Page 14 of Secret Bet

“Beauty is part of the requisite in business deals.” He covered his lips and leanedcloser.

“So what on earth was beautiful in me that madeyoutalk?”

His mouth watered, and he wished to taste. He met her gaze. "You're an optimist and tell whatyousee."

“True.” She winked. "I guess I amhonest."

Her innocencedidn't make sense. Everything in his head conflicted as his stomach tightened. "I don't know. You surprised me. I thought you would be a jealous, bitter woman I'd have to keep from thewedding."

“Guess I shocked you.” Her gaze snapped at him as her lips parted. "Is that why you wanted to go out to dinnerwithme?"

“Why not.” If he let her believe that he'd get out of this. She'dnever trust him. He lowered his hand to his knee, opened his mouth, but then the truth spilled out. "I wanted to find out if you were as real as youseemed.”

“Still.” Her soft sigh with the moonlight behind her made Belle a siren call. He held his pant leg in a slight bunch. "I find it hard tobelieve."

The limo stopped at the dock. His yacht gleamed from cleanliness in front ofthem. "We're here. Are you game to get out andfindout?"

She threw open the door. He jumped to follow her as the driver barely had time to open hisowndoor.

He shared a look with his driver and said fast, "We'll be a fewhours."

She was already halfway down the docks. He hadn't run after a woman, ever. There was a first time for everything as he exerted himself and joinedher. Then he point toward his yacht. She followed his finger andnodded.

"Do you have champagne on this boat ofyours?”

“Break it open then and let’scontinue.”

“Continuewhat?”

“Celebrating marriage of your sister and my ex. Let's toast to this Christmas and how, at least for tonight, two opposites might becomefriends."

"Friends? Well, I'll take that as abeginning."

“Friends is all you’lleverget.”

Belle was unlike anyone he'devermet.

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