Who Wants to Kiss a Billionaire?

By Laura Burton

He's got 10 days to get a woman to fall in love with him.

Sealed with a kiss.

Only one problem: He's not allowed to tell her he's rich.

Edward Marks is a Billionaire with a big heart and an even bigger ego.
And when his best friend, Sam suggests he could never get a woman to love him without flashing the cash, he takes on a challenge.
Get a woman to fall in love with him in 10 days.
She can't know he's a Billionaire.

It was just supposed to be a challenge.
But when he meets Catherine Fisher --a beautiful opera singer in New York-- He thinks he's won the jackpot. Problem is, Catherine does not appreciate his cheesy chat up lines and cocky nature.
Before long, he's smitten and suddenly more than a wager is at stake as he tries everything to get Catherine to realize he's the man of her dreams.

A clean, undercover Billionaire romance set in New York. Book #2 in the Billionaires in New York series. Can be read as a standalone but to get the most enjoyment from the series, start with Who Wants to Love a Billionaire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Burton
• Release date: Oct 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005584115

Laura Burton

Laura writes romance novels that are sweet and thrilling.She hates seeing the same stories rehashed over and over and loves to let her characters take the wheel during the writing process. This can lead to unexpected twists and turns!Having spent too many nights binge-watching TV shows and movies, her attention span is shorter than a goldfish. So you won't find filler, loads of backstory or dull scenes in her books. Life is too short to be trudging through muddy pages.Laura's books are packed with sizzling chemistry, swoon-worthy smooches, adventure, old-fashioned bad guys, and delightfully happy endings. Guaranteed.Readers often praise her books for their originality, humour, and addictive narrative. Looking for fast-paced, easy-to-read stories about finding The One? You're in the right place.Take a ride with Sassy heroines, gold-hearted heroes, and indulge in some true escapism.To receive updates on new releases, free books and funny notes in your inbox each week, sign up to Laura Burton's reader newsletter here: https://sendfox.com/form/m5o2l1/3zlp8j

Book preview

Prologue

Edward Marks

Edward Marks sat swirling his drink in his hand as he listened to the maid of honor give her speech.

The first day my best friend Julie met Harry, I remember saying to her, ‘it’s a beautiful day to fall in love,’ and little did I know, that these two lovebirds would do exactly that. The room laughed. I knew they were perfect for each other, being a matchmaker gives me a superpower of sorts. But I didn’t expect it to happen so fast.

David, pour us another will you? Edward murmured to his brother, who obliged. He looked at Julie, sitting next to her new husband, their faces glowing with happiness, and a twinge of jealousy tugged at his stomach. Harold Jackson was the awkward kid at school. He told jokes that people groaned at, never stood up for himself, and he got married first.

Not that Edward was willing to settle down anytime soon.

Hey, did you hear that? Sam nudged his arm and pointed to the stand. She loved him for who he was. I bet you couldn’t get a girl to fall in love with you if she didn’t know you were a billionaire.

Yeah right. Ladies fall for my charm, not my wallet.

Sam chortled as he relaxed into the back of his chair.

Keep telling yourself that, mate.

No, you haven’t seen my game. I could be a dry cleaner and women would fall at my feet.

That’s just it. It’s always a game with you. Howard said with a sigh. The corners of his eyes drooped downwards, making him look constantly bored.

Edward sat up and turned to his brother.

David, back me up here, he said.

David rubbed his neck and inhaled deeply.

I don’t know what to say. You do like to flash the cash around women, he said.

Edward resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Well, you’re no help.

"How, I ask you, do I flash the cash?"

Remember when you bought a yacht and named it after that girl you met at the theatre?

Or what about the time you organized a private concert with Beyoncé just because Halle––was it? Told you she was a fan?

Don’t forget that girl in Morocco.

Edward raised his hands in defeat.

Alright, alright. But I’m telling you. I don’t need money to woo a woman. I’ve got skills, he said, offering his most charming smile.

You want to bet on that? Sam asked with a wry smile. Howard made a noise of excitement and his droopy eyes lit up for the first time.

Now this just got rather interesting, he said stroking his dark beard.

Edward, come on. You don’t do bets, David said in a low voice. Edward rolled his shoulders back and downed the rest of his drink.

Call it a challenge then. Alright Sam. I’m listening, he said as the string quartet started to play Mozart. Sam clapped and shifted in his seat with a grin.

I challenge you to find a woman––who doesn’t know you’re filthy rich––and get her to fall in love with you within ten days.

Edward shrugged.

Piece of cake, he said cracking his neck. Sam held up a stubby finger and shook his head.

That’s not all my friend. You can’t use more than $1000.

Per date? Edward asked, shocked. Sam threw his head back and laughed.

In total. From the time you first meet, to the moment she says, ‘I love you’ and seals it with a kiss.

I never knew you were so romantic Sam, David said, patting Sam’s shoulder. Edward swallowed as he looked at Sam. All eyes were on him now as he considered it.

What’s the prize? If I win?

Are you kidding? True love and a woman who is crazy enough to love you without any of the benefits, Sam said. The men chuckled.

And if I lose?

Sam looked thoughtful and rubbed his arm. Then a massive smile spread across his whole face.

You give me your penthouse in New York… and you lose bragging rights. Plus, you’ll know that a woman will never love you without money.

Ouch.

Edward looked up to see Harold taking Julie by the hand as the two of them took to the dancefloor. Her huge dress took up so much space there was barely any room for other people to dance. Not that the couple noticed. Harold’s eyes were only on Julie’s as they shared identical smiles, circling on the spot. He turned back to Sam’s expectant face and held out his hand.

Get a woman to fall in love with me within 10 days.

Sam inclined his head.

And spend no more than $1000 in the process, he added firmly.

Edward nodded as they shook on it.

Deal.

Chapter 1

A not-so-cute meet cute.

---

Catherine Fisher was running late. She tried to ignore the phone vibrating on the passenger seat of the Mercedes Benz, as she clutched the leather steering wheel for dear life. The wipers sped back and forth across the windscreen on the fastest setting but did little to clear her vision of the dark road. She squinted through the lashings of water hitting the window and tried to take shallow breaths to stop fogging up the glass.

She was just wondering how this day could get any worse when the engine made an odd judder that she had never heard before.

No, no. Come on, please don’t break down.

She stomped on the gas pedal as the engine fell silent and an eerie stillness followed.

You’ve got to be kidding me, she declared as the car rolled to a stop. Catherine huffed and turned her hazard lights on with a grumble. Great. Just great. She picked up her phone and looked at the screen.

Nine missed calls.

The car swayed slightly away from the heavy stream of traffic passing by. It was not wise to stay in a broken-down vehicle in the middle of traffic, especially in a thunderstorm. She grabbed her raincoat and pulled it over her head as she pushed open the door.

Catherine had never noticed the sound of rain before. But as the door flung open with a gust of wind, the heavy thudding was so loud it quickened her heartbeat. It was as if she had just walked into a shower on its most intense setting. The unearthly roar of the traffic and intense LED lights in the dark night sent Catherine’s senses into overdrive. She stumbled to the railings and clung onto the wet metal with one hand as she squinted through the rain to look at her phone.

No signal.

Of course, she barked into the storm, waving her phone above her head as if her arm could act as an antenna and magically boost her signal. To her dismay, the gesture didn’t work and her beautifully styled dark hair was drenched.

Hey there, need a hand?

Catherine almost dropped her phone at the deep voice, calm and sure amongst the chaos as she whipped round to see the owner of it. A tall man towered over her with a casual smirk on his chiselled face. He was wearing a dark jacket and his jet-black hair shone in the streetlamps. A tall, dark and handsome stranger to the rescue.

How predictable, Catherine thought to herself as she studied the man. The downpour of constant rain had already soaked her to the bone, her raincoat clung to her arms like a second skin.

Oh no, I’m fine, Catherine shouted back, flashing her teeth at him. At that moment, her smile slipped as she lost grip of the metal railing and stumbled backwards with a yelp. The stranger leapt forward and grasped her back, blinking raindrops out of his lashes as he beamed at her. Catherine gawped at him, clutching his firm biceps as she tried to ignore the fact that this mysterious man was embracing her like a long-lost lover.

Are you okay? he asked. Now he was closer, his deep voice rumbled against her eardrums. As if vibrations ran through his fingers to her whole body. She pushed her hands against his chest, and he let go.

I’m fine. Don’t touch me, Catherine said as she brushed off her pant legs with trembling hands. Her phone clattered to the ground.

Let me––ouch!

Catherine and the mystery man stooped down at the same time to collect the phone and had bumped heads. Catherine wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.

Who is this guy?

She wondered if he was a true gentleman with no ulterior motive other than to help a person in need. Or a creep looking to take advantage of a vulnerable woman, broken down just outside New York City.

I’m sorry, I was just trying to help, he said, his brows pinched together as he puckered his lips as if expecting to have his photograph taken. The rain faded to a light spray and Catherine threw back her hood. She glanced at the phone on the floor before eyeing the man shrewdly. Dark hair curled around his ears and his baby blue eyes twinkled at her.

I can take care of myself, she said, indignant. She retrieved the phone from the road and looked at the screen. Still no signal.

The man folded his arms, his jacket scrunched up at the shoulders and a large dimple appeared on his left cheek as he grinned.

I see that, he said.

Catherine marched back to her car, puddles splashing under her feet. The man waited as she climbed in and tried to turn the ignition on again.

Hmm, that’s not good.

Catherine jumped and turned back to see the man stooping down to see inside the car.

Do you mind? She straightened and gave the man a hard look. His almond shaped baby blues creased, and he backed away with his hands in the air.

Do you need gas? he asked. I’ve got some in my trunk.

Catherine tilted her head to the side.

No, this is electric. It doesn’t use gas.

Really? The man stepped forward with his brows knitted together. Catherine flinched and he stopped. I thought this was the hybrid model. He scratched his chin in thought as Catherine blinked at him, thinking.

A what?

The man snapped out of his thoughts and offered his hand. Startled, Catherine automatically took it, surprised at the roughness of his skin.

I’m sorry. You’ll have to forgive me. I’m Edward, and I’m a—mechanic. I saw you broken down and thought I could be of some assistance.

They shook hands and Catherine’s shoulders relaxed.

Oh, he’s a mechanic. Not a predator.

I’m Catherine. Sorry. I don’t usually appreciate strangers coming onto me in situations like these.

Edward’s brow raised as he smirked at her.

Coming onto you?

Catherine cleared her throat and let out a nervous laugh.

You were saying something about a hybrid? Do you know what’s wrong with my car? she said, in an attempt to steer the conversation away from her misreading his signals.

Edward nodded and walked away. Catherine watched him open up the trunk of his car and walk back with a gas container in his hand.

You’re out of power. Thankfully I always keep a gallon of gas in my car. Just in case.

But it’s electric— Catherine began as Edward leaned into the Mercedes and pulled a lever she hadn’t noticed before.

This isn’t your car is it? he said as he marched to the back of the car and unfastened the fuel cap.

It’s a rental, Catherine confessed. I usually take the subway into the city.

Edward focused on filling the tank, giving Catherine an opportunity to study him more closely. There was something off about his appearance. His gentlemanly manner with a posh British accent did not match his slouch jeans and scruffy jacket. A gust of wind shot past her, filling her nostrils with the woody scent of his cologne.

That should be enough to get you to the station, Edward said as he fastened the cap. He turned to Catherine and flashed her a broad smile. His teeth were so white and perfectly shaped, Catherine could not help but suspect they were veneers.

What kind of mechanic can afford a set of veneers?

Thank you, she said quickly, realising she had been staring at him in silence. Let me repay you for the gas… she rooted through her wallet, but Edward placed his hand on hers, making her look up at him.

That isn’t necessary. It’s always a pleasure to help a damsel in distress. His eyes were as bright as a summer’s day and twinkled as he looked at her like a guardian.

Catherine hummed to herself with a slight frown.

Do you make a habit of this? Looking for vulnerable women to save? Catherine’s question was flippant, but she noticed the smile fade from Edward’s face, and he shifted his weight. Another gust of damp wind interrupted their conversation, and almost knocked Catherine off her feet. Edward launched forward again but she steadied herself and brushed him off.

"I need to go. I’m