Chapter 4
Ellie blinked at the man in front of her, then at Chloe.
"A male model? You hired a male model?"
Chloe raised both hands in horror. Ellie lunged into Julian, running her hands over his chest.
"So handsome. I like you."
Julian braced one hand on the doorframe and looked down at her.
"We didn't hire anyone," Chloe said, holding up three fingers. "I swear. We haven't done anything."
"Not tonight, perhaps. I'll be sure to tell your brother."
"No. Please."
Ellie snuggled against his chest.
"I'll deal with you when we get home."
He scooped her into his arms. She gave a startled sound and clasped his neck as he carried her out. Chloe remained behind, watching them go.
"Sorry, Ellie. I can't save you. I can barely save myself."
Ellie was asleep against his shoulder by the time he crossed the lobby. At home, he lowered her gently onto her bed and started to turn away.
She caught his wrist.
"Don't go."
He stopped and looked back.
"Ellie. Do you know what you're doing?"
She pulled his hand to her cheek and rubbed against it.
"Julian…"
His expression softened. He stroked her hair, and she rested her head against his waist.
Perhaps letting her move in had been a mistake.
In the morning, Ellie woke rubbing her temples. The stuffed bear lay nearby with a note tucked against it.
"How did I get home last night?"
A memory supplied the answer: neon light, Julian's cold face, her delighted cry of "A male model!" and her arms around his neck.
She laughed into her hand, then went still.
She had mistaken Julian Hayes for a hired party model. Was it time to pack?
She took the note. HOUSE RULES: HOME BY SEVEN. NO ALCOHOL.
"Earlier again?"
Her phone held a message from Chloe.
"Sorry I couldn't save you last night. To make up for it, here's a well-paying job."
Attached was an ad for a pianist at Moonlight, an upscale restaurant.
"A pianist…"
That evening, Ellie sat at a grand piano in a white feather-trimmed dress. Knowing how well Julian held a grudge, she doubted she would last long in his house. Better to make money of her own.
At a nearby table, Tyler looked over from his dinner with Derek Grant and Scott.
"Derek, is that Ellie Turner?"
"So it is," Derek said.
"The family goes bankrupt, and the princess is playing for restaurant customers."
Scott swirled his wine. "I have to say, the rich girl does play beautifully."
The men exchanged amused looks. Ellie's expression tightened as she continued playing.
Tyler leaned toward Derek. "Why not take her home? Your own pretty little songbird."
"Derek can't bear seeing a beautiful woman suffer," Scott said. "Naturally he'll rescue her."
"She turned you down enough times when she had money. Time to get even."
Derek's smile darkened.
"Exactly."
