Page 16 of The Billionaire's Gamble

I shrug, feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities. “I really like him,” I say honestly. “But I don't know what comes next. I guess we'll just have to see.”

Gabby gives me a sympathetic smile. “Well, whatever happens, we're here for you. And for what it's worth, I think he really likes you too.”

A feeling of unease settles in my chest despite Gabby's attempt at reassurance, but I push down the intrusive thoughts fighting to cloud my mind and return her smile. “Thanks, guys. Now, what did I miss?”

They fill me in on their wild Vegas weekend, and while I am sad I missed time with my besties, I don’t regret spending all of my time with Dean. Who knows if we’ll ever have that chance again?

***

Nora's question lingers in my mind even as I sit across from Dean in a fancy uptown restaurant eating the most delicious Le Coq au Vin, whatever that means. The young bright-eyed server had suggested it as the chef's special of the day and it'd have been an experience if my mind were on the meal.

What happens after Vegas?

The question spins round and round in my head, and yet, I can't seem to find a satisfactory answer. I try to focus on the present, the flickering candle between us, and the way Dean's eyes catch the light. But the uncertainty gnaws at me, refusing to let go.

Over the past few days, some of the best days I've ever had, I’ve been left wondering what my next step is. How do I build a life with someone so far ahead of me when I still have to finish school across the country?

I take a sip from my wineglass, watching Dean across the table. He's absorbed in his meal, but every so often, he glances up at me, and when our eyes meet, there's a warmth that spreads through me. I know that I can't stay much longer and that this fantasy has to end, and I also know that I'll come out of this with better priorities for myself. But still, it has to end. And when it ends, where will that leave me and Dean?

What’s this thing we have? Does it mean as much to him as it does to me?

Dean seems to notice me pushing the food around my plate because he looks up, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong, Hannah? Do you not like the food?"

“Of course, I do,” I reply, forcing a smile. “It's delicious.”

"So, what's wrong?" He asks, his brows furrowing in a concerned frown.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to put my emotions into words. Dean waits patiently as I organize my thoughts, his eyes never leaving mine. It's as if he sees into my soul and can see everything going through my mind. I drop my gaze, shielding myself from the blazing intensity of his eyes, but I can only run away for so long… I need answers to the questions churning relentlessly in my head.

“It's just… I've been thinking about us,” I say finally, fisting my hands to stop myself from fiddling with the tablecloth. “About what happens after this, after. Vegas.”

Dean sets down his fork, his expression unreadable. It reminds me of how cool he was able to be the other night, kicking out that man who wouldn’t leave me alone. There are so many layers to him, and I want to explore each and every one of them.

“I've been thinking about that too,” he says, his deep voice cutting through my hazy thoughts.

“You have?” I ask, trying to keep the nervousness out of my voice. “And?”

He sighs, reaching across the table to take my hand in his. "I want more, Hannah… more of you, more of whatever this is that we share. I don't want it to end." I stare at him, unable to believemy ears, unable to believe the words coming out of his mouth. "I know we haven't known each other for very long," Dean continues, his voice calm, his gaze steady, "but I've never felt like this before. Being with you makes everything make sense. My world, my life… it feels complete with you in it."

A plethora of emotions surge through me all at once; relief, joy, nerves, excitement, and even anxiety. "I feel the same way, Dean," I say after a long time when I'm sure I can speak without fumbling over my words. "These past few days were the most amazing moments of my life, and I don't want to let go of this happiness, but our realities are so different. I have to go back to my life in New York and you to yours in Vegas."

"It doesn't mean we can't make this work, Honey," he says, giving me a gentle squeeze. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I can fly to New York every week to see you or move out there temporarily until your graduation if that's what it takes."

I stare at him in stunned silence. I cannot believe that a man like Dean Sterling is willing to go to such lengths for me. "Why?" I ask, barely pushing the word past the lump that's suddenly formed in my throat. "Why would you go through that length for me?"

“Because I love you.”

His words hit me like a bomb and for a full minute, I forgot how to breathe. “Dean…”

"I love you, Hannah," he says again, his hand tightening on mine. "I think I fell in love with you right from the moment you stepped into my casino… or maybe it was when I watched you on the dance floor? I don't know, I think you stole my heart four years ago on that flight. I love you, Hannah."

I want to tell him that I love him too because I do, but the words are stuck in my throat. My heart is beating too fast, and it seems like I'm going to pass out at any moment from holding my breath for too long.

“W-what about after I graduate?” I ask instead, trying to hang on to some sense of reality. “My parents are expecting me to move home after graduation to help them with revamping their grocery store.”

“Then I’ll move back to Seattle,” he says, completely deadpan.

I start to laugh at the joke, but then I see he's dead serious. He means it. “Dean, you can’t be serious.”

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