Page 7 of How to Train Your Billionaire

“That’s a breakfast of champions right there.”

I dig into my own muffin, wiping the crumbs from my cheek. “So ... you were about to tell me what a travel companion is.”

“So I was.” He pauses to take a bite of his muffin. “Dear God ...” He groans and looks up at me, bewildered. “Why have I never tried one of these?”

I shrug.

“My cholesterol be damned, this is incredible.” He takes another bite, and we eat in silence for a few moments. Chocolatey goodness explodes over my taste buds, and I hum to myself, happy as can be, at least for the moment.

Finally, Charles finishes his muffin, except for a few crumbs, and wipes his hands. “I’m looking to hire someone—a travel companion—to accompany me over the next few months as I visit some of my properties. I have poor eyesight, due to macular degeneration, and I could use help with my luggage from time to time. But mostly I’m looking for someone to socialize with, since globe-trotting alone doesn’t appeal to me.”

Abandoning my own muffin, I give him a puzzled look. “Why not invite someone you’re close to? A family member maybe? Surely they’d enjoy a free vacation, right?”

“Yes and no. I lost my wife very young, and I never remarried. We never got around to having kids ourselves, and while I’m close with my nieces and nephews ... they’re all busy with their own lives.”

One of his nephews is Hayes—enough said. I wouldn’t want to travel with him either.

“Speaking of family ... I didn’t see a ring, so I assume you’re unmarried?”

“Happily single,” I chirp.

Charles nods. “Very good. Anyway, I enjoy travel and have a number of homes I’d like to visit. And I hate trying to line up dates that could work for others and just end up feeling like a bother. I’d prefer to go when I want to go.”

“I get that,” I say, having always been very independent myself. I would hate relying on other people.

“I’d like to get to know you a little better if we’re really going to consider this. What would make you a good travel companion?”

I consider his question. I’m a ton of fun and liven up any situation, but I try to imagine myself traveling to new places with this elderly man ... What would that actually be like? And what role would I play?

Strangely enough, I can actually picture it. I didn’t have a father growing up, and my mom has been gone for three years now ... I’ve kind of missed having the steady influence of someone older in my life. Someone who’s weathered a few trials and come out the other side. I could picture us chatting casually over coffee—or maybe chocolate muffins. It’s oddly ... appealing. Or maybe all this sugar has gone to my head and I’m romanticizing the idea. I decide to play along for now, even if I’m not sure I want the job.

“First, I guess, is my ability to keep my cool when things don’t go according to plan. And I’m good at talking to new people, so I tend to make friends wherever I go.” Charles is studying me from across the table. “I’m not picky with food, and I have no allergies, so I never order off a special menu and am easygoing about where or what to eat.”

“That can be helpful, I agree. What else?”

“I’m a good listener and conversationalist, I have a wide range of interests, so I know the basics about a lot of things and can a least start a conversation. I’m generally a positive person; it takes a lot for me to complain.”

“Very good.” Charles nods.

“Oh, and I’m small, so I don’t mind taking the middle seat on a plane.” I grin, pleased with myself that I thought of such a detail.

“We will be flying first class, there are no middle seats.”

“Oh. Even better.” My smile widens.

“Is your passport current?” Charles asks.

I nod. “Where are you looking to travel to, exactly?”

“I was thinking we should start with Montana. I have a property outside of Big Sky that I haven’t been to in ages. I’ve been advised we should take the first trip as a trial run and that it should last no longer than a week to make sure we don’t want to kill each other by the end. I can be a lot to put up with, I’ve been told.”

“That sounds reasonable. I’ve never been to Montana. But should we talk pay? Expenses?”

“I’ll match whatever your last salary was, and the only expenses you’ll have are your own souvenirs or personal items.”

Wow. It’s a generous offer. It’s kind of surreal, to be honest, but I’m still totally unsure if it’s the right move for me. “Can I think it over?”

“Of course.”