Romance: The Billionaire's Proposal by Emily Cooper Read Free Book Online

grateful to that community.
    And that’s why I am driven to develop community spirit across a range of neighborhoods, not just my own. It’s my own little way of saving lives.
    “So enough about me. What’s been going on in your life?”
    She laughs. “Nothing much; just work, work, work. I think I should get married to my job since it’s the only thing that ever sees me.”
    Amber works in drug counseling – also the result of having drug addict parents and ending up under the roof of Mamma Townsend.
    I laugh. “I know the feeling. It’s like that when I start on a project—I don’t really have time for anything or anyone.”
    “That’s why I usually try to hang out with you between projects.”
    The waitress places our food on the table and I pop a cheese-covered fry into my mouth. “I know, but I wouldn’t trade my job for anything in the world.”
    “Says the woman who works for herself.”
    “Which means that it’s even more work.”
    “Yeah, you’re right about that. It’s the one thing that I don’t envy about your job.”
    I laugh. “I think it’s the one thing most people don’t envy about it.”
    “Did you find a date to go with you to the charity event this weekend?”
    I shake my head. “Nope. I was going to ask you but I know that you’ll have to work, so I’m just going to go solo. Pop my head in for a little, mingle, and then be on my merry way.”
    She laughs. “You know you’re a piece of work, right?”
    I laugh too. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”
    “I’m sure that it’s more times than that.”
    “Maybe, but you can’t prove it.”
    We both burst out laughing, causing a couple of people in the restaurant to stare at us. We spend the rest of the meal catching up with each other.
    “I guess I’ll see you later,” I say.
    “Okay, girl. And if you need me, you know that I live right around the corner,” she says.
    “Talk to you later,” I say as I get in my car and start the drive home.
    My day has just gotten a lot better and I am very glad for that. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Tara
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Taking a glimpse in the mirror, I must say that I really was a knockout.
    I have on a short, white dress and pearl earrings, and my hair is softly curled around my shoulders. Tonight, I’m going to a charity ball thrown by the city.
    I have no date, but I know a couple of people who are going to be there and want to pop in to show them support.
    They are raising funds for a homeless shelter. I’m always ready to support a good cause, and this one will be no different.
    I look at my reflection one more time, dab a little more lip gloss on, and walk out the door.
    I make the short drive to the event and hand the valet the keys so that he can park my old car.
    The charity ball, the most talked about event of the week, was being held at the museum downtown. A lot of people wanted to go but only a few were selected to come. I was invited because I’m known to make changes in the community.
    I step inside, where people are already mingling with each other. Waiters are carrying around trays of champagne and a few appetizers. Smoothly, I grab a champagne flute off a passing tray and look around for someone familiar. I spot Sally, a woman I’ve worked with on a few projects, and am about to go over and say hi when I feel someone tap me on my shoulder.
    Turning around, I almost drop my drink.
    I didn’t expect him to be here.
    I take another sip of my drink and stare at him with my angry eyes.
    He is dressed handsomely in an all-white tux accented with a black bow tie. If he wasn’t such a jerk, I’d be tempted to take him home and ride him all night.
    But since he is one, the thought slips from my mind.
    “Tara,” he says as he sips from his champagne glass.
    “Alexander,” I say with a roll of my eyes.
    The nerve of him.
    It’s like I can never get any peace. He is always hanging around, like a stray