Read The Billionaire Princess for Free Online Page A

arrived at just the right time.”
    Without saying a word, he pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit.  “Who was that anyway?”
    “My ex.  I don't know what he's doing here.  I don't remember seeing him on the guest list.”  Sara heard the contempt in her voice but couldn't do anything about it.  “Speaking of which, what are you doing here?” Now that a scene with Phillip had been avoided, it dawned on her that Christopher shouldn't be there either.
    Christopher sat across the table from her and leaned back in his chair. He appeared to be a man without a care in the world and completely comfortable in her presence, despite the night they'd shared weeks ago.
    The memory of waking up with his arm draped across her stomach filled her head.  Over the past few weeks her memories of that night popped up time and time again, but only when she was alone.  A fact she was grateful for.  No such luck tonight. Warmth spread across her face and she hoped the lighting in the ballroom kept Christopher from seeing her blush.
    “I've known David Healy for a few years.  We belong to the same country club.  We played golf right before Jake's wedding, and he invited me.”
    During their next meeting she would remind David to keep her apprised of who he issued invites to. As his chief of staff she needed to be in the loop on all things.  Not to mention it would've been helpful to know Christopher was coming tonight.
    “You did make it,” Senator Healy said, approaching their table. 
    A man in his mid-forties, Senator Healy was the type who most would overlook in a crowd.  A graduate of Columbia University, he'd built his entire life around one goal, making it to the United States Senate despite the fact he didn't have any family connections.  She admired him for that.  Accomplishing exactly what he'd achieved was her ultimate goal for the future.
    The Senator pulled a chair out from the table and joined them.  “And I see you've met my talented Chief of Staff.  She came to work for me instead of the President himself,” he said chuckling at his usual joke.
    “We've known each other a long time.  Christopher and my brother were roommates in college.”
    “I didn't realize there was a connection between you two,” the Senator said pointing a finger back and forth between them.  “So have you thought anymore about what we discussed?” Senator Healy asked before turning his attention to Sara.  “I told him about the education initiative we want to get though.”
    Christopher nodded.  “That's one of the reasons I am here tonight.”
    One of the reasons?  What were his other reasons?  She wanted to ask but knew it wasn't any of her business.  Besides asking might give him the wrong impression.
    “Excellent.  That's what I wanted to hear,” the senator said.  “Sara, set up a meeting for us with Christopher.”  Pushing his chair back, he came to his feet.  “I look forward to our meeting.” The senator shook hands with Christopher before rejoining the guests in the ballroom.
    Sara gripped her hands together, her nails digging into her skin.  A meeting with her boss and her brother's best friend, with whom she'd had a one-night stand—could anything be more awkward? Doubtful, but stranger things happened.  “I'm staying in Providence for the weekend, so I'll call your assistant on Monday to arrange a meeting.”  If she avoided talking about anything personal tonight perhaps he would too.
    “Call me directly.  There's no need for you to go through Caroline.”  Christopher rested both elbows on the table and leaned closer.
    Before she could stop herself, her eyes dropped to his large hands sprawled on the table and her skin tingled at the memory of them on her body.  Immediately, her pulse quickened.  “Okay,” she said, sounding a little breathless.
    “I thought I would spend a few days here myself.  I haven't been on the East Coast in a while.  What are your plans for