Page 27 of Undercover Billionaire

The duelists stood next to each other at the starting line. The whistle blew, and Cameron and Kaitlyn quickly outpaced the group, creating a comfortable lead ahead of the rest of the skaters. He was the more powerful of the two, but years of training had taught Kaitlyn how to move quickly on the ice. Although she would have been no match for him on land, on skates she had a chance.

They soared through one lap and then another and another, passing the slower skaters more than once. Finally, the prize came down to the final lap, yet it was still too close to call. Then…askater's nightmare.

Just ahead of Kaitlyn, a teen skater sliced a turn too fast. He flailed his arms, his balance teetering on razor’s edge as he overcorrected and overcompensated, careening the opposite way. The world sped like lightning as the skater succumbed to gravity, tumbling to the ice feet ahead of Kaitlyn. With no time to stop and no path of escape, she veered sharply to the left. The pressure proved too much for her ankle, and she plummeted to the frigid surface, the momentum of the race driving her forward like an out-of-control sleigh.

Sheslammedinto the wall.

In an adrenaline-fueled haze, Cameron thundered towards Kaitlyn, as she lay motionless on the icy ground. The teen was already being helped up by his friends, laughing as he shook out his frost-covered hair, yet Kaitlyn was as still as the Arctic winter. Was she hurt? Did she have a concussion, a broken bone, worse? Terror seized every muscle as he reached her prone form. She was breathing, thank goodness, but her eyes were shut tight.

He touched her gently, did not move her in case something was broken. "Wake up," he commanded. "Talk to me. Tell me you’re all right."

His heart hammered as he reached for his phone to call 911. Then her eyes flew open, bright and blue and lucid, and without a doubt the most beautiful vision he had ever seen.

"Drake." Her voice emerged hoarse. "I’m okay." She grasped his hand and squeezed tightly. "I just got the wind knocked out of me."

Even as his heart slowed, he loomed nearer. She said she was okay, but was she thinking rationally? Sometimes people suffered injuries they didn’t feel. “We should still call for help. You should see a doctor or go to the emergency room. We could call for an ambulance and–”

"I’m fine." She gave a small smile. "I didn’t even hit my head. No broken bones, but possibly a nice big bruise. I’m more concerned about losing the competition than the fall." She attempted a laugh.

"I could care less about the competition." He rubbed her cold arms. "You are all that matters."

Her smile faded. He hadn't meant to share that. Strong emotions emerged from hidden depths, the desire to possess, to protect, to keep her safe above all else. Raw and powerful, they demanded attention.

A doctor who had been skating arrived to check her out, and Cameron forced himself back. He also tried to force away the unexpected thoughts and unforeseen emotions, but they remained stubborn and present. So instead, he focused on the too-stubborn-for-her-own-good woman. When the doctor said to take her into the lobby so he could examine her, Drake scooped her up, carrying her off the ice under protest. Then he stood guard as the doctor examined her. It was not until the physician confirmed Kaitlyn’s diagnosis of bruises, that the tension finally seeped away.

Kaitlyn gingerly sat down on the carpeted bench. "It’s been an eventful day.” She pulled off a skate and winced. “Let’s just say it was falling down fun."

He did not laugh. He did not smile. He didn't even look up.

"Drake, what is it?" She reached out and placed a hand on his chest. The touch burned into him. "You've barely said a word since the race. It looked bad, but I’m all right."

He lifted his gaze, exhaled slowly. "You scared me when you fell, and when you closed your eyes…" He set his jaw. "I'm not accustomed to being out of control."

"It was scary for me too," she admitted, "but I’m fine. Even the doctor said so. And although it might not seem like it, I’m grateful for your concern. I even leaned something about Drake Alexander."

Despite his efforts, the sides of his lips tugged up. "What’s that?"

"You’re not as tyrannical, high-handed and despotic as I thought you were. Oh, don’t get me wrong." She winked. "I’m not saying you aren’t all of those things. Just less so than I imagined."

The smile broke through. "Thank you – I think. And you’re not as imperious and bossy as I thought you were."

Kaitlyn laughed. "That's wonderful to hear." She turned to the ice rink, which had quieted. "We'd better go. Tomorrow will be a long day, and there's still plenty to do to prepare for Cynthia."

They rose to leave, but a call stopped them a moment later. They turned to see the proprietor racing towards them with two small blue ribbons. "Don't leave without these." He handed a ribbon to each Kaitlyn and Cameron. "Since neither of you scored in the last race, you tied for total points. Congratulations, you both won first place."

"First place. Well, how about that?" Cameron held the ribbon like an Olympic medal. "I guess neither of us won that bet."

Kaitlyn traced the satin ribbon. "You should be happy. Now you don’t have to act like a puppy dog." She hesitated. "And we don’t have to go on a real date."

He didn't say a word, as a thousand nameless emotions swirled. Instead, he turned and led her to the car, securing her with a hand on the small of her back. He relaxed as he closed the door, and she sat back on the soft fabric. It just felt right, her safe and sound in his care.

Their relationship had taken on a whole new meaning, more than a business agreement, more than a ruse…. just more. And suddenly there was far more to explore in this sleepy, small town.

The ride homewas filled with light conversation and last minute plans regarding Cynthia’s arrival. Neither mentioned their earlier conversation, although it replayed a thousand times in Kaitlyn’s mind. Again and again, she heard Drake say he was interested in more. Again and again, she told herself it was impossible.

Yet a traitorous voice whispered, was that entirely true? This man was not like she’d imagined. Unparalleled in strength and uncompromisingly clever, he was also undeniably kind, a facet he revealed in conversations of charities and good deeds, not by bragging, but accidentally sharing before changing the subject. He was still more tempting than an ice cream sundae, but she couldn’t allow herself to indulge.

They went back over the details of her life and his role, most of which Drake thankfully remembered. Whether it would fool her cousin remained to be seen, but it would be nothing less than a worthy effort.

---