Best Friends With the Billionaire (The Rochesters) Read Online Free PDF Page B

slide open a little to reveal a glimpse of some lacy underwear. Kirk’s body remained stubbornly cold.
    “It’s not too late for a little drinky-poo, is it?”
    Just in time, Kirk stopped himself from rolling his eyes.
    “I think you’d better go home. Let me walk you to your car.” He scanned the street, hoping she had driven here and that her car wasn’t parked too far away.
    “Why don’t you like me, Kirk?” Shawna lunged for him and grabbed his upper arm.
    “I do like you,” he replied woodenly, cursing his lame acting abilities. “It’s just that, well, I have a girlfriend.”
    The words popped out of his mouth before he could stop them. He blamed it on the fact that her talons were digging into his arm.
    “A girlfriend?” Shawna pulled a face. “Since when? Who?”
    “No one you know.” The red convertible with the lights on that was parked a short distance away must be her car. He started walking toward it, Shawna following uncomfortably close, still clinging to his arm.
    She dug her heels into the pavement, forcing him to stop. “I don’t believe you. You’re making this up.”
    A cab slid to a halt at the curb right beside them.
    “I’m not,” Kirk replied.
    “Well, how come I’ve never heard of her before?”
    A woman emerged from the cab, a tall, familiar woman with brown, shoulder-length hair. Kirk exhaled. Thank Christ . He couldn’t believe his luck. He broke free from Shawna’s grip and moved toward the cab.
    “Cassie, honey, you’re back,” he stated loud enough for his neighbors to hear.
    As he closed in on her, Cassie’s eyes widened in surprise, and she made to take a step back. But then her gaze darted past his shoulder and must have landed on Shawna.
    “Hi, er, d-darling,” Cassie stuttered.
    Kirk could feel Shawna eyeing them suspiciously, sizing up the situation. Pulling Cassie into his arms, he brushed his lips against her ear.
    “In case you’re wondering,” he murmured, “that’s Shawna. I’ll explain later.”
    “Mm, that you will.”
    Cassie’s soft hair brushed his cheek, and he found himself hugging her tighter. Damn, she smelled nice. Felt nice, too. Then he remembered their spectator and swung them both around to face Shawna.
    “This is Shawna Parnell, honey. Shawna, this is my girlfriend, Cassie Cooper. Cassie’s just returned from a business trip.”
    Shawna didn’t say anything, her face still screwed up with suspicion. Cassie offered a brief greeting before turning to the cab driver, who had hauled her suitcase from the trunk. When the cab had disappeared, Shawna was still studying them, hands on hips.
    “Is that your car?” Kirk gestured to the red convertible, his meaning obvious.
    Shawna’s lips thinned. Without a word, she flounced to the car, got in, and drove off, tires burning rubber.
    Kirk smiled at Cassie, picked up her suitcase, and held his hand out toward the open door of his house.
    “Let me show you around.”
    …
    Kirk’s house was compact compared to his neighbors, but still large by Cassie’s standards, and no expense had been spared. Above the double garage were the living room, dining room, kitchen, study, and media room done up with lots of leather, wood, and marble. There were plenty of gadgets—huge television, German sound system, several computers and laptops, blinds that lowered and raised themselves automatically. Nothing flashy or in excess, but everything chosen was of the best quality.
    Very nice; much nicer than she was used to. She could easily get accustomed to this discreet luxury. The house reflected Kirk’s personality and the traits that made her fall for him in the first place—his intelligence, his masculinity, his desire for excellence. Despite the expense, his house wasn’t a precious showpiece. Not with the overflowing bookcases, magazines on the coffee table, and glossy green indoor plants giving it a homely air.
    A billionaire bachelor pad , Cassie mused as she smoothed a hand over the