The Billionaire and the Matchmaker

If only rich boys really did have all the luck. But when this app worked out, Smithy would learn for himself just how false that statement could be.

Chapter Six

“I should just call Michael and cancel tonight,” Emily said, combing a hand through her loose hair.

She stared down at the pile of paperwork in front of her and the bright pink eviction notice on top, her stomach filled with lead. Their landlord had always given them extra grace to make up on the rent, but this time was different. He’d told her that times were getting tough and he needed renters who could pay up every month.

The corners of Emily’s eyes stung with tears. It was yet another nail in the coffin for her mother’s business. The end of times.

“You can’t cancel on him now,” Lydia chirped from her desk. She fixed Emily with a fearsome glare. “You’ve been looking forward to this date all week. Don’t punish yourself for something you can’t control. You’ll figure out how to handle this bump in the road.”

Emily made a face and opened her mouth to argue. “But...”

“Think about the apartment,” Lydia said in a sing-songy voice. “And how lovely you’ll feel once it’s all yours.”

She sighed. The apartment did seem to be the last thread of hope in her life. All she needed was to go on three more dates with Michael Knight, and it was all hers. Plus, it wasn’t like Michael was terrible company.

He was a bit solemn for her taste and didn’t seem too keen to let his feelings show, but he was a good listener and certainly easy on the eyes. She could have fun for a bit and then call it quits when the bet was complete. No need to get invested in the relationship.

“Here’s Prince Charming now,” Lydia called.

Emily raced to the office door to look out. The sky churned with an ominous gray pallor. Rare weather for this time of year in San Jose. Another sign of doom.

Michael’s silver Bugatti had pulled up to the curb with its headlights on. He jumped out of the driver’s side door, a bundle of red roses in his hands. Emily felt a bolt of excitement run through her. She couldn’t help but stare at his tall, athletic figure, draped in what she could only guess was another expensive suit. Black, this time, with a silver tie.

“The man brought flowers.” Lydia came up beside her, bringing with her a cloud of Chanel perfume. She sighed and tilted her head. “Could he be more perfect?”

Emily gave her an incredulous smile. “Do you want to go on this date, instead?”

“Absolutely not.” She shook her head. “Edward is making a fabulous pâté for me tonight. I’ve already got my perfect man.”

“Hmm.” Emily narrowed her eyes at her friend.

She was so happy for them both, but they’d only been together for two months. A niggling part of her wondered if Lydia was rushing into something. Surely, you couldn’t really know if you loved a man in that short of a time.

Then again, maybe it was her inner cynic talking. A voice bred from a childhood without the father who’d abandoned his family and a mother who vowed never to marry again. It was hard to silence that pessimistic side of herself.

“Evening, ladies.” Michael came through the door in a rush of wind, his dark hair tousled and looking just as perfect as ever. He handed Emily the bouquet of flowers and kissed her sweetly on the cheek, causing her stomach to do a somersault. Her skin tingled where his lips had briefly touched.

“Thank you. They’re beautiful,” she said, sticking her nose within the bunch to sniff deeply.

She adored the scent of fresh flowers. They used to be able to afford fresh flowers every week at the office. It had been one of the first luxuries to go.

She looked up to see Michael watching her closely, his emotions unreadable. He really was such a tight-lipped man. She was sure that if he ever played poker, he would clear the house. It was hard to know what he was thinking at times, but she kind of liked the mystery.

Flashing him a smile, she handed the flowers over to Lydia. “P

ut these in a vase, for me, will you?”

“Shall we?” Michael held open the door for her. “I’ve got this evening all planned out.”

She regarded him with a teasing smile. “I don’t suppose you want to clue me in on what we’re doing?”

“It’s a surprise.” His eyes twinkled, his lips curling into a small smile.

He led her to his car and opened the door for her. She slid into the leather interior that still had that new car smell. As he rounded the other side, she plucked nervously at the soft pink floral skirt she’d paired with gladiator sandals and a creamy white top.

“Can you at least tell me where we’re headed?” she asked as he slid into his seat and started up the car.