Billion Dollar Stranger

“You alright, Nicky?” she says. “How’s Atlanta? Don’t tell me it’s sunny because I’ll be forced to remove your number from my phone.”

“It’s pouring with rain,” I laugh.

“Seriously?”

“Nah! Glorious sunshine, not that I’ve seen any of it!”

“Have you finished your meeting?”

“Yeah, just now. I’m waiting in the lobby of this fancy building for a cab.”

“Very nice! So, what else? Have you been shopping yet? Don’t forget to get me those trainers I told you about. They’re so much cheaper over there.”

“I’m going shopping tomorrow on the way to the airport.” I pause, thinking about Aaron and how I could tell Maya. “Something happened last night,” I whispered. “I met someone.”

“Oh yeah. What kind of someone?”

“A guy in the hotel bar. We kind of did stuff…anonymously. But it turns out he’s the CEO of the company I’m here to see.”

“What? I let you out of my sight for a day, and you have a one-night stand?”

“Err…yeah.”

“Fuck Nicky…that’s not like you! Trust you to hit the big one first time!” Maya laughs. “What’s his name? I want to google him.”

“Aaron Harrington,” I whisper, looking around guiltily.

“Hang on,” she says, typing frantically in the background. “OMG, Nicky, he is sexy! And richer than Croesus! Have you read his Wikipedia page?”

“No. God, that would be weird.”

“Yeah, but you’re so going to do it now, aren’t you?”

“Maybe,” I giggle. “We had a thing, and I thought it was just a hookup. Then he came looking for me today…revealed who he was before my meeting.”

“Seriously? That sounds hot…and kind of strange. Is he okay? He’s not a weirdo?”

“I don’t think so. A bit intense. Kind of domineering. Likes to be in charge.”

Maya chuckles darkly. “He does sound interesting. Not your usual type.”

“That could only be a good thing,” I say wryly.

“Yeah. True. So, what did he say when you saw him today?”

“Just that he wanted to see me again. And I was kind of angry and said no.”

Maya is silent for a beat. “Wow, Nicky. You’ve got balls. He’s like one of America’s hottest bachelors. I’ve just been scanning over his press coverage, and he’s always out somewhere exclusive with a hot girl on his arm. You could have gotten some serious benefits out of a fling with Aaron money-bags.”

“I’m not Cinderella.”

“Hey, don’t knock the perks of having a sugar-daddy prince. Life is hard enough, and there is nothing wrong with wanting your man to make it easier.”

“You know if it were any other time, maybe I would have been tempted, just for another go-round. I can pay my own bills. I just…I could do without the drama. One night was fun, but anything more…”

“Well, sounds like you snubbed his rich ass anyway, so c’est la vie!”

The receptionist waves to get my attention. I guess my ride has arrived. “Maya, I’ve got to go. I think my cab’s here.” We quickly say our goodbyes as I grab my bags.

When I reach the desk to confirm, the receptionist smiles. “Your cab’s outside.” There’s a strange look of amusement in her eyes, which strikes me as odd. Do I have mascara on my nose? I thank her, turning and swiping at my face just in case. Heading through the revolving doors into the bright early afternoon sunshine, I spot a long, sleek, black vehicle idling at the curb. A man with a cap stands waiting by the passenger door. I look left and right for my taxi, but it’s the only car parked as far as I can see. I trot down the steps, and the driver says, “Nicole Cristie?”

I nod, raising my eyebrows as he opens the door into the dark interior of the car. This is definitely not what I was expecting. I hope it’s not going to be astronomically priced because I have to justify all my expenses to my boss when I get home.

“Erm, the Marquis, please,” I stutter, and bend to get in. The driver doesn’t close the door as I settle onto the spacious leather seat, taking in the amazingly opulent interior. Wow…this is the way to travel. After about a minute of wondering what the hold-up is, I hear a familiar voice thanking the driver for waiting. Aaron gets into the car, slumps into the seat next to me, and then turns and grins.

“What are you doing?” I ask frostily.

“This is my car.” His smile is devious, his eyes sparkling with defiance, and I have an overwhelming urge to punch him in the face. What the hell does he think he’s doing?

“Of course it is,” I say. I place my hand on the handle. “I’ll go back to reception and order a cab.”

Aaron’s hand clasps my wrist. “There’s no need for that, Nicole. I’m happy to take you back to your hotel.”

“I’m sure you are,” I say. “But I’m not. I told you that this isn’t what I wanted. This is completely out of order.”