Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 Laura Burton (books to read this summer .TXT) 📖

between tasteful and yet ordinary. She slipped on the dress and expertly zipped it up, looking like a contortionist with her arms flung back to work the zipper. She ran her hands down the material. The dress hugged her curves and fit like a glove, moving with her easily, as if it were an extra layer of skin. She grabbed her favorite bottle of perfume and sprayed it liberally into the air and walked into the fragrant plume. She tried to remember everything David told her at lunch. Thankfully, after all these years of meeting clients and matchmaking, memory recall became a strength. She was able to collect facts and store them better than anyone.

David was born in London and went to boarding school. His height made him clumsy, and he was known for dropping things or tripping up and was bullied mercilessly for it. High school was better, having made a few close friends and the other students became aware of his family’s fortune. Kids would try to befriend him because their parents wanted to get to know his family. He graduated university and set up his own company as a freelance architect. His family’s high-profile connections landed him a lot of work. All of the Marks Hotels built after 2005 were designed by David. His favorite color was blue, he liked his steak rare—she remembered that from their first “date.”

She jumped on one foot as she fastened her sandal. He’s a fan of basketball, but not baseball. She secured a diamanté slide into her hair. He hates jeans. He doesn’t even own a pair. The doorbell rang and she grabbed her purse, stuffing it with her phone, keys, and wallet. The doorbell rang again, Emily hurried to the door and pressed the button on the intercom.

“Yes, Emily Stewart.”

“I think you mean Emily Marks.”

Emily sucked in the air through her teeth. The sound of his voice echoing around the apartment sent shivers of excitement running through her veins, a nervous excitement. And she liked it.

“I’ll be right down.” She ran back to her dresser and picked up the platinum ring, sliding it onto her finger and marveled at it for a moment. She always wondered what it would feel like to wear a beautiful diamond ring and walk around with a man on her arm. Now that it was happening, none of it seemed real. Which is true, none of it IS real, Emily. Don’t forget it. She shook her head and hurried out of her apartment, ignoring the twinge of sadness deep within her stomach.

“Wow, you look—” David broke off and held his hand to his heart with a look of admiration. Emily’s cheeks warmed and she couldn’t stop a beam spreading across her face at his reaction.

“Thanks, you don’t look too bad either.” She linked her arm with his and traced a line along the cuff of his white shirt. A silver cufflink caught her eye; she leaned closer to study the detail. It was a tiny scroll.

“Mr. and Mrs. Marks, good evening.”

Emily jumped at the welcome to see Henry standing beside the limousine as they approached. Emily glanced at David with a knowing smile. She was sure news would spread quickly now that everyone in David’s inner circle knew. Emily wondered whether she should tell her family. Isn’t this the type of thing you’d tell your sister about? She could offer some advice or talk it through. Emily inwardly scoffed at the thought. When was the last time she or even my parents called me? They don’t care. Emily brushed away her thoughts and took David’s hand as he helped her into the back of the limousine.

“I like your car,” she said, pushing herself deeper into the squishy leather seat. David settled into his seat and turned to look at her, matching her expression.

“Thanks. Now, tell me about these investors we are about to meet.”

“Honestly, there’s not much to tell.” Emily shrugged. “Matthew is my contact. I’m not even sure who he is. He’s kept the identity of these investors under wraps, so I’m a bit in the dark about them.”

“Interesting, and what exactly is your plan?”

“Sorry?”

“What do you need money for?”

Emily clenched her jaw and swallowed. So far, she had made a good show… acted like she didn’t have want for anything.

“I want to open up a new office in LA.”

“LA?”

“Yes, well it’s a hot spot for actors. I think a matchmaking business will do well there.”

“No doubt, that’s true. It’s a wise business decision.”

Emily looked at him with surprise. She had not expected David to have a positive opinion on it.

“Thanks.”

“How much are you asking for?”

“Two-hundred and fifty thousand.”

“Is that all?”

Well, sure, a quarter of a million dollars is peanuts when you’re a billionaire. Emily resisted the urge to huff and roll her eyes. Instead, she pressed her lips together and nodded.

“Why don’t you just take out a loan? I’m guessing these people will want a percentage of your business for their investment. Why give it away?”

Emily wanted to pout and fold her arms, insist that it was none of this was his business. Which was true, but did she need to tell him all about her finances? No. But the sincere look in his eye and the gentleness of his voice had Emily’s defenses lowering.

“Honestly, I’m broke. I’m already up to my eyeballs in debt.”

“How is that possible? I’ve seen your fees. Harold told me you have a whole team with a massive list of clients.”

Emily scratched the back of her hand and looked away. She couldn’t look into David’s eyes for another moment. He didn’t get it. Hiring staff with New York expenses, the office alone cost her more than a mortgage payment and then there was getting top interior designers to make the office look trendy. The cost of living, wining and dining potential clients, keeping up with the image of a successful businesswoman. The finances snowballed out of control. But that’s why the LA business was going to be a