Chapter 6: The Life of a Billionaire

*Nigel’s POV*

I stood at the port of the yacht docked at the Sunset Harbor Marina, pacing back and forth, awaiting Sophie's arrival. I checked my phone several times to ensure George, my driver, had the correct address to pick Sophie up from her house.

"What's gotten into you?" Thomas, my best friend since kindergarten, asked, nudging my arm.

"I'm having my second interview with Celebrity News One tonight, and I'm just a bit antsy."

Thomas handed me a beer.

"Well, you sure look dapper. To living our best lives, sleeping with the most beautiful women in Miami, and buying whatever we want," he yelled, thrusting his can of beer in the air.

We clinked our beer cans and drank.

"Chill out, man. I'm sure you'll be fine." He winked his eye and walked off to follow three supermodels. Of course. Knowing Thomas, he'd be sure to sleep with all three.

Tonight's party was small and intimate. I wanted Sophie to see that not all billionaires cared about getting drunk and wasting money. Well, except for Thomas.

Finally, the limousine arrived. I stared at Sophie as George opened the door for her, and my heart began to flutter.

D*mn. She looked even more beautiful than when I saw her yesterday. She was wearing a pink and white sleeveless ruffle dress that perfectly blended with her strawberry-red hair.

I walked towards the dock to meet her.

"I'm glad you decided to come." I held my hand out, and when our hands touched, I felt a warm sensation all over my body.

"I see we are matching tonight," she noted, rubbing her fingers across my pink bow tie.

"Great minds think alike," I replied, winking my eye.

"Why do you always wear bow ties?" she asked, tilting her head and staring at me curiously.

"Give people something to remember you by. It was one of my father's favorite quotes. Do you know why people never forget my name?" I paused for a moment and awaited her answer.

"Because you're a billionaire," she shrugged, laughing sarcastically.

"Maybe. But I'd like to believe it's because everyone knows me as the man with the stylish bow ties."

I straightened my bow tie and smiled.

We walked up the dock and onto the yacht. Sophie stopped and stared in amazement.

"Where's your cameraman? I asked, interrupting her gaze.

"Oh, he should be here in about five minutes." Her eyes widened as she continued to stare in amazement.

I nodded. I was glad her cameraman was running late, so I could get a few minutes alone with her.

"Come."

I extended my arm for her to hold onto me. She grabbed a hold of it and walked towards a small dining booth overlooking the water.

"How did you feel about our first interview?" I rested my arms on the table and leaned forward with anticipation.

She reclined back in her seat and brushed a strand of hair blowing in the wind behind her ear.

"Well, my boss was impressed," she grinned.

"And were you impressed?" I responded, leaning closer to her.

"Does it matter if it matters if I'm impressed?" She rubbed her thumb side to side on a heart-shaped pendant around her neck.

"It matters to me." I tried but failed to repress my flirtatious banter.

"Yes, I was impressed," she replied softly.

"Now, I think you're just teasing me." And yet, I was turned on by it.

"Do you want me to stop?" She leaned forward and grinned wickedly.

"Nigel, who's this pretty young lady?" Richard asked, interrupting a rather sexually intense moment.

I pulled back and cleared my throat. "This is Sophie, the journalist conducting my interview for our club."

"Would you like a glass of wine, Sophie? Richard asked, waving toward the waiter.

"Oh, I better not. Especially since I'm working. But thank you for the offer," she replied, glancing at Richard nervously.

"Probably best. It was a pleasure meeting you, Sophie. Oh, and Nigel, don't forget what we said earlier this morning."

Richard patted me on the shoulder and walked away. My jaw clenched and I listened as his footsteps receded.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, pressing her lips together.

"Yes, everything is fine. There are a few requests Richard has made for the interview.”

"I'm all ears," she smiled.

"The main thing is, well, you can't interview any guests."

I felt embarrassed and briefly looked away.

Sophie deflated. "Well, honestly, I was hoping I could talk with a few people. I remember you mentioning that I could."

Her eyes flared with disappointment.

"Yeah, I'm terribly sorry. But unfortunately, it was a last-minute change."

She sighed in frustration. I felt horrible seeing her reaction and knew I had to do something to make it up to her.

"Sounds like Richard has something to hide,” her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"No, he's just protective of the club."

She looked at me strangely before grabbing her phone from her purse.

"Oh great! We can start the interview now. My cameraman James texted me, and he is here."

'Great. The mood is ruined now,’ I thought to myself.

Shortly after, a man appeared carrying equipment. Sophie smiled at him and introduced us. "James, this is Nigel Smith. I will interview him today as he gives us a tour of his yacht."

After securing her wireless microphone on her dress, she walked toward me and placed another microphone on my bow tie. Her hands were inches away from my face, and I smelt the scent of her lotion.

It was a sweet scent that had a hint of lavender. I was trying not to gaze into her eyes. They were as green as the gulf sea. Her lips were perfectly glossed, and I bet they were soft as cotton.

"There. I think we are good to go." She smiled and straightened my bow tie before gently tugging on the straps on my grey khaki suspenders.

"Where's your black leather notebook?” I asked, remembering it was with her at our first interview.

"It's in my bag. We will be shooting different angles of the yacht, so I'll have to rely on my memory tonight."

Sophie assessed the room looking for the perfect spot. I could tell she was a pro from the moment I met her. I could watch her all day. She didn't need any lights for the camera. She shined brightly alone.

"This spot will do to start the interview. It gives a great view of the yacht,” she declared, walking toward the yacht's port.

James placed the camera over his shoulder and began counting down while I stood beside Sophie. I tried to smile genuinely, but I could only think about how good it felt to stand beside her as if we were a couple.

"Hello, everyone. We are back with Nigel Smith, Vice President of the Billionaire's Secret Society Club. Nigel has agreed to give us a sneak peek into the lavish lifestyle of a billionaire. Nigel, most people know that you're Miami's hottest billionaire bachelor, and I'm sure your status has helped you afford such a beautiful yacht. Please share one tip about how our listeners and viewers can afford a yacht like this."

D*amn, she was a pro at this. How could she turn it on and off as if we weren't flirting seconds ago?

I smiled at the camera. "Well, Sophie, every desire starts with a dream, and your dreams are worth pursuing."

'I hope I don't sound like a sleazy salesman,’ I thought to myself.

Sophie was staring at me as if she could see right through me. How long could I keep the truth from her?

"So, you dreamed about owning a yacht?" she asked, staring at me curiously.

Her blunt questioning was intimidating and frustrating, yet I still longed to know her, not as a journalist, but as something more.

"No,” I began. “I dreamed of living a life to do the things I enjoy, and pursuing that dream offered me the opportunity to buy a yacht by working hard and making wise financial choices."

"But didn't you inherit your wealth?"

Her tone almost sounded accusatory.

These interviews were screwing with my head. One minute I was irritated and turned off by her questions and accusatory tone; the next, I was under the spell of her captivating eyes and bewitched by her warm smile.

"I did inherit wealth, but I am responsible for growing it into what it is today. Are you ready for your tour?" I asked, desperate to change the subject. I didn’t want her or anyone else to think I was some spoiled, entitled brat who hadn’t worked hard for what I had.

"Let's do this!"

She held her arm out, ushering me to lead the way.

I led Sophie and her cameraman to the first deck of my yacht. "On the first floor, we have our swimming pool and jacuzzi for our guests that want more privacy. " In addition, this deck is fully equipped with showers and a lounge room."

"Exquisite." Sophie looked around the room and smiled slightly at some of the guests.

"If you follow me to the second deck, you'll see that our guests have access to a wellness center. This deck is fully equipped with messages chairs and a private message parlor if you want more of a, hmm, personal touch." I waved my arms toward the enclosed booths.

"Sounds tempting." Her voice was soft and calm.

"A yacht isn't a yacht without a cinema, right? Well, our third deck features its very own cinema with a seating capacity of twenty-four people.” Sophie walked through the aisles and rubbed her hand over the black leather recliners.

"Can I watch a movie after we finish filming?" she laughed.

"As long as I'm invited,” I beamed.

Sophie's face began to flush.

"We have a disco hall on our fourth deck for those who like to party. Oh, and by the way, each tier has soundproofed windows, so those who want peace and quiet aren't disturbed by those who prefer to party all night carefree.” I stopped and looked at her.

"Can you dance, Sophie?"

I extended my arm for her to dance with me as "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi played in the background.

"I can't dance."

She looked at me and nodded her head while laughing.

I walked toward her and watched her breast rise and fall as her breathing became deeper the closer I got. I grabbed her hand and gently pulled her to the dance floor. She continued nodding and covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hide her smile. Why would she want to hide such a beautiful smile?

"Seriously, I can't dance," she whispered in my ear.

I fantasized about hearing her moan as the heat from her soft voice began to cause an erection. I took a deep breath. 'Control yourself, Nigel.'

"Just follow my lead," I whispered, slowly rubbing my nose against her ear.

I moved my hips from side to side, and we were in sync within seconds. "Ah, so you can dance," I whispered, gazing into Sophie's eyes.

Sophie smiled and shrugged her shoulders. I twirled her around and watched her body glisten under the lights. 'D*amn, I'm feening now and wished my tongue could explore every part of her body.

"We should probably finish the rest of the interview. Don't you have one last deck to show me?" she asked, slowly pulling away from me.

She was probably right. The heat between us was more than I could withstand. I'd never acted this way before. What was it about her? What was she doing to me?"

We left the disco room and walked to the fourth deck. There was an awkward silence between us. Did I take things too far? I hoped not, but she was like a magnet drawing me to her and casting me under her spell of captivating beauty and mystery.

"Here is the fourth deck. As you can see, it's equipped with a six-meter glass bottom pool for an upscale swimming experience.”

Sophie walked toward the pool's edge and dipped her hand in the water.

"Hmm. Even the water is nice and warm,” she softly moaned.

"This is such beautiful. I've always wanted to swim in a pool that overlooks the ocean."

She closed her eyes and chuckled softly. I couldn't tell whether her laughter was happiness or sadness, as if to say these luxuries were out of her reach.

"We have plenty of bathing suits if you want to try the pool," I replied, hoping she would oblige.

"Oh, I'd love to, but maybe another time when I'm not on the clock."

She stood up and positioned herself between James and me.

I nodded my head in agreement. The last thing I wanted to do is get her in trouble.

"How many rooms does this yacht have?" She looked away from James and turned towards me."

"Twenty-four rooms, each equipped with a jacuzzi, whirlpool bath, waterbed, massage chairs, snack, and mini wine bar. We also have world-renowned chefs who can make whatever you please. You should put in an order before you leave."

I desperately wanted her to stay a while longer.

"Say no more," James shouted.

'I wasn't talking to you, but, hey, why not," I thought.

"So, Nigel. You promised we would end each interview with a billionaire secret for success. Yesterday, you shared that one must be persistent to become a billionaire. What's your tip for today?"

"Hmm.” I took a deep breath and stared at the stars in the sky.

"Always make time to have fun,." I smiled.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen. You heard it from Miami's hottest billionaire bachelor himself. Another secret for success is always remember to have fun." Sophie paused for a moment and smiled in front of the camera.

"And cut."

Sophie motioned to James to end the recording.

"Wow, this was fun," James said, walking towards me.

"Hey man, um, do you think I could get a job here, or can you hook me up with one of your business partners?" he tried whispering discreetly.

"James, are you mad?" Sophie's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Hey, it was worth a shot,” James shrugged.

"It's okay,” I laughed.

"Here's my business card.” I reached into my pocket and handed James it.

"Sophie, please keep this between us,” James pleaded. “I don't make much money as a cameraman and want to do something different with my life. Listening to Nigel talk today and seeing his lifestyle has inspired me."

Sophie sighed and nodded her head. "My lips are sealed."

"Thank you, Sophie. I wish I could stay longer, but I have to work at my part-time job." James packed up his equipment and proceeded to leave the yacht.

"Hey, James.," I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet.

"A little something extra for all your hard work."

I handed James twenty-one hundred dollars bills.

"I-I don't know what to say. You don’t have to do this," he replied. His eyes began to water and were blinking rapidly as he tried to hold back his tears.

I wrapped my arm around him and hugged him. "No need to say anything. What's your part-time job? I asked.

"I'm a chef. Well, I- I'm trying to save up to go back to school to be a chef. I love cooking, which I would like to do for a living. You know, be one of those famous TV reality chefs," he laughed.

"I can help you with that. I'll be in touch soon."

James continued to thank me as he grabbed his equipment and walked toward the steps to return to the first deck and exit the yacht.

"See you tomorrow." Sophie ran toward James and hugged him goodbye.

"Wow. That was nice of you," Sophie stated as James left.

I could tell she was wondering why I'd given him money.

"I think he's a good young man with great potential."

She nodded her head in agreement.

"You're not like most billionaires,” she noted. My heart began beating faster as she walked toward me.

"I should probably take off also." She twirled her necklace around her index finger and gazed into my eyes.

"I have some questions for you, Ms. Jones,” I began. I had no questions but hoped it would buy me more time.

"I don't answer questions. I ask them," she stated, continuing to twirl her fingers around her necklace.

"Let me take you to dinner."

The words blurted out of my mouth.

"I don't date my interviewees,” she sighed.. “Thank you for agreeing to do this interview, Nigel. This was an eye-opening experience."

She extended her hand toward me.

"One date,” I stated. “ You can ask me any questions, but off the record."

I held onto her hand until she gave me an answer.

She slowly withdrew her hand and walked towards the steps. As she reached the steps, she turned her head in my direction.

"I'll call you tomorrow with my answer."

Then, she was gone.