How To Marry A Billionaire: A BWWM Billionaire Romance (6 page)

CHAPTER 5

That day, every month, that Ellyn dreaded was upon them: the day she rode on a creaky bus out of the city to the prison where Derek’s father was. She was sorry she’d ever agreed to bring him to see his father. Derek had made her promise, once a month. Ellyn didn’t think it was a great idea to have Derek visit his father in jail. Chance, Derek’s father, had done nothing to discourage Derek’s curiosity. The whole situation put a bad taste in Ellyn’s mouth but she hadn’t thought of a way to get out of it.

Derek was up and dressed early. There was never any arguing when it was the day to visit Daddy. Chance had been around when Derek was younger but had then gotten himself arrested. He wouldn’t be out until Derek was in high school. Ellyn should have put her foot down. Derek had been young enough to forget about his father by this point. Chance was no role model, no matter how much he loved his son.

But she didn’t love him and he didn’t love her. She had once been taken in by his charm, never again. She just hoped Derek would eventually figure out his father’s game.

The bus was late and the morning was cold. Ellyn shivered with the women waiting outside the church. If the church had been located in a nicer borough of New York City, it might have been open for them in the cold. In the Bronx, not so much, too much fear here.

Derek bounced around her feet, seemingly oblivious to the cold. He glanced up at her with his deep brown eyes. “I hope we have enough time to tell Daddy all that has happened.”

Ellyn often wondered what Derek would tell his father but he usually talked during the whole visit. Save her from making nice with Chance, she never brought him anything other than their son. Theirs was a not a love relationship, despite Chance trying to convince her that it was. He was using her, end of story.

The bus finally came, letting out a puff of black smoke as it braked. Derek tried to be the first one on the bus but Ellyn grabbed him. “Wait our turn.”

Derek bounced in front of her as a few others climbed on first. He bounced up the steps when it was his turn and he found a seat right in the front. She frowned at him.

“We fill in the back of the bus first,” she said.

“Aw, Mom.” He frowned then trudged to a seat farther back in the bus.

“Open your coat.”

She knew in a few minutes that the bus would get very hot. This was no luxury bus but a big yellow one borrowed by the Department of Corrections. No facilities; Derek was only just able to make the whole trip without complaining about needing to use a restroom.

The bus driver did not stop for anything.

This was her life: a small place in the Bronx, a bus ride to see her incarcerated baby Daddy. No future; no education. The weight of it all forced a sigh out of her.

“You okay, Mommy?”

Derek, the best thing in her life, stared up at her. At five, he was still very self-centered but he had these moments of clarity, moments where he stepped out of himself and his little world to reach out to her. It broke her heart. He was five. He should be worried about kindergarten or the next matchbox car he’s going to get.  Derek should have a real childhood with playmates and parks and birthday parties. Her heart ached that she couldn’t give that to him.

“What a handsome boy,” the older woman across the aisle said.

Derek smiled. “Thank you.”

Ellyn also smiled at the woman in her beat up coat. “Thank you.”

Derek took after her; there was no trace of Chance in his face which made Ellyn happy.

“You going to see your Daddy?” the woman asked.

“Uh huh,” Derek said.

She could hear the pride in his voice. She shouldn’t want to take that away, but she did. Then her mind went to Colton’s offer. If she was a model, and even a little bit successful at it, she might be able to give her son a better life, maybe even force Chance to give up custody. If she had money for a lawyer, she could do that. Chance had no money. He had no prospects other than the four walls of the prison for the next ten years. Derek deserved better. Ellyn knew that she deserved better than to scrape by on her own. Scraping by sucked.

Derek chatted with the woman as Ellyn escaped into her thoughts. She was thankful for the respite, because she had to make this decision soon. She had no idea how long the offer would be on the table. And knowing it might be her only chance, she had to consider it. The bus lurched along the road to the prison.

If she were successful, she’d never have to come back here. That might be reason enough.

***

Colton had a brilliant idea. Maybe he could coax Ellyn into signing with him by showing her the potential she had. He mused over it in his office that overlooked Manhattan. He liked tall buildings and the view they offered. He hadn’t wanted his offices to be lower than the fiftieth floor.

They weren’t, because Colton usually got what he wanted. Right now, his sights were on one gorgeous mocha-skinned woman. He wanted her professionally. And, he had to admit, he wanted her personally, too. She had eyes that spoke of strength in those golden flecks. He wondered what those eyes had seen in their life. He had no idea how old she was but she seemed to have an old soul.

“You’re deep in thought. And I know that look,” Marcia said. His admin sat herself down on the leather chair reserved for guests.

“What does it mean?”

“You have someone in your sights.”

“I do.” He smiled. She’d helped him grow this company. She knew him better than he knew himself.

“Is this person giving you a hard time? Holding out for something?”

He leaned back in his chair. He should bounce this off Marcia. “Holding out, but I’m not sure for what. It’s been a few days. I haven’t heard from her.”

“Was someone else sniffing around her?”

“Not that I know of. I met her at one of Doug’s parties.”

“Then she’s playing hard to get.”

He rubbed his chin. “Possibly, but I don’t think for the usual reasons.”

“Why is she so important?”

Of course she’d ask that. He couldn’t lie. She’d see through it. “I’m attracted to her.”

“You know how that can turn out.”

He knew all too well. He’d dated one of his first clients and she’d betrayed him. That’s when he had drawn the line between business and pleasure. That situation still smarted.

“I know.”

“Then why are you not running far away from her?”

“I can’t put my finger on it. She doesn’t strike me as the usual person seeking fame and fortune. She didn’t know who I was.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am. She isn’t an actress and no one has heard of her. I asked around.”

Like Cinderella, she’d disappeared into the night. That happened every time she left his presence. As if she was from another world and could escape to it any time she wanted.

“Then she’s probably hiding something,” Marcia said. “That could be dangerous.”

He didn’t think that was it. “I don’t know. Either way, I’m setting up a photo shoot for her. I want to know her potential and I want her to know it, too.”

“So, no matter what I say, you’re pursuing this?” Marcia asked.

“Yes, I am.”

She frowned. “Your company.”

“Did you bring me things to sign?”

“Yes, the payroll has to be released, as do payments,” she said.

“Okay. Just leave them here. I’ll have them back to you within the hour.”

Marcia stood. “You’re going to call her?”

“Yes. I’ve got the photographer ready to go for tomorrow.”

“What if she isn’t free?”

“We’ll work it out. Now go, let me call her.”

Marcia shook her head then left. His palms were sweaty as he dialed. As if he were a teenager asking a girl on a date instead of a captain of industry. As if he hadn’t called a thousand women in his time. Why was this so different; because this was important.

Ellyn picked up on the first ring. “Hello.”

“Ellyn, it’s Colton. Do you have a minute?”

“Uh, just a minute.” He heard her put down the phone. She was back a few minutes later. “Okay, I can talk now.”

He wanted to laugh. No one put him on hold or told him to wait a minute. He liked that she had no idea that no one did that. He was just another guy to her.

“I wanted to see you again.”

“I haven’t made a decision yet.”

“I know. I just wanted to make the deal sweeter.”

“Sweeter?”

“Just meet me and see what you think.” He gave her his office address. On the floor below his office he had a full studio where she could be photographed. “Or I can send my driver. He does know where you live.”

“Uh, no. When do you need me?”

He wanted to say right now. His dick agreed but he didn’t say it. “Tomorrow. What time can you do it?”

“I’m free after three.”

“Can you make it a three thirty?” he said. He had his fingers crossed.

“Yes, I can.”

“Great. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

“Yes, I guess I am, too.”

“How have you been, Ellyn?”

“I’m okay.”

“Good weekend?”

She sighed. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“That’s a shame. I would have asked you to dinner, but I didn’t want to be in your face about this decision.”

She laughed. “But you will do it now?”

He laughed. “I’m giving you an extra incentive, Ellyn. Besides, I’d like to see you.”

Silence.

“That’s very sweet, Colton.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 6

Ellyn entered the building, then looked on the directory for Colton’s office. She rode the elevator to the correct floor. The doors opened and in front of Ellyn was a smiling receptionist.

“Welcome.”

“Hello. I’m Ellyn Johnson. I’m here to see Colton Hamilton.”

The receptionist picked up the phone. “Mr. Hamilton is waiting for you. Let me call him to see if he is coming out to escort you.”

Escort her? What was he? A bodyguard.

The woman spoke into the phone, and then hung up. “Mr. Hamilton will be right out. Can I get you some coffee?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Water?”

“No, really, I’m fine.”

Colton appeared from a door to the receptionist’s right. He had a smile on his face so Ellyn could not help smiling back. He was a handsome man. His suit had clearly been made for him. The gray in it brought out his fierce blue eyes even more.

“Carla, I’ll be downstairs in the studio. Marcia knows how to get in touch with me but I don’t want to be disturbed.”

“Sure, Mr. Hamilton.”

Colton put a hand on Ellyn’s lower back. “Let’s go one floor down.”

“Okay.”

She had no idea what they were doing, but he led her to what looked like a more professional version of the Sears Portrait Studio. Lights were set up at one end with lots of white umbrellas. Several cameras were on tripods and a man in black seemed to be adjusting them.

“What is this?”

“This is our studio. I wanted to have one of our photographers take your picture.”

Ellyn wasn’t sure what to think of all this. A sprightly redhead bounced up to her. “You must be Ellyn,” she said. “I’m Zoe.”

“Zoe will be outfitting you for the shoot,” Colton said.

She glanced around the studio, which was a hive of activity. She wasn’t going to be alone with Colton. That was good. Nor was she going to be naked, this was legitimate.

“Okay,” she said then followed Zoe into a dressing room.

“I’m used to dealing with models who know that they are just the body for the clothing. They aren’t self-conscious or anything. That said I realize you probably don’t feel that way. If I cross a line or make you uncomfortable, tell me. Mr. Hamilton wants this to be a positive experience for you.”

“Fair enough.”

“Now, sit tight and I’ll be back with your outfits.”

“There’s more than one?”

“Well, just shirts. You are doing close up work and now seeing you and those eyes, I understand what he means. You have such a great face. Beautiful and interesting, without being weird.”

Ellyn nodded, not sure what that meant but guessing it was all a compliment. Her head spun a little. Zoe came back with a rolling rack of clothing. How many pictures were they going to take? She only had a few hours. She’d mention it to Colton.

“We aren’t going to do any makeup yet,” Zoe said. “We want your raw face then we’ll work on accentuating your assets.”

“Okay.”

She wasn’t sure what was expected of her. Zoe handed her the first shirt. “I’ll be outside. Come out when you’re in it.”

Zoe left. Ellyn put on the shirt. It was an amazing blue. She’d buy something like this if she had the money. She glanced in the mirror and she saw that the color brought out her eyes. She left the dressing room. Zoe led her to a stool at one side of the studio. White sheets were draped over everything but the stool.

“Sit,” Zoe commanded.

Ellyn obeyed then Zoe plucked at the blouse a few times, and walked away. A man with a camera approached her.

“This is Jean,” Colton said from behind the other man. “He’s going to take some pictures of you like this. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test other than for how well you photograph, not how well you model.”

Ellyn nodded, her ears buzzing from nerves. She swallowed.

“I’ll tell you what to do, don’t be nervous. I don’t bite,” the photographer said.

Ellyn was not used to this much attention focused on her. Could she get used to it? “Okay.” That was about all she’d said since she arrived. She must sound so intelligent.

“Look at me. Don’t look at the camera. Look at my forehead,” Jean said.

Ellyn tried to look at his face as if she weren’t looking at his face.

“Relax your face.”

She did so, hoping he was getting what he wanted.

The photographer stopped then showed the camera to Colton. “We’re getting some great stuff and this is without makeup or props.”

“She’s got natural talent,” Colton said.

Ellyn didn’t like them talking as if she was not there. Was this normal? Colton smiled at her.

“You’re doing a great job, Ellyn,” Colton said.

She smiled.

“Keep that,” Jean said, then snapped a few photos. Then he showed the screen to Colton. “Where did you find her?”

“At one of Doug’s parties.”

The photographer nodded as if this made perfect sense to him.

“But Ellyn didn’t approach me. She had no idea who I was.”

The photographer just laughed.

***

Colton watched Jean work as Ellyn smiled, didn’t smile or whatever Jean said to do. She was excellent at taking direction. That blue blouse made her even sexier than he could have imagined. Then she had to go change.

“You need a break? I can get some water or coffee,” Colton said. He stood inches from her, his hand on her arm. He liked touching her soft skin.

“Water would be great.”

“You’ll go to makeup next. Not too much,” he said.

“Okay.”

“Go get changed. Zoe will tell you what’s next. I’ll call upstairs for someone to bring water down.”

“Thanks.”

“You okay?” He studied her. She was clearly overwhelmed, her eyes a little glazed.

“I’m okay. It’s not like anything I’ve ever done. Kind of exciting,” she said.

He smiled, then squeezed her arm. “I hope it’s good.”

She nodded. He watched her go back to the dressing room.

“You’re on thin ice,” Jean said.

Colton walked over to the phone. “What do you mean?”

“You’re clearly attracted to her and I think she returns it. What happened to not mixing business with pleasure?”

“It’s that obvious what I feel?”

He dialed the receptionist and told her to send someone down with bottles of water. He hung up.

“The heat off of you two is going to melt the camera. I’d love to take pictures of you guys together.”

Colton shook his head. “I’m a businessman, not a model.”

“It will be in her portfolio, not yours. I won’t capture you straight on. No one will know it’s you.”

“If you think it will help her book jobs, I’ll do it,” Colton said.

“Yes, I think it will. The steam will come off the pictures.”

Colton grimaced, but he was willing to do whatever was necessary to make Ellyn successful.

A half an hour later, Ellyn returned. She had makeup on that made her eyes pop out of her face. Nothing odd. Very subtle, but what it did to her face was amazing.

“Wow. Your eyes stand out even more.” Colton cleared his throat. “Jean would like some picture with me in them. If I’d known he wanted this I would have hired a male model but you’re stuck with me.”

“I might be more comfortable with you.”

“That works.” He turned to Jean. “Suit jacket on or off?”

“Let’s start with it on.” Jean moved the stool. “Both of you stand in the middle. Colton, turn your back to me. Ellyn, you face me, but partially turn to him.”

Colton stood with his back to the camera. Ellyn was in front of him, but off to the side a little.

“Ellyn, your man has just come home from the office and you have one thing on your mind.”

Colton looked down at her but she just laughed. “Okay.”

“I’m not sure about this,” he whispered to her.

“It’ll be okay. I feel safe here with you,” she said.

Her statement warmed him. She felt safe. Not intimidated at all. He could be that way. He wanted her to sign with his agency, but he also wanted her, in his life, in his bed. Maybe even in his heart? The idea scared him and not much frightened him.

He was deep in thought with Ellyn’s hands on his suit jacket when he realized Jean had been snapping pictures. He’d been staring into her eyes. She’d been looking back at him with the tiniest of smiles on her face.

“Hold his jacket as if you’re going to take it off his shoulder.”

Ellyn put her hand under his jacket and skimmed it up his chest to his shoulder, shifting it off of him slightly. Her hand ignited fires up his body and it took all of his self-control not to kiss her. His throat went dry. Her hand rested on him, his jacket about to come off. Her gaze never left his. God, she was sexy like this.

“Let’s lose the jacket,” Jean said.

Colton took off his jacket, folded it neatly and placing it on a nearby table. He went back to the position he’d been in.  Ellyn put her hands on his tie, loosening it.

Jean snapped pictures. “That’s great.”

She eased the tie all the way open, then she began to unbutton the top button of his shirt. How he wanted her to be doing that to him in real life. His dick came alive but she wasn’t pressed up against him or she might notice. His mouth felt like the Sahara Desert. Her gaze glanced over his shoulder at the camera.

“Lean into her, Colton.”

He moved his face as if he was going to kiss her. Her lips opened slightly. Damn. If there wasn’t anyone in the room, he’d kiss her. He’d kiss her as he’d never kissed another woman.

“This is priceless,” Jean said. Then he stopped taking pictures. “I think I have some good stuff here for her portfolio.”

Ellyn didn’t step away. Colton didn’t want her to move her hands. Well, maybe a little.

“I’m done, guys,” Jean said.

*

Ellyn vaguely heard the photographer say he was done. Her gaze remained on Colton with his half undone tie and fierce gaze. The man could not look sexier than he did at the moment. Not one to fall for anyone easily, her reaction to him was odd; her body’s reaction to him even stranger. It hummed with the anticipation of him kissing her. She wanted him to kiss her. His gaze darkened with passion.

Was this all a ruse to get her in bed? She had no reason not to trust him. He hadn’t touched her inappropriately. In fact, he wasn’t touching her. Her hands still rested on him, as if glued there. She didn’t want to take them off. Instead, she wanted to run her hands under that buttoned shirt to feel what were clearly the hard planes of his muscles. He was a large man but he didn’t intimidate her.

Instead, he made her feel safe. Whatever the situation, he could handle it. What would it feel like to be made so secure by someone like him? She’d never thought about physical or emotional security. She’d only thought about financial security. Colton was the whole package. She bit her lip.

In her peripheral vision, she saw the photographer leave. Was Zoe still around? She hadn’t even worn half of the outfits on that rack and they were done? Ellyn swallowed as Colton brought his face close to hers, his eyes falling close. He was going to kiss her. She closed her eyes and he brushed her lips with his.

She wanted more, so she fisted his shirt into her hands and brought him closer. Other than his lips, he still wasn’t touching her. Her hands remained at his sides. He let her be in charge. Ellyn never had a man do that. She was used to those that mauled her at the first chance. Colton’s behavior made him even hotter. Now she wanted him to put his hands on her.

She deepened the kiss. His tongue peeked out of his mouth. She opened her lips to receive him, her blood pounding in her head. His tongue explored her lips, but went no further. In need of a breath, she pulled away from him slightly. She opened her eyes to look at him. His tie was askew from her hands, but every hair was in place and she resisted the urge to mess it up. Would it be messed up after sex? Whoa. That was a leap. They were just kissing.

“Wow,” he said. His voice came out raspy. He was just as affected by the kiss as she was. Good. He didn’t step away, but he now put a hand on her arm. “That was really nice, Ellyn.”

“That was nice.”

It had been a long time since she’d kissed a man. Never in her life had she been kissed that expertly. His lips could be registered as a weapon because they almost killed her.

And then, her phone rang. It was in her purse on the other side of the studio. She didn’t want to break the contact, but it might be about Derek. “I have to get that.”

“You’re holding onto me,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

She let go and hurried to her phone. Shalia. Damn.

“Hello?”

“Ellyn. It’s Derek. He’s running a really high fever. He’s just sitting on the couch. I’ve given him something, but it doesn’t seem to be working. He also says his ears hurt.”