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

cheeks flushing, and Edward awkwardly scratched the back of his neck before reaching out and taking Catherine’s hand.

“Eddie, that’s cute,” Catherine said as they shook hands. She looked between the two men before turning to her cousin. There appeared to be an unspoken conversation going on. Anthony’s brows were raised as he stared at Sam, who grinned sheepishly back, while Edward shrugged and looked shiftily between the two of them.

“I need to get to the subway before it gets too late. Suzie, do you want to go together?” Josephine interjected tactfully as she nodded to Catherine and made eyes at Suzie, who nodded. Louis appeared frozen on the spot and incapable of finding his voice. He merely stood lamely at the side watching the exchange, like a spectator watching a big football game on a big screen.

“It’s nice to meet you all, but it’s been a very long month. If you don’t mind, I’m going to––” Catherine began, edging for the exit. She picked up her bag and gave a fake breathy laugh. Even though no one had told a joke.

What is he doing here? This is not happening, right?

Edward’s smile disappeared and he took a step forward hesitantly. Catherine jumped, like a prey suddenly aware of a predator advancing.

“Wait, I was going to ask, are you coming over to my mom’s this weekend?” Anthony said quickly.

“Can’t,” Catherine said, almost through gritted teeth. Her heartbeat accelerated and she wanted the ground to open up so she could crawl in. She never in her wildest dreams thought she would see Edward again. “I’m singing at the Climate Change event this weekend.”

Sam clapped and made a “oh ho!” noise, sounding uncannily like a Father Christmas who had just discovered a lost bag of presents.

“This is great, we’ll all be there,” he said, nudging Edward, who remained primed, looking almost ready to pounce, his baby blues focused only on Catherine. The intensity of his gaze had her stomach doing flips.

“You too right?” Sam said, looking at Edward. Edward’s eyes flickered to meet Sam’s for a brief moment before they flew back to settle on Catherine. He gave a small nod.

“Well, it looks like I’ll be having dinner with my mom alone this weekend,” Anthony said heavily.

“Good. That’s settled then,” Catherine said backing away further. She raised a tentative hand in the air, grabbed her jacket from the back of a chair and waved. “See you later, then.”

She turned and dashed out of the door.

“Catherine, wait.”

Catherine froze, her shoulders hunched slightly as she turned on the spot and found herself an inch away from Edward’s heaving chest. Even in the dim streetlamps, his perfectly white teeth shone back at her.

“You said if we happened to meet again, I could ask you––”

“If we happened to meet again. You clearly followed me,” Catherine cut in, stepping back and pulling on her jacket.

“What were you doing at my show? At $400 a seat, I can’t see how––”

“A poor mechanic can justify spending that money to listen to the most enchanting voice the world has ever known?” Edward said, reaching out for her hands. Catherine moved away and pursed her lips with disapproval.

“Hmm,” she said, not sure if he was being serious or facetious. Edward dropped his hands and looked defeated.

“It’s also my birthday,” he said quietly.

Catherine looked at the tall man. His perfectly tailored suit bulged at the arms and his dark hair was set in beautiful waves covering the top of his ears. She wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through those waves.

“Oh. Happy Birthday,” Catherine said in a voice she didn’t think sounded like her own. “And you’re going to the Climate Change conference? Isn’t the ticket price insane?”

Edward chewed his lip and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“Well, I know some people.”

“So, you’re passionate about saving the planet?” Catherine asked, folding her arms across her chest. The cool air picked up and chilled her as a large van passed by.

“Isn’t everyone?” Edward asked, sounding hopeful. “Meet me for breakfast.”

“Is that a demand?” Catherine asked, stiffening.

Edward stared at her, his mouth hanging open slightly. Catherine guessed this might have been the first time a woman had not immediately fallen to his feet at his advances.

“Not at all. I would be honored…” he broke off and paced the sidewalk in thought. Catherine watched the deep look of concentration on his face as he scratched the back of his neck again. “I’m sorry,” he said as he came to a stop and looked at her imploringly. His baby blue eyes glowed in the light and for the first time, Catherine detected true sincerity.

“Your voice is the most heavenly sound I’ve ever heard. I think I’m still taken aback by it,” he said, resting a hand to his chest with fervor. Catherine smiled despite herself, allowing her resolve to fizzle away.

“I’m not a morning person,” she said frankly. “How about brunch?”

Edward grinned so widely it took over his whole face.

“I know the perfect place,” he said warmly. Catherine gave a nod and turned on her heel.

“Goodbye Eddie,” she said over her shoulder, then she stopped walking and turned back. “Do you want me to call you Eddie?” she asked, unsure.

“I’d prefer Edward… if it’s okay with you,” he said carefully. Catherine gave him a nod.

He wants to keep things formal; I like that.

“Well Edward, good night.” Catherine waited until she rounded the corner before she allowed her face to break into a grin.

Chapter Four

A Gentleman’s Deal

Edward did not need to guess twice what Sam was thinking as they pulled up outside his apartment. The deep line between his brows said it all. He did not approve of his choice.

“You can’t do this,” he said in a low voice. Edward unbuttoned his collar and sighed heavily.

“Too late,” he said frankly. Sam scrutinized Edward’s determined face with soul-piercing eyes.

“She’s Anthony’s cousin,” he said in a gravely whisper. Apparently unable to bring himself to say the words properly in case someone should hear him.

“What’s the big