Page 6 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

The older woman laughs.“That’s a funny one.I’ve never heard of someone paying us in advance.We have enough trouble getting any payment at all.I’ll let Clem know you’re waiting.As soon as that baby gets here, I’m sure he’ll be on his way.”

The line goes dead.

I stare at my phone.I can’t believe this.I’ve been sent out on countless acquisition trips, but this one has been the biggest dumpster fire by far, and I haven’t even started with the acquisition part yet!What’s wrong with people these days?What’s wrong with the peoplehere?Isn’t anyone a professional anymore?Does anyone know how to act in a business world?

My phone rings.It’s Millicent.

“I’m sorry, Victoria.The rental company refuses to drive anyone out there.They say it’s too far.”

I lose it.I feel horrible for yelling at Millicent.It’s not her fault all this has happened, but holy shit!How am I going to get where I need to be when I’m surrounded by nothingness?It’s not like I can walk!

What else will go wrong?

CHAPTER 4

Cal

I hoof it back through the hangar and head to my Jeep.Yeah, of course, I look for the bombshell in a business suit when I get to the terminal, but she’s not there.I figure she’s already on her way to wherever she was headed.Too bad.

I exit the double doors with my eyes on the gravel lot where I parked.

And whad’ya know?There she is.

Her back is to me, her tall, slim frame surrounded by three large pieces of designer luggage—Louis Vuitton or Burberry or Prada or Versace or whatever the fuck it is people choose to waste their money on these days.

“What?”Her voice is high and shrill, and she stomps her foot onto the front sidewalk.“What do you mean they can’t get a car here?But Millicent, we… but I… I’m standing here looking around and all I see are mountains and desert and forest!Do you suggest Iwalkthere?I need a car and a driver!I need a ride!”

I review the checklist in my head.

Do I have a car?

I do.

Can I drive it?

I can.

Which means I’m exactly what this woman wants and needs.

It’s a real good day to be Cal MacLaine.

“May I be of service, ma’am?”

CHAPTER 5

Victoria

I spin around and come face-to-face with the violet-eyed cowboy.I feel myself blush.I haven’t blushed since the eighth grade.Because he’s even better looking up close.I’m not sure how that’s possible.

His voice is impossibly deep, velvet smooth with a hint of a country lilt.I think of a million dirty responses about how he could be of service.Somehow I maintain my composure and don’t mention all the ways I’d like him to service me—and how I imagine servicing him.Instead, I think about the deal I’m here to do and about my hard-won career, what I’ve worked for since I got out of school.I decide to focus on what I definitely need, not what I might desire.

“You scared me.You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.If you’re with the car service, could you please load up my bags?”

He doesn’t smile.His chiseled jaw moves slightly, and he squints at me, as if he’s trying to see me but can’t quite get a clear picture.“I’m not with a service, but I do have a car, and I can take you where you want to go.”

This response takes me by surprise.It’s delivered matter-of-factly but also imbued with a sincere politeness.I take a step back.

Here comes the discombobulation again.