The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(11)

Once safely away from Debbie and tucked into the backseat of a yellow taxi car, Amy had to fight back tears. It had been over a year since Chad had broken her heart and left her at the altar, but the wound felt fresh every time she thought about it.

She watched the city streets blur by and wondered would the city nights look different if she were with her soul mate. Amy swallowed the fit of giggles that threatened to bubble over her plump lips.

Soul mates, now I know I'm smashed!

Chapter 1

The Lie That Led Me To You

Amy crossed her legs and then uncrossed them. The clock read a quarter til six. She had convinced herself to step into her favorite little black dress and matching heels. Her hair and make-up were done too, but she wore an undeniable look of dread. She studied her ebony reflection looking for imperfections in her makeup. It was flawless. Amy never left the house unless it was flawless. Foundation, concealer, eye-liner, eye shadow, lipstick, and a half dozen other products acted as her shield and her war paint.

She tapped her long manicured nails against the tile of the bathroom sink and then lifted them for inspection too. Then she glanced back to her reflection. Despite the flawless makeup, Amy could still see the woman Chad had left at the altar. She was hiding behind the facade and she felt naked. The men she'd dated since then knew it too and more than one had taken advantage of it.

“Not this time,” she told her reflection. “I'm ready for it. I know the game and I know the lines.”

The doorbell rang and the sound echoed throughout her small apartment. She gave reflection on last glance before switching out the bathroom light. The sound of her heels tapping against the hardwood floor of the living room comforted her. She took a deep breath and silently cursed Debbie as she opened the door.

“Damn!” was the only thought she had when she found herself face to face with her blind date for the evening.

Cole stood at least six inches taller than her five foot seven frame and his broad shoulders and strong arms filled out his Armani suit like it had been crafted just for him. He wore a confident smile that told Amy that he knew the effect his good looks had on women. His bright blue eyes were smoldering when they met her gaze.

“Amy?” he said extending his hand.

“Cole,” she nodded attempting to hide the chemistry that was brewing just below her surface. Amy extended her hand and Cole took it. His hand engulfed hers and was warm to the touch. Instead of shaking it, he gently lifted it to his lips and pressed them softly against it.

“It's a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said. “I've been trying to convince Debra to introduce us for ages.”

“Ages?” she asked.

“Ages,” Cole chuckled, “or at least since you were her guest to the company's Christmas party last year.”

“That's odd,” Amy said shouldering her purse. “I don't remember seeing you there.”

“I must have been just another face in the crowd,” Cole shrugged.

“I doubt that,” Amy said as she locked the door. “You're the type of man to make your presence known.”

“My charm must have failed me that night.”

The elevator ride to the ground floor was thick with an awkward silence. Amy grasped her purse and kept her gaze in front of her. Her date for the evening didn't need any additional ego stroking. She could feel his eyes on her, but she didn't look in his direction.

Cole offered her his hand as he stepped out of the elevator. Not wanting to be rude, she took it. Her hand rested lightly against him as they walked to the car. His body heat radiated into her flesh and she blushed.

“A limo?” Amy asked. “Don't you think it's a bit much to rent a limo for a first date?”

The question came out before she could swallow it down. Debbie was always telling her that the filter between her brain and mouth was broken. She studied the black shiny stretch limousine before her with contempt. So that was his thing. Amy had dated his type before. She

rolled her eyes. No amount of money was going to impress her.

“Actually,” Cole said as the driver rounded the car to open the door for them, “it's not a rental.”

Amy laughed as she slid into the backseat.

“Really?” she arched a brow.

“Yes,” Cole nodded. “I considered bringing my own car, but decided on the limo thinking it would allow us not to be interrupted.”

“Interrupted?”

“By driving,” Cole nodded, “Red lights, stop signs, other drivers. They all detract from conversation. If you like, we can swing by my place an exchange vehicles.”

“No,” Amy shook her head. “We're already in route. Let's just get this evening over with.”

“I have a feeling that Debra may have been less than honest with me about some things,” Cole said rubbing the back of his neck.

“She does have a way of glossing over details,” Amy nodded.

“She's a great employee, but I'm beginning to think she is a horrible matchmaker.”

“We can end the evening early, if you like,” Amy offered. “No hard feelings.”

“That's not what I meant, but you've looked miserable since you answered the door,” Cole sighed. “Debra told me that you were looking forward to tonight.”