Falling for the Secret Millionaire by Kate Hardy Read Free Book Online Page A

was tired of dating women who had preconceived notions about him. All he wanted to do was talk to Nicole Thomas about mutual opportunities, point out all the many difficulties she was going to face in restoring the cinema, and then talk her into doing the sensible thing and selling the Electric Palace to him for a price fair to both of them.
    * * *
    Nicole looked round the café, trying to work out which of the men sitting on their own was Gabriel Hunter. Why on earth hadn’t she looked him up on the internet first, so she would’ve known exactly who she was meeting here? Had she already slipped out of good business habits, just days after leaving the bank? At this rate, she’d make a complete mess of the cinema and she’d be forced to go back to her old job—and, worse still, have to admit that she’d failed in her bid for freedom.
    Then the man in the corner lifted his hand and gave the tiniest wave.
    He looked young—probably around her own age. There wasn’t a hint of grey in his short dark hair, and his blue eyes were piercing.
    If he was the head of Hunter Hotels when he was that young, then he was definitely the ruthless kind. She made a mental note to be polite but to stay on her guard.
    His suit was expensively cut—the sort that had been hand-made by a good tailor, rather than bought off the peg—and she’d just bet if she looked under the table his shoes would be the same kind of quality. His shirt was well cut, too, and that understated tie was top of the range. He radiated money and style, looking more like a model advertising a super-expensive watch than a hotel magnate, and she felt totally scruffy and underdressed in her jeans and T-shirt. Right then she really missed the armour of her business suit.
    He stood up as she reached his table and held out his hand. ‘Thank you for coming, Ms Thomas.’
    His handshake was firm and a little tingle ran down Nicole’s spine at the touch of his skin against hers. How inappropriate was that? They were on opposite sides and she’d better remember that. Apart from the fact that she never wanted to get involved with anyone again, the fact Gabriel Hunter was her business rival meant he was totally out of the running as a potential date. Even if he was one of the nicest-looking men she’d ever met. Didn’t they say that handsome is as handsome does?
    â€˜Mr Hunter,’ she said coolly.
    â€˜Call me Gabriel.’
    She had no intention of doing that—or of inviting him to call her by her own first name. They weren’t friends; they were business rivals.
    â€˜How do you like your coffee?’ he asked.
    â€˜Espresso, please.’
    â€˜Me, too.’ He smiled at her, and her heart felt as if it had done a backflip.
    â€˜If you haven’t been here before, I’d recommend the Guatemala blend.’
    â€˜Thank you. That would be lovely,’ she said politely.
    This was the kind of café that sold a dozen different types of coffee, from simple Americanos and cappuccinos through to pour-over-and-siphon coffee; and she noted from the chalk board above the counter that there were a dozen different blends to choose from, all with tasting notes, so this was the kind of place that was frequented by serious coffee drinkers. The kind of coffee bar she half had in mind for the Electric Palace, depending on whether she kept it as a cinema or turned it into a craft café.
    But Gabriel Hunter unsettled her.
    She wasn’t used to reacting like that towards someone. She hadn’t reacted to anyone like that since Jeff. Given her poor judgement when it came to relationships, she really didn’t want to be attracted to Gabriel Hunter.
    Focus, Nicole, she told herself sharply. Business. Work. Nothing else.
    Gabriel came back to the table carrying two espressos, and set one cup and saucer in front of her before sitting down opposite her again.
    She took a sip. ‘You’re right;