Page 2 of Interview with the Billionaire

“You look happy,” Nikki said, reaching the landing and sliding into his arms. “And here I thought you’d be traumatized.”

He heard the tease in her voice. “About turning forty next week? Why? Are you planning on leaving me for a younger man?”

“Of course.” She tilted her head back, her expression serious. “I’m debating between Sven or Terence. But it’s so hard to choose. Maybe I’ll just go with both of them.”

He tugged her even closer, then silenced her gasp with a long, lingering kiss that had her moaning, the sound and the feel of her body curved against his making him hard. “I think somebody’s looking to be punished.”

Heat and amusement danced in her eyes. “By you, Mr. Stark? Always.”

He chuckled, then slid back to release her even while twining his fingers with hers. “I’d like to say that was part of our agenda this weekend, but I’m afraid plans have changed.”

“Oh. What happened.” They’d been planning to leave the kids with their aunt and uncle while he and Nikki escaped to a desert spa retreat. The grown-up part of his upcoming birthday celebration.

“Evelyn called,” he said, referring to his lifelong friend and agent. “Apparently the fact that I’ve survived four decades on this planet is newsworthy. There’s a magazine that wants to do an in-depth profile on me.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

He understood the question. Despite being one of the most recognizable men in the world, he was also one of the most private. Or he tried to be. Somehow, life kept tossing him back into the public eye.

“I am. Or, rather, I’m resigned to it. Evelyn insists it will be a boon for the company image and excellent publicity for the sports center.”

The S&S Sports Center was a Stark and Steele joint project that was being dedicated in less than a week. Though it was already a high profile project, publicity for a public venue was never a bad thing.

“Plus, according to Evelyn, the article will be a reminder of how young I still am compared to how much I’ve accomplished.”

“Oh, good,” Nikki said. “I’m so relieved.”

He frowned. “Relieved?”

“Well, while I think the tiny bit of gray at your temple is sexy as hell, I was starting to worry that you were over the hill.”

He laughed. “Careful, wife.”

“Now that I know better,” she continued airily, “I can don’t have to worry about choosing between Sven or Tarlton for at least another decade.”

“I thought it was Terence.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Who can keep them all straight?”

“Definitely looking for a spanking…”

Her smile was pure sin. “Only a spanking, Mr. Stark?”

“God, I love you.”

Once again, she wrapped her arms around his waist, then rose on her toes to brush a kiss over his lips. “I promise you, the feeling is entirely mutual.”

“I really am sorry. But obviously this is time-sensitive. According to Evelyn, they’re saving space in the layout. The next issue of the magazine is scheduled to release on my birthday.”

“Guess I know what I’ll be getting you,” she said, as they headed toward the sofa.

“You really don’t mind?” He sat, then tugged her onto his lap.

“I’m disappointed, but the resort’s not going anywhere. Other than that, you’re the one on the hot seat.”

He cleared his throat. “Actually, about that…”

Her brows rose as he trailed off. “Mmm-hmm?”