Grumpy Romance (Billionaire Dads #1)

by Nia Arthurs

Sizzle sashays toward me after Ezekiel closes the door. She’s a tall, slim woman. Her green dress drips with elegance. She’s got an Old Hollywood flair that’s hard to fake and even harder to hold on to. Sizzle’s waning popularity made her almost obsolete but, for my purposes, she’s well worth her hefty endorsement check. Fine Industries isn’t looking to serve young adults who praise the latest social media stars. Our data has ruled that the younger generation are, increasingly, living at home to avoid the rising cost of home ownership. Folks in their mid-thirties to upper fifties, the demographic who remember Sizzle from her glory days, are exactly the right targets. I want those who would otherwise avoid technology to see Sizzle’s face and believe that ours is a product worth trusting. Our calculations have worked out brilliantly. Sizzle tripled our initial investment and I’ve already signed her on for a second campaign. She slows her walk as if she’s a bride dragging a heavy train. Her hips shift back and forth in a slow, deliberate sway. I wonder if she’ll do a pageant bow or perhaps wave to an audience of invisible fans. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other, Holland.” She stops right at my desk and I’m grateful there’s a barrier between us or she would have been up in my face. “How have you been?” “Busy. As usual.” I flip open a document and scan it intently. It’s easier to pretend she’s not there than allow my annoyance to take control. Female feelings are ...