The Billionaire's Bedside Manner Read Free Page A

one of the family.” Her hands lowered and she brought up her legs to hug her knees. “One Saturday, in front of everyone, he proposed at the taverna. Seemed like the whole town was there, all smiling, holding their breath, waiting for my answer. I was stunned. Any words stuck like bricks in my throat. When I bowed my head, trying to figure out something tactful to do or say, someone cried out that I’d accepted. A huge cheer went up. Before I knew what had happened, Emilio slid a ring on my finger and…well…that was that.”
    Bailey ended by failing to smother a yawn at the same time the sound of an engine drew their attention. His ride—a yellow cab—was cruising up the drive.
    â€œWait here,” he said, and when she opened her mouth to argue, he interrupted firmly. “One minute. Please.” He crossedto the forecourt and spoke to the driver, who kept his motor idling while Mateo walked back and took a seat on the step alongside of her.
    â€œWhere do you plan to go now? Do you have anywhere to stay?”
    â€œI’d hoped to stay with a friend for a few days but her neighbor said she’s out of town. I’ll get a room.”
    â€œDo you really want to waste Mama’s money on a motel?”
    â€œIt’s only temporary.”
    He studied the cab, thought of the dwindling group of guys doing their annual bachelor bash in Canada and, as Bailey pushed to her feet, made a decision.
    â€œCome back inside.”
    Her look said, you’re crazy. “You’re ready to leave. The meter’s running.”
    He eyed the driver. Best fix that.
    He strode to the vehicle, left the cabbie smiling at the notes he passed over and heard the engine rev off behind him as he joined Bailey again.
    Her jaw was hanging. “What did you do?”
    â€œI’d thought about cancelling the first leg of my trip anyway. Now, inside.” He tilted his head toward his still open front door.
    â€œFlattering invitation.” Her smile was thin. “But I don’t do fetch or roll over, either.”
    Mateo’s chin tucked in. She thought he was being bossy? Perhaps he was. He was used to people listening and accepting his advice. And there was a method to his madness. “You say the money Mama gave you is a loan. But you admit you have no income. No place to stay.”
    â€œI’ll find something. I’m not afraid of work.”
    Another yawn gripped her, so consuming, she shuddered and her eyes watered.
    â€œFirst you need a good rest,” he told her. “I’ll show you to a guest room.”
    Another you’re crazy look. “I’m not staying.”
    â€œI’m not suggesting a lease, Bailey. Merely that you recharge here before you tackle a plan for tomorrow.”
    â€œNo.” But this time she sounded less certain.
    â€œMama would want you to.” When she hesitated, he persisted. “A few hours rest. I won’t pound on the door and get on your case.”
    She glared at him. “Promise?”
    â€œOn my life.”
    All the energy seemed to fall from her shoulders. He thought she might disarm him with a hint of that ice-melting smile, but she only nodded and grudgingly allowed him to escort her back inside.
    Â 
    After ascending that storybook staircase, Mateo Celeca showed her down the length of a wide paneled hallway to the entrance of a lavish room.
    â€œThe suite has an attached bath,” he said as she edged in and looked around. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”
    Bailey watched the broad ledge of his shoulders roll away down the hall before she closed the heavy door and, feeling more displaced than she had in her life, gravitated toward the center of the vast room. Her own background was well to do. With a tennis court and five bedrooms, her lawyer father’s house in Newport was considered grand to most. Her parents had driven fashionable cars.