Kareem, Ive been trying to get an introduction to this beautiful lady all night. What does a brother have to do to meet her? Jason said with a debonair smile.
Billie raised an eyebrow and hesitated a second before extending her hand for a shake. All you have to do is say hello. Im Billie Phillips. There was an odd gleam in his eye that she couldnt quite interpret and she was waiting to see what he was going to say.
Jason brought her hand to his lips for a brief kiss and missed the look on Billies face. Its a pleasure to meet you, Wilhelmina. Im surprised to see one of the most sought-after models in the world at my event. Im honored, he said in a low, silky voice as his thumb stoked the back of her hand.
Billies smile vanished. Im Billie, she said firmly. Wilhelmina is the woman they pay to pose. Im the real person. She waited for Jasons reaction. Some people got it right away that she wasnt trying to trade on her publicity and that she wanted to live a normal life. Some people took a little bit longer to catch on and some never got it. She truly hoped that Jason Wainwright wasnt going to be one of those.
He was still holding her hand and she gently took it back, resisting the urge to wipe it on the back of her dress the way she normally did when someone glommed their mouth on it. This wasnt going as well as shed hoped. He was a man who could give her all kinds of valuable insight into the world of real estate and she didnt want to write him off because he was proving to be as big a player as Nick and Dakota had tried to warn her. Okay, hes kinda stuck on himself but so what. Ive worked with much worse, she thought. It was true, a career in the fashion industry certainly equipped one to work with beautiful people who were overly vain, overly attentive and just plain lecherous. Billie had encountered plenty of men who behaved just like Jason Wainwright and it was no big deal. She knew how to extract the information she wanted while holding a pushy man at bay, so she wasnt worried. Besides, he had a woman. Billie had seen him talking to her and it didnt look casual. Even the most dedicated hound in the world wouldnt just dump one lady and try to hit on another one. At least that was what she figured.
Keeping a pleasant expression on her face, she tried to engage him in useful conversation. Im not modeling anymore, Mr. Wainwright. I work with my brother-in-law, Nick Hunter. Since Im in construction now, Id like to learn more about real estate, and if you can spare the time, Id really appreciate an opportunity to talk with you about the market here in Chicago, she said. She thought shed done a perfect job of expressing just what she wanted in a concise and professional manner, so when he pulled out a business card, she was pleased.
If youre going to be in town, how about we have lunch tomorrow? he asked.
Well, I hadnt planned on leaving town anytime soon, so lunch would be very nice. What time looks good for you? she asked.
Jason raised an eyebrow. Youre living in Chicago now?
Billie nodded as she wrote her cell phone number on the back of his card. I moved here in December. Heres my cell number. Why dont you call me tomorrow morning and tell me where youd like to meet? I really appreciate your time, Mr. Wainwright. This is very kind of you. It was nice meeting you, she added. I hate to meet and run, but I see my sister over there and she has that time-to-leave look on her face, she said. Im looking forward to tomorrow. She shook his hand again and turned to leave, completely missing the look on his face. If shed seen it, she would have been much better prepared for the next day.
The ride back to Nick and Dakotas house was much livelier than the ride to the gala. It started when Dakota asked her about Jason.
So you met Jason Wainwright, she said. I saw the two of you talking. What did you think of him? She turned around in the front seat so she could look at her sister.
Billie shrugged. Hes okay. He comes across as being a little overconfident, but if I had his résumé, I would too, I guess. Hes supposed to call me tomorrow for a working lunch. She looked at the lights of the city as the big car glided silently through the streets. How well do you know him, Nick? Whats your take on him?
Nick glanced at her in the rearview mirror as he answered her questions. I basically only know him through business. I know hes got a real good reputation for being honest and reliable. He seems to have real good instincts about the business. Were not like drinkin buddies or anything, so like I said, I really dont know him. But I do know that he likes beautiful women and he has a big rep as a player, so watch yourself. I dont want to have to deal with him.
Billie knew that he meant every word he said, too. Nick was undoubtedly the most protective man shed ever met outside of her brother and her father. She thought shed better reassure Nick before he decided to make a preemptive strike of some kind against Jason Wainwright. Look, this is strictly business, Nick. Im just trying to get the inside scoop on Chicagos residential real estate picture. Im not trying to get with him and he already has a lady. But thats not an issue because Im not looking for a man. Hes nice-looking, but I know plenty of handsome guys. Its not like I just fell off a turnip truck. I can handle myself, she said.
It was Dakotas turn to look in the backseat at her sister. Nice-looking? Were we looking at the same man? Hes a little more than nice-looking, Billie. Hes handsome, honey. Almost as handsome as my husband, but not quite, she said with a sultry laugh. Nobodys that fine but my Nick.
Ooh, you newlyweds need to quit, Billie groaned. You forget Ive worked with some of the best-looking creatures on the face of the earth and some of them were just that, creatures. Most of them were genuinely nice guys, but some of them, whoo-wee! Some of them were dumber than a box of rocks, honey. And some were stuck up and evil, too. Just because somebody looks good doesnt mean they have a good personality or morals, she said, yawning slightly. Mr. Wainwright is handsome, I guess, but trust me, he could look like a cartoon and I wouldnt care as long as he shares some knowledge with me.
They had reached the house and Nick told her to stay put while he warmed up her car. Im going to follow you home to make sure you get there okay. Billie leaned into the headrest and watched as Nick put his arm protectively around her sister and walked her to the door. It took him a few minutes to get back to the car because he was walking through the house to make sure it was secure before leaving Dakota, even for the short time it would take him to trail Billie home and return. She felt a tiny pang in the region of her heart as she wondered if she would ever have what Dakota had, a man who loved her beyond measure and would do anything for her, would protect her, would cherish her always.
Nicks hand on the door jarred her out of her daydream. Come on, little sister, I got your whip warmed up so lets hit it. I dont like to leave my bride alone too long.
She smiled up at him as he helped her out of the car and led her to her own vehicle. They hugged briefly and she slid behind the wheel. The smile stayed on her face as she drove to her town house. There was something really nice about having Nick worry about her, even for a few minutes. One of these years Im gonna have to think about getting one of those for my very own, she thought. But first, Im getting a good nights sleep.
She smiled up at him as he helped her out of the car and led her to her own vehicle. They hugged briefly and she slid behind the wheel. The smile stayed on her face as she drove to her town house. There was something really nice about having Nick worry about her, even for a few minutes. One of these years Im gonna have to think about getting one of those for my very own, she thought. But first, Im getting a good nights sleep.
Chapter 3
The next day, Billie rose early, as she always did, and as soon as she brushed her teeth she went in search of food. Breakfast was always the first thing on her mind when she woke up. The rumbling of her stomach usually woke her from a dream about food before the alarm clock went off. Today was no exception to that routine. After making an inspection of the refrigerators contents, she assembled a bowl of granola with strawberries, a carton of yogurt, a slice of seven-grain bread, toasted, with peanut butter and a glass of pineapple juice. That was actually a light breakfast for Billie. She worked hard and played hard and she liked food. She didnt miss a meal if she could help it. While she was drinking the pineapple juice, she looked at her kitchen clock while contemplating making another piece of toast.
Id better not, she said aloud. I have too much to do. She got up from the work island that doubled as a breakfast bar and quickly washed the few dishes shed used. She swept the floor and made sure everything was in place in the kitchen before tackling the dining and living rooms. All she really had to do in those rooms was dust, and she could have actually skipped that step. Billie was a very tidy person and preferred that everything around her stay that way. This was partly because it was her nature to crave order, and partly because she was practical down to her bones. If she kept her abode spotless it allowed for more spontaneity in her life. She could entertain drop-in guests without running frantically from room to room trying to push things under beds and into closets, which was the practice of some of her friends. And she was too frugal to pay someone to clean up after her; that was money she could put into her IRA or her investment fund or her savings. Billie had a plan for her life and frivolous spending wasnt a part of it.
Once she was satisfied that the living and dining rooms were perfect, she went to the bedroom and changed the sheets before making the bed. After the bedroom was tidied to her satisfaction, it was time to think about her own beautification. She lay across the bed and thought about what she should wear for her lunch meeting. She turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling while she mentally assessed her wardrobe. Hmm. Jason Wainwright is brilliant, educated and sophisticated, she said while she ticked off these points on her fingers. He dresses like a million bucks. To underscore this point she turned over on her stomach and reached for the magazines that were stacked neatly on the bedside table. Each one had a story about Jason Wainwright and there were some very nice shots of him in business attire, as well as casual dress. Business or casual? Its Saturday, so it should be not so dressy. But this is business, so it should be kinda upscale, she murmured.
She looked down at her long legs in her favorite plaid flannel pajama pants and then pulled out the hem of her pajama top, which was an old football jersey. Ive got to get some new sleepwear, she said. And Ive got to get a dog or a cat or a bird or something. I obviously need someone to talk to because if I keep talking to myself someone is going to have me committed. She put the magazines back and went into the bathroom to shower. A nice hot shower with her favorite bath gel would get her head together and probably solve her wardrobe dilemma, too. Sure enough, once she bundled her hair into a shower cap and stood under the pulsing hot stream, she figured out what to wear.
After her shower she wrapped a thick bath sheet around her dripping-wet body and went back to the bedroom to slather her skin with body butter and lotion. Shed learned from her mother that putting moisturizer on damp skin helped it absorb better. Billie wasnt vain about most things, but keeping her skin smooth and moist was a must. Once that was done she picked up the remote control and turned on the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. She smiled when she saw that one of her favorite shows was on and she danced along to the theme song as she put on underwear. Its time to pimp my ride, she sang loudly, although she stopped when her cell phone rang.
Hello? she said breathlessly.
Good morning. You sound bright and cheerful this morning.
Billie smiled widely when she heard Jasons voice. She sank onto the bed and focused all her attention on him. Im always cheerful in the morning, she said. I have to confess to being one of those obnoxious people who wake up early in a good mood every day. How are you, Mr. Wainwright?
The sound of his rich laughter had a strange effect on Billie. An odd tingle started somewhere in the vicinity of her navel and an equally foreign warmth radiated from the same place. His words lured her back to reality and she had to stifle a soft sigh as she listened to him.
Wilhelmina, please call me Jason! When you say Mr. Wainwright I think my father is in the room.
Billie raised an eyebrow. Only if you call me Billie. Thats whats on my birth certificate. Wilhelmina is the name I used for modeling and only people who dont know me call me that, she said in a pleasant voice that was nonetheless firm.
I apologize, Billie. I assumed, wrongly it seems, that Billie was a shortened version of the other name, he said silkily. I certainly meant no offense.
None taken, she assured him. It was something my agent made up to make me seem more exotic, she admitted.
Jason laughed again and the effect on Billie was even more intense. She shivered a little and looked around for her green terry-cloth robe. For some ridiculous reason talking to Jason in her sheer, scanty underwear made her feel exposed even though there was no possible way he could see her.
How about lunch at one oclockdoes that work for you? I can pick you up and we can go from there.
Billie deftly issued a counter suggestion. Im going to be running errands all morning, so why dont I meet you at the restaurant? He seemed to hesitate for a second, but he agreed to meet her. The name of the place he was taking her was Pax and he gave her excellent directions.
After they ended the call, she continued to sit on the bed to collect herself. Jason Wainwright had a remarkably potent voice. It had the same heady effect as a sip of brandy. She thought about their brief conversation at the party and wondered why she hadnt noticed how sexy he sounded last night. Too much background noise, she thought. There was also music, noisy chatter and just too much going on. After talking to him today, though, she understood why Dakota and Nick felt compelled to caution her about Jason. It wasnt just his voicehe had some serious sex appeal happening.
Shaking off the feelings generated by the phone call, she stood up and went to the closet. There was no time for idle daydreams. She had to get dressed to impress and she finally knew just what she was going to wear: a pair of high-waisted black trousers with her favorite turtleneck sweater, which was ivory cashmere and midriff length. She would wear her low-heeled lace-up boots and a short, black leather jacket for the perfect business casual look.