Meddling with a Millionaire (Case Brothers 1)

“Are we going to sit down and eat or go to a drive-through?” he asked, starting the engine.

“Drive-through, but you knew that, didn’t you?”

Nathan put the car in gear. “I suspected you’d want to get back as soon as possible.”

On the second morning of the show, Emma sat opposite Nathan in the hotel restaurant and watched him tuck into a breakfast of steak and eggs. The man could certainly eat. Of course, he’d worked up an appetite last night after the show closed. She ducked behind the newspaper she’d bought, hiding a grin. The man could certainly make love, too.

Emma sipped coffee and nibbled on a piece of bacon. For the first time in weeks, her stomach wasn’t churning from nervous tension. Maybe that was because, for the first time in weeks, a light had appeared at the end of the tunnel. The first day of the show had been surprisingly busy for a Friday. She’d made as much in one da

y as she’d made at Biella’s in a month, and from what she’d gathered from the seasoned veterans at the show, she could look forward to the weekend being even busier.

“Look at this.” Nathan reached out and snagged the paper from her hands and replaced it with a different section.

Emma stared in amazement at the huge photo of her necklace on the front of the entertainment section. “I can’t believe it.”

“I told you that reporter was going to do a piece on your jewelry,” Nathan smirked.

“This is incredible publicity. Do you know what this means?”

“It means you’ll be very busy today.” Nathan signaled the waitress for their check. “And you owe me dinner. I’ll provide dessert. I seem to recall that you like strawberries.”

And what happened if she was busy? And successful beyond her wildest dreams? She’d thrown every bit of energy and focus into her jewelry, but until this instant, she hadn’t truly believed it would save her. Now it looked very much as if it would.

That meant she would regain access to her money without having to marry Nathan. What were the chances that he’d stick around if he couldn’t do the deal with her father? Would he disappear out of her life again?

“Do you want them dipped in chocolate or covered in whipped cream?” Nathan asked as he guided her out the door.

Emma blinked and shook her head. “What are you talking about?”

“Dessert. Strawberries. Chocolate or whipped cream?”

Laughter bubbled. “Since we’re celebrating. How about both?”

Valentine’s Day dawned overcast and cold. Nathan stood in his office and stared out the window at the rain falling on downtown Houston. The gray landscape was a complete contrast to his mood.

Ten days had passed since he and Emma had returned from Baton Rouge. The change in their relationship, sparked by that kiss in the van, continued to bemuse him. Never one to initiate their lovemaking, she now greeted him at the door each night, her ardent kisses providing the perfect appetizer.

Their time together, previously shadowed by mistrust and tension, had begun to approach the sort of domestic bliss his parents had enjoyed. He now understood why his father had always helped wash dishes even though the dishwasher functioned. Tangling with Emma’s fingers in the soapy water had been both sexy and soothing for Nathan.

Neither one had brought up the topic of marriage. She kept mum about how she’d done at the show. A week went by. He was certain that he’d lost her. Lost the venture with Montgomery Oil.

When she’d first stated her intention to return the money to her account and thereby circumspect her father’s plan to marry her off, Nathan had laughed at her efforts. Who would have guessed she had the talent to create such amazing jewelry or possessed the determination to work the long hours needed to get ready for the show?

The writeup in the paper had garnered her a great deal of attention. The traffic in her booth had been brisk. She’d charmed her customers with her salesmanship and dazzled them with her intricate jewelry. With each piece that disappeared out of the case, Nathan had seen his business deal with her father slipping through his fingers.

Then, a couple days ago, she’d admitted that she hadn’t sold enough.

So Nathan knew she’d say yes when he popped the question tonight. She might prefer a marriage based on fanciful, unrealistic emotions instead of one built on respect and admiration, but she understood that what she needed was someone to take care of her.

The only thing that was still a mystery was whether his motivation for proposing remained the same as it had been six weeks ago, or if he’d decided he couldn’t contemplate his future without her in it—business deal or no.

He shied away from the question, relieved that he’d never have to answer it. An hour ago, Sebastian had stopped by to say that Lucas Smythe needed a few more days to evaluate the offer he’d received from Case Consolidated Holdings. By this time tomorrow, Nathan would be engaged to Emma and his venture with Montgomery Oil secured.

“I’ve got a couple tickets to the Rockets that I can’t use tonight. Interested?”

Nathan spied Max in the doorway. Although resentment still bubbled inside him at all the hoops his brothers were making him jump through, Nathan appreciated Max’s attempt to reach out.

“Can’t. Got plans.”