One In A Billion by Anne-Marie Hart Read Free Book Online Page B

said.
    ' Yeah', he said. 'Sorry, I haven't introduced myself, I'm Devizes Carter.'
    ' Alice', I said and took his hand. 'You're named after a village in Wiltshire?'
    ' Am I?' Devizes laughed. 'I didn't know that.'
    Were we flirting with each other? Devizes, the owner - did he say owner? - of a company and me, a dirt poor writer in a playboy bunny outfit.
    ' Sorry about the ridiculous costume, Alice', Devizes said, 'That was a decision that was made by someone else. I'll be having words with him on Monday morning.
    ' It's ok', I said. 'I've had to wear worse. One time they dressed us up like sexy nurses for a hospital fundraiser. Actually at least that time the costume fit me I suppose. What does your company do?'
    ' We take other people's money, invest it in projects all around the world, make a fortune and give them back some of it', Devizes said coldly. 'Sometimes they don't get anything back at all, but we always make sure we make money in each project we are involved in. It was my father's company, and I took it over when he retired.'
    'Right ' I said, still confused to as what that all meant. 'Do you like it?'
    ' I love making money', Devizes said, 'but I have other interests too. Art for one, books too. I have a stake in a small publishing company actually, you should send me your book.'
    ' Really?' I said.
    ' Sure', Devizes said. 'We have a number of romance authors on our books already. They do quite well for us.
    ' That would be amazing', I said, not really quite believing what he was saying.
    ' Here', Devizes said, and took out his business card. 'Here's my number. Perhaps instead of sending it over to me, we could meet for a drink and you could give it to me in person.'
    ' A drink?' I said, stunned.
    ' Yeah, a drink', Devizes said. 'I promise you won't have to wear the bunny costume, although you can of course if you want.'
    I didn't know what to say. 'Is this a joke', I said finally. 'Did Sophia put you up to this?'
    ' Of course it's not a joke, Alice', he said.
    I must have had a mistrusting face on, because Devizes grabbed the nearest person, and presented him to me. He looked me up and down like the wolf might have done to little red riding hood before attempting to eat her. He was drunk, red faced and snacking on bread sticks because the rest of the food had run out.
    ' Steve, this is Alice',
    ' Hello Alice', Steve said, and wobbled a little.
    ' Tell Alice who I am.'
    ' What?' Steve said, and then turned to me. 'You don't know who he is?'
    I shook my head and smiled.
    ' She doesn't know who you are', Steve said, looking back at Devizes now. 'This is the richest, most successful, most eligible bachelor in the whole of London, Mr Devizes Carter. But I must warn you', Steve continued, taking hold of my bottle and filling his glass, 'many a woman has tried, but still no-one has succeeded.'
    Steve beamed red cheeks at me, and it made me laugh. Devizes looked bashful in his modesty next to him.
    ' Thanks Steve', Devizes said and patted him on the back. Steve disappeared into the crowd, champagne bottle in his hand.
    ' Will you call me?' Devizes said.
    ' Ok', I said innocently, still not quite believing what was happening.
    ' Good', Devizes said, and smiled that winning smile of his. 'Here', he said, reaching in to his wallet. 'I think every good worker deserves a tip.'
    I stared at the five fifty pound notes he'd left on my tray.
    ' Are you serious', I said. 'That's more than I make in a week.'
    ' I never mess around', Devizes said. 'You'll learn that about me. When I see something I want, I just have to have it.'
    Devizes kissed me on the cheek to say goodbye in a gesture I hadn't realised was coming, and stood for like an idiot, frozen solid in shock. I stayed rooted to the spot for another minute or more, while Devizes disappeared off into the crowd, and I slowly came to terms with what had just happened.
    ' Alicia', Janice said as she buzzed past me, clicking her bony fingers. 'Snapity snapity, there are glasses