Page 39 of Marrying a Billionaire

He needed to stop putting himself out there. Women only broke his heart and he couldn’t let himself care for another woman only to have her leave him.

He shoved his hands into his front pockets and nodded toward the kitchen. “Let’s eat. Bert will be back in an hour to pick us up. We can get ready here that way Bert can just drop us off at my grandfather’s estate.”

Lillian’s shoulders rose as she took a deep breath. “Good idea.” Then she hesitated. “You still want to go through with this?” She peeked over at him as if she feared what he was going to say.

He studied her. What kind of question was that? “Of course. Do you?”

Her cheeks hinted pink as she nodded slowly. “Yes. I just wasn’t sure if my past was too much for you.”

He scoffed. “I’m not one to judge on past relationships or less than stellar people in your life. Just look at my family.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I’m not exactly related to the most put-together people.”

A smile hinted on Lillian’s lips and despite Reed’s better judgement, his heart soared. It was just what he needed to see. Lillian was perfection. And oh how he wanted her to be his.

Feeling as if his emotions were getting the better of him, Reed nodded toward the kitchen. “Come on, let’s eat.”

They spent the remaining hour, eating the filet minon and talking. Reed couldn’t help but feel mesmerized by the little things that Lillian did. The way her gaze softened when she talked about Tamara. Or the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed about the stupid things she did as a kid.

Everything about her put Reed at ease. He was starting to grow used to her company. The way her melodious laugh floated around him, to the soft lines of her face when her expression grew contemplative. It was all drawing him in and taking hold of his heart.

She was so real and so raw. And so honest.

No woman he’d ever been with was anything like Lillian. Even though his mother concocted a crazy plan, he was beginning to feel very grateful that she had. If not, Lillian would have never come into his life.

When they finished eating, they both leaned back in their chair. Lillian’s hand rested on her stomach.

“That was amazing,” she said, smiling over at him.

Reed nodded as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Jackson knows what he’s doing. He’s in high demand on the island.”

Lillian reached out and twisted her plate on the table. “I can see why.”

Reed leaned forward. Before he could say anything, a beeping sound broke up the silence. Glancing down, he saw that it was a text from Bert. He was on his way to pick them up. He sighed and glanced over at Lillian.

“Bert’s on his way. We should get ready.”

Lillian placed the napkin next to her and scooted her chair back. Reed was out of his seat to help her the rest of the way. She stood and turned, her eyes wide.

She glanced down and chewed her lip. “You’re going to have to stop doing that,” she whispered.

He leaned in. It was beginning to feel like being here with Lillian was exactly what he needed. He wasn’t sure he was going to be able to ever let her go. “Doing what?” He reached out and ran his finger across the back of her hand. Her skin was smooth.

She dropped her gaze to study the circles he’d begun to trace. Suddenly, she pulled her hand away. She clutched it to her chest with her other hand.

Silently, Reed cursed himself. What was he doing? Why did he keep putting his guard down? He shot her a smile, hoping she bought the lie.

She studied the floor before she glanced up at him. “You need to stop being so nice to me.” She side-stepped him and headed toward the hallway. She’d left her things in a guest room.

He watched her retreat. “Lillian?” What was going on? He wasn’t a fool. He knew what it looked like when a woman was interested in him. And Lillian acted like she was interested.

She turned, raising her hand to halt his words. “Reed, we can never be more then what we are. A contractual relationship that will end.”

He walked toward her. Why was she saying this? That couldn’t possibly be how she felt. “That can’t be how you feel,” he said.

Her forehead wrinkled as he stepped up to her. He dropped all inhibition and pulled her to him. She hesitated but then relaxed when he glanced down at her.

“Lillian Brunette, I don’t know why you keep pushing me away, but I’m going to tell you right now, I’m not Joshua. I will not leave you.” He hesitated. “Unless you ask.” He steadied his gaze. She had to know what he was feeling.

“But—”

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