The Billionaire's Longshot: Betting on You Series: Book Three by Jeannette Winters Page A

cause a lengthy conversation he was not about to have with his father. Not now and maybe not ever. “Got it. Rule number one, don’t keep the lady waiting. I really have to go.”
    Though his father was shaking his head, doubt written all over his face, he said, “Agreed. Nice seeing you, son. Try not to stay away so long next time.”
    Ross nodded and made his way out of the vineyard. Heading off to find Jill, he thought being home was different this time. He wasn’t sure why, but he would make a point to try and visit again soon. He might not want to discuss relationships with his father, but he enjoyed talking with him more than he could remember. When time permitted they would have to do more of that. But now his thoughts were focused solely on stealing Jill away and making sweet love to her all night on the boat.

Chapter Eight
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    T his is his sailboat? She laughed silently, recalling a sign posted at the gate of the dock: You can’t judge a man by the size of his boat . It looked more like something mariners sailed around the world in, not something meant for an afternoon tour of the harbor. Why had I expected anything less? It was a sixty-foot luxury sailboat with all the amenities one could ask for. Is it too late to tell him the closest I’ve ever come to sailing was two years ago on the Duck Tour boat in Boston? Probably a little late. She tried to steady herself as she made her way to the benches by the rail. Don’t let me find out I get seasick now.
    “Your boat is . . . impressive.”
    “Thank you. It suits my needs.”
    What those needs were was what worried her. The way he looked at her, she could feel the hunger he fought to control. It was both scary and exciting, making her inhibitions seem non-existent. She turned away and faced the vast ocean. It was only for a few hours; she could do this.
    The farther from shore they sailed, the fewer boats they saw until eventually there was nothing in sight: no boats or land. They were completely and utterly alone. She began to panic. She liked being in control of things, but here she had absolutely none. She didn’t even know how to use a compass. What if we get lost at sea? She looked up, and though the sky was clear, all but one cloud, she began to worry if a storm brewed quickly and the boat turned over, she would be trapped, and no one would know how to find her.
    She jumped, startled by his touch on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” His voice was filled with concern.
    Only then did she realize her inner fears were not as hidden as she believed. “It’s just that . . .” Looking again at the water all around them, she continued, “I’ve never been this far from land. Are you sure we are safe?”
    Ross raised his hand and brushed away the hair, blowing in front of her face. “Safer than in a car.”
    Her eyes filled with doubt. “Isn’t that the line for planes?”
    “Which is also true. In comparison, you are much safer on a boat than in a plane or a car,” he said, smiling. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been doing this for most of my life. You’re in good hands.”
    “I trust you , but I don’t know about the boat.”
    “It’s made from only the best materials, if that is what you are worried about.”
    “Yes, that is one of my worries.”
    “I don’t make junk.”
    Does he mean what I think he means? This is one of his boats. She looked at the boat again, this time admiring the workmanship. It was beautiful, even the wood was hand-carved, and she spied the brass plate that held the name of the boat: Freedom. Very patriotic.
    “You said you like to swim. I hope you brought your suit, but if you didn’t that will be okay too.” He smiled suggestively.
    Swim yes, but not with the sharks. She wasn’t about to let him think she was scared of anything else. “My suit is in my bag. Is there a place I can change?”
    “And I was looking forward to a good skinny dip.” He laughed as he reached for her hand to lead the