Billionaire Blaze, page 3
“Me too,” he replied, finally looking at me properly again. He shifted in his seat, moving so he could look at me more easily, and I did the same, smiling properly for the first time since I’d gotten on the plane.
“I’m surprised you haven’t really found someone yet. You seem like a sweet person, and Juno speaks so highly of you. Really, no one caught your eye?”
It was my turn to shake my head. “No one at all, really. The odd date and a few people who flirted, but…there hasn’t really been anyone who made me think I want to take anything any further. My career matters to me, and I don’t find many men who understand that.”
He nodded along with me, fully listening and taking it in. I thought I saw a hint of sadness in his eyes, but I didn’t want to pry if he didn’t want to talk about it.
“Have you had any of those terrible dates where you’ve gone on it anyway and then wished you hadn’t bothered?” he asked. “The kind that makes you wish people came with some kind of manual or checklist so you could rule things out before even getting that far.”
“There was this one guy I went on a date with who wanted me to run away with him to some little African country to teach English in this tiny little school because he’d always dreamed of being a hero in this village. Said he wanted a wife so it was respectable, and not to worry, I didn’t have to sleep with him if I didn’t want to, but I would need to teach English and be okay with the tiny mud hut we’d be living in to start with and always being poor.”
“Sounds like one hell of an offer. Come be destitute and build a dream that’s not yours.” He shook his head.
“What’s your worst?”
He thought for a moment, and it made me wonder if he’d had lots of bad ones or only a few.
“I once had a date with someone who insisted that I pick her up from her ex’s house, where she was still living despite them not being on speaking terms, because her other option was a house only worth three million, and it didn’t come with a chef or housekeeper and the cleaning staff only came twice a week and not every day.” He exhaled as if he couldn’t believe it.
I sat back, stunned that it would happen, but it also reminded me of how different my world was. Until Juno started dating Jack, I hadn’t known anyone with that kind of money. And everyone around her seemed to assume Juno and I did and understood their world entirely.
When he finally looked back at me, he’d shrugged off any emotions that the memory produced and was studying me like he was considering saying something again.
Before he could, there was a voice over the intercom. “We’re beginning our descent and will be arriving on time at our destination. Not much longer now.”
I blinked, the interruption making everyone shift and talk more excitedly. Immediately, Lukas gathered up his stuff and went back to his phone.
“I guess I better figure out that problem Daniel has. He’ll need an answer.”
“Anything I can help with?” I shrugged when he looked my way.
“I don’t know. It’s…complicated, but...” He looked at me and frowned, his brow furrowing, caught in indecision. I looked down, knowing that expression. It always came right before I was given some reason I wasn’t good enough.
“You might. You know something about what makes houses appealing, right? What makes them look…like a home and not just a house.”
I blinked as I stared at him. He was looking toward me and smiling. “I try.”
“All right. He’s having trouble with these three houses he wants to consider buying for rental income. His manager wants him to get them in one place, and he wants another, but a third has come up, and it’s possibly an even better investment. I said I’d help look them over and figure out if they’re in good areas or not.”
It was an interesting problem and one I wasn’t sure I could help much with, but he opened the link to the first one anyway.
“Now, they’ve done their homework on location in terms of selling it later. Schools, tourists, that kind of thing. Work is nearby for all sorts of careers, but they haven’t had any of them surveyed yet,” Lukas continued as he showed me the photos and leaned toward me. Talking with him helped take my focus off the descent, but I still didn’t know if I could really help at first.
It wasn’t until he showed me the third one that I began to think of things to say. The first two had been normal houses and the kind you would find anywhere. Nothing too fancy, but not the cheapest, either. Something that could be rented out easily enough but also resold without too much difficulty later.
The third one was completely different and had the potential to be so much more. Immediately, I grew excited. It was underutilized, and with a small extension and a reshuffle inside, it could be exactly the kind of home that worked. I pointed out all the changes I would make, many of them not that expensive or even possible with only well-placed furniture.
It was clear to me that the people already living there weren’t using the house in the best way, weren’t a big family, and had very different needs from average people. They had also chosen some interesting decor that made it look darker and less open than the floor plan implied.
I hadn’t been talking for long before Lukas started to actually make notes and put together thoughts on it. He added some of his own, talking more about the extension possibilities and explaining to me what was possible with the space as well.
Before we knew it, we had landed, the plane touching down and taking us both by surprise.
CHAPTER SIX
Lukas
As I hung back, waiting for the boats, I considered trying to follow Kit onto whichever one she was going on. I hadn’t managed to have a conversation about a house and what to do with it like the one we’d just had in years. Of course, I’d talked about houses, but not like that, and not with someone who had something to teach me.
But, no matter how much I enjoyed the conversation, I wasn’t sure about the rest. She was sweet enough, clearly a fan of Juno’s, and she knew how to say the right thing. I just didn’t know if that was because I had something she needed or if it was the way she was to everyone.
I stifled a sigh and sent Daniel the list we’d made so I could at least get that off my plate. He could choose the other two if he wanted, but for long-term success, we both thought he should pick the third option. A little more investment would get him a much better return and give him a better house for himself later in life.
It was exactly the right decision and the way my gut had been leading, but I hadn’t been able to put it into words. Sometimes, the house that looked the least like the right one at first glance was exactly the right place long-term.
When we were still making the list while everyone else had been eager to get off the plane, Kit and I had drawn a few looks, and it immediately made me hang back and keep my distance. I didn’t want anyone talking about us or assuming anything. It was just good business to talk to her about a house. Yet again, she had shown that she knew what she was talking about.
As a person, I had no idea what to make of her, however. She was happy enough, she was attractive, and I had no reason not to like her so far. Despite that…I just wasn’t sure what to say or do. I already knew I wanted her on some level. No matter how awkward the silences had gotten on the plane, I wanted to talk to her more, wanted to follow her, but I still pulled away.
Thankfully, Jack took my focus as soon as we were on one of the several boats heading to the island. Because more guests were flying in from other locations later, two boats were waiting behind, and that meant we were all on one together and had gained even more of Jack’s friends.
There were yet more people I didn’t know, but Jack called me over to introduce me.
“I want you to meet Sarai. She runs a bespoke company that offers vacation packages for whole groups. She wants your advice on something. You two would make magic together.” Jack slapped me on the shoulder and moved through the cabin. I put my phone away as the boat sailed out of the harbor, knowing it would be mercifully silent, and sat on the nearest seat to talk to this woman.
“I have no idea if it’s your lane or not, but my partner and I are doing well with themed vacation rentals for people with a group, businesses that want a team weekend… You know, that sort of thing.”
“Partner?” I asked out of habit. Discussing business with only one part of a group when they all had equal say could be awkward. “Are they here?”
“Yes, business partner and marriage partner. Richard is here.” She reached out a hand toward the bar, and a tall, muscular man came over, carrying a drink in one hand. Some kind of amber spirit on the rocks.
“Jack said you were the person to talk to,” Richard said, drawling the words a little.
I nodded, grateful for the distraction and having something to focus on that could be of benefit. Maybe it would help me get Kit out of my mind, especially since she’d got my attention again when Juno called her up to the main deck to talk about something creative she wanted help with.
Although many of the guests were here at Jack’s invite, and none of us needed to hustle in our lives anymore, all of us were creatives and enjoyed the opportunity to meet similar minds and be creative with them. Most people didn’t get this successful if they weren’t used to doing this and making the most of whatever meetings fell their way.
It also gave us all something to talk about, and I threw myself into the conversation. However, it wasn’t long before we were at the island, and everyone was heading to their rooms to unpack, change, and return for dinner.
“We should continue this conversation another night,” I said, hoping we’d genuinely get the chance. They had a good idea, and I had the ability to help them and enough of an opening in my schedule that I could be involved in it if they were willing to jump on it.
Maybe this weekend at Jack’s wedding would be more of a good time than I’d thought. I had considered not coming to it so many times, but there was a woman more than easy on the eyes and some people to talk business with to make my stay more pleasant. Even if I couldn’t let one lead anywhere, I could possibly go somewhere with the other.
And would it hurt to enjoy Kit’s company while we were here together? We moved in entirely different circles. She had to know that after this, we would go our separate ways, right?
I pushed the thought away as I changed, but I opened my suitcase, and instantly everything in it didn’t appear good enough. I had decent clothes, but I wanted to impress. Everyone here dressed well, even if it was in different styles. Dressing well wasn’t enough.
Sitting down on the bed, I frowned. Kit had gotten under my skin. I was trying to impress her already, and I’d barely even met her. I couldn’t let this happen. She had to be just another woman, even if she was interesting. And I had to be on my guard.
After giving myself a quick pep talk and making sure I wasn’t going to embarrass myself, I picked a decent shirt and tie and pulled out my favorite cufflinks. It was overkill for a dinner with friends, but I’d always liked a good suit.
I came out of my room just as Kit came out of hers, directly opposite me in the hallway. I took in the summer dress she had put on and the cute straw hat that somehow made her blonde hair look even prettier and found myself staring.
“You look amazing,” I stammered, feeling like a teenage boy at his first summer dance.
“You clean up well yourself,” she replied, sounding calmer, although her cheeks flushed.
Way to go, I thought to myself. Normally, I was so in control and collected that I didn’t hesitate to handle anything that came my way, but for a few seconds, Kit had unraveled me. Inside, however, I felt the steel returning, and it made me want to walk over to her, pull her into my arms, and find out what her lips would taste like.
I blinked a few times, outwardly showing none of my thoughts. Instead, I took a single step closer and held my arm out to her. “Can I escort you to dinner?”
She nodded and shyly put her arm through mine. Her blushes and the way she glanced down and made her eyelashes more obvious in the bright light created even more of a reaction. Some of my past relationships had involved a dominant and submissive dynamic, and I couldn’t help but look at her and think she would make the perfect submissive for the right dom.
We’re not here for that, I reminded myself, but I got the impression, as I glanced over at her again and felt the weight of her hand on my arm, that I wouldn’t be listening to myself one single bit.
CHAPTER SEVEN
We made our way down to dinner, and Juno spotted us almost immediately. She stopped in her tracks, having been coming our way, and instead backed up to let us through the doorway to the outside terrace. The seating out there had been upgraded since the last time I had been on the island, and there was a lot more room for a group this side.
There were also heat lamps that would allow us to be out there until long after dark.
“Sit wherever you would both like,” Juno said as we got closer to her. There was a slight smirk on her face, and I stiffened a little. Once again, I had forgotten that I didn’t want to draw attention to myself or any interest in a relationship.
“Thank you,” I replied. “I wanted to help Kit to a seat. She looks like those heels could be a nightmare on those steps down from the main floor, and I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I let anything happen to any of you lovely ladies.”
Kit glanced up at me, a hint of confusion on her face, and it stabbed right into me, knowing I had put it there.
I exhaled and kept looking away, trying to decide if I should sit with her or not.
“Lukas, over here,” Sarai said, Richard getting up and pointing to the only spare seat at their table. I frowned, knowing it was an easy way out but not wanting to be that rude to Kit.
“Can we make room for your friend?” Sarai asked, having the sense to notice that I wasn’t alone, at least.
“Oh, it’s okay. I can sit with Juno tonight. Thank you for escorting me down.” Kit looked at me again with her eyes even more lit up by the lamps and fairy lights hanging everywhere.
I didn’t let go of her even as she gently tried to pull her arm away. She lifted an eyebrow but didn’t fight me, letting me pin her arm against my side for a second or two longer. As I looked down at her, I had to fight the urge to kiss her again.
“I insist that you sit with me at breakfast tomorrow,” I said, my voice quiet enough that only she would hear. “I would have your company then if I cannot have it now.”
“You insist?” she responded, her eyes somehow growing even wider and more beautiful as she did. She looked like a deer trapped in headlights, and her mouth opened slightly.
“Yes. Can you handle that?”
She nodded, seemingly unable to speak. I found myself smirking, heat flushing through me as I considered how quickly she had agreed to do as she was told. Feeling a heady mix of arousal and knowing I needed some distance between us so no one else would notice, I finally let go of her and hurried away to the table I had been invited to join.
When I finally dared to look her way again, she was already sitting on one side of Juno, Alma on the other side of her, and deep in conversation with the two of them.
Despite Richard talking to me for much of the dinner and it becoming clear we could all do business together, my mind wasn’t fully on the subject whenever there was a lull or someone else asked us a question. More food was brought out, and the waiters came around frequently with wine and any other drinks we wanted.
Every time something drew attention away from me, I looked over at Kit. A few times, I caught her looking back, and she would look away, flushed and not sure what to do. But most of the time, I could simply drink her in and enjoy the view.
Jack, Juno, Alma, and Kai made sure she was looked after, but it was clear she was the gentle, passive type. She had opinions, that much was clear from hearing her talk about her work, but she was never going to argue with someone or talk them down.
“Admiring a pretty face?” Richard asked when my attention was on her a little longer than previously.
I smiled and looked down, mentally kicking myself for being so obvious.
“There are a lot of pretty faces here. I can admire from a distance and appreciate that I have good company before I go back to normal life.” I tried to throw off the comment, but it reminded me that people were watching, and I had to be careful. So many people wanted to be in my circle or have me in theirs because it benefitted them, and even if she seemed submissive, she could still be dangerous.
I didn’t need to complicate my life right now. It was enough to keep my work clean and away from those who would use my success to further theirs. I wasn’t doing anything or getting involved with anyone if it didn’t also benefit me, and no matter how attractive I found Kit, she moved in different circles.
No matter how much she might be interesting and a possible new submissive, she was still a woman who had no reason to be in my world outside of this wedding. I had to remember that.
Once again, I focused on Richard and his wife, starting to ask the business questions that usually put people off working with me. I had plenty of requests for my expertise, but I wanted to know if they could afford it or if it would be worth my while.
“Well, we don’t have a huge amount to pay you upfront,” Richard began, and immediately, I knew this could go the wrong way. If my work would be just a favor to someone, I wasn’t interested. “But we’ve got some cash projections based on our previous themed areas, and we’d like to offer you a percentage share of the revenue going forward. We know what you’re worth and what you can bring to the table, and I think this can be worth it for all of us.”
I looked over at Sarai, and despite Richard saying this to me, I got the impression she was the one behind it. She had realized what was needed, and Richard was just the mouthpiece. The understanding made me frown. I knew it was common in business for women to have men alongside them to ease these sorts of business deals and buy them respect, but I wasn’t the kind of guy to look at a woman and try and take advantage or see her as less competent.
