The Resilient One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance by Cami Checketts, Jeanette Lewis Read Free Book Online Page A

that came onto him easily because of his fame and money. A lot of those women appeared, on the outside to have it all together, but once he dug to the inside there was nothing there, exactly like his ex-girlfriend Belle. From all he’d seen, Alyssa was very different from the women who pursued him. He liked that although it obviously hurt her to run she didn’t slow down or stop but kept working hard. He liked that her life didn’t appear to be easy, but she had fun and was sweet with her grandmother and everyone else he’d seen her interact with, from the teenage boys gawking at her on the beach to the old men gawking at her at the restaurant. He could tell she was a good person—being beautiful was actually just a bonus. A nice bonus.
    “Alyssa.” His voice came out all breathy and embarrassing. He cleared his throat. “You look amazing.”
    “Thanks.” She met his gaze and smiled. “You’re looking pretty good yourself.”
    “Slight improvement from being covered in salt and sand.”
    “Ha!” Granny Ellie clasped her hands together, grinning at the two of them. “I was the one plastered in sand. Well, you two have fun. I’m heading to bed.” She took a step toward the stairs.
    “Oh, no, you don’t.” Alyssa grabbed her grandmother’s arm. “Beck asked you to dinner, not me.”
    Beck laughed. “I don’t want to steal your granddaughter on your first night on the island.”
    “Oh, pooh,” Ellie said. “Don’t you think you deserve something special tonight, not a dinner with an old geezer?”
    “It will be special going to dinner with two beautiful ladies.”
    Ellie shook her head, but wrapped her hand through the elbow he offered. Alyssa placed her warm hand on his other elbow and Beck straightened. He felt like the king of the world with her close to him.

    Alyssa was grateful Granny hadn’t dodged out of their dinner date. She was interested in Beck, but she still wasn’t ready to be alone with any man.
    She hadn’t eaten at Kimo’s before. They had a beautiful view of the setting sun from the second story balcony. The restaurant didn’t appear too extravagant—scarred, wood tables and floors. The only thing pompous was their starched shirt waiter and the fancy menu.
    Jerry from the bed and breakfast had advised her when she first arrived on the island, “If you’re willing to take out a second mortgage, eat at Kimo’s or Mama’s Fish House.” As Alyssa didn’t have a first mortgage she’d steered clear, but all the food on the island was expensive so she wasn’t shocked when most of the entrees were fifty dollars or more.
    “Holy stink,” Granny Ellie exclaimed. “Did they import the fish from Alaska? Look at these prices.”
    Beck smiled, not seeming the least bit embarrassed. The waiter shifted from foot to foot. “I assure you ma’am, the fish is local and fresh and it is worth every penny.”
    “Is that so?” Granny glanced up at him. “You pay full price here on a regular basis?”
    He cleared his throat. “Um, no, ma’am. Can I start you with something to drink?”
    They all ordered water which seemed to supremely disappoint the waiter. He swept the wine menus off the table, made his recommendations for dinner, and then left.
    Granny looked at Beck. “I’m sorry I suggested coming here. I asked some locals while I was out shopping and they said it was the best. We can leave or go Dutch, but I am not letting you pay for this dinner.”
    Beck chuckled long and low. “Ellie, it is just fine, I promise.”
    She leaned back and studied him like she would her poker rivals. “What do you do for work that you can travel to Hawaii, spend the day frolicking in the sun, and say that a dinner like this,” she gestured to the menu, “is no worry?”
    “Granny,” Alyssa reprimanded. He was going to think they were after him for his money. Alyssa sank deeper into her chair. What would he think when he found out she had photographed him for Maryn’s scummy magazines?