Page 38 of Riding with the Secret Billionaire

"I can be professional tomorrow," I reply."Tonight, I just need you to know how I feel."

"I know," she says softly. "I've known since you got my coffee order right at that last gas station."

I laugh, genuinely surprised."Coffee was my tell?"

"That was you showing me you were paying attention," she corrects."Just like this dress. Just like the mountain overlook.Just like a thousand little moments this week when you revealed the man behind the control freak façade."

"The control freak is still in here too," I warn her, only half joking.

"Good," she says with a mischievous gleam in her eye."I've grown rather fond of him, especially when he's giving very specific instructions."

Heat flares between us at her implication, but before I can respond, Jordyn clears her throat dramatically.

"As much as I'm loving this rom-com moment, I believe there are introductions to be made," she says, gesturing toward my phone where Ellie is watching with obvious delight.

"Right." I keep one arm around Trish's waist as I guide her toward the table."Trish, this is my sister Ellie.Ellie, this is Trish."

"The woman who finally broke through my brother's fortress of solitude," Ellie says with a wide smile."I've been waiting to meet you for approximately... my entire life."

"Don't exaggerate," I say, but Trish is already leaning toward the screen.

"I've heard so much about you," she tells Ellie."Jake talks about his niece and nephew all the time."

"He does?" Both Ellie and I speak simultaneously, equally surprised.

Trish glances between us. "Yes?He showed me pictures after breakfast in Heartstone.Said they were the only people he misses when he's on the road."

Something warm unfurls in my chest at her casual revelation.I hadn't realized she'd been paying such close attention during our conversations, filing away the small details I'd shared almost unconsciously.

"Well, they miss their Uncle Jake too," Ellie says, her expression softening."And they're going to love their new Aunt Trish."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," I interject, though the thought sends an unexpected thrill through me.

"Please," Ellie scoffs. "You bought the woman a dress that perfectly matches her eyes and arranged a surprise dinner with all her friends present just to tell her you love her.I'm not the one getting ahead of myself here."

Trish laughs, the sound pure and unrestrained."I like your sister already."

"You two joining forces is mildly terrifying," I admit, but I'm smiling.

The restaurant manager approaches discreetly."Shall we serve dinner now, Mr. Winters?"

"Yes, thank you." I help Trish to her seat at the center of the table, taking the place beside her.

As the others arrange themselves around us, the first course is served and conversation flows. I study the woman who has captured my mind, body, and soul.

She catches me staring and leans close."Everything okay?"

"Perfect," I reply honestly. "Just thinking about how lucky I am that your flight got canceled."

"Hmm, yes. Almost like it was meant to be." She gives me a considering look."You didn't happen to hack into the airline system and manufacture a mechanical failure, did you?Given your tech background and obvious control issues?"

I laugh, genuinely amused by the accusation."Even I have limits, Trish. That was pure chance."

"Good," she says, her hand finding mine under the table."Because I like the idea that some things are just meant to happen, no control or planning required."

"Like falling in love with your ride share driver?" I suggest.

"Exactly like that." She squeezes my hand."Though technically, I fell in love with a secret billionaire tech mogul with control issues and an unexpected romantic streak."

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