Read Online The Millionaire by Victoria Purman - Free Book Online Page A

I’ve travelled widely during my career and I’ve been in places around the world where there is no medical care for people who are injured or ill. I know how devastating that can be to families, communities, and, in fact, to whole countries. So, the Royal Flying Doctor Service seemed like a perfect fit with a cause that’s close to my own heart.”
    None of that was spin or PR. Every word was true and, judging by the way Ellie’s mouth had dropped open, Chris figured he might have checkmated her.
    He continued. “And when I heard the personal story of someone whose life had been saved, I wanted to do all I could to help raise money, and raise the profile of this truly Australian organisation. I hope there are guests with big pockets on the night. They’ll be doing their bit for a fantastic cause.”
    He leaned back in his chair.
    Ellie looked at him for a long moment.
    “Any more questions?” he asked.
    “No, that was just what I need. Thanks.” She stopped the recording app on her phone. “Wow, you’re good,” she commented with a shake of her head.
    “Why so cynical?”
    “How many PR people prepped you for that?”
    He ran a hand through his hair. “None, actually. But don’t believe they weren’t primed and ready to go. When my brother saw they original story, he wanted to send in the big guns to shut you down, but I called them off.”
    “Your brother? You mean Callum, the CEO of Malone Enterprises?”
    Chris nodded.
    “Why is he involved in this? Why did you call them off?” Her lips were pursed and her eyes bright.
    He leaned in. She looked pissed off and it was damn hot.
    “I called them off, Ellie Flannery of the Western Gazette, because I can handle you all on my own.”
    And he wanted to handle her. In all kinds of ways.
    Ellie grabbed her phone. “I don’t need handling, Malone.”
    She might not need it, but he could see in her eyes that she wanted it. That she wanted him. And he felt a rush of blood to his groin at the sure knowledge that he damn well wanted her, too. “Need and want are two very different things, Ellie.”
    She took a deep breath. “I need to get this interview finished. But I have one more question, Malone.” She leaned in close, her elbows crossed on the table. Chris noticed she wasn’t recording this one.
    “What’s that?” He leaned in, too.
    Her face was serious now, her eyes slightly narrowed with curiosity in them. “Why are you back in Australia?”
    He met her gaze with his own. “It’s summer. I missed the beach.”
    “Thanks for the quotes. I’ve got to get back and write this up.”
    “The pleasure was all mine. I’ll see you Saturday.”
    “Yes.” Ellie’s eyes were soft and she’d pulled her lips together. She grabbed her phone, scooped up the flowers, and left.
    A gentleman would have stood as she walked away. Chris decided that unless he wanted to create another headline, he’d better remain seated.

Seven
    ‡
    E llie had been a reporter for more than a decade. She was thirty-two, not a rookie anymore. She’d interviewed her fair share of famous people. Well, semi-famous people. Mayors, politicians, minor pop stars, and the occasional television celebrity chef. One of them had even hit on her, despite the fact that he’d brought his wife along to the interview. She never got bent out of shape about talking to people who were famous.
    Until now.
    Until Chris Malone. That had to be the explanation for the half-sick, half-thrilled feeling that was coursing through her veins and moistening her brow.
    She’d just spent an hour-long flight, thigh-to-thigh and shoulder-to-very-broad shoulder, with Chris in what felt like the world’s smallest plane. There was barely any room in front of the seat for his long legs so he had to spread them wide to fit into the tiny space, which meant he’d been forced to nudge up against her the whole flight. He smelt good, he felt good and, oh boy, did he send every nerve ending in her body thrumming