The Billionaire's Secret (Betting on You Series: Book One)

by Jeannette Winters

  Jon shook his head. “Actually, there’s a place I’d like to take you. You’re not afraid to fly, are you?”

  Fly? Guess he wasn’t thinking local after all. “No, I’m not afraid to fly. Where exactly do you plan on taking me?”

  “Someplace I hope you will enjoy. Do you have a place I can change while you get ready?”

  He pulled out a suit he’d been hiding behind his back. Lizette motioned him in and showed him to the guest room where he could change. She went to her own room to prepare for whatever adventure it was Jon had planned for the night. She only hoped it wasn’t going to be payback for picking up trash yesterday.

  Lizette pulled out the little black dress that hung in her closet, waiting for the right occasion. If her female intuition was correct, tonight was that occasion.

  She decided to wear her hair down as she had Friday night. Opening her jewelry box that contained the small collection she had inherited from her grandmother, she picked out a single string of pearls and matching earrings. One last look in the mirror. Yes, from the outside, it looked like she was ready for anything.

  Chapter Nine

  As Lizette entered the living room, where he had been patiently waiting for more than forty-five minutes, Jon had only one thought—stunning.

  “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” she said.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Yes, he waited a long time, but it was worth every minute. “Not at all. But if we don’t leave now, I’m afraid you won’t be getting dinner tonight.”

  She smiled innocently and blushed. “Well, then, let me get my purse, and we can go.”

  He could not help but be disappointed in her answer, but it was early in the day, and he had promised her dinner. He could wait a bit longer for dessert. Smiling, he swept his arm in front of him and said, “After you.”

  Lizette quickly brushed passed him and headed for her car. Jon grabbed her hand to stop her. “Today, neither of us is driving.”

  She looked past him and saw the sleek black limo parked in front of her house. How could I have missed that? Jon placed a hand on the curve of her back to guide her, and her body tingled in response. There’s my answer, she thought. She smiled to herself as they made their way to the limo. The driver greeted them as he opened the door.

  She could feel the limo’s cool leather as it touched the bare skin on her back, and she could not help but release a small shudder that escaped her.

  “Are you okay?” Jon asked as he seated himself beside her.

  “A bit cold, that’s all.”

  “I can fix that.” He leaned toward her and kissed her, ever so lightly at first, but as her body seemed to have a mind of its own, a low moan escaped her lips begging him for more. He was happy to fulfill her request and slid his hand behind her, pulling her close to him. As his tongue teased and probed her mouth, his hand found its way to her breast, which reacted to his touch instantly. She cried out softly as he gently pinched her now-firm nipple. But as quickly as the encounter started, it ended, and he reluctantly pulled himself away. Placing his hand under her chin, he stroked her bottom lip with his thumb as he asked, “Are you sure you want to go to dinner?”

  Every nerve in her body was screaming, “No, take me right here! Now!” Grasping at her last shred of self-control, she could only utter one word: “Yes.”

  He nodded and buzzed the intercom. “All set, Sam.”

  The limo pulled away from the curb, and their adventure together finally began.

  Lizette sat quietly then asked, “Where are we going?” The limo turned off the highway and took the back roads through the town of Lincoln.

  “I am taking you to dinner.”

  “I thought you said we were flying somewhere.”

  “We’re on the way to the airport now.”

  “Which airport?” she asked, since it seemed they were not headed to Logan, in Boston, or T.F. Green, in Providence. He didn’t need to answer as the limo pulled into a small airport hidden away from the main road. How had she lived in Rhode Island all her life and had never been here? The limo drove onto the runway, where small twin-engine planes were lined up. She’d told him she wasn’t afraid of flying because she had flown when she went away to college, but she had never been in a small plane before. The last thing she wanted was to start the date by being sick on a plane. She was just about to bring up her concerns when the limo turned behind the hangar. Wow, she thought as the limo stopped near a large maroon-and-black helicopter, with the logo for Vinchi Medical Engineering painted on its side. “We’re going in that?”

  “Yes. Do you mind? You said you weren’t afraid to fly.”

  “No, I’m not, but I’ve never been in one of those.” She pointed to the helicopter. “Guess there’s a first time for everything, right?” She was a bit nervous and looked at him, intending to tell him she’d changed her mind. But once her eyes met his, she melted. She could not deny him or herself any longer. Entwining her fingers with his, she forgot everything else.

  Jon led her to the helicopter. As she entered, her first thought was, Holy shit, now this is luxury. In contrast to the helicopter’s dark exterior, the seats inside were made of white leather, trimmed in black.

  “Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Yes, I didn’t picture it would look like this inside.”

  “It’s convenient when traveling within New England.”

  “Convenient” was an understatement, based on what she was looking at. Stepping inside, she chose to sit facing forward. Of course, that meant sitting on a plush leather couch that could comfortably seat three. The softness of the cushions made the limo seats feel like they were made of stone.

  Across from the couch were two large white leather recliners and what appeared to be a bar and a television. She couldn’t imagine anyone wasting time watching TV and missing out on a spectacular view. She positioned herself so she could see out the window easily. If she was going to do this, she wasn’t going to miss a thing.

  Now buckled in, Lizette was ready for liftoff. Jon sat next to her, smiled, and then pressed a button on the wall of the helicopter. He said something to the pilot, and the helicopter slowly began to lift off the ground. This was a totally different feeling than she’d experienced in a plane. Instinctively, she reached for Jon’s hand and closed her eyes. Jon seemed more than happy to offer her comfort. After a few moments her nerves settled, and she was able to open her eyes and look out the window. She watched as they slowly flew over the city of Providence. She pointed out the city’s capitol building, the Biltmore Hotel, the Federal Hill neighborhood, and a few other sites she recognized from above. It was beautiful. She went into the city often, but she’d never seen it like this.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  Only taking her eyes from the view for a moment, she said, “Yes, so much. Thank you.” She knew he must have instructed the pilot to hover over Providence, and that made the experience even more special.

  Once they passed the city, the helicopter rose in altitude and picked up speed. She was very curious as to where they were going, but for now she would trust him.

  Sitting back in her seat, she noticed Jon had been watching her. “What?”

  “I’m glad you decided to accept my dinner offer.”

  “So am I.”

  Jon lifted her hand, held it to his lips, and gave it a soft kiss. “So, Lizette Burke, we have an hour-long flight. How would you like to pass the time?” He winked.

  Blushing, she replied, “Many options come to mind, but I think hearing more about you would be the safest.”

  “Not my favorite subject, but ask away.”

  “Okay, so what does Vinchi Medical Engineering do?”

  “Well, we design robotics and their software enhancements.”

  “Robotics? Is that like toys or something?”

  “No, Lizette. We don’t design toys.”

  “So what do you design?”

  “A variety of things. One
branch designs surgical robotics. They are high-tech computerized devices used during delicate, precise surgical procedures. They’re most commonly used during heart and brain surgeries, but we also make some that can assist in tumor removals in other areas.”

  “Sounds exciting, but I would have pictured the inventor of something like that to be an old, balding, boring, nerdy scientist type.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you. I guess I am the nerdy scientist type, but I don’t consider myself old.”

  They shared a warm laugh. Nerdy is not a word she would have ever used to describe Jon. Hot, sexy, powerful—but nerdy? Absolutely not! “So what made you decide to get into surgical robotics?”

  Jon was quiet for a moment, then answered, “I told you about my father passing suddenly when I was ten. He suffered from a rare brain tumor that was inoperable. When he died, I vowed to create something that could assist surgeons in these types of procedures. When I graduated from college, I started Vinchi Medical Engineering.”

  She reached out to give his hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry. Losing your father must have been very difficult. You were so young.”

  “It was a long time ago, but I still remember what it felt like to grow up without a father. My mom struggled as a single mother, juggling her job and helping me with my schoolwork. She tried to be both Mother and Father.”

  An uncomfortable silence hung between them. Lizette knew what it felt like not to want to relive the past, so to change the subject she asked, “You said one branch designs surgical robotics. What do the other branches design?”

  “Another division handles the software that controls the robotic functions. I am submitting a proposal to the FDA, so I can’t discuss the details of this project. I hope you understand.”

  “Yes, of course. We all have parts of our job that are off-limits for casual discussions.”

  “We’re about halfway to our destination. It’s my turn to ask some questions. I know about your job and your volunteer work. Tell me something most people don’t know about you.”

  “There isn’t anything to tell. What you see is what you get.”

  “Everyone has something. How about a secret indulgence?”

  “Jon, I kept my questions nice and easy, not too personal.”

  “That was your choice, not mine.” He smiled.

  “Hmm, good point. Okay, I love chocolate.”

  “Boring. Come on, Lizette, don’t play shy. I know there is more to you than what you let people see.”

  “Maybe I am shy.”

  “I’m waiting . . .”

  “Okay, I live for Friday nights, when I grab a glass of white zinfandel, slip into a hot bubble bath, and read.” She chose not to tell him she read steamy romance novels that were sometimes even hotter than the water in the tub.

  “Interesting. Very interesting.”

  “It’s not that unusual. Many people like to relax on Friday after a long week at work.”

  “I know it’s not unusual.”

  “Then why that look?”

  “I was just wondering if you’re free for dinner again Friday?” he said with a smirk on his face that said he wasn’t joking.

  Her cheeks glowed with embarrassment. “I wasn’t trying to tempt you, Jon.”

  Jon tilted her chin to face him. “You may not be trying, Lizette, but you’ve done nothing else since you bumped into me last Friday night.”

  She couldn’t deny the effect his hand had on her face, and how she wished he would touch her bare skin everywhere else.

  As though he were reading her innermost desires, he kissed her lightly, until she found herself pulling him closer. She wanted more. Needed more. The husky groan that escaped his lips ignited her desire for him. She felt the heat building in the pit of her belly and spreading throughout her body. Her hands ran over his dress shirt, wishing she could rip it off him to feel his hot flesh beneath.

  Jon gently took her hands in his and held them in front of him, slowly pulling away from her embrace. She could tell he was as affected by their embrace as she was; they were both left breathing heavily against each other. “Let’s finish this discussion after dinner, when we’re alone.”

  Oh, my God. She had totally forgotten they were not alone. The pilot! How embarrassing. She turned and hid her face in his shoulder.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I don’t know what’s the matter with me. I don’t normally behave like that.”

  “Like what? A vibrant, exciting, passionate woman? There is something between us. I know you feel it too.”

  In barely a whisper, she answered, “Yes.”

  They sat quietly, Lizette close to Jon, for the remainder of the flight. Jon lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Even this simple gesture sent chills through her. Lizette could not deny her attraction to him. The question was, how long would she be able to control the desire building within her, growing stronger with every look, every touch? How am I going to get through this evening without giving in to him, giving in to myself?

  Something about him brought out a side of her she wasn’t used to. A more adventurous side, a wild side. This was the part of her buried deep within her. Being with Jon was dangerous because what she had hidden until now was fighting to break free. It was going to take all her strength not to give in to her desire to share a wild weekend with Jon. Why had she agreed to go to dinner with him? Oh, that answer was simple—not only was he hot and sexy, but also intelligent and charming. The question she could not answer was, what was he doing with her? He could have his pick of women, all of whom would be throwing themselves at his feet. Lizette had not made it easy for him. So why her, after everything she’d put him through at the park?

  A slight bump announced they had landed. Jon asked, “Ready for that dinner I promised?”

  Not trusting her voice not to reveal too much, she answered with a nod.

  Chapter Ten

  Taking in her surroundings, Lizette saw they were in New York City. When Jon had asked her to dinner, she had thought he meant someplace more local. Her head told her to stop, get back on the helicopter, and go back to Chepachet—her hometown, where she belonged. But there was a part of her that was excited by this adventure, the mystery of what lay ahead.

  Taking her hand in his, Jon guided Lizette to a white limo, waiting for them. “So where are we going?”

  “Someplace I think you will enjoy.”

  “No hints?”

  “Okay. It’s close by, at the Time Warner Center.”

  “Well, that’s a lousy hint.” She nudged him with her elbow. “How about another one?”

  “One is all you get.”

  “Fine, I can be patient.” After a moment she asked, “How far away did you say it was?”

  The limo pulled to the curb. “We’re here.”

  “Masa?”

  “Yes, Masa.”

  “How did you know I like Japanese cuisine?”

  “I saw a few Japanese cookbooks in your home, as well as a travel guide for Japan. I thought this was a safe bet.”

  What else had he noticed while she’d been changing? He was very observant, and it was obvious he knew more about her than she knew about him. She would need to rectify that this evening.

  They entered the restaurant, and it was just as she had imagined from the outside: black wooden chairs set against beige walls and tables. Bamboo and Japanese writings decorated the walls. There were no bright colors or lights blinding your eyes. The entire restaurant was set up to make the food, not the décor, the center of attention. Masa only served twenty people at a time. It was known not only as one of the top Japanese restaurants in New York City, but as one of the best in the United States.

  “Jon. I didn’t expect this.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Like is not strong enough. I don’t know what to say.” Looking around one more time, as if this were just a dream, she said, “Thank you.”

  Jon only nodded, then motioned for th
e hostess, who quickly seated them at the sushi bar. A young Japanese woman presented them with menus. Lizette took her time examining each item, looking forward to tasting exotic food from a country she dreamt of visiting one day. The menu looked amazing, and she knew what she wanted the moment she saw it. She would start with a wasabi, artichoke, beet and chicwawa salad, and then move on to the tai sea bream with octopus and summer ruffles. Jon joined her in her choice of salad but chose the ten-year-old rock oysters and hamachi, or yellowtail sushi.

  The chef entered and began preparing their dishes directly in front of them. It was obvious from his skills with a knife he was an expert. Neither spoke, but Lizette felt Jon watching her as she absorbed every cut the chef made.

  He sliced the salmon for the sushi paper-thin. Then his hands moved like a magician’s as he transformed a scoop of rice and salmon into a masterpiece. This wasn’t a place you came to just eat; this was a place to experience a master at work.

  The evening reignited her childhood dream to one day travel to Japan and learn how to cook authentic Japanese food.

  After they finished dinner, Jon paid the check, and they quietly left Masa hand in hand. She could not remember enjoying herself so much before. No man had ever taken the time to plan something that was her heart’s desire. She may have won that raffle on Friday, but this was really the date of her dreams, and there was no one else she would have wanted to share it with.

  They slipped into the limo and sat with fingers entwined, gently stroking each other’s hands.

  “Jon, I had been dreaming for years of seeing something like this firsthand.”

  “I’m glad we could experience this together. So, tell me—why all the magazines and books on Japan?”

  “When I was young, my parents took me to a Japanese sushi bar and steakhouse. It can’t compare to this, but at a young age, I remember being drawn to all the decorations and bright colors inside. Then the chef came out and prepared the sushi right in front of me. He flipped his knives, and the flames shot high while he cooked our shrimp. It was fascinating how quickly and precisely they made everything. When they were done, the food looked like a work of art to me, and I wouldn’t eat mine. I told my parents it was too pretty. Of course, my parents were not thrilled because I cried when they began to eat theirs.”