Page 162 of Billion Dollar Mistake

I k-know I won’t be staying long tonight,” Poppy says, her teeth chattering.

“Did you want my cardigan?”

She shakes her head. “No, keep it. I’ll be fine.”

“What about a drink?” Dalton suggests.

“Sure,” I reply.

We wave down a server with the drink tray and all grab a Champagne.

I sip and peer around looking for Bentley.

“He’s around here somewhere,” Dalton says, obviously watching me.

“I’m sure I’ll catch him soon.”

“How about now?” Poppy suggests. I’m about to ask why but then he wanders over.

“Evening. How’s everyone doing? Glad to see you grabbed a drink.”

I nod.

“Can I steal Nova away for a second,” he asks, his gaze moving over to Poppy and Dalton. I notice that tonight Bentley is in a black suit and a crisp white shirt. It’s more dressed up than the last time I was on his yacht.

“Go ahead,” they say.

I turn and follow Bentley. We’re walking up the side of the yacht to the front, when I realize we haven’t moved.

“What time is the yacht leaving?” I ask. Poor Poppy will be cold for a lot longer now.

“Well, I’m waiting for a guest.”

I frown, not understanding why this guest didn’t turn up in time. Must be important if we’re still waiting.

The air changes and I sense movement at the entry steps of the yacht.

The familiar scent fills my nose. Jeremy. He’s wearing an all-black suit with a white shirt and black bow tie.

Immediately my face brightens, and the biggest grin spreads on my face. His face mirrors my joy, breaking into a wide grin as well.

“It seems he’s here,” Bentley says behind me.

My mind is reeling. Wasn’t he supposed to be in Chicago? Why’s he here?

Where’s the ugly Christmas sweater and mask that I saw a few hours ago.

“What are you doing here?” I murmur, not able to believe what I’m seeing.

Jeremy opens his arms for me. I step into them, welcoming the heat from his body. I’ll ask him in a second. Right now, I just want to soak him in and revel in the fact that he’s here right now.

“You’re freezing.”

“Mmm, you’re warm.”

He shrugs off his jacket and wraps it around my shoulders. I shiver from the warmth. I didn’t realize I was that cold until now.

I reach out to grab his hand when I notice his cufflinks. Gold with the initials NL. It dawns on me that the L could stand for Lee but then also stand for Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln. I shake off the silly fantasy. We haven’t been together long enough. Or is this another time where I’m following social expectations, not my own path. The risky, yet exhilarating path.

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