Page 9 of The Billionaire's Gamble

“Thank you for asking about them,” he mutters after a moment, planting a kiss on the crown of my head. “It feels nice to be able to talk about them.” Then he leans forward slowly, lowering his head to mine, and at that moment, as I look into his eyes, I see everything he feels but can't put into words. I rise on my toes to meet him halfway, our lips brushing softly.

The kiss starts slow and gentle, and tender… and different from every other kiss we've shared.

When we finally pull apart, we're both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. He suddenly starts laughing and I join in. I don't know what we're laughing about but my heart is just filled with so much happiness, it feels like fate that we’ve been reunited.

After our laughter winds down, he gives be another quick—but no less sweet—kiss before stepping back. “Now, let me make you the best omelet you’ve ever had.”

*****

“You were right,” I say to Dean, pushing my plate away with a satisfied sigh. “This is the best omelet I’ve ever had; I can never go to a diner again. I’ll aways dream of this.”

Dean smirks, leaning back in his chair. “Told you I was good. I’ll make you one every day, forever if you want,” he says, reaching out to cover his hand with mine. I blush, thinking about what he just implied, about our potential future together.Is this crazy?

“So, what’s your plan for the day?” he asks.

"Well, Nora and Gabby have the whole itinerary for the spring break. We…" I freeze, my eyes growing wide with shock as it dawns on me that my friends have no idea of where I am. They must be worried sick by now.

I quickly locate my purse and fish out my phone. The screen lights up with an overwhelming number of texts and voicemails. My heart sinks as I scroll through the messages. “This is nuts,” I mutter, before immediately dialing Nora’s number.

The phone rings twice before she picks up, her voice frantic. “Hannah!” She screams and I have to move the phone away from my ear. “Where the hell are you? We’ve been worried sick!”

“I’m so sorry, Nora,” I say, putting the phone back against my ear. “I’m safe. I, uh, met someone and lost track of time.”

"You better have a damn good explanation." Gabby pipes in, her voice much calmer than Nora’s. She's the cool-headed one of us and I'm sure she kept Nora's dramatic side in check all night. "We were about to call the police."

“I'm so sorry,” I respond quickly. “I should have sent a text.”

"We're just glad you're safe," Gabby says, then she pauses. I hear a slight shuffling and low mumbling before she speaks up again. "So… who's the mystery guy?"

I feel my cheeks heat up at the question. I glance in Dean’s direction to see he's clearing up the dishes. I watch him for a moment, trying to figure out the answer to Gabby’s question. Who's Dean? How do I describe everything we shared between last night and now? How do I describe these intense feelings for a man I barely know?

“Just someone I met,” I finally say, clearing my throat awkwardly.

"A one-night stand?!" Nora squeals, gasping dramatically.

“No! No… it's not that. It's just…”

“Did you finally pop the cherry?” She cuts it excitedly.

"Nora!" I caution, rolling my eyes when she just lets out an unapologetic cackle in response.

“Be ready to tell us everything when you get back,” Gabby says, and I can imagine her also rolling her eyes at Nora. “Talk later. And oh, keep in touch,” she adds before dropping the call.

When the call ends, I slide my phone back into my purse and take a deep breath. I turn to see Dean watching me with a soft apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for making you leave without informing your friends. They must have been really worried."

“It's okay,” I say, giving him a reassuring smile. “They were just concerned. Besides, I should have let them know what was going on.”

“How much longer are you in town?” he asks, drying his hands on a dish towel.

“A few more days.”

He comes to stand in front of me, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear before wrapping his arms around my waist. “Howabout we get away for a bit? I have a cabin up in the mountains. It's peaceful, and I think you’d really like it.”

I stare at him, my heart pounding. A part of me screams that it's insane to even consider running off with a man I just met, but another part of me is excited by the spontaneity of it all. I’ve never done anything like this before. My life has always been structured and planned, driven by the expectations of my parents and the pressure that I put on myself. I've always followed the rules, never one to live on the edge but the past few hours with Dean have been so good I don't want it to end. With him, I feel like I can be myself… I can be anything I never dared to be in front of anyone else.

Besides, I'm just going to return to my old, structured life after the break anyway, so there's no harm in being a little reckless…just for a few days.

“Okay,” I say, smiling up widely at him. “Let's do it!”

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