Heart of the Billionaire (Taming The Bad Boy Billionaire 7)

“No time!” James said.

Hiding behind the clothes, I had no choice but to quickly slip into the costume. A few of the actors swore to hold off the oncoming swarm of photographers.

A young man with bright blue eyes hungrily stared at me as I came out. “Whoa! You look just like her! Man, you make a convincing Princess Jasmine. Can I make a wish?”

“Do I look like a genie? Find a lamp, and then we’ll talk,” I said.

He stared me up and down. “I have a confession.”

“I’m not dressed up as a priest, am I?” I joked.

He laughed. “It’s just... Well, I’ve always fantasied about being with a Disney princess. So um, how about you, do you have any wishes? Like dumping your billionaire boyfriend and running off with me?”

“I wish I could have my clothes back,” I retorted.

“I wish you had a belly button ring!”

“Seriously? You’re staring at my midriff. Why didn’t they just bring me a Cinderella gown? Although, I’m not the traditional-poufy-princess-dress-kind-of-girl.”

“The man does have a point,” James said. “Belly rings are very sexy.”

I playfully slugged him. “Focus, street rat boy! Or I’ll sic my pet tiger after you.”

“You’re so funny. That’s what they called Aladdin. And what was Jasmine’s tiger named?”

“Rajah.”

“Don’t think my mischievous pet monkey, Abu, can’t take on your tiger. And I only know the name because Arabella made me watch the movie at least a hundred times.”

I glanced around. “Listen, we have to figure out an escape plan.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“So what’s our plan? Aladdin is supposed to be the quick-witted and street smart one.”

“I knew you fell in love with me for my street-smart charms.”

“You know it, babe.”

“You gotta go!” someone shouted. “Our plan isn’t working. And you can’t get caught back here. Or the tabloids will sling a tornado of mud at you!” She pointed to the bathroom. “Hurry! Go out the window! It’s the only way!”

I shook her hand. “Thank you for helping us.”

“Anytime.”

The entire situation was too ridiculous for words, and for the first time, I wondered if Nick and Abby had even tried to look for us.

“What now?” I whispered.

We certainly weren’t in any state to make a proper escape. James’s jacket and pants were gone, and he was only wearing his half-unbuttoned shirt and those purple, genie pants. Not only that, but I was dressed as an Arabian princess. Damn, if only I had that wish making, magical lamp!

As if reading my thoughts, he caught a stray lock and twirled it playfully between his fingers. “Don’t worry. We’ll get through this. Trust me, I’ve been through much worse,” he whispered.

“I guess this is what I get for dating a bad boy,” I smiled.

“But you love every minute of it.”

In a flurry of motion, James pushed the window open, and we tumbled out onto the fire escape in a heap, laughing and gasping and gripping one another.