Without Warning: A Billionaire Romance (Playboys of New York Book 5) JA Low (e textbook reader .TXT) 📖

“Great. Emma found me something nice,” I add.

“And?” Emma pushes.

I frown, not sure what else she needs me to tell them. “It’s white and lace,” I add.

“No.” Emma shakes her head. “Tell them about you quitting your job,” Emma pushes.

“You quit your job?” Chloe’s voice raises in surprise.

“Um, no.” Looking over at Emma, she’s grinning. “Emma graciously said that I could move into her apartment rent-free to help me start my business,” I explain about Emma’s offer.

“And you’re going to take it?” Stella asks.

“It’s only just happened.”

“This is a brilliant idea,” Chloe adds.

“I have some things to sort out first. I have to give notice on my apartment. I have to tie things up at work. I have a million and one licenses to obtain to start a business.” They all know this. I can’t just click my fingers and magically have my own practice.

“Well, EJ and I want to be your first clients,” Stella adds.

What did she say? I glance over at her.

“Since coming back from Moonlight Falls, EJ and I have been discussing building a home on my block of land at my family’s ranch.”

“Oh my God, that is amazing.” Chloe squeals excitedly.

Stella looks over at me. “We really want you to do it, even if you weren’t going out on your own. There’s no one else we trust for the job.” Stella grins.

I think this champagne is going to my head because I’m getting a little emotional.

“I told Ari earlier that I need a new boathouse,” Emma adds.

“You already have two clients.” Chloe grins. “I’m sure Noah and I can find something that needs to be done at our property.”

I cannot believe how supportive my friends are being. “You all believe in me that much?” Staring at my friends around the table, I raise an eyebrow.

“Of course, we do.” Stella smiles. “Just like you have believed in all of us. Now it’s our turn to repay the favors.”

“I just…” I can’t continue. I am lost for words.

“I think we need to raise our glasses for Ariana and the new adventure she is about to embark on,” Emma adds. “You in?”

Turning, they all look at me.

“I’m in.”

5

Rhys

I still cannot believe my divorce is still ongoing. We’ve been fighting the divorce for longer than our marriage. Things got a little intense with the media after Madison went public, trying to paint me out to be a complete monster saying that I’ve cut her off without a penny and that she’s homeless, even though her Instagram is filled with pictures of her lazing on the beach all over the world.

I had to get away from her dramatics.

She even indicated that I was the one cheating, not her.

So, I packed up and decided to head to London to get away from New York and all of Madison’s spies and minions, who like to cockblock me any chance I get on the dating scene in New York.

Really, I should be thanking Madison for running me out of town because it meant I’ve been able to focus on the European markets a little more. I’ve been able to expand into new locations such as Eastern Europe.

But I’m looking forward to coming home and getting my life back, especially since Madison has decided to move to Europe for the summer, making it a rather unpleasant experience.

She’s dating some new guy who’s a prince, ditching Dominic in the process of finding someone even richer. I don’t feel bad for him at all. I’m still so confused about why she’s fighting me on my company. What are her motives?

“You happy to be back on home soil,” Stirling asks. He’s been looking after the American side of the company while I’ve been away.

“Hell, yeah. I’ve missed the city,” I reply.

“Well, I’ve left a nice little welcome home package for you in your apartment when you get there. Hope you enjoy it.” Stirling chuckles.

What the hell has he planned?

“Thanks, I think.” I chuckle before hanging up.

Eventually, I land, and my driver is there to pick me up. I’ve missed the Manhattan noise and chaos as I watch the cars and taxis scream by. Don’t get me wrong, London is a busy place, but New York is crazier, which I like.

My driver drops me out at the front of my apartment, and the bellman is there to greet me. “Oh, Mr. Davenport, you’re home early,” Ricky, the bellman, exclaims.

Why does he look so shocked that I’m home? Or care, for that matter.

“Yes. Business calls,” I tell him as he grabs my bags and helps me to the elevator.

“It’s all right. I’ve got it from here.” Usually, I would let him take my bags up, but tonight I want a shower and bed.

“Okay, sir.” Ricky looks pale. What is going on with him?

The doors to the elevator shut, and I ascend to my penthouse apartment. The doors open right into my home, and I place my bags by the front door. I loosen my tie and hang my suit jacket on the coat rail, then I kick off my shoes and undo my cufflinks and place them on the table in the foyer. I’ll deal with this mess in the morning. I step around the corner while rolling up the sleeves on my business shirt, and I’m stopped in my tracks by a half-naked woman in my kitchen. What on earth is going on?

“Welcome home, Rhys.” Her sultry voice goes directly to my dick as does the vision of her standing in nothing but a pair of barely their white underwear and red heels. My eyes run up long, lean, tanned legs that go on for miles. Over a flat, defined stomach, then up toward her breasts, generous in size as they push against the thin white lace, then up her elegant neck. Chocolate waves of silky hair fall around her tanned shoulders. My eyes move up to a beautiful face. Cocoa-colored eyes swirl with desire as she takes me in and bright