Almost Perfect: A BWWM Billionaire Single Parent Romance by BWWM Club, Alia Thomas Read Free Book Online

“That’s fine Richard, I am a big girl, I can
escort myself.”
    She
flashed a grin and Richard’s heart turned to mush. The
butterflies in his stomach were feasting on it. What was she doing?
Would this appear unprofessional? He thought. Yes, it was a social
outing, but still things could be misinterpreted for something else
if the hound dog reporters picked up a scent. Richard was unsure if
he cared.
    The
Chef appeared from the back of the large dining room to announce that
dinner would be served momentarily. Again, clasping her hand over her
chest in that gentle way only she could, Kimberly was suddenly
concerned that she didn’t know the seating arrangements. Better
informed guests were moving to their tables and she stood still.
    “ Kimberly,”
Richard said, above the din of pulling chairs and shuffling feet.
“Would you like to sit at my table?”
    “ I
don’t know if it works like that boss. It seems everyone knows
where to go except me.”
    Authoritatively,
he took her hand and said, “Come with me.”
    If
sparks could have flown from the electricity that the two connecting
palms ignited, it would have created a brilliant firework show. Both
aware of the heat, Kimberly and Richard hesitated momentarily,
knowing that this was quickly becoming more than a boss-employee
situation.
    Stalking
past Lena, who stood with her mouth open, Richard pulled out a chair
and seated Kimberly to his left and then took his rightful place at
the head of the table. Tabletop made hefty donations to many
environmental committees represented here. He would have whoever he
pleased at his table.
    Mother
dearest was the one who made the ruckus, and anyone would have sworn
she was an organizer of the event. With her deceptively sweet smile
she walked over to the pair who had just begun whispering to each
other and cleared her throat.
    Richard
looked up from his important conversation as though agitated by the
intrusion, and cocked his ear to his mother while the girl with the
overly decorated neck stood behind her.
    “ Son,
I had arranged for Alissa to sit with you, but I see you have a
guest.”
    She
was waiting for an introduction and Richard decided to drag out her
agony a bit more.
    “ That’s
unfortunate Mother. I’m afraid I have to bid the beautiful
Alissa my most humble apologies.”
    The
statement didn’t give Queen Lena what she wanted, so she
skipped the coyness and asked. “And who exactly is this exotic
specimen you are sitting with on a grand evening such as this?”
    Alissa
backed away and Richard felt proud of killing another money, status
and social shark looking to marry well.
    “ Never
patient are we Mother?”
    Lena
produced a smile that mothers gave to children when they were moments
away from severe punishment. Richard yielded. “This is Kimberly
Walsh. She is the new lawyer for Tabletop and I have invited her here
as my personal guest. I will be sure to inform you of all my dates in
the future since you now seem so interested.”
    Daggers
made of ice and fire were silently fired through Lena’s gaze
and she snapped her head around at Kimberly’s now extended
hand. Being a lady, Kimberly was taken aback when she received only a
cursory nod from the matriarch of the Damask family, and quickly
lowered her hand back to her lap. There was a time and place to
chastise little old ladies. This was not it.
    The
old woman’s nose immediately went up into the air and she
walked around the table stiffly before taking her place adjacent
Kimberly at the table. What an interesting night this was turning out
to be. In a matter of minutes, Kimberly was reminded that Old Money
thought there were places for her people. Sitting at the head table
was not one of them.
    Sipping
on the pre dinner alcohol made Kimberly senses heighten. The mention
of her as a date by Richard did not go unnoticed. Yes, definitely and
interesting night. Zucchini curls on a bed of arugula salad, dressed
with a creamy sauce were served with