Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe: Refuse to Settle (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Stephanie Haefner Read Free Book Online Page B

his neck to his chest and down his stomach. Her nails left sparks of heat in their wake, sending jolts of desire to his manhood.
    “Ahem!”
    Jilly’s eyes popped open and she pulled away. “Shit,” she whispered.
    How had they not heard the bell above the door? They’d both been so lost in the kiss that nothing else mattered.
    Colin stepped back and let her slide off the counter. She adjusted her shirt and stepped out to the side.
    “Hi, Sandra. The usual?”
    “Yes, please,” the woman said, laughter in her throat.
    “Comin’ right up.” Jilly headed behind the counter to the kitchen and got to work.
    Colin smiled at the woman over his shoulder and willed his erection away. “Good morning,” he said.
    “Apparently it’s a very good morning for you.” Her eyes held a twinkle, a sly smile across her face. She approached the counter where he still stood, her voice low. “You better be good to her.”
    Had he heard her correctly? He faced her again. “Excuse me?”
    “She’s dealt with enough heartache in her life. She doesn’t need more.”
    “I know what she’s had to deal with.”
    “Do you really ?”
    He knew what Jilly had told him, but he had a feeling there was more to the story. He wasn’t going to push. She’d tell him when she was ready.
    Jilly reappeared with a drink in a to-go cup for the woman, some kind of pastry in a bag. “On the house today.”
    “Jilly…”
    “Please. Take it. So I feel slightly less embarrassed.”
    “Fine. But next time I’m leaving you a huge tip.” She winked at Jilly and headed for the door.
    “Oh my God,” Jilly said as she slapped her hands over her face. “That was so bad.”
    “Eh. I don’t think it was a big deal. She seems to be a big fan of yours.”
    “Sandra’s great. She’s been a huge help. Smart lady and a great businesswoman.”
    Colin hated the two feet of counterspace between them. He wanted Jilly back in his arms. “I should go. I won’t be able to keep my hands to myself and I don’t want to risk another incident like that.”
    “That’s probably a good idea.”
    “But I hope to see you later. If I ask again, will you take me up on my invitation for dinner?”
    Her lips curled into a smile. “Maybe.”
    “Will you have dinner with me tonight?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then I’ll pick you up at 7.”
    “Perfect.”
    Colin turned and left, hating to be away from her. But soon enough they’d be together again. He had all day to plan a first date. Something that would sweep her off her feet. He had a feeling that typical wasn’t going to cut it.
     
    *   *   *
     
    Jilly went about her day, taking care of customers, making sandwiches, wraps, and salads, and baking new treats. A lull hit at two, as it often did. The last hour of her day was always slowest. But it was a good time to update her social media accounts. She knew how important it was, but she fully admitted she was lazy about it. When she pulled out her phone she noticed a text from Colin.
     
    Change in plans. Picking you up at 5 instead. Is that okay?
     
    Fine by her. The sooner she saw him—and could kiss him—the better.
    She finished her tasks and closed the café, but now she had a problem that was bigger than the anticipation in kissing him again. What the hell was she going to wear?
    Jilly went home and felt like she was in one of the chick flicks that Charlene loved so much. She had yanked every item from her closet, tried it on, then tossed it on her bed. After finding nothing that satisfied her, she dialed Charlene’s work number.
    “Thank you for calling Smith, Davis, and Associates. How may I direct your call?”
    “I’m gonna have to go on this date naked.”
    “Jilly?”
    “I’ve tried on everything I own. It all looks awful.”
    “You have a date? With Colin?” Charlene’s exuberance blared through the phone. “This is so exciting!”
    “Yeah. Real exciting. I’m freaking out here.”
    “I’ve never seen you like this. It’s so