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.

to 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 to get ready. We had been on the road for about twenty minutes when the weather turned. What started as a drizzle became a heavy downpour, and Nate had to slow down a lot. "Classic London weather," I

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

"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, because the

bolts, but he was fighting with the jack. "Let me help," I said, kneeling on the wet asphalt beside him. 're going to ruin your clothes." They're already

rain is not helping," he muttered, trying to reposition the jack that kept slipping. 2/4 Chapter 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

one side of the tire, mine on the other, both of us drenched and shivering. "On three," Nate said. "One, two..." "Three!" We pulled with everything we had, and the tire came loose so fast we lost our balance. We fell backward on the wet asphalt, and I landed on top of him,

our skin, my hair stuck to my 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.