The Billionaire’s Savior

*****

Three hours and a pounding headache later Chris had narrowed it down to three and sent them all the same message.

Re: Re: Looking for wife…Oh hell, I didn’t think I would get an actual responses. Are you real? I guess you would have to be, especially with the whole ‘I’m down and out on my luck and I just wanna mooch off of you’ – brilliant, that. Your honesty is winning right now. Though you should know you’re not the only candidate. Would you be amenable to an interview to see if we would be compatible.

My name is Chris and I’m always at home at number four Claremont Drive. Please do make an appointment just the same so we can expect you plus it’s just good manners.

-Chris

*****

Robyn read Chris’ response to her message and didn’t know if she wanted to extend him the middle finger and tell him to go fu*k himself or…what. But Trevor, Pam’s boyfriend, was already sending rumblings of discontent her way. She really needed somewhere to go that wasn’t Miami. She hit the reply button;

Re: Re: How about now?

Hey. I’m free right now. I could come over if you’re decent.

She was semi-surprised that she didn’t have to wait long for a reply.

Re:Re: Okay

Sure come over. Do you like tea or coffee?

Re: Re: Surprise me

I’m easy.

…

Don’t say it.

Re: Re: Ha Ha

Don’t know what you mean. Hey, here’s my number; let’s continue this conversation on text.

*****

(No Subject)I’m not much of a conversationalist. I’m sorry.

He immediately felt bad at his abrupt response, but dismissed the reaction by telling himself that Robyn might as well get to know the real him right from the jump. His stomach flip-flopped in a way he couldn’t explain, and heat crawled up from the base of his spine in a way he didn’t recognize until he realized that his trousers were tighter than they were five minutes ago.

Oh God.

The ping of a text had him reaching eagerly for his phone.

I googled you.Before Chris could even think of a reply, his phone pinged again.

I find myself simultaneously intimidated and impressed.

Chris found suddenly that it was very hard to breathe. Really he should never have responded in the first place. And oh God, now Robyn knew who he was.

Another ping jolted Chris out of his thoughts and he realized quite some time had passed and he still hadn’t responded.

Well at least you can admit it. CO

But I would love to get to know you better.

Chris was so far out of his element, he had no idea what he was doing. His fingers twitched as they type out response after response, only to delete them one by one. Charming someone when it’s to get information for work was totally different than being on the receiving end of genuine flirtation – and it had been years since that had happened.

Chris?I meant when I said I’m not much of a conversationalist. And I tend not to get along with most people. COI bet you’re fantastic. I mean, I already know you are and I’ve only spoken to you for a little bit.

And you haven’t told me to fu*k off yet. So.

Dinner?

*****

Robyn walked up to the door and knocked tentatively. Her heart was going a mile a minute and she wished she’d stopped by her salon and gotten her hair done. As it was, it was her usual ebony tresses were held in a pony tail at the back of her head, tiny wisps having escaped to brush against her face. She wore her one pair of gold earrings and a thin gold chain around her neck. She had on black jeans and an orange top which she’d been told brought out the deep rich tones of her umber complexion. The whites of her eyes showed with her fear, contrasting sharply with her tawny irises. Her dilated russet pupils standing out sharply. The door was opened by a tall blonde woman who regarded her like she was a piece of dirt on her shoe.

“Er, hello. I’m here to see Chris Odom,” she said.

The woman looked her up and down, clearly assessing her critically and clearly not liking what she saw. She stepped back anyway, indicating that Robyn should come in. She stepped into the house, looking around her with curiosity. The foyer had a high ceiling and there was a small curved nook on one side framed by a bench.

Robyn walked down the hall toward the silhouette of a man standing in a doorway. The light was behind him so she couldn’t make out much apart from the fact that he was tall, and well built. Just looking at his powerful build, she had to wonder why he had to resort to Craigslist for his dating needs. He held something out to her.

“Beer?” he said and her eyes fell on the can. A flash of memory streaked through her mind; of another drink, laced with drugs. She shook her head.

“No,” she said grateful to be able to say it aloud this time. She didn’t realize she had stepped back as well. Chris withdrew his hand and placed the can on a surface that was hidden behind the door.

“Okay then, come in,” he said stepping back from the archway and making space for her to enter.

“Thank you,” she said stepping past him.