Curves and the Billionaire (BBW Billionaire Romance) by Sophie Stern Read Free Book Online Page A

seems to catch my confusion and he quickly explains.
    “I always threw a party for my uncle when he was alive. Even though I know it’s sort of unconventional, I throw a small celebration each year on his birthday. It’s my way of honoring his memory with his closest friends.”
    I nod.
    “Of course, Mr. Thompson. How many attendees are you expecting at your celebration?”
    “A hundred and fifty, possibly two hundred. I’ll have a more accurate count once the party is closer.”
    I try to avoid raising my eyebrows in surprise at the number. Two hundred people sounds like a lot more than close friends, but who am I to judge? My only job is to make sure that this party has all the food and desserts anyone could possibly need.
    “Absolutely,” I tell him with a polite smile. “I can accommodate your needs without a problem.”
    Now it’s his turn to smirk at me, obviously catching my not-intended double entendre.
    “I mean-“ I start, trying to save myself, but it’s no use. He starts laughing out loud and I quickly follow suit.
    “I’m so sorry,” I tell him, catching my breath. “I didn’t mean anything by that. I just meant that I won’t have a problem getting enough food.”
    “I know, but it’s not every day I meet women who aren’t afraid to joke around with me. It’s pleasant.”
    I blush, but try not to. His words warm my heart in ways he could never imagine. I made him laugh and he’s a billionaire who just told me that I’m not like all the other girls. He has no idea how amazing it is to hear those words.
    Though I’m not terribly self-conscious about my size or my dating history, it doesn’t mean I’m used to people judging me before they get to know me. Once people find out that I’m a professional baker and chef, the knowing glances are enough to make me want to tear my hair out. I’m not fat because of my job! Furthermore, I don’t think it’s particularly fair that no one looks twice at a skinny person who happens to work in the food industry, but as soon as a chef happens to be overweight, it’s the end of the world.
    End of soapbox.
    “Let’s talk about your menu ideas,” I say, trying to shift the discussion back to business. The event is, after all, only a few weeks away. If Nathan wants everything to be perfect – and I know that he does – then we need to get to work as quickly as possible.
    He hesitates only a moment before leaning forward and almost whispering, “Any chance you’ll be on the menu?”
    If I was wearing panties, they’d be soaked right now. Is he serious? This is so not what I expected when I woke up this morning, dreading this meeting. I thought I might have to suffer through a few fat jokes or listen to him be better than us normal people. I did not expect this man to hit on me.
    At least, I think he just hit on me.
    I’m almost positive.
    A look of panic crosses my face and my eyes go wide. I don’t know what to say. What do I say? What do I do? How do I respond to the advances of the wealthiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on? Is he just messing with me?
    And then it hits me: he’s the wealthiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
    And now I mostly want to know if he’s just messing with me.
    “If this is your idea of a joke,” I say, finally finding my voice, “then this discussion is over. I’m sorry for wasting your time, Mr. Thompson.” I grab my folder and stand quickly, turning to leave without waiting for an apology.
    I don’t know why I ever got my hopes up.
    Ever since my first boyfriend, Joe Bralke, made fun of the way my tummy jiggled when I was on top during sex, I’ve never stopped wondering if that’s how all guys think. While I’m proud of my body and I think I look pretty good most days, there are times when I wonder if I’m going to be single forever because all men want a model.
    I hurry to the elevator, trying not to feel ashamed and sad. I don’t know why I even came today. I should have just sent my assistant. Everyone