The Billionaire's Longshot: Betting on You Series: Book Three Page 7

  Chapter Seven

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  Last night was one of the best nights Jill could remember in a long time. She learned interesting facts about Trent, Jon, and Drew. Probably more than I cared to know. What she hadn’t realized was Dominic and Jake had also played rugby. Small world. Listening to them talk about their college days made her question how any of them ever graduated.

  Everyone had shared stories about themselves, a few were serious, but most were outrageously comical. If Abby and her sister were funny alone, they were hilarious as they tag-team teasing their husbands. Jill’s sides still hurt from laughing for so many hours. It was the perfect bonding time with not only Ross’s friends, but making new friendships with the Corisis and Waltons.

  Jill had wondered if it had been a wise choice to invite KJ to join them. The last thing she wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable. But, in a room full of strangers, and some of the biggest egos she had ever encountered, KJ held her own as she shared her own stories. Some sounded a bit far-fetched, but she reminded them it was part of being a Marine.

  The demonstration during the fundraiser had provided a lot of information on how the training takes place and what they look for in the dogs they rescue. It was nice to hear the buzz through the crowds yesterday. She heard so many saying what a wonderful time they had and how informative it was. Jill had been impressed by the presenter and didn’t think anyone could have done a better job. That was until KJ brought a much more personal look at the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog. Therapy dogs concentrate on emotional rather than physical needs. As she spoke Jill couldn’t help but notice Blossom leaned against KJ and placed her head on her lap. She wasn’t sure if it was special training or just a special bond, but it was evident to everyone that KJ’s expertise was not only based on facts, but personal experience.

  Jill had overheard Dominic say to Jake that he had never been a dog person. When he sat on the couch, Blossom walked over to him and put her head on his lap. For a moment he looked as if he might push her off him, but she gave him a prolonged sad, sweet look. Dominic frowned down at her, but she keep looking up at him quietly. He raised a hand and ran it gently over her head and if dogs could smile, Blossom did.

  Jake had snapped the picture on his phone and laughed, “I might need this later.”

  Ross had sat across the room from her most of the night, perhaps to not draw too much attention to them? It had been difficult, but she had resisted getting up and joining him, telling herself if he wanted to he could come to her. To her disappointment he didn’t. Doubt had tried to creep in, but then she reminded herself that the way he kissed her, he had to be interested.

  Yes, last night had been great. This morning she was tempted to ask someone to pinch her to make sure she wasn’t dreaming, but if she was, she didn’t want to wake. Smiling, she recalled Drew holding Blossom’s leash and walking KJ to her car. Yes, that worked out perfectly.

  Only Jon and Lizette remained at the guesthouse with her; they too would be leaving shortly. Ross had reminded her last night of their agreement for a short excursion on his boat. Why did I agree to that? She wasn’t ready for her bikini-on-a-boat fantasy to be fulfilled, no matter how sweet it was.

  “It would be much easier if I hopped a ride back with Jon and Lizette on their jet,” she offered, trying to weasel out.

  Ross hadn’t agreed as he told her earlier, “I will make sure you get home safe and sound after we enjoy ourselves on the boat.”

  She packed the few items she brought with her and decided to take one last walk in the vineyard before she and Ross also took off. It is so . . . peaceful. Jill had no idea why Ross wouldn’t want to be here all the time. If she lived here they would have to drag her inside.

  “Hiding?” Jefferson’s voice no longer startled her.

  “Not at all. I didn’t want to leave without one last look. It’s truly beautiful here,” Jill said softly, taking a deep breath, trying to savor every moment.

  “Having you here has been a pleasure. You better make sure my son brings you back soon.”

  Back? “Oh, Mr. Whit—ah, Jefferson—we are not, um . . . I mean . . . we’re not involved.” God, that sounded stupid. Who says that? And worse, to someone’s parent! Had he seen them kissing yesterday? Awkward.

  Smiling at her he said, “Things have a way of changing when we least expect them to.”

  That’s exactly what scares me. “Thank you again for hosting the party at your place. It was a huge success, and we raised one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars.”

  “That is excellent news. It appeared everyone had a great time.”

  “Not everyone. I was hoping to see your wife before I left so I could apologize again. She was so upset yesterday afternoon.” It really wasn’t anything she had done to make her angry, as it appeared that was just who she was. A bitter person.

  “Trust me, Jill. It will fall on deaf ears. No apology is needed.” Jefferson gave her a warm smile and a brief hug, two things she needed desperately at that moment. “I would recommend you to anyone looking for an event planner.”

  Her eyes welled up with tears. She had been waiting a long time to hear something like that. It was times like this that the loss of her parents hurt the most. No matter how much time had passed, instinctively she wanted to share both the highs and lows with them. Closing her eyes briefly, Jill could picture calling her mother to share the good news that all her hard work had paid off. Her mother would tell her how proud she and her father were of her and go out to eat at her favorite restaurant to celebrate when she got home. The world is such a lonely place sometimes. She was grateful for the kindness Ross’s father had shown her, but it wasn’t the same. He wasn’t family. If she called Donna, she knew exactly what her response would be. “That’s great, but imagine what it could have been like if you had a degree.”

  Though she enjoyed talking with Ross’s father, she needed a few minutes alone. That wasn’t something she’d had in the last twenty-four hours. “Thank you for everything, but I better get back to packing.” She forced a smile and headed to the guesthouse alone. Don’t you dare cry. It was a success. Be happy damn it. It had been an emotional past few weeks, and it was finally over. The tears now flowed uncontrollable as she entered the guesthouse. Over. She sobbed. It had come so soon. Too soon.

  “Hi Dad, did you see Jill? She wasn’t in the guesthouse,” Ross asked his father who was still in the vineyard.

  “She was here earlier. Come sit. I want to talk to you for a minute.”

  I just want to find Jill. His father had a serious look Ross had not seen before. “What is it Dad? Something wrong? Mom still upset?”

  “That’s a given; you should know that by now. But this isn’t about your mother. It’s about you and the sweet young lady you brought here.”

  He was way too old for the father-son talk, which had never happened. “Dad, I’m kind of in a rush.”

  “Sit,” his father said sternly. Ross sat on the wall next to his father and waited. After a few minutes he spoke. “She is a special one, Ross. You might not realize it yet, but she is a gem.”

  He knew there was something about her. His father didn’t need to inform him of that. “Dad, I know, but I really need to get going.”

  “Do you know? Have you taken the time to really get to know her? She has such a sweet innocence about her. This is not the type of woman you have a causal relationship with. If you aren’t careful, you could break her heart.”

  Ross wasn’t planning on hurting her, but he wasn’t thinking anything long-term either. Long-term didn’t suit him. Growing up in a loveless house was one of the reasons he was drawn to boating; there was nothing like the freedom and solace of the open sea. He wasn’t leading Jill on; he hadn’t pledged his undying love to her or made any promises of a future. No, he kept it to the here and now and believed she understood that. Yes, she was twenty-six, and he was thirty-four, and normally he would consider that too large an age gap fo
r a companion, but he’d also seen her as a strong, driven woman with the confidence of a woman twice her age.

  The first time they’d met, she’d put her hand out for a dance and hadn’t backed down until he’d agreed. It was nice his father liked her, but a delicate wallflower she wasn’t. She was carefree and sweet, yes, but innocent, no. “Thank you for your concern, but I’m not a child anymore. I know what I’m doing.”

  “I hope so because you won’t find another one like her, do you hear me? She’s the marrying type.”

  Marriage. I’m only taking her boating. His father must’ve sampled too much of the wine, if he saw wedding bells in his son’s future. Disputing the fact would only cause a lengthy conversation he was not about to have with his father. Not now and maybe not ever. “Got it. Rule number one, don’t keep the lady waiting. I really have to go.”

  Though his father was shaking his head, doubt written all over his face, he said, “Agreed. Nice seeing you, son. Try not to stay away so long next time.”

  Ross nodded and made his way out of the vineyard. Heading off to find Jill, he thought being home was different this time. He wasn’t sure why, but he would make a point to try and visit again soon. He might not want to discuss relationships with his father, but he enjoyed talking with him more than he could remember. When time permitted they would have to do more of that. But now his thoughts were focused solely on stealing Jill away and making sweet love to her all night on the boat.

  Chapter Eight

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  This is his sailboat? She laughed silently, recalling a sign posted at the gate of the dock: You can’t judge a man by the size of his boat. It looked more like something mariners sailed around the world in, not something meant for an afternoon tour of the harbor. Why had I expected anything less? It was a sixty-foot luxury sailboat with all the amenities one could ask for. Is it too late to tell him the closest I’ve ever come to sailing was two years ago on the Duck Tour boat in Boston? Probably a little late. She tried to steady herself as she made her way to the benches by the rail. Don’t let me find out I get seasick now.

  “Your boat is . . . impressive.”

  “Thank you. It suits my needs.”

  What those needs were was what worried her. The way he looked at her, she could feel the hunger he fought to control. It was both scary and exciting, making her inhibitions seem non-existent. She turned away and faced the vast ocean. It was only for a few hours; she could do this.

  The farther from shore they sailed, the fewer boats they saw until eventually there was nothing in sight: no boats or land. They were completely and utterly alone. She began to panic. She liked being in control of things, but here she had absolutely none. She didn’t even know how to use a compass. What if we get lost at sea? She looked up, and though the sky was clear, all but one cloud, she began to worry if a storm brewed quickly and the boat turned over, she would be trapped, and no one would know how to find her.

  She jumped, startled by his touch on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” His voice was filled with concern.

  Only then did she realize her inner fears were not as hidden as she believed. “It’s just that . . .” Looking again at the water all around them, she continued, “I’ve never been this far from land. Are you sure we are safe?”

  Ross raised his hand and brushed away the hair, blowing in front of her face. “Safer than in a car.”

  Her eyes filled with doubt. “Isn’t that the line for planes?”

  “Which is also true. In comparison, you are much safer on a boat than in a plane or a car,” he said, smiling. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been doing this for most of my life. You’re in good hands.”

  “I trust you, but I don’t know about the boat.”

  “It’s made from only the best materials, if that is what you are worried about.”

  “Yes, that is one of my worries.”

  “I don’t make junk.”

  Does he mean what I think he means? This is one of his boats. She looked at the boat again, this time admiring the workmanship. It was beautiful, even the wood was hand-carved, and she spied the brass plate that held the name of the boat: Freedom. Very patriotic.

  “You said you like to swim. I hope you brought your suit, but if you didn’t that will be okay too.” He smiled suggestively.

  Swim yes, but not with the sharks. She wasn’t about to let him think she was scared of anything else. “My suit is in my bag. Is there a place I can change?”

  “And I was looking forward to a good skinny dip.” He laughed as he reached for her hand to lead the way.

  Below decks was even more impressive. The interior was filled with rich, stained wood and had a pull-out couch. To the left was a small kitchen that included a stove and refrigerator.

  “You can change in the bedroom if you wish, but it is kind of tight in there. Much more space here.”

  They had kissed several times, but he hadn’t verbalized his feelings. His blatant sexual innuendo confused her. Was that what this afternoon ride was about? Taking it to the next level? Ross, still holding her hand, began to stroke it gently, coaxing her for an answer. Even the slightest touch ignited a flame within her. It would be so easy to give in, let nature take its course. All she had ever been told was to think things out fully before making a decision. When he touched her, there were a lot of things she wanted to do, but thinking wasn’t one of them.

  Her own wants caused her to blush; she decided to ignore his offer this time. Reluctantly she pulled her hand from his, found her bathing suit in her bag, and retreated to the bedroom. With the locked door now behind her she closed her eyes and tried to regain control of her thoughts. It’s just one afternoon, nothing more. Somehow this knowledge saddened her. Since Ross was waiting for her only a few feet away, there was no time to search her soul for the right answer.

  She was stunning no matter what she wore. What was unexpected was his reaction to her standing before him in a small black and gold string bikini that barely covered her. She was captivating. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He gazed from her toes to her slender hips, over her tiny abdomen, and finally, at her voluptuous breasts. As if this wasn’t enough to floor him, she stood there watching him, her own eyes equally filled with desire.

  He told himself to close his eyes, turn, and walk away. Don’t start what you can’t finish. But he was unable to move and watched as she exited the bedroom to stand by him. He’d never wanted a woman as badly as he wanted Jill. He wasn’t sure he could stop if he simply kissed her. In the tight quarters, the swell of her breasts were only inches away, begging him to release them from the confines of the thin fabric.

  Her tongue darted across her lips, and softly she said his name, “Ross.”

  In one swift move he pulled her against him, devouring her lips with a hard, feverish kiss. He tried to pull away, but she held him to her, parting her lips to let him inside. He inhaled her sweet scent as he kissed down her jaw to the nape of her neck, and back to her lips. He almost regained control but was totally lost when a moan of pleasure escaped her.

  His hands ran freely down her back, over her sweet ass, and back up to cup her heaving breasts. Breaking their kiss briefly, he whispered, “You’re so beautiful,” then captured her again as he swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  Laying her down, he nibbled and kissed her jaw to her neck but didn’t stop there. One hand reached behind her back and untied the tiny string holding the top in place. He met her gaze as his teeth clamped down on the cloth and pulled it away like an animal.

  His hand cupped her breast; her moans grew deeper. Plucking at one nipple, he sucked the other, teasingly flicking it with his tongue. He needed more of her. Now. As he licked and nipped his way across her stomach, her hands tried to block his path. One hand grabbed them both as the other explored. His teeth untied the bow on her left hip, then the right. He deftly removed the bikini bottoms, leaving her naked beneath him. Her body trembled as he spread her legs. She quivere
d as his tongue circled her belly button and traced lower, stopping only to nip softly on her inner thigh.

  Breathlessly she begged, “Ross, I can’t.”

  “You can,” he said as his tongue licked her center gently. “And you will.” He circled her clit then sucked on it. Jill cried out in pleasure, arching her hips off the bed, her moans only encouraging him. “You taste so sweet.” He couldn’t get enough of her, devouring her feverishly as he felt her tense beneath him.

  “Ross. Oh God, Ross. Please . . . I—”

  Her body jerked violently as she lost herself in a powerful release. He continued to suck until her body began to settle. There was no getting enough of her. Damn she’s perfect. His hard throbbing cock ached to feel her wrapped around him. He released her hands, stood, quickly removed his swim shorts, and sheathed himself with a condom from the nightstand.

  She trembled as he kissed his way back up her stomach and claimed her breast again. His fingers played with her clit, and she stirred again. This time she was moving with him, no longer fighting the feeling. Her hands ran down his back, nails digging in at times, caressing at other times. He loved how he could bring her to the brink and hold her there.

  “Please, Ross. Please, no more,” she begged softly in shallow breaths.

  Sucking her nipple hard, he stoked her clit faster. He needed to feel her release on his cock. Pressing his throbbing cock at her opening, he paused, his mouth taking hers. She was hot and wet, ready for him, and he could wait no longer.

  In one thrust, he buried himself deep inside her. She instantly cried out, her body tensing. What have I done? Was that what I thought it was? Is she . . .? Still deep within her he raised his head enough to see her face, and a tear rolled down her cheek. A virgin. Wiping the tear away, he kissed her gently. What have I done?

  How could someone so sweet and beautiful still be a virgin at twenty-six? By staying away from men like me. This was a first for him. He contemplated doing the right thing, pulling out, apologizing, and taking her back home. He knew he wasn’t about to do that, though.