The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four (15 page)

H
e stood in
the living room while she finished packing. His friends’ words echoed in his head. They were right; he would never find another person like Katherine.
But you can’t make someone feel something they don’t
. He’d seen her fragility in Napa. He
could
force the situation, trick her into staying the full two weeks, but what would that really do for either of them?
Great mind-blowing sex. But the same end result. She’d want to leave me. I don’t want her to feel trapped like my dad had. That didn’t make a happy home for anyone.

When he’d contemplated the gamble of taking her to New York, he’d only considered it a risk on her part—she might want more than he was willing or able to give. He never thought for one moment he would care so deeply. All he wanted to do was walk into that bedroom, take her in his arms, and make love to her until she couldn’t even remember why she wanted to leave. But getting what he wanted right now wasn’t all that mattered to him. He hadn’t even noticed the change within him until it was too late. Now, no matter how bad it sucked, he wouldn’t manipulate the situation. For the first time since he was eighteen, someone else’s happiness meant more than his own. Whatever she wanted, it was her choice, her decision, and he would respect it.
Even if it means letting her go.
She is too good for me.

When she came out of the bedroom carrying her bags, he noticed her eyes were puffy and red, and guessed she’d been crying.
Just take her bags and don’t say anything.
He made it about two feet from the door when all his built-up frustration let go.

Spinning around angrily he said, “What the hell happened earlier?”

Blossom sat by Katherine’s side, her fur rising up her back. “I don’t know what you mean,” Katherine said earnestly.

“Everything was good before you went to the bachelorette party. Then you come back and something was different. You wanted out.” His voice remained loud and demanding.

Blossom gave a warning growl as he stepped closer. “It’s okay, girl. He can’t help being an ass.”

Drew ran his hand through his hair. “I never said I wasn’t one. But that isn’t the point. You changed, and I want to know why. What happened?”

Katherine turned and went to sit on the couch. Blossom didn’t move, blocking his way. Dropping her luggage on the floor he pointed at Blossom and said, “Stay.” Then walked around her. His tone meant to remind her who was in control.
I hope she understands it.
The last thing he needed right now was to be bitten in the ass by a two-hundred-pound dog in his own house.

Earlier she’d sat on the coffee table, and this time it was his turn. He wanted to face her so she couldn’t hide her feelings from him. In a more calming voice he asked her again, “Katherine, why the sudden desire to leave?”

When she finally raised her eyes to meet his, he saw confusion. When she did speak her voice echoed uncertainty. “Drew, what makes you think I want to leave?”

“Your bags are packed, waiting at the door,” he said sarcastically.

“Because you told me it was time for me to go home. Did you expect me to beg to stay?” This time her voice was the one to get loud.

“You wanted to leave,” he said, meeting her square in the eyes.

She stood up with her hands on her hips and said, “You know this how?”
I am going to miss this strong, fiery woman. Fuck.

Now standing directly in front of her he said, “You said you wanted to tell me something. I thought you wanted to go home.”

Her eyes changed from blue to fiery green. “I wanted to tell you that I loved you.”

Instantly the room went quiet. Only their heavy breathing could be heard. Had he heard her correctly? She . . . loved him? Neither said a word as he searched her eyes for confirmation. He saw frustration, but also gentleness and sincerity.
Had she looked at me this way before now?

She loved him? Why didn’t he see it before? Maybe he wasn’t ready to, and he was looking for the easy out. Whatever it was, the cards were all on the table now.
At least hers were.

“Why didn’t you correct me when I told you to leave?” His voice was soft and soothing.

“You didn’t give me a chance. You spoke your piece and left me standing there. What did you expect me to do? Beg to stay where I thought I wasn’t wanted?” Her voice trembled. He couldn’t imagine Katherine showing this vulnerable side to many people
. She’d been a Marine for years. Yet she was showing me.

I am an ass and so much more.
“I don’t want you to leave, Katherine. I never did.”

Her heart was
breaking all over again. She told him the words she’d never said to another man before. “I love you.” His only reply: he didn’t want her to leave. There might have been a misunderstanding of her feelings in the beginning, but now there was no excuse. Her bags were already packed; she was mentally prepared to go. Postponing the inevitable by another week would only mean round two of the same thing.
Saying goodbye.
“It might be better this way, Drew. You can go back to your way of living, and so can I.”

She didn’t know what normal was any longer. But she knew she would be a different person returning home. One who knew true love existed.
Even if it wasn’t returned by this man
.

When she went to move past him, he put out his arm, stopping her. “Damn it, Katherine. I don’t know what you want from me.”

KJ looked at him. His eyes were dark and troubled. How she wanted to reach out to him, hold him as though the last few hours didn’t occur. But they did. There was no going back. In life you don’t get a do-over. And if you did, what would change?
Only the end date.
Reaching out, she touched his cheek. “That’s the problem. You don’t know. And I can’t tell you.”

Every cell in her body ached for him.
Why can’t you see it, Drew? I’m leaving, and you’re not stopping me.

She took another step away from him and he finally spoke. “Don’t leave me.”

With her back to him she reluctantly asked, “Why?”

Drew came up behind her, placed a kiss on her shoulder, then her neck. She didn’t move. “Why?”

His hand came around to touch her cheek. “Because I need you with me.”

Need, not love.
She closed her eyes waiting, hoping for more.

His breath hot near her ear, he said, “Katherine, you don’t know what you mean to me, do you?”

Tell me. Please say it.

“I love you.”

Her legs almost gave out as he said it. He held her steady. She turned to face him, and saw the reflection of his words in his expression.
He loves me.

He cupped her face between his hands; looking her in the eyes, he repeated the words that made her heart sing. “I love you, Katherine.”

Her legs trembled, and he bent to kiss her. Tenderly, like love’s first kiss. Slowly he began to trace her lips with his tongue, teasing them to open. KJ lifted her arms around his neck pulling him even closer. His kiss seemed to be endless, but her desire was building and she needed more.

As though he sensed her desire, his hands found their way under her shirt, unhooked her bra, and freed her aching breasts. As his warm hands cupped her bare breasts, she moaned into his mouth.
I need you. I need to feel.

Drew lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it on the floor. His shirt quickly followed. Her bare breasts were now pressed against his bare chest, sending a tingling sensation throughout her body.

His lips trailed kisses down her neck and collarbone. “Please, Drew.” It was a slow sweet torture. She needed to feel him, all of him—now.

Her hands fumbled with his belt then the button of his jeans. The sound of the zipper coming down only made her blood run hotter. She could feel the heat of his manhood through the material. Boldly she slid his jeans off his hips until his pants and boxers rested at his feet. She touched him and he instantly grew harder.

He pulled her hands away. “Not so fast. I want enjoy every inch of you first.” Bending to take her nipple gently to his mouth, he sucked and nibbled it. She could feel the heat spread throughout her body. Ever nerve ending was craving his attention. He began to eagerly kiss and lick her from one breast to the next. When she thought she couldn’t take it anymore, he unbuttoned her jeans and slid them with her panties to the floor. They both stepped out of their clothes, and he carried her to the bedroom.

Laying her on the center of the bed, he hovered over her. She ran her hands up his back and pulled him down to her. She was hungry for his lips.

He obliged, claiming them briefly before removing his mouth to trace kisses lower until he brushed over her flat stomach. “You’re so beautiful.” He trailed kisses lower yet while parting her legs with one hand.

Her body tingled with anticipation. He was deliberately taking his time as he kissed one thigh, then the next. “Drew, please I need you to kiss me.”

“I am.” He nipped her inner thigh.

Wiggling beneath him, she gave him full access to her delicate folds, bringing herself to his mouth. “Touch here.”

It was heaven when she felt his tongue dart out and licked its way to her most intimate place. “You taste so sweet.” His words echoed through her.

Her hands fisted the sheets beneath her when his tongue first touched her clit. Arching her back, she cried out his name, “Drew.” He continued his assault with his tongue, teasing her while his strong hands clenched her buttocks, pulling her closer to him. More cries of pleasure filled the room.
Oh God, this feels so good. This feels so right. How could I have left this man?

Her body was on fire, a burning quickly spreading. When she thought she couldn’t take it anymore, he opened her legs even wider and slipped a finger into her hot center, keeping it deep inside her.

“You’re so wet,” he murmured against her flesh.
How could I be anything else as the man I love is between my legs?

He sucked her clit hard, and she felt herself tighten around his finger. He pulled back then entered her again with two fingers, sucking hard again. She quivered, rocking her hips back and forth. His fingers entered her faster and harder while his tongue stroked her clit, faster and faster until the waves of her climax shook her body.

He didn’t wait for her release to end. Hoarsely he said, “I need you wrapped around me.” He pulled his mouth and hand away and replaced it with his thick hot shaft. He didn’t enter her. Instead he stroked her clit with it.

“Please,” she begged, needing to have him, all of him. In one swift thrust he entered her fully.
Yes!
She rocked against him as another climax shook her.

“Yes, give me all of it.” His voice was husky with need.

She bit her lip but there was no containing her moans. As he thrust deeper and faster, she heard him moan. He slowed only briefly to increase and heighten the intensity. Her body began to tense as her climax clenched around him. This time he joined her, and she felt him shudder against her. “Katherine,” he cried out before collapsing in her arms.

Every nerve in her body tingled as he lay down beside her. Their eyes remained focused on each other as though neither wanted that moment to end. There was so much she wanted to say and hear, but tonight they would just hold each other and enjoy the three words that almost had slipped away from them. Kissing him lightly, she closed her eyes.
I love you.

‡

N
either of them
wanted to get out of bed the next morning but the cell phones wouldn’t stop ringing. If it wasn’t hers, it was his. It became harder and harder to ignore. It seemed the women all wanted to go to the hospital together. He was extremely happy for Trent and Elaine, but everyone seemed to have forgotten he and Katherine had seen the baby only a few hours ago. He shook his head to clear the vivid memory of the sounds of natural childbirth. He would be fine never hearing
that
again. What he couldn’t get out of his mind was how damn cool and collected Katherine had been. She’d controlled that room as though it were an everyday occurrence. Even Trent, who never took orders, hadn’t questioned anything she’d said.
She’s an amazing woman, And she loves me. And I love her. Surreal. Hopefully we’ll get more time to talk through what is happening between us.
Although talking wasn’t as high on his list as making love to her again.
I’ll never have enough of her. Never.

Breakfast had been a rushed affair, before racing out the door.

As they entered the hospital room Lizette and Jill came running over to Katherine, hugging her profusely.

“Oh my God, KJ, I can’t believe you delivered a baby,” Jill said while still holding her.

“I was at the right place at the right time, that’s all,” Katherine responded.

Lizette chuckled. “I believe in timing, but this was so much more. So don’t be so humble about it.”

Drew could feel Katherine’s tension building. Obviously she didn’t want to take credit, why he wasn’t sure. She had been amazing, but he wasn’t going to push the subject now. “I thought we were here to see a baby,” he said, changing the subject.