More Than a Billionaire (10 page)

Her breathing matched his own and her cheeks were flushed.

“No, you didn’t hurt me.” She walked away from him and sat at the table.

He followed, taking the seat next to her. Since she didn’t look like she wanted him to embrace her, he took her hand instead. “What’s the matter, then? If you didn’t like that, I won’t do it again.”

It might kill him, but he’d keep his lips on her lips instead.

Her expression said
get real
.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” She clenched her free hand, her knuckles turning white. “In a few days you’ll be back in New York or Rome or wherever you’re off to next. Who knows when I’ll see you again? It might be years. I’d rather not do something today that will ruin our friendship.”

She thought he wanted to score before he flew off again?
Damn it to hell.
 

“I didn’t come back here to have sex, Kiera.” He took her other hand with his. “There’s something between us. I know you feel it too. I want to see where things go. That’s why I came back to Providence yesterday.”

Kiera’s face remained an unreadable mask. “Gray, we’ve known each other forever, and you’re right; there
is
something between us.”

He expected a smile or maybe a kiss. He didn’t get either. Instead, he got a frown.

“But I don’t know if dating is a good idea. My parents work for your father. What if things don’t work out between us? That could put my parents’ jobs in jeopardy.”

No matter what happened, his father would never fire Mathieu and Annette Renault. “Kiera that—”

“Besides, you live three hours away.”

Long-distance relationships had their own unique set of problems, but they could work. His cousin, Callie, and her husband, Dylan, had done it before they married, as had his cousin, Sara, and her fiancé before she relocated.

“You’re right. Long-distance relationships aren’t ideal.” He’d tackle one problem at a time. “Trust me, I’ll make sure we see each other. The world’s social scene won’t collapse if I miss a few events.”

Kiera gave him a half-smile. “I don’t know about that.”

“And you have nothing to worry about in terms of your parents. My dad would never fire either of them, no matter what. They’re like family.”

“I want to believe all that, Gray.”

“Then do because it’s the truth. If it makes you feel better, we won’t tell anyone right now. We can try to fly under the radar and keep our relationship a secret. If, for some reason, things don’t work, your parents and my dad will never know anything.”

“Can we do that with all the media attention you get?”

“I’ve never tried, but we can see. I know how to hide certain things from the media.” Gray squeezed her hand. “It might mean some clandestine meetings in hotels where we stay locked up for days.”

Kiera laughed, just the response he’d hoped for.

“When you put it that way, where do I sign up?”

Gray had to kiss her again. “Right here.” He leaned in and kissed her.

“Do you sign all your agreements that way?” Kiera ended the kiss sooner than he would’ve liked.

“Only the ones I really care about.” He kissed her forehead. “I can’t guarantee how long we can keep the secret, but I can promise I’ll see you as often as possible. If I can’t get here for some reason, you can visit me in New York or we can meet halfway.”

“Looks like you just closed another deal, Mr. Sherbrooke.” She kissed him again.

***

Kiera lifted her head. Like the last time she checked, Gray remained sound asleep. Rather than bother him, she left him alone, and went back to watching the movie.

On the television, the hero, played by Anderson Brady, led his love interest, played by Mia Troy, into a building and toward the roof. While the heroine thought she was about to receive a marriage proposal, the hero had murder in mind. No matter how many times she saw the movie, Kiera’s heart raced with each step Mia’s character took up the stairs.

The current movie scene wasn’t the only thing that made her heart race tonight. Gray had done an excellent job of that too, both before
and
after dinner.

She looked at him again. He’d looked beat when he arrived that afternoon, so it didn’t surprise her that he slept now. Honestly, she didn’t mind either. It gave her a chance to look at him and not worry he’d catch her doing it. Who knew when she’d get a chance again?

He promised to make time for them, and Gray had never lied to her in the past, but it might be a week before he made it back.

She thought about his other promise. How long could they keep their relationship under wraps? Since they’d been friends for so long, the media might buy that they were just two friends hanging out if they were caught together, even if only for a short time and as long as they didn’t keep making out in public places. Regardless, she’d made her decision to live a little dangerously and see where things went. Kiera looked back at the movie. As the characters stepped onto the roof, she wanted to shout a warning. Then, like the hero did every time she watched the film, he shoved Mia off the edge. The camera followed Mia’s descent for a few seconds, and then panned back to Anderson Brady’s face and he gave the audience a final smile before the credits started.

“Have I been out long?”

Sleep lingered in Gray’s voice. She’d love to find out if that’s what it sounded like when he woke up in the morning.

“Since about half way through the movie.”

Gray kissed her hair. “Sorry about that. I haven’t had much sleep the past few weeks. I’ll try not to let it happen again.”

“To much partying?” She smiled at him and waited for a teasing reply.

“You know me. World-renowned party-boy and occasional playboy.”

Gray kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, and Kiera’s skin shivered with pleasure everywhere his lips touched her.

“Perhaps I should say
former
party-boy and playboy.” His lips brushed hers as he spoke.

She smiled against his lips. “I think you should add that to your business cards.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. Instead, she placed her open lips against his and set about reminding him why he decided to give up his previous ways.

Without warning, Gray rolled her under him and took control of their kiss. Each pass of his tongue sent a new shiver through her. Kiera felt his erection through their clothes and arched her hips as she slid her hands into his back pockets. Gray kissed his way down her neck, and her breasts ached for the touch of his mouth again.

“We should stop now while I still can.” His breath tickled her neck.

He was right. She might be on fire for him and want nothing more than to tear off both their clothes, but she didn’t want to rush things either.

“You’re right.” She took her time pulling her hands from his pockets, allowing herself to enjoy the feel of his tight backside under her palms.

Gray brushed her hair over her shoulder. “It’s getting late. I should go. My plane leaves at seven in the morning.” Despite his words, he stayed put.

She’d expected that, but still it stung. “Back to New York?” she asked, forcing back her real question, which was, “When will you be back?”

He traced her ear with his fingertip. “I have a meeting in Virginia late tomorrow morning, but I’m heading back to New York right after.” Gray met her eyes as he sat up. “What about you? What does your week look like?”

“I’m working every day. My next day off is Sunday. My schedule varies week to week, but I always get two days off.”

Kiera pulled herself up. It was getting late and Gray had an early flight. She should let him leave.

“I’ll see if I can re-work my schedule and get back here Sunday morning.” Gray checked his watch. “It’s almost eleven, so I’m going to leave. I’ll call you tomorrow when I get back to New York.”

They both stood at the same time. While Gray put his shoes back on, she retrieved his jacket.

“Be careful driving tonight.” She watched him pull his jacket on, already missing the feel of his arms around her.

“Will do.” He pulled her in for a final kiss. A kiss that sent warmth through her and made her feel not only desired but cherished.

“I’ll talk to you soon.” With that, Gray left.

Kiera stared at the closed door and touched her lips. It was going to be one long week.

Three weeks later, Gray rang Trent’s doorbell. He’d arrived in Providence that morning hoping to surprise Kiera before she went to work. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been at her apartment, and when he’d sent her a text message, she’d responded that she was having lunch with a friend. With little else to do, he’d driven over to his brother’s apartment, figuring he could annoy him for the afternoon.

“Hi, Gray.” Addie opened the door and greeted him with an inviting smile. “Trent’s in the shower. He just finished a workout.”

Except for at the wedding, he’d never spoken to Addie, but that didn’t stop him from hugging her now.

“Do you two have plans?”

He took in her tailored skirt and white blouse. From the little his dad and stepmother had told him about Addie, he’d expected someone who spent their weekends in jeans and sweatshirts unless they had plans, which dictated otherwise.

Addie led him into the large open living room. “I have a meeting with a client. Make yourself at home. I’ll let Trent know you’re here before I go.” She put on a long wool coat. “If you don’t have any other plans, stay for dinner. I promised Trent I’d cook chicken cacciatore tonight.”

Smart, beautiful, and she could cook. Maybe Trent and he had similar taste in women after all.

After promising he’d stick around for dinner, Gray wandered into the media room. Either Trent or Addie had left the television on and
The Star Insider
was starting.

Gray recognized the host on the bar-style stool. He’d seen Aimee Trainor at numerous parties and events and always went out of his way to avoid her.

“London native, Nikki Reese, celebrated her thirtieth birthday last night with a star-studded bash in L.A. Many are calling it the Party of the Year, and
The Star Insider
got exclusive access. As expected, Nikki’s BFF, Selena Cruise, was there, and we caught Selena getting cozy with actor Anderson Brady.”

Gray looked around for the remote. He’d rather watch the home shopping channel than media leech Aimee Trainor.

“Not seen at the party, although he was reportedly expected, was Gray Sherbrooke. Viewers might recall that Nikki and Gray were spotted together in September in Milan looking quite friendly. Of course, maybe he missed the party because someone else has captured his attention.”

He froze, his hand on the remote. He’d gone out of his way to keep his relationship with Kiera a secret. Since nothing had appeared anywhere yet, he’d assumed their relationship remained under the radar.

“Insiders close to Gray told us that the prodigal partier has skipped two other events in the past month, and no one has seen him in the company of a woman since before his brother’s wedding in January.”

Gray’s shoulders relaxed. Their relationship remained a secret.

An elbow jabbed him in the side. “What’s this crap doing on?” Trent asked.

“This was on when I walked in.”

Gray waited to see what else Aimee said.

“Someone close to Gray reported that he is secretly dating a woman he met while in Mexico this past January. This news makes me wonder if another Sherbrooke man will soon be off the market.”

He doubted she had any sources. No one he considered a true friend would talk to the media, and his family avoided people like Aimee Trainor at all costs.

“Someone should gag that woman.” Gray turned off the television as the host launched into her next story.

Trent dropped into an overstuffed leather chair. “Agreed.” His brother waited until Gray sat before he spoke again. “What are you doing in Providence?”

“Visiting.”

“Visiting? Dad and Abby went skiing for the weekend. Or are you visiting someone else?” Trent’s tone insinuated he knew the answer.

“Someone else.” Gray figured he’d use a visit with his dad as his reason for being in town. He hadn’t known his dad and stepmother were away.

“The someone else Chloe said you came in Ambrosia with a few weeks ago?”

Gray had forgotten about seeing Addie’s cousin. “The same one.”

He’d never kept his relationships a secret, which explained why Trent was interested.

His brother smirked. “So Aimee Trainor got that part right. You
are
secretly dating someone.”

Gray worked on an answer while he waited for his brother’s next comment.

“Can’t think of many women we know that fit Chloe’s description and live around here.” Trent stroked his chin. “You must have just recently hooked up because, before the wedding you hadn’t visited Providence for months.”

Trent looked at him in shock. “Tell me it’s not Tasha Marshall. She fits Chloe’s description and was at the wedding.”

Gray almost said yes just to see his brother’s reaction. “Hell no. I’m not fucking insane.”

“The jury’s still out on that, bro. But I’m glad it’s not Tasha.”

Gray didn’t comment and neither brother spoke for several seconds.

“When did your sex life become such a national secret?”

“She wants to keep it out of the media.”

“Good luck with that one,” Trent said with sarcasm. “Addie said you’re staying for dinner?”

“Yeah, since K—” Gray stopped himself before he said anymore. “The person I really want to see is busy tonight, I’ll hang around and annoy you instead.”

“Nice save there, Gray. So the mystery woman’s name starts with a K.”

Be more careful
. As long as he didn’t drop any other hints, Trent would never figure it out. After all, he’d assume Gray’s new girlfriend was from a wealthy family or a celebrity who owned a house in Rhode Island. Unless Gray tipped Trent off, he’d never suspect the truth.

“She’s not someone I’ve dated, is she? We know how awkward that can get.” Trent made reference to the one time their cousin, Scott Belmont, dated a former girlfriend of Trent’s.