Page 50 of Billion-Dollar Dating Game

She’d not wanted to think of Zane as a good guy in any way, but that was because of her pride, wasn’t it? She’d let their past cloud her judgment of his business practice. She’d disliked his successes—in every arena. Hell, maybe she was jealous. But he was successful for a reason. Some companies actually welcomed his interest—wantedhim to come in and tell them how to streamline and refocus their businesses.

And if she were honest with herself, it wasn’t that galling any more.

She went for an unsubtle subject change. ‘How long is the flight?’

He stretched back in his seat and shot her a come-hither look. ‘Long enough to give you a very in-depth lesson on the pleasures of the Mile High Club.’

‘Does a private jet even count?’ she challenged huskily.

‘Why, Skylar.’ He smirked. ‘Do you want the thrill of the crowds on commercial? Are you a closet exhibitionist?’

Apparently she was many things around him. Mostly, she was free—to say what she really thought and do what she really wanted. Because he didn’t really care what she thought of him, right? He played up to her little sledges of him but underneath he didn’t give a damn. He was purely himself. Although to be fair, she had to admit he was a good listener. She’d talked too much lately but he’d been quietly supportive. And he’d listened to her all those years ago when her mother had left and she’d been sad.

He’d not said anything then either. Just silently offered a few moments of companionship. And a little something sweet as distraction.

He could be kind, in a quiet, understated way. But that silence was also frustrating.

Yet she could ask him for things without worry. He’d tease her about it, but he’d deliver. She knew if she ever asked him to screw her on board a plane alongside hundreds of other passengers, he would. With flair. And yes, that thought had her hot.

There were no ‘set lessons’ in bed with him. No plan. There was just exploration, discovery, and every experience she had with him was different. And delightful.

On paper, this ought to be the perfect ‘benefits’ arrangement. She should just keep on enjoying it. Trouble was, it was a littletooperfect. She was enjoying it all a littletoomuch. And he’d made her realise all that shehadbeen missing out on. It was a lot—and she wondered what more there was. But in a matter of weeks, this game would be over. Her skin chilled. She gritted her teeth—halting the discomforting direction of her thoughts. She had to forget the future. She had to make the most of it now.

‘When does the lesson begin, before or after take-off?’ she asked.

‘You know it’s already started.’

Their plane landed an hour before sundown. A waiting car took them to a stunning villa situated right on a beach. Private and spacious, it showcased stunning views of wide blue skies. Skylar gazed in awe at the powdery pale pink beach and the teal water. It was so transparent that she could see shells and fish and singular grains of that gorgeous sand. The air was balmy and evocative.

‘Want to shower and change, then food?’ he murmured.

‘Yes.’

The bedroom had crisp white linen, an oversize soaking tub and yet more of those stunning views. She stepped into the dress she’d bought specially during the lunch break she’d actually taken two days ago. The floral organza had a deep vee neckline and fitted bodice that then flared into a floor-length skirt, which had a thigh-high split. She didn’t bother with shoes. She was relaxed and hedonistic and living in this moment. Only this moment. Because it was the sexiest of summer nights.

She found Zane down by the water’s edge, trousers rolled up and paddling in the shallows. He watched as she walked across the powdery sand to meet him and she felt a hot pride when she saw the colour run beneath his skin.

‘Nice dress,’ he muttered. ‘Nice earrings.’

‘I made a little effort.’ She hitched her skirt and flashed the tiny silk briefs that were the exact shade of the dress.

His eyes actually glazed over. ‘And I very much appreciate...’

She paused a couple of feet away, watching him with a coy smile. ‘Are you speechless?’

He just lunged for her.

It was another hour before they got to the charcuterie board the discreet staff had left for them. Afterwards, Skylar lay in his arms and listened to the water and let him take her to the stars. Again.

‘Come on, Sleeping Beauty.’

‘What?’ Skylar rolled onto her side with a moan that deepened into a complete groan when she saw he was fully dressed and standing beside the bed with his hands behind his back. ‘Whyare you waking me so early?’

‘Because it’s Saturday morning, and don’t you run three miles every Saturday morning?’

She blinked at him. ‘What?’

‘There’s a group run. Local park. Not far from here.’

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