The Billionaire's Mistress Complete Series: Alpha Billionaire Romance by M. S. Parker

company I was dealing with was going to require some hardball. That was fine with me. People tended to look at me and either think I’d be as laid back as my father was, or that I was too young to really be much threat. They were wrong on both counts. The meeting had also served to keep me from thinking about Allie too much, but now that it was over, I couldn't keep her off my mind.
    My phone rang.
    “Hello?”
    “The young lady is here and is on her way, sir.” It was the concierge.
    “Excellent. And the food?”
    “Already on the way.” Even as he said it, the doors in the back swung open, and two men dressed all in black save for spotless white aprons emerged, bearing dishes. They were followed by more men who cleared away the steaming trays leftover by the lunch that had been enjoyed, or picked over, depending on the mood of those in the meeting.
    My table was cleared in moments, and two new place settings were put down. I hadn’t eaten anything during my meeting. I rarely did anyway, and I’d planned on sharing a meal with Allie. Just as the last server swept out of the room, the doors at the front of the small, intimate dining room opened.
    Allie stood there, one hand resting on the door, the other in front of her, holding my coat. I'd actually forgotten that I'd left it too, even though the ring had been in the pocket.
    I got to my feet, the gesture so ingrained in me it was automatic.
    Her eyes sought me out, and she inclined her head. “Hello, Mr. Lindstrom.”
    There was no smile on her face.
    I didn’t smile at her either. I was too busy trying to catch my breath.
    She really was that beautiful.
    Smooth dusky skin, the color of coffee with just the right amount of creamer. Pale green eyes that all but glowed, and a full mouth that had me hungering for things I had no business wanting at all.
    She glanced around, the look on her face full of cool disdain. She wasn't impressed by her surroundings or the lengths I'd taken to see her again.
    It was that look that goaded me into moving. Taking a step forward, I said, “Thank you for bringing my coat.”
    “And the engagement ring,” she added in a taciturn voice.
    “Of course.” I stepped aside and gestured to the table. “I was about to have some lunch. Business meetings have tied me up most of the morning. I imagine the flight ate up most of yours. Are you hungry?”
    “You imagine the flight took up most of my morning?” She tucked her tongue against her cheek, looking like she wanted to add something else, but good manners kept her from doing so. “Sure. I could eat. The snacks they offer on first class might satisfy the sweet tooth, but they aren't filling.”
    She came toward me, still holding the coat and when she stopped in front of me, I stayed where I was, a little uncertain what it was she wanted.
    Finally, a faint smile cracked her face. “You’re standing in front of both seats.”
    “Oh. Of course.” I held out my hand for my overcoat, wondering just what in the hell was wrong with me. This woman did weird things to my head.
    Once she’d passed the coat over, I stepped aside, carelessly slinging the coat she’d so meticulously folded over the back of a chair at a nearby table. She’d already sat by the time I’d turned, ready to pull her chair out for her. She was studying the food in front of her critically, and just as I was about ready to tell her I could call the chef and have him make her something else, she used the fork to cut into the light, flaky fish and popped a bite in her mouth.
    “Hmmm.” She made a humming noise in the back of her throat as she chewed. After she’d swallowed, she shot me a smile. “Not as good as what my mom makes, but it'll do. Have you tried yours?”
    As I hadn’t even sat down, it was pretty obvious I hadn’t, but I took the not-so-subtle hint to quit towering over her. By the time I’d spread my napkin in my lap and taken the first bite, she was already through half the fish and had