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

wanted to make sure I understood correctly; Elaine said this event is casual and pet friendly. Was that a joke? I wasn’t sure I heard her correctly? I know it has been a long time since I have been there, but that doesn’t strike me as something your mother would approve of.”
    I really should have listened to Jill’s updates . “It’s going to be fine.”
    “Does she know what she is walking into?” Trent asked.
    He tried to explain it, but there was no way she would believe his mother could be that bad. It was something you needed to experience for yourself and once was more than enough. “She’s not alone. I’ll be with her.”
    “Oh, it’s like that, is it?” Drew commented.
    “Don’t go there. Remember you volunteered me to co-host this thing. You know what they say about payback.” He was agitated, a rare emotion for the others to see.
    “I remember being volunteered to be part of a certain fundraiser, and look at me now.” Jon laughed but Ross didn’t. “She’s a really sweet girl, Ross. Just don’t forget that.”
    I don’t plan on it. “Thanks. See you in Napa,” he said, then disconnected the call.
    Ross must have lost his mind. That is the only explanation he could come up with for the thoughts running through his head. Fly her out to California with him, but don’t show up at the event. Steal her away onto his sailboat and spend a week at sea making love to her. Totally lost my mind.
    “He’s picking me up shortly, so I better get going.”
    “Have a good time and stop overthinking everything.” Lizette said. “Everything Jon says about Ross makes him sound like a wonderful man. Levelheaded and responsible, you would be perfect for him.”
    Me, perfect? Far from it. “Okay, got it. Don’t think, just let it happen. But I have to go and finish getting ready. I know you don’t want me to be late” she said and hung up.
    She was ready, but she needed a few minutes to calm her nerves. She went to the full-length mirror for the last once-over. She didn’t want to overdo, so she wore a red wrap dress and matching heels. This was only the first date. For all she knew, it also might be the last. He was difficult, if not impossible, to read. Pacing around her small apartment was not easing her anxiety. Why is this date different than any other? The answer was clear; he made her feel something she had never felt before. She wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but it brought butterflies to her stomach, thinking of seeing him tonight. Maybe this was a bad idea.
    The doorbell announced his arrival, making it way too late to back out. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. He stood there, holding a single red rose. “I thought this might be a better choice.”
    Whatever doubt she had about the date vanished. Laughing softly, she said, “It’s beautiful. Thank you. Do you want to come in?”
    “I have a car waiting for us. Maybe after dinner.”
    Don’t overthink it! Not trusting her voice, she picked up her purse and keys and locked the door behind them.
    “I made reservations at One by Land, Two by Sea,” he said once they were inside the car.
    It wasn’t a place she was familiar with, but whatever he chose was most likely better than anything she would have suggested. Say something . . . anything. Why did she become tongue-tied around him? She had never been at a loss for words before, even when she should have been. It wasn’t his wealth, because she had no problem speaking with Abby Corisi, and one couldn’t get much more powerful than that family. It wasn’t only his looks, though on a scale of one to ten, he was a fifteen in her book.
    Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scent of him. Masculine. Turning slightly she met his gaze; he was staring at her, studying her. Jill shivered slightly as their eyes met.
    Ross reached out and took her hand in his, raised it to his lips, and placed a kiss on it. “Are you cold?”
    Far, far from it. She was not about to admit the true