Page 6 of Burning for the Billionaire 5

It warms me that he cares so much.

He shrugs. “And I can’t take the money back.”

“I guess not.” Not wanting to come off ungrateful for how he’s helped me until I at least had a foot to stand on, I take his hands. “Thank you so much for helping me out. You loaned me an apartment, a vehicle. You helped me survive after I lost everything, and I was a stranger to you. You’ve got such a big heart, but I’ve got things now. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“I don’t need you to rescue me anymore. I want to just... be your girlfriend.”

His expression softens. “So, as your boyfriend, I’m still allowed to spend a little money taking you out on nice dates and giving you a gift or two, right?”

Because I want him to laugh again, I snort and tell him, breezily, “Of course. I didn’t say anything about not giving me gifts. You know, like a present for an upcoming birthday.Hint, hint.”

His throaty chuckle washes over me, making me smile. “Got it.”

And just like that, the tension between us evaporates. He cups the nape of my neck and gently pulls me to him to claim my mouth. When Rowan kisses me, he dominates, taking what he wants, and I don’t mind it all. I go pliant against him, following his lead, drinking him in as he devours my mouth.

He lets up, and I pull in a breath. “You’re an amazing kisser,” I whisper.

His smug expression is justified. He doesn’t just kiss, he makes love to my mouth.

“What do you say we finish up with dinner? Then we’ll go upstairs, and I can show you how good I am at kissing yourotherparts.”

A shudder of anticipation rocks me. “I say, let’s forget about dinner.”

He grins and takes my hand to lead me back inside. A three-day weekend with full doses of Rowan?Yes, please.

Chapter 4

Rowan

“This view is amazing,” Grace gushes, gazing out over the restaurant’s terrace.

It’s a balmy night in San Francisco, so we opted for an outside table. We’re seated in a corner secluded by tall potted plants, and we have a view of the lit Bay Bridge. It’s a romantic setup—something I wouldn’t have appreciated before.

Gazing at Grace across the table in a low-cut black cocktail dress, with her hair falling around her shoulders like a silky chestnut curtain, I smile. She brings out the romantic side I’ve never really nurtured. “Yes, the view is lovely.”

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