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

pickled shrimp in white wine
vinaigrette.
    Selecting
the salad fork, Richards’s mother began to eat her first course
slowly, while darting her eyes from Richard to Kimberly and then back
to Richard. They were chatting a bit too closely for her comfort and
occasionally Kimberly leaned too close to her son for Lena’s
liking. She would have to call her ex husband in the morning to
address the matter of the boss and the help fraternizing.
    Kimberly
was enchanted by the presence of her boss and the friendly manner in
which he dealt with her. The mother issue was not something to be
concerned about and she ignored the old goat completely. There was
something happening under the table and it was unnerving her. Though
the table was spacious, Richard’s legs were long and every time
he leaned forward for a forkful of salad, the one nearest to her
rubbed against her thigh. Separated by layers of fabric, the warmth
of the masculine leg stimulated Kimberly in ways she found unnerving.
How was it that the simple leg of a not so simple man could make the
breath in her chest feel insufficient?
    Maybe
she was misinterpreting the messages she was reading from Richard. He
was a rich white man with luxuries she had only been recently
introduced to, and she was a black woman with a tormented history.
This would be an unlikely pairing, and Kimberly struggled to keep the
thought out of her mind. Richard would have liked if Kimberly could
sit closer. The smell of the food was delicious, but nowhere near as
alluring as the fragrance he inhaled when she came close to listen to
his whispers.
    Watching
the rise and fall of her breasts as she laughed at his dull jokes,
Richard wondered if her breasts were just as soft as her palms. She
was a woman- full of ambition and she probably had an active social
life anyway. Money didn’t seem to be her only objective in life
and he found himself imagining what it would be like to be with her-
alone.
    *****
    Though
the tension wire of attraction was pulled tighter than ever, both
Kimberly and Richard managed to keep their interaction to an
employee-employer level. The dancing after dinner proved to be a
challenge as both the dismissed Alissa and Roland returned for a
chance to get closer to their targets.
    Longing
glances across the dance floor were exchanged and stares diverted as
Kimberly’s and Richard’s dance partners filled their ears
with meaningless chatter. The applause at the end of the final waltz
was rousing and all present agreed that it was a truly pleasant
evening.
    Alissa
never had the chance to solicit a personal invitation from Richard
Damask, because he abruptly left her side to escort Kimberly to her
ride. Giving Roland the excuse that he wanted to discuss some brief
company business with her, the two headed for the door.
    It
was not a request and Roland understood this as he backed away,
bidding the stunning Kimberly Walsh a splendid good night. Maybe he
would have another chance but it wouldn’t be today.
    Crisp
air greeted the now warm guests as they emerged from the cozy house,
and it was a good cleanse for the lungs. Forgetting about the shawl,
Kimberly hugged her shoulders as Richard joined her side. They both
waited for the valets to bring the cars around, amid the other
officials directing the now overflowing traffic. Richard was eager to
speak with her about anything. He just wanted to be in her presence
without interruption.
    “ Did
you enjoy yourself?”
    “ Yes,
I did. It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. It’s
evident I don’t get out much.” They laughed heartily at
the joke and without thinking she touched his chest affectionately.
Withdrawing her hand swiftly, Kimberly was aware that she may have
crossed the line.
    Grabbing
it and placing it back on his chest, Richard said, “You don’t
have to be so cautious around me. I won’t push anything.”
    Kimberly’s
girlish innocent smile spread across her face and then it was quickly
replaced with something