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

exploring ancient ruins, like Port Royal in Jamaica or Cleopatra’s palace in Egypt, or diving at The Great Barrier Reef. They’re probably what I like most.”
    She was glad it wasn’t sports. Jill found him absolutely fascinating. “I haven’t done any of those, but they sound exciting. I like to ski when the weather is cold and swim when it’s hot. I’m all out of questions.”
    “I have several.” He winked. Jill cheeks burned again. “Okay. Tell me why New York.”
    Now that was a hard one. One she wasn’t exactly sure of herself. She wanted to tell him it was to prove she was capable of living on her own, that she had made something of herself that would make not only Donna, but also her parents, proud. From what he shared of his family, it sounded like he might understand. She wasn’t ready to reveal her lack of education, though; education seemed a big part of who he was, and he might start to second-guess her decisions about the fundraiser. “I was ready for a change and work well with Lizette and Elaine. It seemed like a good move.” That wasn’t a lie. “How do you run a wine business from across the country?”
    “I don’t.”
    A puzzled look came over her. “Then how—?”
    He interrupted her. “It is my family’s business; my father currently runs it. I’m not involved in any of the decision-making at this time, nor am I interested in it either.”
    “Then what do you do?”
    “Build sailboats.”
    “No, I mean for a job.”
    “I build sailboats.”
    I didn’t know the manual labor types were paid so well.
    She had done some basic research on him, but it all led back to Whitman Wines. How was it I missed this crucial piece of information? Thinking back how his hands felt when they touched her, they were workingman’s hands: rough and callused. She could picture him sanding and smoothing the boat, the hot sun beating down on him. No shirt, his body would glisten with sweat while she lay sunbathing in her bikini, watching him. He would pour a bottle of water over himself before coming to join her on the bow to make sweet love in the daylight sun. Yummy. Surely he isn’t interested in me like that. Clearing her throat trying to cover dirty little thoughts, she said, “I guess you do enjoy all things that have to do with water.” She took a sip from her glass.
    “Would you care to join me for a short excursion after the fundraiser?”
    Did he invite me to go away with him? She must have misunderstood. That would be very forward of him since they were not intimate like that. They had been talking for a few months, and had seen each other at several social occasions, but there was no way he would expect her to say yes. Would he? He must mean for an afternoon or sunset ride. Rationalizing it all internally she felt so much better. Smiling she said, “I’d love that. Thanks, Ross.” He wouldn’t go from a night out for dinner to a little afternoon delight, would he? No. It was only her imagination getting away from her. Those things only happened in books. Like the ones I read. It was an innocent invite, nothing more. Besides nothing really could happen in broad daylight on an afternoon getaway. I hope.
    “Great, be sure you pack your bathing suit. The water is perfect this time of year.”
    Thankfully the waiter had arrived, “May I interest you in dessert?”
    Ross looked at Jill, who shook her head. She couldn’t think about eating another bite.
    Within minutes they were back in his car, heading for her apartment. If the kiss on the ride earlier was a prelude of what was to come, she wasn’t ready. Letting him come up to her apartment would only give him the wrong impression. Well, not exactly wrong, but one she wasn’t ready to fulfill. She wanted to touch him, explore what he had ignited in her with just a kiss, but she couldn’t trust her judgment.
    Does he want more from me? As much as she had enjoyed their time together thus far, she didn’t really feel she knew the man