How To Marry A Billionaire: A BWWM Billionaire Romance Read Free Page A

she stood talking to whom he guessed was her friend. People swirled past the two women. This crowd was about networking with people who could advance their careers; these women could do nothing for them, so they were ignored.
    Before he could say anything, the blonde that Doug had warned him about was in his face. Sigh.
    ***
    “It’s like a rich man’s  smorgasbord,” Shalia said. Ellyn looked around at all the handsome men in suits and had to agree. “So we need to talk to at least one of them since no one has approached us. Any ideas for conversation starters?” Shalia thought for a minute then said, half amusedly, “Where do you get your yacht serviced? I’m having trouble with mine,” Shalia said.
    Ellyn couldn’t help laughing. “I’m hungry. Let’s find some of those tiny appetizers.”
    “And eat a thousand of them.”
    Ellyn smiled as she followed her friend to a table with trays with food on them. They each took a plate and piled it high with food. When they left, the table several people stared at them.
    “Don’t people eat?” Shalia said.
    “I guess not. Oh, there’s an empty table over there.”
    Ellyn led her friend to a tall table they could stand at and eat. “Everyone is stick thin. Did you notice that?”
    Shalia frowned. “They are. I’d rather eat food.”
    “Maybe that’s why no one’s eating. They’ll have to throw it up if they do.”
    “What a waste.”
    A man in a tuxedo approached them. “Ladies, how are we?”
    The two women exchanged glance. This one was for Shalia, they agreed with a single look. Shalia smiled. “We’re good, and you?”
    “I’m good. I’m Doug Lavalette. I’m the host.”
    Oh crap, they were so busted. Ellyn readied herself to bolt. Shalia didn’t look upset at all. No, she hooked her arm around the man’s. “You throw an amazing party.” She let her breasts brush up against his arm. Ellyn thought the man’s eyes were going to roll into his head.
    He stammered a little. “Uh, thanks.”
    “What great food, too. I’m really impressed. I’ve been to Elton John’s party and his food is not this good,” Shalia said. If her friend was going to lie, she was in it for all she was worth. 
    Ellyn chose to sip her champagne. She was not getting involved in this subterfuge.
    The man straightened. “You’ve been to Elton John’s party?”
    “We have. Just before we came here. Not as many people as here.”
    Ellyn wanted to laugh but chose to just put food in her mouth so she wouldn’t say anything wrong. Where did her friend get these balls she obviously had?
    The man turned to Ellyn, Shalia still attached to him. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
    “Yes, immensely.”
    “I’ve been dying to dance,” Shalia said. “Would you please dance with me?”
    The man looked as if he wanted to say no, his gaze darting around the room as if looking for something or someone to save him but then he smiled, “Of course.”
    Shalia led him to the dance floor. Ellyn finally let out a laugh. She continued to enjoy the food she’d put on her plate. Then she saw the man who’d run into her earlier. She didn’t make eye contact but kept him in her peripheral vision. He was handsome and that tuxedo was clearly made for him. He carried himself as if he wore it on a regular basis.
    She could see those eyes from ten feet away. They sparkled and stood out against his jet black hair. He had a close-cropped beard around his mouth. No sideburns. The beard was the same black as his other hair. Made her wonder what was on his chest. Did he have that line of hair down his stomach that was like an arrow telling a woman the location of the playground?  The thought made her shiver for a moment.
    She wouldn’t have considered herself overly sexual, but this man made her think naughty things. She sipped her champagne, and then another glass appeared in front of her. Full this time. She looked up to see that the man she’d been having a fantasy about was standing next