Right, maybe she should have searched for her flats, after all. She must look ridiculous with these elegant shoes and her comfy outfit. To hide her embarrassment, Bianca did what she knew best. She spoke rapidly while staring at her hands. “Yes, Rainbow. He’s a house cat. I never let him outside because he can’t see with one eye, and he’s quite old. I’m worried that if I don’t find him soon, he might suffer post-traumatic stress disorder once he’s back. This park must look dangerous to him.”
Ryan looked like he was struggling to keep a straight face. “Ah, I see. Why don’t I help you look for Rainbow then?”
Bianca raised her chin. “Would you do that?”
Ryan smiled. “Of course. I like animals, and they tend to like me.”
Not only animals like you. Bianca took in the tiny sweat pearls that ran down Ryan’s neck, and her heart rate began to race. The physical effort did nothing but enhance his masculinity.
Bianca clenched her teeth and forced her eyes toward the nearby bushes. “How do we search then?”
“I say we split up, covering the park from opposite directions. What color is Rainbow? I wouldn’t want to pick up another cat,” he said.
“He’s grey but has a white spot underneath his belly. Also he loves fish bites. Here, take some.” Bianca poured a few into Ryan’s hand.
He closed his palm and nodded. “Okay, see you here in ten minutes. Whoever finds the cat first calls the other.”
Bianca started down the path she’d come from then turned left at a large oak tree. What a coincidence meeting Ryan here. The unexpected sight had made Bianca forget she was supposed to be acting cool and distant around him. She sighed and rubbed her cheeks. They felt warm. Why did he make her blush like a teenager each time he looked at her?
She paused and stomped her foot. Stop it now, Bianca. The question was not why but how she’d be able to avoid it. After all, she’d already figured out she had feelings for Ryan. Now the crucial thing was to conceal them as much as possible until he left town. After that she would have plenty of time to lick her wounds.
Ryan’s baritone called out.
“Come here, Bianca, I think I found him.”
Bianca jogged in the direction of the sound. Ryan was kneeling beside a large tree, caressing Rainbow with one hand, while with the other, he offered the bites to him. Bianca’s shoulders slouched, and she slowed her pace.
When she stopped close to them, her cat rubbed himself around her legs. Bianca bent down and picked him up. “Oh, you. You scared me, you know? Never, ever do this again. It’s dangerous for you outside the house.”
Rainbow meowed loudly as if to express his agreement.
Ryan shifted from one leg to the other. “Right, I’m glad you found Rainbow. I’ll get going then.”
Bianca blinked at him. She had been so rude. She didn’t even thank him for finding her cat. She took a step toward him. “Ryan, thank you so much for helping me. Without you, I might have been searching for Rainbow all night.”
Ryan looked taken aback by her compliment, but then his lips curled up. “Sure, no problem. I love to help you.”
Bianca’s stomach clenched. Ryan was turning into a white knight who came to save her each time she was in trouble. How sad that he didn’t want her to be his actual princess, though. Bianca gave a small kick to the gnarled tree roots to her left. She had to stop obsessing about how Ryan had refused her in the hut.
Her eyes drifted to Ryan’s face. He was observing her with a strange glint in his eyes. Was he waiting for something?
Ryan shrugged. “Okay, then I’ll go.”
For some reason, Bianca didn’t feel like letting Ryan leave, but she couldn’t think of a good excuse to drag out their dying conversation. She squeezed Rainbow’s fur so hard that the cat cried out and jumped down from her arms. He ran away.
“Where’s he going?” asked Ryan.
Bianca shook her head. “No idea.”
Ryan and Bianca exchanged a glance, before they both dashed off after the animal. Bianca’s heels clicked on the pavement with a steady rhythm.
Where was her cat running to now? He seemed to have a clear idea about which path to follow.
Rainbow led them through the park’s main road and took a turn toward Bianca’s street. He stopped in front of her porch.
Ryan and Bianca halted, both breathing heavily from the sudden sprint. Bianca’s eyes widened as she studied Rainbow. How did he find his way home?
Ryan swept his arms across his forehead. “Maybe I should borrow your cat for my workouts. He seems to be a cruel trainer. Why do you think he stopped here? Did he take pity on us?”
Bianca rocked back and forth, still eyeing her cat. “No. Rainbow must have decided it was time to go home. This,”—she pointed at the stairs—“is where I live.”
“Ah, I see.” Ryan’s voice sounded throaty. Was it from the run?
He peered at his watch. “I hope I can still get some food at the hotel. Their room service sucks.”
So he didn’t have dinner, either. Bianca’s stomach growled as she thought back to the pizza dough on her kitchen counter. In her frustration, she had prepared a large enough portion to satisfy an entire family. Should she maybe?
Before she could order her brain to stand down, the words were out. “Why don’t you have dinner with me?”
Ryan’s jaw dropped. “Are you inviting me in? Like this?” He indicated his sweaty T-shirt and jogging pants.
Right, Bianca’s idea had been stupid. Probably Ryan didn’t feel like spending more time with her at all. Why did she keep insisting? It was pointless to tell herself that she did it because of the restaurant. The erratic beats in her chest proved this was something else.
She dropped her gaze to the ground, pretending to watch Rainbow clean his paws. “Yes, you’re right. I’m being silly. You surely prefer to go home, change, and have some rest, instead of eating with me.”
Ryan gasped then stepped closer to her. He locked his two fingers underneath her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Why would you say that?”
His tone grew serious and he narrowed his eyes.
Bianca swallowed. “You know, because…”
What should she say? Because I almost kissed you and you turned me away? Because my heart keeps on hammering through my ribcage when I see you while yours probably doesn’t even acknowledge my presence?
She bit her lip to avoid any of these lame explanations getting out.
Ryan’s glance dipped to her mouth and his pupils dilated. He sucked in a breath. “Oh, darn it,” he murmured. Then he reached out and cupped Bianca’s face. With a movement so brisk Bianca didn’t have time to react, he pulled her face closer and pressed his lips on hers.
A loud groan escaped her throat. Was this truly happening? Did she step into an alternate reality where Ryan was interested in her? Or was it only a dream?
Ryan’s lips began to move against hers with a slow pace, as if exploring hers and asking permission at the same time. His taste was so divine that Bianca’s knees wobbled.
Her mouth responded to his teasing almost against her will. It was as if the raw power of attraction took possession of her and she wasn’t able to fathom resisting.
Ryan’s hands travelled down her back, grazing her skin with his fingertips. They arrived at her hips and pulled her closer to him. Their breaths mingled as he deepened the kiss.
Why was Ryan kissing her now when he refused her yesterday? The question tugged at the back of her mind, but she pushed it away. She didn’t want to think now. She just wanted to enjoy the feeling that Ryan’s body against hers unleashed.
Bianca became all sensations. Nothing else mattered and nothing else existed.
Rainbow tried to jump at them, but their bodies were so entangled, the cat couldn’t sneak his way into Bianca’s arms. He fell back to the grass with a loud squeak.
The animal’s unexpected movement broke the spell, and Bianca drew back from Ryan’s embrace a little to look at hi
s face.
Ryan’s breathing was ragged, but his eyes shone with worry. “Bianca, I hope I didn’t offend you, I just—”
Bianca’s heart leaped. He sounded embarrassed and so untypically unsure of himself. Could it be that she had this effect on him? Did she, Bianca Biagi, manage to make this billionaire be at loss for words? Did it mean that maybe he had feelings for her other than the lust he had showed her?
Bianca cleared her throat. “You didn’t offend me, Ryan. But I’d like to know why you kissed me. I was under the impression that you didn’t find me attractive. Last night, at the hut…” her voice trailed off.
Despite what just happened, Bianca couldn’t bring herself to speak about Ryan’s refusal.
Ryan lifted a hand and caressed her neckline. “I know. I’m sorry for that. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate in our situation to get involved in anything. If it could lead anywhere.”
He sounded sincerely sorry. And his reasons did seem plausible. Bianca had thought of these aspects a few times herself. She knew they were from different universes and nothing lasting would probably come from their involvement. But her attraction for him was moving so fast she’d dismissed these considerations.
A flush crept across her cheeks. “So then why did you…you know…um kiss me?”
Please say it’s because you’re falling for me like I’ve fallen for you. Bianca’s stomach hardened. Oh, holy moly. What had she gotten herself into? She didn’t just feel attracted to Ryan. No, no. The way her soul begged for him wasn’t only a crush. She was in it deeper. Much deeper.
Ryan furrowed his brows as if thinking of how to answer. His jaw was set in a tight line. “I honestly don’t know what came over me.”
“Oh,” Bianca mumbled.
She was wrong again. It was just a moment of insanity from his side. Nothing more.
Ryan shook his head. “Please, don’t misunderstand me. I mean, I don’t know why I kissed you in this very inappropriate setting. I do know why I kissed you. I did it because I find you incredible and very attractive. More than I would like to.”
Bianca’s eyes widened. What? Did she hear that right? Did Ryan say he found her attractive and incredible? “You do?”
Ryan nodded and his tense face softened. “Yes. And I’d love to get to know you better if you’ll give me the chance. I’m not sure if it’s a rational or even advisable thing to do for someone in my situation, but I can’t help but feel drawn to you.”
Bianca swallowed. The first sensation of joy that spread through her limbs at Ryan’s words stilled for a second. He didn’t say he wanted a relationship with her, only that he was interested in her and felt captivated despite his best will. This wasn’t any kind of love confession.
But still, it was much better than his recoiling body yesterday.
Her eyes flicked to Ryan’s hands now clutched on her hips. The warmth of his palms oozed into her skin, sending jolts to her shoulders.
Who was she kidding? It didn’t matter what Ryan’s plan was for them. If he was willing to spend time with her right now, she wasn’t about to pass up the chance. That’s just the way Bianca was. Too spontaneous and carpe diem for her own good. Would her live-in-the-moment love philosophy drive her into despair this time as well?
She raised her eyes to Ryan’s dark irises, and she felt dizzied by the intensity of his gaze. The world started to spin as if she had been tipsy. The title of one of her favorite Dean Martin songs flashed through her mind. “That’s Amore”.
Love? Is that what she was feeling for him? Well, if it wasn’t that yet, she was certainly on the right track to falling in love with Ryan. What should she do? If she let down her guard with him and then Ryan disappointed her, she wasn’t sure she could piece herself together again so easily.
Okay, she needed to get a grip on herself and stop with these apocalyptic predictions. First step, quit rumbling through random lyrics in her head. They didn’t help. Second, answer Ryan like a normal person having a conversation.
She licked her lips. “I’d like to get to know you better. I would. What do you say we start right now? Come have dinner with me.”
Ryan’s face lit up, but then a shadow passed his eyes. “But I’m all sweaty.”
Yes, and you smell heavenly. Luckily, Bianca managed to bite back the comment before it slipped.
“You can shower here. I can lend you some of my brother’s old clothes. He is more or less your size.” Bianca clapped her hand to her mouth. “Oops, I totally forgot that as a billionaire you probably would hate to use second-hand stuff.”
Ryan chuckled. “No, I actually would love to if it means that I can stay here and eat with you. Don’t forget I was much longer a humble human than a rich man.”
As if Rainbow felt it was his cue, he gave out a loud meow.
Bianca smiled. “I think somebody is happy you’re staying.”
Ryan cocked his head to the side. “I hope your cat isn’t the only one.” He leaned in to Bianca and brushed a short kiss on her lips. It was softer than a feather, but Bianca’s veins ignited with fire. She quickly took a step back and turned towards her house.
“Right, so what do you say we go inside? I can finish making the pizza I was preparing while you shower.”
A grin spread on Ryan’s face. “Pizza? Why didn’t you say it before? We would have skipped the awkward excuses, and I’d have agreed immediately. It’s my favorite meal.” Then he paused as if something came into his mind. “Then again, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the past moments for anything in this world.” He winked.
Heat rushed to Bianca’s head. Jeez, Ryan really knew how to flirt. She wouldn’t have expected it of him the first time they met. Her pulse quickened with longing as she recalled his arms around her. If it were up to her, she’d prefer to continue where they left off.
But it was probably better to take things slow.
If there was a chance that she wasn’t heading toward utter disaster by letting Ryan into her heart, then her best option was to watch every step. She mustn’t let him see that her emotions were much deeper for him than his were for her. Maybe with time that could change. If she was lucky.
She waved for him to follow and stepped up the stairs. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”
Chapter 22
Ryan closed the shower and shook his head, dripping small drops of water everywhere. He inhaled deeply. Hmmm, Bianca’s bathroom smelled like she did. Fresh and flowery.
He grabbed the towel she’d laid out for him and dried himself. His eyes scanned the tiny bathroom that was decorated with great care. On the walls, pictures showed scenes from various Audrey Hepburn movies.
Ryan stifled a chuckle. So Bianca’s passion for the oldies didn’t stop at the music. She was an intriguing mixture of clear pragmatism rooted in the present and a dreamy nostalgia for the past.
He sighed and began putting on Bianca’s brother’s clothes. She was right, they fit almost perfectly.
His heart swelled with joy as he thought back to their kiss. When he had decided to go for a run, he couldn’t have imagined he was going to end the night like this…in Bianca’s bathroom. It was really true, life was what happened while we were busy making plans.
Ryan wanted the perfect setting to show Bianca just how sorry he was for his behavior in the hut. Kissing her in sweaty jogging clothes in front of her house hadn’t even crossed his mind. And it was the best kiss he’d ever had in his life. Probably the best kiss in the entire universe.
He folded the wet towel and hung it on the drying rack.
As his eyes crossed to a photo beside the mirror, in which she hugged a man who resembled her a lot, Ryan’s heart thumped. It had to be her brother.
Was he ever going to meet Bianca’s family?
She had met his father, the only real relative he had. Ryan recalled the warm smile with which his father had observed Bianca after they’d returned from the Silent Valley. His dad was going to be very happy that Ryan decided to e
nd things with Jenna to take a chance with Bianca.
Bianca was the type of girl his mother would have loved too. Sweet, honest, spontaneous and witty. She wasn’t interested in Ryan because of his money.
Hopefully, Ryan wouldn’t disappoint her. They hadn’t yet discussed Ryan’s decision about The Sapphire. His stomach knotted as worry snaked through him.
Why didn’t he listen to Helga? His secretary warned him he might feel differently about this particular property.
Of course, Helga assumed it would be related to the restaurant being located near Ryan’s birthplace. She couldn’t have guessed Ryan would fall in love over the weekend, just like a greenhorn in matters of the heart.
Ryan gulped and clenched his fists. What did he just think? In love? Where did this thought come from?
He went to the mirror and rubbed his face with both hands. No, he wasn’t in love. He was just very fascinated by Bianca. Yes, his heart seemed untamable whenever his thoughts returned to her green eyes, and his whole body trembled with anticipation when he knew they were going to meet. But surely these weren’t feelings of love. Were they?
Ryan scratched his head and watched the figure in the mirror do the same. He didn’t really know. He’d never really been in love.
He shrugged and sighed. He didn’t have to label his emotions for Bianca. No, for once in his life he wasn’t going to follow a plan. He was just going to go with the flow. Just like Bianca had suggested.
The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house.
Who could this be?
He glanced at his watch. It was almost ten pm. Bianca surely wasn’t expecting visitors, otherwise why would she invite him to stay?
An uneasy feeling conquered Ryan’s chest and he stepped over to the door. He opened it carefully, trying to avoid making any noise.
Why was he so secretive? It was ridiculous. He was going to come out and join Bianca. Whoever her guest was, Ryan wasn’t going to hide.
A male baritone reached his ears, and his hand froze on the doorknob. He had heard this voice before. And that sleazy accent. It was Jake, the sax player from the restaurant.
Gambling With The Billionaire (Gems 0f Love Book 2) Page 11