The Beauty and the Playboy Billionaire

CHLOE For the ninth time, I check the time on my wristwatch. It is 4:15 p.m. I sigh, uncrossing my legs and shifting on the black leather couch. I straighten my perfectly tailored white blazer. The nervousness I felt earlier is gone, replaced with uneasiness. I'm seated in a private office in the Leonards Building, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the City, complete with vaulted ceilings and glass windows looking out over the city's skyline, the pinnacle of luxury. "Where the hell is he? We were supposed to meet at four sharp," I whisper to my best friend-s***h editor and personal assistant Brianna Maureen, sitting beside me. "I know, right? I didn't expect a man of his caliber to be late. He has so many people organizing his time." She replies. My lips twist. "Well, he's a billionaire. Many people want to talk to him." I'm waiting to interview Carlos Leonards, a powerful young billionaire and the heir to the Leonards empire. His executive secretary, Calvin Boniface, informed me when we arrived that his boss had left and would be back in just a few minutes. But it's already fifteen minutes past four. "Maybe he's caught in traffic. We did see construction in the city on our way here. Or maybe the paparazzi caught up with him," Brianna says. I rub my palms together. "Let's just wait. I'm lucky he even agreed to this interview. You know how elusive he is with the press." "Ah-and this exclusive interview will be the perfect final piece for your first book! I'm so proud of you, best friend. You've come so far in your blogging journey." "Aw, thanks." I hug Brianna quickly. "The Skyline Publishing House wants me to cover him in one whole chapter. If I can get him to talk about that princess drama he's involved in, the book will sell itself." "If anyone can get Carlos to open up, it's you. It's wild how two royal princesses are fighting over him." She shrugs her shoulders. "Though I can't blame them. He's a Greek god- so damn hot!" We both laugh and giggle. "Let's keep our fingers crossed. The Skylines promised five book deals if the first becomes a bestseller." "You can do it; I have great trust in you." She squeezes my hand. "And you'll make your followers very happy by granting their request to interview Carlos." "Yeah," I agree. "I owe my success to them. Without their love and support for my blog, I wouldn't be where I am now." "We feel your passion for writing blogs. And you're honest with your opinion, which makes them love you more." "Thanks, bestie." I say to her thankfully. "Aww, you know I'm your number one fan." She beams happily. With teary eyes, we hug each other. I started blogging as a hobby, writing about life, love, relationships, and advice until it became a passion. I couldn't believe when my blog, Chloe Blog, went viral six months ago. My following skyrocketed from a few thousand to ten million seemingly overnight. I still had to pinch myself to believe what I had achieved, partnering with famous brands and earning lucrative projects and collaborations. Joy overwhelmed me, knowing I was successful in what I was doing. I couldn't explain the feeling of happiness that sparkled inside me. Every day, I was more inspired and motivated to hone my craft and engage with my followers. That's why, when my comment section flooded with Carlos Leonards, I knew I had to give my readers what they wanted most. You should interview the billionaire Carlos Leonards. We want him in your blog! What is your opinion of Carlos Leonards? I love Carl. Please, I'm begging you, put him in your blog. Would you fall for a man like Carl? Do you think the two princesses are crazy fighting over Carlos? Why do a lot of women go crazy about Carlos Leonards? Do you think men should ban Carlos Leonards on earth for having everything? The looks, charm, money, and brain! I can't just write about the guy and give my honest opinion if I don't know him personally. I want to write facts, not assumptions. So I boldly pitch the exclusive to my publisher and try my luck emailing the Leonards'. After a week and a few nudges, I'm shocked when they grant my request without question. Brianna looks at her watch. "While we're waiting, let's review some facts about Carlos to make sure you're ready." "That's a good idea to kill time," I agree, briefly looking up at the ceiling. I spent all night reviewing the details of Carlos' life. "He's a sensational human being. He didn't need to work up to fame, wealth, and power because he was born to have them all." "Exactly." She nods. "He earned an engineering degree at the Harvard University." She gives me a thumbs up. "His family owns the world's top robotic company and invests in businesses across all sectors; mining, real estate, airlines, steel, clothing manufacturing..." Lucky, everyone would say. Most individuals would trade their life with Carlos Leonards. But the media awarded him no privacy. That's a given, being the son of a controversial mother, Camilla Leonards, known as the Rebellious Bride. She walked down the aisle in a black dress on her wedding day! Carlos isn't without his own controversy. He set their mansion on fire when he was seven, making the news for months. Since then, the media have captured all his adventures, from joining car racing to climbing Mt. Everest to doing extreme sports. Girls are head over heels with him. He has a fandom. But lately, his playboy behavior has gotten him into hot water in the news again. And amid it all, I've managed to secure an interview with Carlos and the keys to a multi-million book deal. I can hardly believe that all my hard work is about to pay off. *** After waiting an hour in Carlos Leonards' office, Calvin returns with an apologetic smile. He stands in front of us, holding his phone. "It seems like Mr. Leonards won't make it today, ladies. He has an emergency." "Oh my God." My eyes widen. "That's terrible. What kind of emergency?" He passes me the phone. "He'll tell you himself." "Good afternoon, Mr. Leonards. This is Chloe Grayson." My voice is polite and firm. Professional. "I'm so sorry, Miss Grayson," Carlos utters in a very sexy voice, erupting butterflies in my stomach. "I would love to have an interview with you, but unfortunately, I'm in the middle of an emergency right now." "Oh, no..." "Oh, yes," he chuckles richly. "My friend from Russia arrived, and... it's the first time we've met in person in a long time." I can hear the sound of kissing in the background. Doubt creeps in about what kind of friendship they have. "Oh, really? Is your friend a woman?" I ask curiously. "Indeed. I told her I was going to meet you, but" -he pauses, and I hear smacking sounds- "she clings to me so tightly and cries. I have no choice but to postpone the interview. Is that okay with you, Miss Grayson?" "I don't want to press, but this is important, Mr. Leonards. I've promised pages to my publisher by the end of the week. If it's okay, could we do it over the phone instead? I could even shorten the length of the interview." "I'm afraid I can't, Miss Grayson. I can't concentrate with my emergency right now. I have to prioritize my friend's needs." He says apologetically. I'm convinced he's just faking it all. Discouraged, I sigh. "Of course. How inconsiderate of me to suggest." I chuckle a little, trying to hide my disappointment. "A good friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have. I admire you value your friends, Mr. Leonards. It's one characteristic that women are looking for in a man." "I'm flattered, Miss Grayson. I take that as a compliment." "So, when are we going to meet?" "How about tomorrow morning? I'll make it up to you for the trouble, Miss Grayson. Let's meet at the Crystal Golf Course." "That sounds good." "You're very understanding. See you tomorrow, Miss Grayson. 9a.m on the dot." "On the dot," I mimick, smiling. As long as Carlos Leonards agrees to keep our interview on his calendar, I'll meet him wherever he pleases. The following day, Brianna and I wear our cute golf outfits -sporty polo shirts, white skirts with matching golf shoes, and caps. I'm armed with my notebook of questions, but yet again, there is no sign of Carlos Leonards. This time, it's Calvin Boniface again who arrives holding his phone. "I'm so sorry, ladies," he says with the same apologetic tone. "Mr. Leonards can't make it again today." "Why?" My eyebrows snap together. Surely he wouldn't stand me up again! "What happened?" "Unfortunately, he had another emergency." "Another?" Brianna's eyes grow big. "Unbelievable." "Here." Calvin gives me his phone. "He'll explain it to you." "Hello. This is Chloe Grayson," I say, my tone much less sweet than yesterday. "I'm so sorry, Miss Grayson, but I'm in the middle of an emergency again," Carlos says in his usual sexy voice. It did not affect me today. "Are you entertaining your Russian friend again, Mr. Leonards?" I ask curiously, my lips curling at the edges. "No... not anymore," he chuckles. "She left this morning back to Russia. Actually, my other friend from Germany arrived, and the same thing happened. She won't let me go and wants me to stay in bed with her." "Why? Is she sick?" "You're right." He clicks his tongue. "She's so hot...feverish. She can't stop moaning in pain." I hear a smacking sound in the background and loud moaning. "In pain? You need to call 911. Ог should I call them for you, Mr. Leonards?" "No need, Miss Grayson. But thank you for your concern. I'm deeply touched." His voice sounds grateful, but I have a feeling he's faking it. "If you don't mind, can we reschedule the interview for this evening? Perhaps in a fine dining restaurant at eight?" Again? He has stood me up twice already. "That's impossible, Mr. Leonards. I'm so busy. I'll have to check my schedule first." "Okay, some other time then," he answers firmly. "I also have very little time. I'm a busy man, and I don't think I can grant you another interview in the future. So this is goodbye, Miss Grayson-" "Wait," I stop him from hanging up. I'm torn about agreeing to dinner. Normally, I'd never give someone a third chance. But Carlos is different. I have a multi-million book deal and my publishing dream is on the line. Should I bend my rules for him? I take a deep breath to calm myself. "Okay. I'll see you tonight, Mr. Leonards." He chuckles, sounding victorious. "You're very sweet, Miss Grayson, just like your name. Until dinner, then." He hangs up, leaving me frozen with my hands balled into fists. I turn to Brianna, keeping my voice low enough that Calvin won't hear. "If Carlos Leonards stands me up again at dinner tonight, I'm going to make him pay!"