One Night With a Billionaire (Novella): The Perfect Man Read Online Free PDF Page B

to Astrid, like a voice from the past, maybe, because this was Drew’s phone, not hers.
    “Astrid, it’s me! I’m in Paris but I lost my phone, so I’m borrowing Drew Eldridge’s.”
    Astrid was silent for a beat. “Are we talking about Drew Eldridge, of the Dallas Eldridge family?”
    “I hope so, because that’s what he told me. He said you two were at camp together and he stopped your runaway horse. Did he?”
    “Oh my God. Yes, he did, but how in hell did you hook up with him in Paris, of all places?”
    “It’s a long story, but I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”
    “Why wouldn’t it be?” Panic edged Astrid’s voice. “Why are you reassuring me? Did something happen?”
    “I was mugged.”
    “Oh my God! Oh, Melanie, no.”
    “But Drew came to my rescue.” Melanie explained what had happened. “So I’m staying in his townhouse, at least until I get my new credit card, but if you have any reservations about me doing that, then—”
    “Absolutely not. He’s terrific. At least he was when I knew him, and from what I hear from my parents, he continues to do good deeds. He’s big into charity events.”
    “I’m not surprised, after the way he’s insisted on helping me out.” She didn’t like to think of herself as a charity, though, so she’d have to move on when she had the means to do so.
    “He’s a good guy. I hate that this happened, but it sounds like you came out in pretty good shape.”
    “I did. His townhouse is amazing. I wish I had my phone so I could send you pictures.”
    “What about him? He was pretty cute as a teenager, but I haven’t seen him since then. Is he handsome? So-so? The Hunchback of Notre Dame?”
    Melanie laughed. “He’s gorgeous. Tall, dark hair, and the bluest eyes. When he’s on his computer, he wears these dark-framed glasses that make him look all serious and scholarly.”
    “Well, now. Sounds as if you have a crush going on.”
    “Nah. It’s like drooling over movie stars. We’re from different worlds.”
    “I’m not so sure about that. You and I are friends, and I’m from that world.”
    “That’s different. We were sorority pledges together. We went through Hell Week. I’ve seen you at your worst.”
    Astrid laughed. “That’s the truth.”
    “Drew’s just being nice. He saw a fellow Texan in need.”
    “Maybe, but you still don’t know that he’s not interested in you. Why are you writing him off as a lost cause?”
    “Astrid, you haven’t seen him, or this place. My daddy is a cowboy, and my mama is a cowgirl, and my two brothers are both cowboys. We all know I’ll end up with a cowboy eventually. You might end up with a billionaire because you move in those circles, but I’ll be perfectly happy with some broad-shouldered rancher.”
    “You haven’t been happy with one so far.”
    “Jeff’s a bad example.”
    “Before Jeff was Pete, and before that was Jeremy. I know you think a cowboy’s in your future, but I question that.”
    “I just haven’t found the right one.”
    “If you say so, toots. Like you said, you’re there and I’m not. But it sounds like a great setup for a romantic interlude.”
    “Uh, no. But you’re welcome to your fantasies.” Melanie glanced at an ornate clock on the bedside table. “I need to get going. He’s offered to take me to see the sights this afternoon.”
    “Uh-huh. Like I said, don’t discount the possibility that he likes you.”
    “Okay, I won’t.” The thought that Drew might think of her as something more than a goodwill project sent squiggles of excitement through her stomach.
    “Have fun.”
    “I will. I’m in Paris!” She disconnected, set the phone on the nightstand, and started stripping down for her shower. But as she stepped into the elegant bathroom, reality intruded.
    She might have stumbled into this fantasy world where Drew lived, but it was only a tiny blip in her life. When it came to men, Astrid might feel comfortable with guys like Drew. But Melanie