Meddling with a Millionaire Read Online Free PDF

deep breath and plunged forward. “What if I replace the entire hundred thousand by Valentine’s Day?”
    â€œHow are you going to do that in six weeks?” Her father laughed.
    â€œBy selling my jewelry.”
    He shook his head. “You’ll never do it. You’re good at spending money, not making it. You don’t have the drive to work hard and succeed.”
    Her heart constricted. Paralyzed by his scornful words, she felt smothered by all the mistakes she’d made in her life. Was it too late for her to change how her father perceived her? And what if she didn’t try? It was either a loveless marriage to Nathan or learning to live on what she earned. Both sounded dreadful.
    â€œBut if I do,” she persisted, her voice strengthening as her determination grew, “will you give me back my trust fund?”
    Her father snorted. “I’ve seen the balance in your account. You won’t be able to put the money back.”
    He was probably right, but she had to try. “I can and I will.” She hoped she was displaying a great deal more confidence than she currently possessed. The task she’d set for herself made her stomach twist with anxiety. “One more thing. When I replace the entire hundred thousand, you’ll also agree to stop meddling in my life.” She stuck out her hand. “Deal?”
    â€œAs long as you don’t borrow the money from anyone to bring the account balance up, we have a deal.” Her father swallowed her hand with his and squeezed gently. His smile softened. “I’m only doing what I know is best for you.”
    â€œIt’s what you think is best for me,” she retorted, pulling free. “And you’re wrong.” Her insides felt like jelly. What had she just agreed to do? “Now, you’d better get back to your guests.”
    â€œAre you coming down?”
    Emma shook her head. “I’m driving back to Houston tonight.”
    â€œIt’s too dangerous to be on the roads at such a late hour.”
    It was far more dangerous for her to stay. “I’ll be careful.”
    He frowned. “Emma—”
    â€œOne way or another, in six weeks I’m no longer your responsibility, Daddy,” she said. “It’s past time you start letting go.”
    â€œOf course it is.” He kissed on the top of her head and retreated down the hall.
    In her bedroom, Emma stripped out of her dress, being extra careful with it even in her haste. She’d borrowed both the dress and her shoes from Jaime, and would never forgive herself if she returned the designer original with any damage. As she zipped the gown into its protective bag, she contemplated her shift in perspective. A year ago she wouldn’t have taken such care with her clothes. Any tear, stain, sometimes even a single wearing would prompt her to shift the outfit to the back of her closet. Funny…what Jaime had given her with so little concern, Emma now treated like a magical gown from her fairy godmother.
    Thank goodness this dress hadn’t disappeared at the stroke of midnight. A wry smile formed despite her turbulent emotions.
    She donned jeans and a sweater, and then tossed the rest of her clothes into her overnight bag. Until her encounter with Nathan, she’d intended to stay the night, but after what had almost happened between them again, she needed some time to think, and the four and a half hours back to Houston would be just about right.
    She didn’t worry about falling asleep at the wheel. The encounter with Nathan ensured that the adrenaline pumping through her veins would keep her awake. As for being sober, she’d wanted a clear head in case he’d shown up tonight and hadn’t allowed herself a single sip of champagne.
    Feeling like a cat burglar, she hugged the wall as she descended the back stairs. She pictured her earrings resting in Nathan’s pocket. What a lousy thief she