Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 213 Thursday was turning into one of those days when everything lined up against me. First, I woke up half an hour late because my alarm decided not to ring. Then I discovered I was out of milk for my coffee. And when I finally made it to the office, Nate showed up at my desk at three thirty with a serious look on his face. "Annabelle, I need you to come with me to a meeting at Whitmore & Associates," he said, grabbing a few folders off my desk. "They have a wine cellar in St.

Albans, and they're interested in distributing our Vintara line exclusively in the countryside." I glanced at the clock. Three thirty. My date with David was at seven in Covent Garden, and St. Albans was more than an hour from London. "Today?" I asked, trying not to sound desperate. "Can't it be tomorrow?" "Unfortunately not." Nate pulled on his coat. "This afternoon was the only time they had available, and it's an important opportunity. The countryside market is growing fast, and you know the Vintara line better than anyone." 11 "But we'll be back in time, right? I have a...

thing at seven." "Of course. The meeting's at four thirty, an hour at most. We'll be back a little after six." I exhaled. It was important, and I knew that. And Nate was right, I did know the organic line inside and out. "Alright," I said, grabbing my coat. "Let's go." The drive to St. Albans was easy, with Nate steering his BMW while we talked through strategies for the presentation. He was especially excited about the chance to expand into smaller markets. "Places like St.

Albans are exactly the demographic we're aiming for," he said as we pulled off the highway." Upper middle class, eco-conscious, willing to pay more for quality." "And with less competition than London," I added. "The big chains still focus on the city." "Exactly. That's why you're here. Your insight into consumer behavior is valuable." The meeting at Whitmore & Associates went smoothly. Their wine cellar was impressive, and the manager, Mr. Whitmore, seemed genuinely interested in the Vintara line.

review. "Excellent work," Nate said as we got back into the car at five forty. "You really impressed Whitmore." "Thanks." I checked the time. I could still make it to my date, even if I wouldn't have much time

be about 30 minutes late. Sorry!] By six thirty, we finally got past the congestion, but we were still forty minutes from London. Nate pushed the speed where he could, but the rain made it tough. "I'm going to be so late," I groaned. "Sorry. I didn't think traffic would get this bad with the storm."

left rear tire was completely flat. "Seriously?" I groaned, looking around. "Here? Now?" "Flat tire," Nate said, stating the obvious as he glanced at the heavy sky. "And the rain isn't stopping." "You know how to change it?" ory." Ty?" I know how it works, I just never... actually did it by myself." I started laughing,

of thing. Usually." The rain was getting heavier, and within minutes we were both soaked. Nate had managed to loosen the bolts, but he was fighting with the jack. "Let me help," I said, kneeling on the wet asphalt beside him. 're

213 "At least it's an adventure," I joked, wiping the water running down my face. He laughed, that warm, genuine laugh I loved hearing. "Yeah, definitely not what I had on the agenda today." Something shifted in his expression

drenched and shivering. "On three," Nate

forehead, and there was an intensity in his green eyes that made my heart jump. He lifted a hand and gently brushed a wet strand away from my face, his fingers lingering against my "Annabelle..." he whispered, his voice rough. cheek. I leaned down a little, and he leaned up. Our lips were almost touching. I could feel his warm breath mixing with the cold rain. Then he stopped abruptly and