Barefoot Bay: The Billionaire's Convenient Secret (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Leigh Duncan Read Free Book Online Page B

he’d packed his tux. A woman like Charlie deserved black tie, dim lights and all the trappings of success. Maintaining his good ol’ boy image long enough to pry answers from her was going to be tougher than he’d thought it would be. Especially considering the willowy blonde was someone he’d definitely like to impress.
    * * *
    The tuxedoed server hovering at her elbow waited just long enough for Charlie to slide her legs under the table before he leaned in, spreading a crisp white napkin across her lap. Three feet away, Josh tugged his own chair out just a shade too forcefully. He collapsed into it, his shoulders slumping, as nervous as a schoolboy on his first date. And no wonder. He’d probably never stepped into a five-star restaurant before, almost certainly had never dined in one where the staff outnumbered the guests. He was, in all likelihood, gasping for air like a fish out of water. She smiled, trying her best to put him at ease.
    “I’m glad we decided to do this tonight,” she said, her voice low. “You look nice.” Nice was an understatement. Though he hadn’t exactly dressed for dinner, he looked perfectly delectable in a linen shirt and chinos.
    A shy smile spread from his eyes downward, widening a pair of kissable lips and stirring an unexpected warmth in her midsection. Suddenly thirsty, she sipped water. Josh didn’t need to dress up for anyone. Not with that boyish grin of his dimpling his chiseled cheeks.
    “You look pretty good yourself. I like your hair all loose like that.”
    “Yes, well.” She flicked a thick strand over one shoulder. “I wear it up when I’m working. It’s easier that way.”
    Wait staff stood at a discreet distance while Josh said, “I’ve ordered some cheese and a bottle of wine to start. I hope you’ll like it.”
    As if his words had triggered the man’s appearance, the sommelier approached the table bearing Josh’s selection.
    “Um, could you hold off a sec?” Charlie hid her dismay at the expensive-looking bottle. She liked a nice glass of chardonnay as well as the next person, but the Bordeaux had to cost more than Josh’s salary for an entire week. She ran a finger down the wine list, searching for something affordable. “I think we might try something else. How about the house rosé?”
    “I’m sure the house wines are good.” Josh glanced at the sommelier, who nodded agreeably. “But this one had a very high rating in Wine Spectator . I want to give it a try.”
    “Are you sure, Josh? It’s awfully…” Unwilling to insult him, she hesitated.
    “Expensive?” he asked, filling in the blank. “I know. If it’s as good as they say it is, it’ll be worth it.”
    He’d probably read about it in a magazine he pulled off the rack at the Super Min and wanted to make an impression. She resisted the urge to point out how unnecessary that was. It’d take more than a good bottle of wine and a snack in a nice restaurant to move their relationship past the first stepping stone. A lot more. Not that Josh wasn’t a great guy or didn’t deserve her attention. His killer smile and fantasy-inspiring body bought him at least that much.
    “Fine,” she said, conceding the field.
    She waited while the waiter made a production out of opening the bottle. To her surprise, Josh took the cork when it was handed to him and waved it under his nose just like the connoisseurs had in the wine appreciation class she’d taken one weekend. She studied his face, noting the way his nostrils flared the tiniest bit, a sign that he found the aroma acceptable. The wine steward poured a small portion. Taking it, Josh tipped his glass from side to side, apparently entranced by the ruby red hues coating the inside of the glass. At last, he took a sip. She tried not to stare when he swallowed, but his Adam’s apple bobbed so gracefully, the sight made her back teeth ache.
    “Excellent,” he pronounced. “I think we’ll enjoy this.”
    Heat pooled in her midsection