All Bets Off: Betting On You Series: Book Five Read online

  All Bets Off

  Betting on You Series

  Book Five

  by

  Jeannette Winters

  Author Contact

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  JeannetteWinters.com

  email:

  [email protected]

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  Author Jeannette Winters

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  @JWintersAuthor

  Copyright

  Kindle Edition

  An original work of Jeannette Winters, 2015.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to Helena Botelho and Gloria Descy who has heard me tell the story so many times but yet still pretends like it’s the first time! Thank you.

  I am also supported by a team of beta readers who aren’t afraid to tell me the truth. Thank you for that!

  Karen Lawson, Janet Hitchcock, E.L. King and Marion Arche, my editors as well as Nicole Sanders at Trevino Creative Graphic Design for my cover, you are all amazing!

  And to my co-workers, you all know who you are. Your endless support and cheering on is so appreciated!

  To my readers who brings joy into my life with each and every message. Always keep romance in your lives!

  Beckett Davis served in the Marine Corp and has the scars inside and out as a constant reminder. They say he’s a hero, but he wishes he’d died along with those he lost from his platoon. It’ll take a special kind of woman to heal this wounded warrior.

  Danielle McKesson understands survivor’s guilt. She’s raising her nephew after he witnessed the death of his parents.

  Beckett says he doesn’t want her love. All he can offer is a week together.

  What started as a passionate indulgence that neither wanted to deny, becomes something that changes them both.

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Other books by Jeannette Winters

  Excerpt from The Billionaire’s Secret

  Excerpt from One White Lie

  Books by Ruth Cardello

  Excerpt from Maid for the Billionaire, Book 1 of the Legacy Collection

  Chapter One

  “If you think there are any further security measures needed, I’ll be there. Otherwise, I’m out.” He didn’t like being backed into a corner, and his brother Trent knew it. That didn’t stop him from trying, though.

  Bruce Beckett Davis, or Beckett as he liked to be called, knew how important the opening was to the founders of the Takes One Foundation. What that group had set out to do was going to drastically change the quality of life for so many people suffering from terminal illness. It was pure genius. This new medical facility, like any other top-notch medical facility, was set up to handle a multitude of diseases. But there were a few major differences at this one. This was a private tropical island with a five-star resort built on it. Its sole purpose was to accommodate all the needs of the patients while they continued their treatment, making them feel more like they were on an exotic vacation with their families rather than in a hospital. Their plan was to treat the family, not just the diseases, and with all expenses paid by the Takes One Foundation.

  This project had grown faster than anything he had seen before, each person taking on a role and running with it. He thought they would have butted heads along the way, but somehow there hadn’t been any power struggles at all. It was like they all had one vision, and they weren’t going to stop until it was complete.

  He wasn’t sure how he had gotten pulled into this project, but he was glad he had. Over the past year, he’d volunteered his time to develop an intricate security and emergency assistance system throughout the island. It didn’t matter if someone was in their room or on the beach, help could be there quickly. It was a luxury resort with all the amenities one could ask for, and this island was so secure, birds couldn’t approach without someone knowing.

  He was confident everything was ready to go on his end, but he didn’t need to be there to ensure it ran correctly. Some of the richest, most powerful business leaders in the world would be attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and he had no doubt they couldn’t be in more secure hands than on Marpe-Agape.

  “Beckett, everyone has to attend. You were a big part of this development. Mom and Dad are expecting to see you there. Never mind that Elaine will have my ass if you don’t show up,” Trent said.

  Beckett, as well as his brother Steve, had followed in their father’s footsteps and joined the Marine Corps when they got out of high school. It was what all the Davis men did throughout history, but not Trent. The only thing Trent risked was money. His ways had always been questionable, but he always came out on top. This was the first and maybe only project Beckett was willing to associate himself with. Maybe being married has changed Trent, but that doesn’t mean I have changed.

  Trent might enjoy living in the limelight, but Beckett didn’t. If he could go through the rest of his life unnoticed, he would. All he wanted to do was forget the war and honor those who were lost. Those men are the ones who deserve to be remembered. They are the heroes. But he couldn’t hide. Somehow people recognized him, and it usually was because they had seen him on the news when the President awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor. When he got angry about it, people told him he should hold his head up high with pride for his actions. No one got it. When he closed his eyes at night, that medal symbolized something he promised he would never allow himself to forget. Everyone who didn’t make it back.

  “Trent, that’s not my problem. Elaine is your wife. I don’t have to hear it every night when I go to bed.” That was the one positive thing about being single.

  Beckett hadn’t realized Elaine was within earshot. Her voice rang loud and clear in the background. “Bruce Davis, don’t make me call your mother.” His mother called him Bruce when he was pushing his luck. Great, now two women are using it.

  It took everything in him not to burst out laughing. He may not be as well versed in a woman’s emotions as others, but over the last few months, he had come to realize why Elaine was such a good match for Trent. She didn’t put up with anyone’s shit. We could use someone like her in the Marine Corps.

  It would be his worst nightmare to be standing there on the stage again, all eyes on him as they cut the ribbon. How was he going to make them understand that? Was it even possible for them to understand? They had not experienced what he had. God, I wouldn’t want them to either. No one should have to s
ee what I’ve seen. Why can’t they understand it’s better for me to be alone? “Elaine.”

  “Don’t ‘Elaine’ me. This is a time for family to be together. A time for celebration. We have all worked so hard, Beckett: your mother and father, your brothers and sisters, and you. This is not going to be a media event. This is going to be family and friends only. You are my family, Beckett. I expect to see you there.”

  She was right. He needed to be there. If he didn’t go, it would cause more issues than it was worth. She was not joking about calling his mother, but it was not his mother he was worried about. He knew she would ask his father to talk to him about honor. She always knows when to bring out the big guns. “I’ll be there, but I’m not promising to stay for the weekend. I have things I need to get done here.”

  “Great, because I need to ask a huge favor,” Elaine said in a pleading tone. “Since everyone else will have arrived a day or two earlier than you, I was hoping you could bring something. I will have it at the seaplane, waiting for you. Please treat it carefully. It’s fragile.”

  Great. Now I’m the delivery man. What’s next? He agreed before hanging up. “Fine; I’ll make sure it arrives in the same shape I get it. Okay?”

  Beckett wasn’t the type of person to sit idle for long. The two years in and out of Veterans Hospital for surgery and rehab provided him the opportunity to enhance his skills and start his own company. Being able to tie his name to Marpe-Agape definitely gave him a boost he couldn’t have gotten on his own, at least not this quickly. His work was damn good, and now people were going to see it in action. Ross Whitman had already asked him to design a state-of-the-art security system that worked off of a satellite so he could sell the systems with his boats. Not the big opportunity I was looking for, but I’ll take it.

  Knowing he was going to be back on the island in two days filled him with frustration. I fucking hate crowds. He needed to clear his mind, so he headed out the door for a jog. The heat of the sun beat down on him as he increased his pace. He had no other way to clear his head. It seemed too many others turned to pills and alcohol. That wasn’t him. He had been pushed past both the physical and mental pain. As the sweat dripped down his forehead, it only instilled a deeper determination to move forward. He had regained all of his former strength. It was as though he was back to normal, his limp now barely noticeable. At least, until I take off my prosthetic leg. Dammit. I fucking hate crowds.

  Danielle McKesson couldn’t believe the invitation she’d received. She and Jamie were invited to a ribbon-cutting for Takes One. Not only were they invited to the ceremony, but to stay the entire week. She had never traveled anywhere before, never mind to a private island. Her first thought was they had the wrong person, an incorrect address. But when she called the number to confirm, she was told that KJ and Drew had requested her attendance.

  She couldn’t help but feel nervous. The thought of boarding a seaplane to take off to a private island was like a dream, something you’d read about or watch on Hallmark Channel, where a woman wins this wonderful trip to an exotic place and meets the man of her dreams. That’s why they call it fiction.

  Standing there, she watched the propellers slow to a stop. Her hand trembled as she held her luggage. Danielle couldn’t let her nephew, Jamie, sense her anxiety. He had enough of his own issues without having to take on any of hers. Blossom, on the other hand, didn’t miss a trick. That dog could sense things even a person didn’t realize.

  Jamie stood by her side, holding Blossom’s leash. His eyes widened as the door to the plane opened, and the pilot stepped out. She wasn’t sure if it was excitement or fear Jamie was feeling, as he was not speaking. They had made such progress in the past year since they had Blossom with them. Jamie had become more affectionate, and was able to express himself, but still had not uttered a word since his parents died.

  “Jamie, are you ready for this new adventure?” Danielle asked, with excitement in her voice instead of the fear that was actually there. Jamie’s only response was a nod of his head as he reached up toward her hand but then quickly pulled his hand back. So close. Baby steps. Don’t push him. When he’s ready.

  She had to remind herself often about what the counselors had said. “Keep your eyes open, keep your ears open, and keep your heart open. He will let you know what he needs. Be there to provide it. That’s all anyone can do.” Some days it was easier said than done. As she watched him stare off into nowhere, all she wanted to do was grab him, hug him, and never let him go. But she knew if she did he would pull away from her and distance himself from her, as he did from anybody who tried to touch him. This had to be on his terms. They only had each other; she needed him just as much as he needed her.

  The pilot approached her. He must’ve been in his late fifties and spent way too many hours sitting in the cockpit. He looked a bit stiff, walking over to them. Was this what she had to look forward to when she arrived at the island? Stiff joints and a sore back? “Danielle McKesson and Jamie, I presume?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great. Elaine Davis said to make sure you got the extra special treatment, so I made sure you have the best seat available.” A loud belly laugh roared from him. It was obvious by the size of the plane that it was close quarters in there no matter where you sat, but you had a window seat. It was a good thing it was just Jamie, Blossom, and her going on this trip.

  “That dog is not getting on this plane.”

  Danielle spun around to lock eyes with the most handsome man she had ever seen, except on the cover of a magazine. Unfortunately, he apparently had not been expecting to see them there and had no issue making his displeasure known. His sharp tone scared Jamie, who now clung to her with his arms around her waist and his head buried in her shirt. If this man wanted to intimidate them, it was working. Blossom, on the other hand, moved to stand between them and the stranger. Good girl, Blossom. Good girl.

  It was her responsibility to ensure Jamie felt safe and protected, even if it meant standing up to a man well over six feet tall who looked like nothing scared him. Gathering up her courage, she held her head up proudly and said, “I . . . we are guests. You can confirm it with the pilot that Elaine Davis is fully aware we’re on this plane, and, yes, Blossom was invited as well. It’s your choice if you wish to travel with us or not, but I assure you Mr. Whatever Your Name Is, that we are boarding that plane.”

  His eyes peered down at her. “Beckett Davis. And keep that mutt away from me.”

  She watched as he walked past them to board first. Taking the leash from Jamie, she guided them toward the dock to wait to board. Oh, this is going to be one hell of a ride.

  Chapter Two

  The only sound the entire time was the hum of the engines. Jamie sat quietly, playing on his iPad. Blossom pretended to be sound asleep in the center aisle, yet her ears said otherwise. Always watching out for Jamie, aren’t you, girl?

  Danielle didn’t know what she would’ve done if that dog hadn’t come into their lives when she had. Their small efficiency apartment in New York was the last place to take a bull mastiff that weighed almost two hundred pounds, but somehow they made it work. She had to. Blossom was able to connect to her nephew in a way no person could.

  Only after speaking with KJ O’Malley had Danielle gotten a better understanding of exactly what type of dog Blossom was. She had never met anyone who had a pet therapy dog before. Service animals were not uncommon to see or hear about. They assisted someone with a physical or mental disability. An animal that was able to sense and respond to a person’s emotional needs was exactly what Jamie needed. That dog could sit by him for hours and never move. She was his shadow. One massive shadow.

  Danielle tried to ignore Beckett, who had reclined his seat and kept his eyes closed the entire flight, yet she found herself peering over to look at him. Tall, muscular, powerful facial features, yet there was a dimple on his chin that looked so kissable. Her eyes roamed over him again. His large hands folded just above his belt buck
le. If it weren’t for the fact that he had a blanket over his legs and lap, she would have let her eyes travel the full length of him. Damn, you’re one sexy specimen of a man. Too bad you’re such an ass.

  Danielle forced herself to look away as they quickly approached the island. Even from the high altitude, she could see it was lush and green. The pilot must have been given instructions to fly over slowly without landing, because he circled the island so she could take in the view of each building and beach from above. Spectacular. “Jamie, look. That is where we’re staying this week. Isn’t it lovely?”

  Jamie looked out the window, nodded, then turned back to the iPad. He didn’t budge at all. Blossom got up, looked, and sat there staring. At least, someone else appreciates this view.

  The landing was so bumpy she almost fell from her seat. Danielle went to grab on to the side of her seat and accidently grabbed Beckett’s leg. He jumped and pulled away from her as though she had hurt him.

  “Sorry. I’m not used to flying in something like this.” Or anything for that matter.

  “You should buckle up next time, and you won’t flop around. You could get hurt, or hurt someone else.”

  His tone wasn’t harsh. He was stating a fact she should have thought of herself. “I’ll do that. Thanks.” It was difficult swallowing her pride.

  The seaplane docked, and the pilot got out and tied it up. “Welcome to Marpe-Agape Island, better known as Healing Love.”

  She looked at Beckett, who said, “After you.”

  Danielle gathered her things and handed Blossom’s leash to Jamie. It felt good to be back on the ground. The view was unbelievable, but she liked her feet just where they were. Grounded.

  She turned to wave goodbye to the pilot and saw Beckett exiting the plane. He stumbled on his first step and caught hold of the rail to steady himself. There was a look of pain on his face for a brief second, then as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone.