Page 48 of The Seven Month Itch
My fork punctures my salad harder than expected. Another vague response. It shouldn’t be this difficult to learn more about a person. Preston acts like I asked him for his Social Security number, and it’s pissing me off.
Who is this guy, Prince Harry’s cousin?
“So what the heck do you do? You know so much about me, but I don’t know anything about you.” I lean closer and lower my voice. “Are you married or something?” My question catches him off guard, but it deserves an answer. One that better be no.
Yes, I still am—technically—but we separated seven months ago. If he’s some businessman with a wife who’s drowning in diapers at home, who wants a good time with whoever, doing whatever, that won’t fly with me.
He shakes his head. “No, not married.”
Fine, let’s play twenty questions, Preston…I-Don’t-Know-Your-Last-Name.
“Then what?” My voice softens in a last-ditch effort to get him to open up. Certain people like to hide their identities. Cheaters. The mafia. Undercover agents. Royalty. Professional thieves. Serial killers.
He takes a long look at me before he says something I don’t expect. “I’m not married, Justice. No wife. No kids. Just my career. The reason I’m at this resort is because I own it.”
Real estate tycoon. Huh. Wasn’t on my bingo card of red flags. I guzzle down my wine and swallow hard. “You mean to tell me all of this,” I say with a hand wave, “is yours?”
His eyes hold mine in a stare. “Yes, and several other properties too.”
“In the state?” Now I’m curious.
“The state. The country. The world. Let’s just say my portfolio is diverse.”
“So what you’re telling me is you’re some bachelor billionaire who happened to show up at a singles’ retreat?” I giggle into my glass. “Sounds like a Hallmark movie.” What are the odds?
His face is expressionless when I look up. I don’t think he’s mad—at least I hope he isn’t—but it’s hard for me to read him. “I don’t like to talk about money, but yes, something like that. Though I’m far from anything you see on Hallmark.” He inhales with a discomfort that’s not from the gourmet meal in front of him.
Way to go. Happy now?
God knows how many women target him because of his status. I wipe my mouth with a napkin and reach for his hand. “Hey, I’m sorry if I offended you. I didn’t know and don’t mean to pry. We don’t have to talk about it.”
My words chip away at his defensive wall. His face relaxes, along with his shoulders. “I should be the one apologizing, Justice. I’m sorry for being so secretive.” He strokes my hand with his thumb. “Because of my company, my life is very…public. I like to lie low to dodge the ‘bachelor billionaire’ label. I grew up around horses, and I just wanted to be Preston for a day—not Preston Donnelley. So I asked if I could fill in for the instructor. You seem so genuine, and I enjoy getting to know you as me. Without all of the layers attached.”
I smile. “I can respect that.”
Warmth returns to his eyes. He smiles back at me. “Now, ask me anything.”
“Other than running your business, what are your plans for the future? Do you see a wife and kids?” Emma’s voice in my head curses me for such a question. I know things are complicated in my life, but I plan to remarry one day, and I definitely want children.
His eyes never waver from my face. “I don’t think I’m built to be a husband or a father. Business and travel are a large part ofwho I am. I’ve never pictured myself slowing down enough to live in one place.”
“Thank you for your honesty.”
“With that said, you are different. You make me question if I should change course.”
Sorry, what?
I got out of a marriage because my husband traveled too much for us to fix our relationship. If that was hard, Preston would be impossible. I don’t want to think so far ahead that I miss out on the present. But that’s worth noting.
Focus on the now.
Right.
A goofy grin crinkles my face when I remember this afternoon’s dance lessons. It’s been a minute since I went anywhere to salsa, and I’m dying to get back in action. I smile at Preston and the thought of us on the floor. “So, about those dance lessons.”
His face twists, and I see the disappointment coming. “I would love to, but there’s some business I have to tend to away from the resort. I won’t be back in time.”
Déjà vu.
