The Billionaire's Longshot: Betting on You Series: Book Three by Jeannette Winters Read Free Book Online Page A

we started earlier this week.”
    She nodded with enthusiasm. The waiter entered the room and handed them each a menu. Jill scanned it. Appetizers: Wild Mushroom Tart, Arctic Trout Gravlax, Oyster Chowder en Croute, Shaved Raw Wagyu Beef. Entrees: Long Island Duck, Braised Australian Lamb Shank, Spice Rubbed Lobster and Monkfish. No spaghetti and meatballs on this menu. She was tempted to let Ross order for her, but that could be risky in itself. Coming from Rhode Island, she knew seafood was her best bet.
    “I’ll have the Arctic Trout Gravlax to start, and the Spice Rubbed Lobster and Monkfish as an entrée,” she said.
    “And I will have the Australian Lamb Shank,” Ross said.
    “Very well,” the waiter said and left the room.
    Once alone she said, “Tell me about growing up on the best vineyard in Napa Valley.” Was it her imagination or had he tensed at her question?
    After a brief delay he answered her, “The vineyard was beautiful and still is. You will see for yourself next weekend.”
    That answered nothing. “That wasn’t my question. What was it like?” He had no problem prying into her personal life so why couldn’t she pry into his?
    “It was not what many people imagine. I’m an only child of parents who are absorbed in only what matters to them. Since I chose not to follow either of their wishes for my career, we barely have a reason to speak.” His tone was dry.
    It sounded very, lonely. “Is that why you chose Boston University?”
    He grunted softly, “Good call.”
    Smiling, Jill added, “It appears to have worked out for you. Relocating, I mean.”
    He nodded. “Better than I expected when I made that decision. Like most eighteen-year-olds, if it was a choice that upset my mother, I did it. My first semester here was a challenge, but I connected with a few good people who, as you are aware, I’m still friends with today.”
    “I thought you were all business acquaintances. I didn’t realize you met in college. Have any good stories to share?”
    “Believe it or not, I was the rational one.”
    Jill shook her head. “I hear it’s always the quiet ones you need to worry about. Does this mean you were the mastermind who just didn’t get caught?”
    Arching a brow he said, “Are you an event planner or an investigator?”
    Smiling from ear to ear, she said, “I’ll take that as a yes. Care to share any embarrassing stories?”
    He leaned closer. “This line of questioning would be much more fun if we were alone.”
    Ross Whitman. Alone . Naked? Is that what he is suggesting here? That kiss was explosive, but he hasn’t made any move to be closer to me since. Why can’t I read this man? Is he just flirting? Blushing, she thought she knew what he meant. “Okay then, how about your favorite color, food, book, etc.”
    “Color. Never thought about it. Food, any type of seafood. Book, The Three Musketeers. Your turn.”
    That wasn’t a book she pictured him reading. He could have at least picked something like Moby Dick. She wasn’t about to call him out on it at this time. Instead, she provided her answers the best she could. “I love all colors of the rainbow, hence my hair when we first met.” She laughed softly. “Seafood is always a safe choice with me, but I normally keep it simple, pasta all the way. Favorite book, hmm. I don’t know.”
    “Don’t be shy. You can tell me if you read those books. What do you call them? Oh yes, erotica,” Ross teased.
    She couldn’t hide her shock. So what if I do read erotica? “Little Women. My favorite book was Little Women.”
    Laughing boldly, he added, “If you say so.”
    There was no doubt he didn’t believe her. That didn’t mean she was about to confess the truth. Her bathtub reads were her own business. You don’t just ask a girl what her favorite erotica is.
    Their food arrived, and they continued their questions throughout the meal. “What about hobbies?”
    “I love anything to do with water. So scuba diving and