The Teacher's Billionaire

Callie appear much younger than her thirty-one years. “I’m familiar with the area, so I should be fine, Dylan.”
    It was the first time since they’d met that she’d said his name. The sound of it on her lips made his heart skip a beat.
    “You probably have things you want to do today. I promise not to get lost.”
    Dylan took a few steps closer into her personal space. He could tell she felt a little uncomfortable, and knew that he should keep more distance between them. Still he didn’t move. Instead he searched her face for some hint of what she was really thinking. Perhaps she sensed his intentions because she quickly looked away when he made eye contact with her. Though not before Dylan saw the brief flash of desire in her eyes.
    Maybe you haven’t completely lost your touch, Talbot.
    Using two fingers he gently nudged her head up so that she was looking him directly in the eye. “Trust me. If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t be. I can’t remember the last time I relaxed and enjoyed Newport. And I’d like to do that with you.”
    He should move his hand. The part of his brain still functioning properly kept telling him that. Yet he didn’t do it. Instead he allowed it to linger as his thumb moved slowly along her jaw. Her skin was smooth and flawless. Just as he thought it would be.
    The corner of his mouth lifted in a lopsided smile. “Say you’ll come.” When was the last time he’d wanted to spend time with a woman so badly?
    Never.
    But there was something about Callie that was different. Something that made him crave her company. Maybe it was because she didn’t seem to want anything from him like so many women did. And he wasn’t the only one who felt the chemistry between them. Dylan was sure of it. He’d even bet a good portion of his fortune that she felt something as well.
    “As long as you’re up for some sightseeing before an hour or two at the beach?” Callie’s voice was once again light and friendly.
    He didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. Grabbing the bag she’d put in the trunk, he gave her a full-blown smile. “I came prepared for anything.” Slamming closed the empty trunk of her car, he took her by the hand and led her to his car.
    “Your chariot awaits.” He opened the Aston Martin’s passenger door for her.
    The morning proceeded so smoothly that Callie almost forget who she was with and why she was in Newport. The first stop on Dylan’s itinerary was Fort Adams. Now a popular tourist attraction, the fort had been built in the late 1700’s. She’d always wanted to visit the fort and the state park that surrounded it but never had the opportunity for one reason or another.
    Though the fort offered a guided tour Dylan suggested that they skip it, insisting it wasn’t necessary. Initially Callie was disappointed. She’d been looking forward to hearing about the structure’s centuries of history. However, her disappointment quickly vanished when Dylan awed her with his knowledge of the fort and its role in defending the city. During dinner he had mentioned he enjoyed history too, but she hadn’t realized just how serious he was until now.
    Newport’s beaches were well-known. In fact a person didn’t need to travel far to find one. That was precisely where Callie planned to spend a few hours that day, and where she assumed they were heading now.
    Since leaving the parking area at the restaurant where they’d eaten lunch she’d had trouble keeping her eyes off Dylan. She was rapidly learning that he wasn’t only good-looking but also friendly and easy to be around. Being with him wasn’t any more difficult than being with any other man she knew. Well, except for the fact that being around him set her heart racing and sent every rational thought from her brain.
    He’s not like any other man,
Callie reminded herself as she pretended to focus on the scenery outside.
He’s filthy rich and only wants to keep me company until Warren arrives. He’s just playing the role of host again. Lucky him.
    She didn’t believe for one minute that he wanted to spend time with her for any other reason.
    For the first time since getting in the car, Callie really took note of the landscape they were passing. “I thought we were going to the beach?” She kept looking for a familiar landmark to tell her where they were. When her grandparents lived in the area, they’d taken her to the beach every summer. However, nothing around them jogged any