Gambling With The Billionaire (Gems 0f Love Book 2)

by Agnes Canestri

  Ryan probably wasn’t implying what she’d hoped anyways.

  She reached up with her arms and began to pull the fabric from their heads. Ryan straightened up and helped her. The first beams of the sun reaching Bianca’s eyes were blinding. The paraglide had created such an intimate and cozy semi-shadow.

  Bianca rubbed her eyes then looked around. As she took in the view, she gulped. Wow, this place was as marvelous from the ground as from the sky. The lake in front of her glimmered in a sapphire blue, and the cascade’s murmur sounded like an enchanted melody. The water flow hit the lake’s surface with a white foam, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and dark on the surrounding rocks.

  Ryan rolled up the paraglide with the harness and fastened them into a neat bundle. Then he stepped closer to Bianca. “So, what do you think of Silent Valley?”

  Bianca opened her arms. “It’s magnificent. I can’t believe I’ve been living in Rocky Harbor for more than three years now, and nobody has mentioned that this gem exists.”

  Ryan scratched his chin, while a satisfied smirk tugged at his lip. “Yes, very few know of it. It’s because you either get to it through air or by foot. You can’t drive into the canyon. And the climb downwards is pretty steep. Not for the faint-hearted.”

  Bianca drew her brows together and glanced at the tops of the surrounding mountains. They had descended quite deep. How were they going to get back up?

  As if Ryan understood her thought, he put a hand on the small of her back. “Don’t panic. We can handle the climb upwards. It’s much easier in that direction. I’ve done it plenty of times.”

  Bianca’s skin reacted to his touch like a servant to her master’s command. Her arms got covered in goosebumps, her stomach stirred, and her breathing quickened. She took a hasty step forward as if to observe the lake. “Sounds good. Do we have time to take a closer look at the cascade, then?”

  Anything to move away from Ryan.

  He nodded. “Of course. We’ve got plenty of time before sunset. The climb up is only an hour. Though it will work your thigh muscles.” His gaze dropped to Bianca’s legs, and a dark glint invaded his eyes. He swallowed then snapped his head toward the lake. “Right. The cascade. Let’s go and explore.”

  Bianca’s heart jumped. Did Ryan just get embarrassed? She smoothed down her jeans. It hadn’t been such a bad idea after all to put on her favorite capri pants. She knew it accentuated her curves.

  She lifted one hand and tapped on her forehead. She was being stupid again. There was no point in trying to capture Ryan’s attention as a woman. What good would it do? Even if he found her attractive, there was never going to be anything serious between them.

  And after what had happened with Jake, Bianca’d promised herself, she wasn’t going to let herself get into any relationship that was doomed to failure from the beginning.

  Yes, best to keep the rising sparks suppressed.

  Chapter 17

  Ryan led Bianca to the side of the cascade. His memory of this place was as clear as it was seven years ago when he last set foot on this ground. He strolled forward with confident steps.

  Not much had changed. How lucky that no large company had picked up on the sheer beauty of this canyon and turned it into a tourist attraction.

  He recalled the plans the Welles brothers sent him and a bitter taste invaded his mouth. Wasn’t his firm about to do exactly this to Bianca’s workplace? Realize its potential and turn it into a cash flow machine, while ruining its genuine charm?

  He turned his head slightly to check whether Bianca was following him. She was two steps behind, her eyes lost in the waves that the breeze raised on the lake’s silver surface. She looked happy and oblivious to the dark thoughts in Ryan’s head.

  He clenched his jaw and exhaled. He had to stop factoring Bianca’s feelings into his business decision. But somehow he couldn’t.

  Maybe his idea from this morning could provide the solution to the guilt plaguing his heart each time he thought about the promise he’d made to the Welles.

  Yes, if Bianca could stay on board as a creative advisor for their chain, then she wouldn’t be out of her job. It was a far more promising future for someone as talented as Bianca than staying a simple restaurant manager.

  Also the Welles’ headquarters were in Philly, not far from Bright Future’s main tower.

  Ryan stopped in his tracks and pressed a hand to his throat. Why did his chest quiver at the possibility of having Bianca living in the same city as him?

  Bianca’s head smacked into him between his shoulder blades with unexpected force.

  “Ouch,” she cried out.

  Ryan swiveled around and found her standing only a few inches away from him. She was rubbing her forehead, her mouth contorted into a painful expression.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have stopped so abruptly.”

  Bianca let her hand fall. “Don’t worry. It was actually my fault. I got so absorbed in the view that I didn’t mind my own feet.”

  A rosy spot formed on her forehead where she’d met his muscles.

  Without realizing what he was doing, Ryan brushed his thumb against it. “Does it hurt?”

  Bianca swallowed and peeked up at him. “No, it’s not that bad. But you sure must work out a lot. Your back felt harder than steel.”

  Her green irises blended in perfectly with the malachite shade of a nearby oleander bush. These were eyes that could capture a man’s heart. Large, innocent, but secretive at the same time.

  Ryan felt his carotid artery drum on his neck. Unable to resist the temptation, his gaze dipped to Bianca’s lips. He knew it was a mistake as soon as he did it. Their pale pink shade looked so appealing, that a desire rose in him to taste them.

  Bianca must have noticed the change in his expression, because she took a small step back. Her eyes flicked to her shoes. “Is there a way to climb closer to the cascade?”

  Ryan shook his head. Was it enough to jump-start his brain? His hands still itched with the urge to cup Bianca’s face and pull it close to him. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this strongly about Jenna or any other women he’d dated.

  He cleared his throat. “Yes, on the left there’s a rocky ladder we can climb.”

  Bianca sprinted in the direction he indicated. Ryan watched her back for a second before joining her. Did she realize what he had almost done?

  He rubbed his neck and cursed his lack of self-control. He was behaving completely out of character around this woman. And at the same time, the way he felt seemed to come more natural to him than his usual composed manners. What was happening?

  Bianca’d already pulled herself up to the top of the large rock and was admiring the cascade. Ryan hurried to reach her, while in his head, he promised himself he wasn’t going to do anything inappropriate.

  Who knew how Bianca would’ve reacted if he’d followed his instincts. He didn’t want her to think he required special favors from her.

  When he stepped up beside her, Bianca turned to him. “Ryan, there’s something I wanted to ask you. Do you mind if I do?”

  Was she going to ask him about the restaurant? He did promise to discuss his plans with her during this trip.

  Ryan nodded. “Go ahead.”

  Bianca chewed on her lip as if trying to formulate her thoughts. “Why would a man like you ever deny something for himself that he truly desires?” she asked, slowly lifting her gaze.

  Ryan gasped, and his stomach churned. Was she referring to the moment they’d shared? Did she wish he would’ve abandoned himself to his feelings and kissed her?

  His heart began to hammer in his ribcage. Maybe Bianca was interested in him more than just as a business partner? Could this be?

  He licked his lower lip. “What do you mean exactly?”

  He needed to know that he wasn’t drawing the wrong conclusions.

  Bianca inhaled. “You said you thought you didn’t deserve to feel joy after your mother died. Why?”

  Ryan�
��s heart squeezed. Not only did the unexpected mention of his mother send a jolt of pain through his body, but he realized that he was imagining something that wasn’t true. Bianca didn’t want him to kiss her.

  He lowered his head.

  Bianca reached out and hooked two fingers underneath his chin. She softly pushed his face upwards until their gazes locked. Then she released him and said, “I know it isn’t my place to ask. We barely know each other and the kind of relationship we’re in isn’t personal. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but feel the pain behind your words. I don’t think anyone deserves to punish himself for a tragedy like that.”

  Ryan’s throat swelled. “Bianca, you’re very sweet, but you don’t know what you’re talking about. You haven’t lost a parent, have you?”

  Bianca’s forehead creased. “Actually, I did. But probably not in the same way as you. Our mother left us when I was young. Nonetheless, I’ve learned that I can’t blame myself for what happens to my family. There are things in life that we just don’t have control over.”

  Ryan observed Bianca’s pointy nose. How could he explain it to her? “You remember our conversation just before the auction started? We spoke about how much money can change your life.”

  Bianca flinched then blinked. “Yes, you said money enabled you to care for the ones you loved. And I said that money doesn’t create happiness. What does this have to do with the guilt you carry?”

  Ryan swallowed hard. He hadn’t spoken of this with anyone except his father. Why did he suddenly feel the need to share his pain with Bianca?

  She stared at him with wide eyes, waiting patiently.

  Oh, what the heck. He was just going to tell her. Maybe then she’d realize that his business decisions weren’t motivated purely by profit. That he wasn’t the shark many believed him to be.

  Money wasn’t the final goal. It was only a means to an end. To avoid losing the ones he loved the most.

  He moved backwards because Bianca’s immediate proximity still made his mind unfocused.

  Then he sighed and said, “My mother died of cancer when I was in college. She had a very rare form of leukemia. She was diagnosed late but offered the possibility of trying a new treatment that had promising results. Unfortunately, our family would’ve had to pay for it because the health insurance my father’s salary allowed us didn’t want to cover it.”

  Bianca stirred but remained silent. Her eyes didn’t leave Ryan’s.

  “I offered to use my tuition money for her therapy, but my parents refused. My mother thought it was more important for me to have a future than for her to heal. The day she left us, I was traveling home from California to try and convince them of the mistake they were making. But I arrived too late. Mom had died that morning. She left me a letter in which she asked me to continue my studies and become the happy, successful man she’d always hoped I’d be.”

  Bianca raised her hand tentatively but dropped it before reaching Ryan’s arm. “Oh, that’s terrible. So you think that your studies prevented your mother from being saved?”

  Ryan pressed his lips together. “I don’t think. I know. If I had already been rich, my mother could still be alive.”

  Bianca tilted her head, and her eyes bore a compassionate look. “I see. That’s why money’s so important to you. You want to ensure the safety of those you love. That’s why you’ve built your empire… What a burden you’ve been carrying.”

  Ryan rubbed his cheeks. How did Bianca manage to understand his motivations so well?

  Not even his own father did. The last time Ryan had spoken with him about this must’ve been three years after his mother’s funeral. Shortly after the first advantageous dismantling project of Ryan’s company. His father feared that Ryan was going to lose focus in his life.

  His father didn’t get that this was his focus. The wish his mother had for him.

  He clicked his tongue. “No, it’s not a burden. I do it with pleasure.”

  Bianca moved closer, and this time, she took a hold of his arm. Her touch was warm and delicate. “Ryan, thank you for sharing this with me. But I think that your mother didn’t mean this kind of pleasure in her last words. I believe she wanted you to do all those things in life you truly enjoy. Not just chase financial success.”

  Ryan shook his head. “But I am. I’m happy.”

  Even as he said it, he wondered whether it was true. Did he ever feel happy when he stayed late in his office or when he rounded up a multi-million-dollar deal?

  Satisfied, yes. Proud, of course. But happy?

  And in his personal life? With Jenna he was fairly content. But definitely not in love. An uneasy feeling began to brew in the pit of his stomach. Had he maybe failed his mother’s last wish then?

  Bianca bit her lip. “I see. Then that’s what counts.”

  A loud thunder echoed back from the rocks.

  Bianca’s eyes darted to the sky, and Ryan looked up as well. A bright flash shot through the sky, which was now covered by puffy grey clouds that didn’t promise anything good.

  What the…? When did this happen? Ryan had been so wrapped up in their conversation, he didn’t realize a summer storm was on its way. It was going to come down hard on them at any second.

  Bianca let go of his arm. The spot where her fingers had engulfed his skin felt naked and cold without her touch.

  “We’d better look for shelter. The storms this time of the year are quick but rather violent,” she said.

  Ryan scratched his head. Where should they go? The canyon might act as a channel for the flashes, and it could become dangerous. Climbing back to their car in time was impossible. They would be swamped with water before reaching a quarter of the way to the road. Also the steep rocks would become slippery with the rain.

  No, they needed to weather out this tempest somewhere safe. But where?

  The image of the small wooden hut came into his mind. He grabbed Bianca’s hand. “Come, follow me. I know a place where we can hide from the storm.”

  They quickly climbed down from the plateau, and Ryan swung the paraglide gear over his shoulder. Without letting go of Bianca’s fingers, he bolted toward the southern part of the valley. Earth-shattering thunder accompanied each energetic step they took.

  “Quicker,” he called out to Bianca.

  The first fat raindrops reached them just as the hut came into view. Ryan let go of Bianca’s hand, and they sprinted toward the tiny building. Luckily the hut was open like it used to be. Though they didn’t need longer than a few minutes to reach the door, they were both soaking wet by the time they stepped inside.

  Ryan shut the door and dropped the wet paraglide to the floor.

  Bianca was shaking her hair, dripping tiny rain drops everywhere. She giggled then looked at him. “Oh, my. What a run.”

  She breathed heavily and her cheeks had acquired a rosy color from the physical effort.

  Her panting made Ryan’s insides stir. It was a nice change to have a woman with him who found such unforeseen happenings funny instead of annoying. Jenna would surely be out of her mind if the rain destroyed her hair.

  Bianca stepped over to the middle of the small room. “What is this place anyways?”

  Ryan pointed to the ceiling. “It’s a hut built for those travelers who decide to spend the night in the valley. It’s been here ever since I first visited. But somebody must have upgraded the furnishings. Before, it was almost empty.”

  “Is there a bathroom?” Bianca asked.

  Ryan indicated the only door on the right wall. “Yes, there. It’s probably smaller than my wardrobe, but it used to work just fine.”

  A weird glint invaded Bianca’s eyes as she studied him.

  “What?” Ryan said, feeling suddenly conscious of how unpleasantly his wet T-shirt tickled his skin. He threw a fleeting glance at Bianca’s chest. Her body contours were sharply visible as her blouse stuck to them. He forced his gaze upward.

  Bianca smiled. “Nothing. Only this place isn’t where
I would have expected a billionaire to take me to.”

  His eyes moved to the old pull-out sofa and the table with the two chairs. Yes, he wasn’t really dazzling her with this luxurious place. He rubbed his neck. “I know it’s not much. But as a shelter from the tempest, it should do just fine.”

  Bianca’s expression became serious. “Oh, no. I was just joking. I love how cozy this little hut is. Plus I would accept any kind of cover from that awful thunder. Storms used to scare me when I was little…” She shrugged. “They still do a bit.”

  Ryan’s brows shot up. “Bianca, you truly are different than most of the women I know.”

  Bianca winked. “I told you. You probably hang out with the wrong kind then.” As if she regretted her last phrase, she pressed her lips together. Her eyes moved to the bathroom door. “I’ll go see if there are any towels and possibly a mirror. My hair must look like a mess.”

  Ryan gulped. No, Bianca looked adorable with her wet mane. It made her curls even more defined and voluminous. It fit her temperament, and made her eyes sparkle.

  Bianca went into the bathroom, and Ryan stepped to the window.

  The wind had picked up, and it was twirling the trees and bushes in a forceful dance. It was as if his soul’s current state had been transposed to the scenery. This untamable exhibition of nature’s strength… Yes, it had something in common with how Bianca’s presence was acting on his beliefs and convictions. He wasn’t sure anymore whether the things he’d been pursuing for most of his adult life were truly worth it.

  Two quick flashes illuminated the somber sky. Ryan glanced at his watch. Not good. They only had two hours left of sunlight, but this tempest didn’t show any sign of lessening. If the dark reached them before it was over, they would have no way of getting back to his car.

  He unzipped the safety pocket on his pants and pulled out his cell phone. No reception, of course.

  Well, his dad wouldn’t worry. Ryan had spent several nights in this valley camping in the open air or crashing in this hut when he was younger. His father might even draw the wrong conclusions and assume that Ryan’d followed his advice and orchestrated a romantic getaway for Bianca and himself.