Page 58 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“You were late,” he asks, it obviously has been playing on his mind all night.

The deep crease of worry between his brows makes me brave. “Did you think I was going to miss this…?” Miss you.

His eyes soften. “Then where were you?”

“I had a hard time getting dressed.”

His eyes drop slowly over my body like he's drinking me in. “You could wear a paper bag and still look hot. If I wasn't here on this fucking boat right now…”

“It’s a yacht,” I interrupt with a smirk.

“If I wasn't here at this stupid celebration, I'd be…” He stalls.

“You'd be what?” I breathe, desperate to hear the answer.

I need him to finish that sentence like it's my next breath.

He leans so his mouth is an inch from mine. My breath hitches. Is he going to kiss me?

Please…do it.

“I'd rip that fucking dress off your body and kiss that lipstick right off your mouth.”

My mouth parts at his declaration. I don't think I could wait until we're off this damn yacht. The party has picked up now, and we are heading farther into the ocean every minute. It’s been a long build up to now. We’ve talked, flirted, and now he’s staring longingly at me.

With a few glasses of champagne in my blood, I feel brave. I bend forward, feeling his warm breath on my lips. I move to seal our lips together when someone clears their throat.

I straighten up, looking over Jeremy at Grant.

“There you are.” Grant walks toward us.

Closely behind him is Poppy and Dalton. They look around until they spot me.

“I was looking for you two.” I point at them. Specifically leaving Grant out of it to make it clear I’m not interested in him.

“I thought you fell overboard.” Poppy hiccups, but there’s a small lift in the corner of her mouth. I’m not sure she realizes she’s doing it, but with the way she’s swaying on her feet, it’s easy to see she’s had a lot to drink.

“Looking for the bathroom.” Dalton points at Poppy's head from above her. “Someone’s not feeling the best.”

She moves to the edge of the yacht, holding on to the side next to Jeremy. He turns to check on her and my heart swells. I’m about to offer Poppy help to go to the bathroom when Grant whispers, “Jeremy isn't what he seems.”

I blink rapidly. What?

He’s warning me.

Or is he jealous?

I’m about to ask what he means when Jeremy interrupts, “Excuse me, I would like to show Nova to the sun deck.”

I look over and Dalton is walking Poppy away.

“Nova care to join?” Jeremy pushes when I don’t answer.

“Sure.” I nod toward Jeremy. I don’t want to be around Grant anymore.

He takes my hand and pulls me in the opposite direction.

Grant narrows his eyes. “But you were headed to the upper deck.”

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