Page 18 of A Billionaire Abroad

“You holding up?” he asked.

She sighed and motioned him in, closing the door behind him. “What was it Sterling actually said?”

He shook his head. “I’m not going to repeat it.”

Keighley dropped onto the sofa and slumped down, tired and frustrated. “He always seemed so . . .”

“Charming?” Conall sat next to her.

She could smile a little at that. “I did describe him that way, didn’t I?”

He shrugged. “I’ve worked for a few people like him: wealthy, used to getting whatever they want, able tobewhatever they need to be to get things from people. I know his type, so it was easier not to believe the lie, ya know?”

“I live in New York. I should know the type as well; we’re crawling with them.”

He took her hand. “Don’t be ashamed of thinking well of people. It’s not a failing.”

“But it makes me look like an idiot.”

“No, it doesn’t.”

She leaned against him. The jet lag hadn’t been too bad, but in that moment she felt tired to her bones. “So, is he pulling me off this event?”

Conall half-laughed, half-snorted. “He can’t afford to.”

“He’s a billionaire,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anything he can’t afford.”

“I don’t mean the money. If the event falls apart, he’ll be humiliated. If there’s one thing these wealthy, spoiled, always-get-their-way types can’t endure, it’s embarrassment.”

“Maybe I should sabotage the whole thing and get my revenge.” She wasn’t at all serious, but it felt good to make the threat.

“I have a better idea,” he said. “Let’s go see a few sights. You didn’t get to tour Dublin Castle.”

“An actual castle?” Her heart flipped a bit.

“More of a palace, really, and nothing so grand as Buckingham, but a castle.”

“I would like to see a castle.”

His smile sent waves of warmth over her. “I thought you might.”

“But you said you had another event to work on this morning. I wasn’t expecting to see you at all, let alone run around the city with you.”

He leaned closer to her and lowered his voice. “Are you turning down the invitation?”

“No,” she whispered.

“I’m glad to hear it.” His breath tickled her lips.

“I’m guessing you didn’t mind that I kissed you last night,” she whispered.

“Oh, I didn’t mind.”

He closed the gap and brushed the lightest of kisses to her lips. Such a soft and fleeting touch, but it sent jolts of electricity through her.

He stood, her hand still in his, and tugged her playfully toward the door. “Let’s go see a castle.”

A castle. A handsome Irishman. A heart-fluttering kiss.