Billionaire Defends Her From Rude Date At Bar, Never Thought Being A Gentleman Would Lead To Love
Building a Sustainable Connection
As Nathan signaled the bartender, Deanna studied him surreptitiously. There was something familiar about him, though she couldn’t quite place it. His dark hair was cut in an expensive style, his jawline strong and clean-shaven. When he smiled, a small dimple appeared in his left cheek.
“So, Deanna Miller,” Nathan said, turning those intelligent eyes back to her.
“What do you do when you’re not fending off rude dates at bars?”
Deanna laughed, surprised at how quickly her tension had dissipated.
“I’m an architectural designer at Howell and Associates downtown.”
“Impressive,” Nathan said, genuine interest lighting his features.
“Residential or commercial?”
“Both, but my passion is sustainable urban development. I’m working on a proposal for an eco-friendly mixed-use complex in the old warehouse district.”
“The Riverview Renewal Project?” Nathan asked, raising an eyebrow.
Deanna blinked in surprise.
“Yes, actually. How did you know about that?”
A hint of a smile played around his lips.
“I make it my business to know about promising development projects in the city.”
The bartender delivered their drinks, and Deanna used the momentary distraction to gather herself. There was something about Nathan’s intense focus that made her feel both seen and slightly off-balance.
“And what about you?” she asked, taking a sip of her fresh drink.
“What do you do when you’re not rescuing women from bad dates?”
“I’m in investments,” Nathan replied vaguely.
“Mostly commercial real estate and sustainable development, actually.”
“That’s quite a coincidence,” Deanna said, tilting her head.
“Any projects I might know?”
“Perhaps,” Nathan said with that enigmatic smile again.
“The new solar-powered office complex on Lexington. The affordable housing initiative in West Park.”
Deanna nearly choked on her drink.
“You’re with North Enterprises!”
She suddenly realized why he had looked familiar. Nathan North wasn’t just in investments; he was one of the most successful commercial developers on the East Coast with a fortune estimated in the billions. His company was known for innovative, eco-conscious buildings.
Nathan nodded, looking almost apologetic.
“Guilty as charged.”
“Your company’s work on the Lexington project changed industry standards for sustainable commercial buildings,” Deanna said, unable to hide her admiration.
“I studied it in my Master’s program.”
“Now I’m the one who’s impressed,” Nathan said, his expression warming.
“It’s not often I meet someone who gets excited about building efficiency standards and solar panel arrays.”
“Occupational hazard,” Deanna replied with a smile.
“Though I have to say, most people’s eyes glaze over when I start talking about passive heating systems.”
“Then they’re missing out,” Nathan said, his gaze never leaving hers.
“I find passion incredibly attractive, especially when it’s for something meaningful.”
The evening stretched on as they talked, moving from architectural design to their favorite buildings around the world, from childhoods spent in vastly different circumstances to shared dreams of creating spaces that brought communities together. Deanna was surprised at how easy it was to talk to Nathan.
He listened with genuine interest to her ideas and challenged her with thoughtful questions. When the bartender announced last call, Deanna was startled to find that nearly three hours had passed.
“I should get going,” she said reluctantly, reaching for her purse.
“I wasn’t kidding about that early meeting.”
“Of course,” Nathan said, immediately signaling for the check. When Deanna reached for her wallet, he gently shook his head.
“Please, allow me. It’s been the most enjoyable evening I’ve had in a long time.”
Outside, the night air was crisp and the street was quiet. Nathan looked down at her, his expression suddenly uncertain for the first time that evening.
“May I call you a car?” he asked.
“I only live a few blocks away. I usually walk,” Deanna replied, then hesitated.
“But thank you.”
“Then may I walk you home? No pressure, just—it’s late.”
Deanna considered him for a moment. Everything about this evening had been unexpected, from the disaster with Brett to the connection with this billionaire who talked about sustainable architecture with the same passion she felt. Against all her usual caution, she nodded.
“I’d like that,” she said quietly.
As they walked, their conversation continued, but Deanna was increasingly aware of Nathan’s presence beside her. She noticed the light brush of his arm against hers and the way he subtly adjusted his long stride to match hers. At her apartment building, Deanna paused.
“This is me.”
“Thank you for a wonderful evening, Deanna,” Nathan said, his voice soft.
“Would it be too forward to ask if I might see you again?”
Deanna looked up at him, at the genuine warmth in his eyes, and made a decision.
“I’d like that very much.”
“Tomorrow night? Dinner? I know a little place that serves the best Italian food in the city. Seven?”
Nathan’s smile was bright in the darkness.
“Seven it is. Good night, Deanna.”
