Read Kiki's Millionaire for Free Online Page B

Kiki’s hand with both of his
own.
    “We almost met before,” he told her.
    “I kind of recognize you.”
    “I was in the coffee shop where you met Jim.”
    “Ah. Right! I remember. That was not my finest hour.”
    Cal laughed, ending with a big grin. “Even when it set
you up to meet my brother?”
    Jim took that cue and piped in. “That was all my good
luck.” He put his arm around Kiki’s slender shoulders, and she leaned her head
against him for a moment. It was a marvelous feeling having her there,
perfectly placed where he could hold her, feel her warmth, and smell the
lavender sweetness of her beautiful chestnut hair. He only hoped he could have
this feeling for a long time. He’d been lucky to find her, now if only he could
keep her.
    They toured the place for a while and Jim didn’t see
much that was particularly interesting, except for the popular new exhibit, but
it was entertaining. Champagne flowed, though neither of the men was drinking
alcohol. White-clad servers made the rounds with canapés. After a little while,
Jim and Cal decided to leave the women behind looking at ancient Egyptian
cosmetics and beauty tools, while the men got food at the buffet.
     
    * * *
     
    “Are you having a good time, Kiki?” Ginny asked,
touching Kiki’s arm with a small, well-manicured hand. Kiki noted Ginny’s Jimmy
Choo purse and Manolo shoes. Jealousy didn’t creep through her, but the
accessories did give her information about the woman. She was sure, however,
that Ginny was pleased to be telling everyone about her prosperity.
    Smiling as pleasantly as she could, Kiki nodded. “Yes.
How about you?”
    Ginny leaned a little closer. “Well, truth to tell, I
think this is a little boring.”
    Kiki laughed softly. “I love Egyptian stuff. And Cal
seems to be a nice guy. Have you been dating him long?”
    “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he? Those yummy broad shoulders
and height. He and Jim are a lot alike but Cal’s eyes are different: gray.” She
put a hand on Kiki’s arm conspiratorially. “I kind of like the blue better, but
don’t tell Cal. This is our fourth date. I think I might be able to catch this
one.”
    Catch? Surprised at the other woman’s candor, Kiki
didn’t quite know what to say.
    Ginny didn’t seem to mind continuing the conversation
all by herself. Her champagne flute was empty, but an eagle-eyed server was
there to refill it. “The real prize is Jim, don’t you think? But, of course,
there’s the ghost of his wife to deal with. So sad.” Her mouth turned down at
the corners, but her eyes twinkled with something less wholesome.
    “Wife?”
    “Oh sure! Didn’t you read that article about him in Us
a couple of years ago, right after his wife died? He was devastated. They’d
been trying to have kids, and when they couldn’t manage it, they went to a
doctor and instead of getting help, they found out that she had some kind of
deadly medical problem. Awful.” She squeezed Kiki’s hand then let it go. “How
do you deal with it? You know he hasn’t had a real relationship since then. I
read the gossip while I’m at the hair-dresser. The pictures are very telling.
One supermodel or actress after another.”
    Kiki’s mind was spinning. He hadn’t mentioned a wife
at all. And, as she considered their relationship, she realized that while
they’d been getting closer, there was an agreed upon limit to their liaison:
three dates. What would happen at the end of those three dates? At the end of
tonight? Realizing that she didn’t want it to stop, that it was just barely
beginning, Kiki felt a sudden grief over what would be lost if they quit seeing
each other so soon.
    The reality of the disparity between what he
represented and her plebian status was like a brick wall between them. Maybe he
was toying with her because they were so different it was impossible for
anyone—especially her—to conceive of any kind of long-term
relationship. Maybe he was just playing with her for