The Billionaire's Mistaken Match ( A BWWM Romance) (4 page)

Reid paced the beautiful parquet floors in his luxury apartment suite. He had just gotten off the phone with Vivi and she had confirmed the date she had set for him and this Paloma June. It certainly was a unique name. His thoughts ran wild with ideas of what she would look like, how she would carry herself.

Did she look as exotic as her name sounded? On one hand, he hoped so; on another, he wasn’t so sure. Reid didn’t know what he wanted in a woman, just so long as what she wanted wasn’t all his money. Trying to take his mind off his impending date, he picked up his phone and called his assistant, Tori.

“Yes, Reid.”

“Tori, do we have any unfinished paperwork, mergers, anything I can work on tonight. My brain is full of hundreds of things and I just need to focus.”

“I’ll see what I can come up with, sir, but you have been working pretty hard lately, I think there is nothing we can’t handle during normal hours.”

“Right, right.” Reid glanced at his watch, realizing it was quite a bit later than he had thought. “I’m sorry, Tori. I didn’t mean to call so late. Please disregard my question and have a nice evening with your family. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” he answered, and hung up the phone. He forgot that not everyone was a single workaholic like he was. Tori, for instance, had a loving husband and two small children at home. Right now she was probably in the middle of combing out tangled hair from bath time and putting those little girls in nightgowns, or reading them bedtime stories. He could kick himself for being so careless.

His heels clicked on the shined floors as he resumed pacing. It was hot in here, or maybe it was just him about to panic. Why was he so anxious about this date? It wasn’t like he didn’t go on dates; he went on dates all the time. Maybe it was just that he really wanted this one to work out so he could stop going on dates. Reid loosened his tie and fell into a chair. Closing his eyes, he let his imagination run wild. In it he could see himself scooping children out of the bath and reading them stories in bed. That was what he wanted. Those were the riches he couldn’t achieve.

The man had everything a man in his early thirties could want. He had this wonderful big city apartment in a great neighborhood, a successful business, a vacation home up in the mountains, cars that teenage boys wet themselves over, yet he didn’t have the one thing he wanted, the one thing money could probably buy, but shouldn’t.

Standing, he moved to the window of his front room. From this height, he had an unobstructed view of most of the city. Lights twinkled for miles and miles around him, giving the whole thing a surreal glow. Surely with thirteen million people in this city, and at least half of them women, he would be able to find one who would love him for him and not the number of zeros in his checking account.

Not feeling like sleeping, but unable to focus on anything else, Reid grabbed the duffel bag out of his room and left his apartment. When he was restless, there was always one thing that would help him clear his head. It was time for a good old fashioned muscle burning workout. He jumped in his favorite car, a classic, fully rebuilt GTO, and sped off towards his personal workout facility.

He had the place built especially for him. There was a weight room and a cardio room, but he rarely went into them. He preferred actual activities. There was a kayaking pool, a lap pool, and, his personal favorite, a climbing wall. Several climbing walls in fact, each with a different level of difficulty and skill needed to complete it.

After changing, he walked to the mid-level wall and attached his harness and rigging. After a few stretches, he chalked his hands and jumped on the wall. The muscles in his fingers were strong and he gripped the wall like he was born to do it. Swinging, jumping, pulling, and twisting finally brought him to the top of the wall where he sat, dripping sweat, and surveyed his surroundings. Even at the gym he was alone. It was always Reid in the office, at home, the gym.

Always him by himself. He briefly entertained the idea of getting a cat so at least he would have some companionship at home, but dismissed it. He was alone because he chose to be alone, in a way. He didn’t go out, he didn’t mingle. It just wasn’t his thing, and he never met anyone of substance when he did. He had given up that life and was about to give up on this one if this date didn’t work out.

Reid turned back around and lowered himself back down the wall, taking it slow and really stretching his muscles as he went. At the bottom, he looked back up at the obstacle he had overcome and shook his head. There was nothing Reid Winslow couldn’t do when he put his mind to it. It was time to prove that to himself again. Friday he would go on a date, he would enjoy himself, and he would attempt to be just a normal guy, not a multi-millionaire. Easy enough, right?

                               ***

Paloma looked at the phone, willing it to ring. Any job, anything would be good. She wondered if she went back to the diner and begged on her knees, if Jerry would give her old job back. She didn’t really want it, it wasn’t worth the harassment she had to face, but at least she had some money. Even just a little.

Kit came in the house from work, taking off her jacket and hanging her bag by the door. “Hey, girl. Still nothing?” Paloma shook her head no. “Big date tomorrow, right?” This time a nod. “I think you should have this,” Kit said, handing Paloma a handful of bills. “It’s a hundred bucks. Before you start to protest and try to give it back, let me explain. You are going on a date. You are going out with a man you don’t know, one you have never seen or met before. You should, at the very least, have an emergency fund in case something goes wrong. Cab fare or something. In a perfect world, you should buy your own food and drinks, just to be safe, though I know you like to be treated so that probably won’t happen. Just take it, please, even if you don’t spend it. Keep it with you. You can pay me back later. I just want to make sure you are safe and taken care of.”

Paloma took the cash from Kit. She was having a hard time keeping the tears from her eyes. “Thank you,” she said quietly. Kit patted her friend on the shoulder, then gave her a hug. “Really, you don’t need to, but I appreciate it. Thank you.” Paloma sniffled a little into Kit’s shoulder.

“Now don’t you cry. Don’t do it. If you cry, I will cry, and then we will both be a blubbering mess here in the kitchen. None of that. You put that in your wallet and keep it with you.” Paloma nodded. “Now, I know the date isn’t until tomorrow, but I have to work late so you will probably be gone before I get home. So, just in case, I want to say this. If you need anything, and I mean anything, call me. Call me before you are headed home; call me if you aren’t headed home. Just call me, okay?”

There was another nod from Paloma. “I will do that, definitely. Thank you, Kit.”

“Great, now that that’s settled, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

Paloma laughed. Kit had the appetite of a body builder. The girl ate constantly but still managed to hang onto her thin, slightly curvy figure.

“I made fajitas,” Paloma said, pointing to the pans simmering on the stove.

“God bless you, woman!”

Date night. Paloma fidgeted in front of the mirror. She had done her makeup, put on her clothes, and was now just trying to get her mass of curly hair to stay pinned back. She had decided against the braids tonight, going for a classier look. It worked well, if her hair would cooperate! She glanced at the clock again.

Vivi had told her not to be early, but she was having a hard time with that. Part of her wanted to go and get it over with, while part of her wanted to go because the excitement was too much. She glanced at the picture of Reid that leaned against her mirror. She needed to be a charmer tonight, but she also needed to be herself. She’d stretched the truth too far on the profile and now it was time to just be her. Finally she managed to pin back the errant curl. It was time.

The restaurant was nice, but not overly fancy. That put her at ease. Here she didn’t have to worry about proper forks or any other kind of
Pretty Woman
faux pas. It was busy, but not crowded. Paloma ran her hands down her dark blue dress, easing out any wrinkles or bunching. She drew her shoulders back, put her head up, and strode into the bright eatery. Inside, all the lights were lit, giving everything a soft golden glow. It smelled amazing in here, a mixture of seared meat and sauces. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the aromas, picking out some of her favorite flavors and spices. Even if the date didn’t work out, she knew the food would be magnificent. She could always tell by the smells.

“Good evening, madam,” said the man at the podium, causing her to start.  “I didn’t mean to startle you. How can I help you this evening.”

“I’m having dinner with a Mr. Winslow. I’m not sure if he is here yet. My name is…”

“Miss June. Yes, he has already arrived and taken the liberty to order wine. Please follow me, I’ll direct you.”

“Thank you,” she said, a smile creeping across her face. She followed the much shorter man through the main room of the restaurant, past the kitchens and into a quieter corner. There, seated, was the man whose picture she carried. She caught his profile and just looked. He was even better-looking in person than he was in the photo. “I’ll take it from here, sir. I see him.”

“Very well,” said the host, leaving her standing just out of earshot, looking at her date. Nerves welled up in her stomach, making her just a little uncomfortable. Giving herself a mini pep talk, she started forward. The movement must have caught his eye, because Reid Winslow turned around and focused his intense green eyes right on her.

“Oh, uh, hi. I’m Paloma,” she said as she reached the table.

Reid stood immediately. “Reid Winslow. Very nice to meet you.” Paloma was pleased to see that he was the same height as her, even in her low heels. “Please, have a seat. I went ahead and ordered wine. I realize I don’t know what you are eating so I just chose a wine that would go with everything. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. Thank you,” she replied, sitting.

Reid couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was not what he had expected in any way, but she was beautiful, he would give her that. On top of that, she seemed nervous, which almost made him laugh. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen a woman nervous on a date. Usually they knew what they wanted and came at him full force. She looked up at him and smiled, magnifying her beauty. Her dark eyes sparkled and her teeth shone brightly against her dark lips.

“Are you going to join me?”

Reid realized he was still standing and staring. He shook his head to clear it and sat, rather clumsily. “Yeah, yes. I’m…” He stopped, willing himself to cool it. “I just wasn’t expecting someone like you. I am…pleasantly surprised.”

“You? Really? To be honest, I feel a bit underdressed. It looked fine from out there, but in here it’s really quite opulent. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all.”

Reid, dressed in another charcoal suit and deep blue shirt, blushed a little. “I didn’t pick the place.” He looked around. “In fact, I’ve never been here. I do like it though; it’s charming.” He was still a bit nervous about meeting a new person, another woman, but Paloma seemed to be easy going so far. “So, I guess we should get to know each other. Do you have any questions for me?”

She glanced at him over the menu. “You mean like, ‘what do you do,’ and things like that. No. I don’t.”

“You don’t?”

“No. I think it’s unimportant to getting to know each other. I’m more of a feeler. Wow, that sounds weird. The thing is I don’t want the cold hard facts all the time, I like to feel a person out, get to know them, not a bunch of things about them. Does that make sense? I’m already being weird.”

“I think it makes perfect sense. In fact, I totally agree. So, no straight facts. We learn about each other through natural conversation.” Paloma smiled at him. “Now, of course, I find myself at a loss for natural conversation.” Paloma laughed loudly, a sound of sheer joy. The fact that she was not at all embarrassed or fake about her outburst set him off as well and they were soon laughing together until tears filled their eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she said between breaths. “That’s not that funny. I know what you mean though. So, let’s see. How about we start with the menu?  I could talk about food all day. It is one of my favorite things.”

“Really?” She nodded. “You are going to have to elaborate.”

Taking a sip of her wine, she leaned forward and pointed at the menu. “This is magic. Food is like a potion. It has to be done right in order for it to have its full effect. Food can change moods, can trigger memories, can cause pain, even death if you aren’t careful with it. Its fuel, but it’s also enjoyable. Without it, we can’t live, so it’s important.

Food also brings people together. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen watching her make fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I would count the people who came through, just following their noses. The smells were heavenly enough to draw anyone. So, I look at this menu and I don’t decide on salmon because it’s the lowest calorie, healthiest choice.

I decide on this shrimp pasta with the cheesy sauce and spices because I know, I understand, that it is made with the most complex ingredients brought together in the perfect combination at the perfect time, resulting in a dish that not only smells and tastes awesome, but is very prettily put together as well.”

“You really do love food.” While she was talking, all the nerves and anxiety left Reid. Her voice was velvet smooth and if she had as much conviction about other facets of life as she did about food, she was definitely someone he could see keeping tabs on. “I, on the other hand, will be having the salmon, because it’s the healthiest.”

Paloma covered her mouth with her hand in horror. “I didn’t mean to imply…”

“No, its fine,” he said, reaching across the table and moving her hand gently from her lips. “I like salmon. I like what you said about the food though. Does that passion translate into other areas of your life?”

“All of them. I’m a very all in type of person I guess. You might describe me as impulsive but I do put all of myself into all facets of my life.” Neither of them had realized that Reid was still holding onto her hand while they were talking. They only came out of their trance when the waiter stopped by the table. Reid cleared his throat and leaned back, releasing his hold on her.

“I’ll go ahead and order for you, if that’s okay. Since I know what you want. Do you mind?”

Paloma shook her head. She watched Reid place the order, keeping eye contact with the waiter the entire time and speaking to the man like a human being and not a servant.

“You are so polite to him. I love that. I have been a server in the past and you would not believe how rare it is to get treated with respect in the service industry.”

“A server?”

Paloma wanted to kick herself. Had she really just said that?

“Yea. I told you, I like to experience life. It was short lived, sadly. The boss was a total asshole. Pardon my language.”

Reid laughed at her curse and leaned back in his chair. “You aren’t a server anymore?”

“No.”

He nodded and leaned forward again, taking her hand. She could feel calluses built up on his fingertips and palm.

“You seem to be a hard worker yourself,” she said, running her fingers along his palm. He pulled his hand back and held them up for her to see them.

“I do all my work in an office. However, I do like to go rock climbing when I get a chance. It’s hell on the hands.”

“I think it’s wonderful. What an interesting activity. I bet it makes for really strong hands.”

“I’ll take you sometime if you’d like. If you put your all into it, I think you will do very well. And yes, it does do a number on the hands.”

“I would like that very much.”

Shortly after this, the food arrived and they talked and ate and talked some more. There was no tension between them. The wine bottle emptied soon and Reid ordered another, and then a third. Not wanting to end the night, they both ordered dessert. He was completely fascinated with her.

She was beautiful, intelligent, funny, and so calming to be around. He made a mental note to send a thank you to Vivi, because Paloma was the first real person he had met in a long time. She was also able to let go of the fears she had about lying on the submission. They were getting along so well and having a great time. For her, it was wonderful to get out of the house and just let go for a little bit.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Reid asked her. “I still need to clear my head and sober up a bit if I’m going to drive, and it’s such a nice night.”

Paloma nodded. She watched Reid pay the tab and offered to leave the tip.

“That’s not necessary.”

“I’d like to. Please let me tip him.” She pulled her wallet out of her little handbag and took forty dollars out of it. “This should do it.” She set the money on the bill collection tray and gave it back to Reid. He smiled at her generosity.

“Well, if you are ready, after you,” he said, standing and helping her from her seat. “I’m right behind you.” He watched her walk towards the door, pulled out his walled, and placed a one hundred dollar bill down next to her forty. A good date for him meant a good tip for the waiter. No one should be left out of this perfect evening.