my thoughts could turn even more morose, my phone started ringing. I fished it out of my purse on my bed and frowned as I looked at the unknown number. I almost thought of letting it go to voicemail, but at the last second, I decided to answer.

  "Hello?" I said.

  "Hey Lily! It's me, Mel."

  "Oh hey! It's so good to hear from you. How have you been? Are you back yet? Where are you?" I asked.

  "Whoa slow down, honey," she laughed. "One question at a time."

  "All right, so where are you right now?" I asked.

  "I'm still in China, but Chad and I are going to be headed back home in a couple of days. Just wanted to give you the heads up."

  "That's so awesome! I've missed you," I said.

  "Missed you too. In fact, I've missed America so much you don't even know. In never thought I'd ever think of New York as peaceful but after being in Asia, you have no idea how crazy it can be here."

  "I can imagine," I said. "So are you and Chad still going strong?"

  "Stronger than ever," she said and I could picture the giant grin on her face as she spoke. "He's
been so wonderful, Lily. I didn't know how it'd be living with him and practically being attached at the hip almost 24/7 so soon after meeting him, but it's just been perfect. Almost like it was meant to be."

  "That sounds nice. I'm so happy for you," I said.

  "Thanks. So what's been up with you? I'm sorry I've been MIA for the past couple of weeks, but you know how it is."

  "Yeah, don't worry about it. Things have been pretty interesting since you've been gone," I began.

  "Interesting in a good way?" she asked, her voice perking up.

  "You could say that."

  "Does this have anything to do with Roman Conrad?" she asked.

  "You could say that again," I answered, laughingly.

  "Ok Lily, now you've got to spill the beans. What's been going on?"

  "I almost don't even know how to start. It's been surreal."

  "Well, are you two an item?" she asked cutting to the chase.

  "I think so...yes," I said.

  "Yes? You don't sound so sure of that."

  "Yes, I mean we are an item," I said more confidently. "We've been seeing each other for a few weeks now. He's spending every night over my apartment."

  I heard a low whistle on the phone and could just picture Mel sitting there, her whole face lighting up at that little nugget of information that I'd dropped.

  "Wow! That sounds serious," she said.

  "I think I'm in love with him," I blurted out.

  There was a long pause on the phone and I could feel my heart thumping in my chest as I finally voiced out loud what I'd been feeling. It made everything more real once I'd confessed it.

  "I'm so happy for you, Lily," Mel said finally. "You really deserve it. I know how hard it's been for you to put yourself out there after everything you've been through. I'm proud of you."

  I could feel the sting of tears in my eyes as I listened to Mel speak. She was right. There was a lot of baggage and bullshit that I'd had to get over to reach this point. I wasn't saying I was completely free of all that, but I was moving in the right direction. Being with Roman and learning to trust him was one of the hardest and easiest things I've had to do.

  "Thanks Mel," I said, my voice a little gruff.

  "I'm sorry we're like two watering pots aren't we?" she said. "Let's talk about more interesting things, like how is he in the sack?"

  "Mel!" I yelled, "You did not just ask me that." Even though I was scandalized, I couldn't help the smile that broke free.

  "I did, and I want to know the answer," she said, unashamed.

  "Well, a lady never tells," I answered primly.

  "You're no fun, you know that?" she said.

  "Moving along now, I need your help, Mel. Roman's invited me to this thing tonight and I have no idea what to wear," I said.

  "What thing are you talking about?"

  "It's some type of charity event his family throws every year."

  "Wait a minute. Are you talking about the Halcyon Ball?" Mel asked.

  "Yes, I think that's it."

  "Lily! Roman Conrad asked you to go to the Halcyon Ball with him?" she repeated, her voice raising an octave.

  "Yeah Mel, that's what I just said isn't it? But I don't remember it being a ball. I think he just called it the Halcyon," I said sounding a little startled and confused.

  "Do you have any idea how big of a deal this is? If you thought the Eichendorf was a big deal then the Halcyon will blow you away. They are the most exclusive and sought after invitation in town. You've really got to be someone to even be on the waiting list for next year's party. I can't believe you don't already have your outfit planned already. Oh my God, I knew I should have come home earlier. What are we going to do? This is going to be a disaster!" she babbled on.

  "Whoa calm down now, Mel," I said even though I was quickly working into panic mode myself. "You're starting to freak me out."

  I thought back to when Roman invited me to the event. He never mentioned or even hinted at the fact that this ball was a huge deal. Then again, I should have assumed it was. Nothing Roman Conrad did was ever low key. I don't know why I'd always assumed it was just going to be a small affair with perhaps a little dancing. I should have asked him about it or hell, even googled it. Now it was too late since he was on his way to pick me up in a few hours.

  "All right, Lily. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to call Colette to find you a dress. I'm sure she can scrounge up something in such short notice."

  "Wait isn't your mom going to be angry her assistant's helping me get a dress?"

  "She doesn't have to know. Besides, this is a fashion emergency," Mel said, sounding all business like. "Do you have a mask?"

  "Excuse me?"

  "A mask. It's a masquerade ball, you know?"

  "No, I didn't know," I said, sounding completely out of my depth. My panic was quickly turning to irritation at Roman for not telling me more about the ball. In the two weeks since he'd issued his invitation he'd never even called it a ball. It was always this thing my family's throwing, as if it were some little back yard party with cocktails and mini hors d'oeuvres.

  Now I had only a few hours to find a dress and get myself ready for what, judging by what Mel was saying, was the biggest event of the year. I closed my eyes and let out a long sigh. It seemed these last few weeks had been a constant stream of attending "the biggest event's of the social season."

  "I've got to hang up and call Colette now. I'll call you back once I have everything taken care of."

  "Thanks so much, Mel! You're a life saver. That's twice now you've saved my butt. I owe you."

  "Yeah you definitely do," she laughed. "Just make sure you name your first baby after me, that's all I ask," she laughed.

  She hung up before I could respond. My brain was in such a shock, I didn't know what to say at first. Her little joke brought all kinds of images and ideas into my head that I could have done without at this moment. But the picture of a little mini Roman running around brought a strange feeling of longing into my heart.

  Mel called back fifteen minutes later sounding pleased with herself. "You're in luck," she said. "Colette says she's got the perfect dress for the event. She's coming over with it in half an hour."

  "Wow, you're a miracle worker, Mel. How'd you pull that off?"

  "I have my secrets," she said. "Now, about your hair and makeup, I've made you an appointment at Patrice Rogier Salon on Fifth Ave for two o'clock. You got all that?"

  "Yup, I think so. But what about the mask?" I asked.

  "Colette's bringing that with the dress," she said.

  "My God, Mel, I don't even know what to say."

  "You can thank me later. For now, you've got to get ready. Don't let me down," she said.

  I hung up the phone after thanking her for the millionth time. I couldn't imagine getting through tonight without her help. If she hadn't called me or I hadn't picked up the phone, I could have really embarrassed myself this evening. It was one thing to be under dressed, but to feel so completely out of place was another thing all together. I was sure all eyes would be on me since I'd be arriving with Roman. People paid attention to him wherever he went and by extension, their focus would be on me too.

  I cringed to think what they'd say if I had gone to the ball in my original outfit--a floral print knee length dress that I'd gotten on sale at David's Bridal. I had originally worn it as a bridesmaid's gown for my cousin's wedding, and it was actually one of the fanciest dresses I owned. But I didn't think it'd be formal enough for tonight now that Mel had filled me in on the Halcyon Ball and all that it entailed.

  Colette arrived right on time, half an hour later with a floor length garment bag and a small square shaped box.

  "Thanks so much for coming on such short notice," I said to her as she hurried into my apartment.

  "Don't worry about that. Mel told me what it's for," she said.

  She placed the small box on my coffee table and then began to unzip the bag. I caught my breath as she
took the dress out of the bag. It was the most beautiful gown I'd ever seen--all light and flowy and ethereal.

  "This is from the new Omari Isa collection," she said as she held the gown up to me.

  "It's beautiful," I said breathlessly.

  The color was deep emerald with a fitted tulle bodice embroidered with sequins, beads and crystals. The skirt was stretch satin with a silk chiffon overlay that gave the dress an ethereal feel.

  "Here, try it on," she said.

  She handed the dress to me and I fingered the rich delicate fabric in my hand, marveling at the intricate bead work. I couldn't believe I would be wearing this dress tonight. A slight cough brought me out of my trance and I hurried to my bedroom to try it on.

  "Can you help me zip the back?" I called out once I had the dress on.

  Colette came into the bedroom and I sucked in my breath as she pulled the zipper up. Now was the moment of truth. If this dress didn't fit I'd be out of luck and horribly disappointed. Colette smiled as she stepped back and looked me up and down.

  "Tres Belle."

  I stared at myself in the floor length mirror and had do a double take. It was perfect.

  "Thank you so much for your help, Colette," I said looking at her from the reflection in the mirror. "I don't know what I would have done without you and Mel."

  "Just don't spill anything on it," she said.

  "Got it."

  Colette handed me the mask in the box to try on with the dress. It was a beautiful handmade Venetian mask of delicate black lace and black ostrich feathers. It was adorned with gold filigree roses with two gold ribbons hanging off the stick handle. With the mask and the dress on I looked like some mystical magical woodland nymph.

  "All right Cinderella, I think my work here is done," she said, a satisfied smile on her face.

  She helped me take the gown off before heading out. I didn't have much time to celebrate my good luck in finding the perfect dress before I had to head out to the salon to get my hair and makeup done. By the time I was finally washed, waxed, polished and trimmed, I only had one hour left to get back to my apartment and get dressed.

  I decided to splurge and get a taxi back to my apartment. I didn't want to deal with the stares I'd get on the subway and I most definitely didn't want to inadvertently ruin or smudge anything. Finally I was all set; my dress was on, which was a feat of contortionistic skill I never knew I had, and my hair and makeup remained intact and in place.