The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four (25 page)

Yes, that is why I said it.
“If not, what do you like?”

“Ah, my dear Katherine, this is what you will learn later today.”

What does that mean?
It seemed like an easy enough question to answer. “I’m not really good at the waiting thing.”

He laughed. “I thought Marines were used to the hurry-up-and-wait motto.”

KJ shook her head. “Sorry, but it’s ‘the strong, the few, and the brave.’ You were close though.” She enjoyed teasing him as he was such a good sport. “So you really aren’t going to tell me?” she prodded.

“Nope.”

If she thought he would cave, she would have continued, but Drew was no pushover. Since she had to wait for her answer she might as well enjoy her time in the park. She wasn’t familiar with this area of Central Park. For some reason, there were no other people walking around. Strange because every day they’d come to the park, it had been filled with people.
Where is everyone? Where are we?
She had stopped looking around and started paying attention to where they were headed and found herself going toward an ice rink.
This time of the year?

When they approached the gate Drew asked, “Do you skate?”

Not in years.
That wasn’t about to stop her. “I can manage, but I don’t have any skates with me.”

Drew pointed to a bench where two pairs of skates waited. A white pair of figure skates for her and a pair of hockey skates for him.
Full of surprises aren’t you, Drew?
When she picked up her skates she found a single red rose lying near them. Raising it, she inhaled its sweet scent.
So this really is a date.
Smiling she turned to Drew. “Thank you,” she said before lightly kissing him on the cheek.

Had he planned this while she lay sleeping this morning? She was beginning to understand why he was in such a rush to get her out the door earlier. They were in a deep conversation during their walk, but he must have had this area closed off because it was too beautiful not to be filled with people on a glorious day like today.
What else do you have up your sleeve?
She wanted to believe this was all he had planned, but her gut told her there was more to come, and she best be on her toes.

It didn’t take long to lace the skates and hit the ice, hand in hand. As they made their first trip around the rink, she became more confident on the skates. Obviously the saying “it’s like riding a bike” didn’t apply to ice skating. Drew was so smooth on his feet and thankfully his strong arms held her upright, or she would have been dealing with a bruised ass later.

She was far from ready to go it alone, but she was at least gliding alongside him and not clinging on for dear life.
This is as good as it’s going to get.
If he hadn’t looked as though he was enjoying himself so much, KJ would have asked to sit for a few minutes so her legs could stop shaking. But there was a glint of pleasure in his expression, one she really couldn’t read; he looked relaxed and happy. She wasn’t about to ruin that.
Even if it means I break my ass on the ice.
Somehow she knew he’d catch her if she fell. How long had it been since she’d felt confident someone was there for her?
Not since my days in the Marines.

Drew spun around to face her and skated backward, holding both her hands.
Is there anything you’re not good at?
She was about to tease him when she thought she heard soft music playing. Looking around, she couldn’t figure out where it was coming from, but it seemed to be getting closer. A moment later she saw a mini orchestra coming over the hill.
How cool is that? I never know what I’ll see in New York.
She was about to point it out to Drew, but he had stopped skating. They stood still, his eyes fixed solely on her.

KJ turned briefly to look at the musicians again; they had stopped at the gate where she and Drew had entered earlier.
What’s going on?
Turning her attention to Drew, she noticed he was no longer standing beside her. Sucking in a deep breath she was barely able to say his name, so overwhelmed with emotions. “Drew.”

Now kneeling on bended knee, Drew’s eyes met hers and held her captive. “Last night, I asked you if you would stay with me forever. You answered yes.”

I would follow you to the ends of the earth if you asked me.
KJ swallowed hard, unable to speak. This couldn’t be, could it?

Reaching in his pocket, he pulled something out but didn’t open his hand. “There is so much I want to show you, to share with you, but first there’s one thing I want to give you.” Holding her left hand in his right one he slowly opened his hand and revealed its contents.

Her legs wobbled, and not from the skates this time. Was her mind playing tricks on her? Could she still be in bed, and this only be a dream? Blinking, she focused on what rested in the palm of his hand, the most beautiful heart-shaped diamond ring one could ever imagine.
Oh my God.
Meeting his gaze, her heart was ready to burst as she waited.

“Katherine O’Malley, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” His eyes never left hers.

This was real. The man she had come to know and almost lost was asking her to marry him. She wanted to jump into his arms, kiss him wildly, and scream, “yes,” instead the words that came out of her mouth shocked her. “Are you sure?”

Drew stood up, cupped her face with both his hands and said, “More than anything else in my life. I love you, Katherine, and cannot picture my life without you in it. I want us to grow old together.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and her heart pounded as though trying to break free. “I love you so much it hurts.” She smiled and continued, “Drew Navarro, I would be honored to be your wife.”

Drew pulled her into his arms and kissed her so gently she could’ve fainted. Then slowly he raised her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger before swooping her into his arms and spinning on the skates while kissing her.

“You have just made me the happiest woman in the world, but I have one small request.”

“What is that?”

“Do you mind if we get off the ice before I fall and break something? I want to be in prime shape to celebrate properly with you tonight.”

Smiling Drew answered, “Smooth negotiating there, Katherine. I have no argument with that.”

Drew skated to the gate while still holding her in his arms. Once she was on solid ground he put her down. “How about we get out of these things and continue our walk back home?” KJ asked suggestively.

“If you’re going to keep looking at me like that, maybe we should make that walk a jog, or I might be tempted to take you right here.”

KJ laughed softly and pointed at the musicians who were still playing.

“And you think that would stop me?” he challenged.

By the look in his eyes, she knew better than to call his bluff. “I’ll settle for a brisk walk.”

Heading away from the rink, it dawned on her—she was filled with something she hadn’t felt in many years.
Peace.
KJ was back to herself, comfortable in who she was, where she was going in her life, however, this was so much more than she was before. No longer restricted by routine and order. It was a new freedom yet still with structure and purpose. And she knew Drew was exactly who she wanted to share it with.
This is a feeling I could get used to.

They headed into the mainstream of the park and she felt she saw the people who seemed to have vanished earlier. She, Drew, and Blossom continued their walk as they headed toward the penthouse.

Rounding a bend on the path, something seemed to startle Blossom. She stopped walking and was looking around, as though she sensed something no one else had. KJ bent down and gave her head a pat. “It’s okay, girl,” she said and tugged on her leash to try to get her walking again. Blossom wouldn’t move, her ears were at attention now, fully concentrating on a mother and young child off to the right of them.

Before KJ could react, Blossom pulled frantically in that direction. KJ struggled to hold the leash. Drew tried to grab it from her, but it was too late. Blossom had broken free and was in a full dash to where the two were standing. “Blossom, stop. Come here, Blossom,” KJ yelled as she tried to catch up with her.
What’s the matter with her? She’s never done this.

“Blossom,” Drew’s voice commanded, yet still no response. Blossom didn’t break her stride until she came to the child. There she stopped abruptly and placed her huge head on the young child’s shoulder. The boy instantly wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. A strange dog, never huge bull mastiff, appearing out of nowhere, would makes most people on edge. But the woman’s protect instinct had kicked in. The woman appeared to be in shock, more than fear, as she tried to pull Blossom away from the child, unsuccessfully.

KJ arrived and said, “Sorry. I’m so sorry. She’s never done this before. She always listens.” She picked up Blossom’s leash, which had been dragging on the ground and tried to tug her away. Not the slightest budge. Then she called her firmly, “Blossom, come.” Still she didn’t flinch or acknowledge her in any way.
Blossom, knock it off and listen to me.

Drew reached out, grabbed her by her collar, and started pulling. The more he pulled the more resistance she gave. The young boy wasn’t breaking his hold on her either. It soon appeared obvious to all that neither the boy nor Blossom was aware of anyone else around them.

The three adults stood, watching in both awe and frustration. “Blossom never leaves my side. I don’t know what’s gotten into her. She really is very gentle,” KJ said as she saw the woman’s eyes glisten with tears. “Really, she won’t hurt him.”

“It’s not that. I’m just surprised to see him react this way. That’s all,” she said softly.

KJ and Drew exchanged glances. That was an odd statement, and from her nursing experience it meant there was a story behind it. “Why is that?”

The woman stepped a few feet away from the boy, as though she didn’t want to speak in front of him. KJ and Drew did as well, yet they all still continued to watch the dog and boy at all times. “I’m his aunt. His parents were both killed in a car accident a few months ago. Since that day, he has shut down. I mean totally. He used to be the most affectionate boy. Now he won’t even hold my hand when we go out for a walk. No hugging or touching of any kind. He won’t even look another person in the eye.” She sniffed as she fought back the tears.

KJ reached out her hand and touched her arm gently. “I’m so sorry. This must be very difficult for you as well.”

She nodded. “It was just my sister and I. Now it’s just me. And of course, my nephew, Jamie.” She pointed to the boy. “It’s like a miracle the way he’s holding that dog. I don’t know what he’s going to do when he has to let go. If you don’t mind waiting a while, I really would like him to hold her as long as he can before you take her away.”

Oh my God.
KJ understood tragedy, and even at her age, it was difficult to deal with. This boy couldn’t be more than eight. Blossom must have sensed Jamie’s emotional need like she had when KJ had been struggling.
You’re amazing, Blossom.
“Blossom wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Drew extended his hand, “My name is Drew, and this is Katherine, my fiancée.”

KJ couldn’t help but blush at his words.
Fiancée. I like the sound of that.

The woman said, “My name is Danielle. You don’t know how much I appreciate this. We walk here all the time and come across so many dogs, but he would walk by like they didn’t exist. You have one very special dog there.”

Don’t I know it? A lifesaver to say the least.
“She is one of a kind.”

KJ noticed a sadness come over Danielle as she said, “That’s too bad; I would give anything to find another one like her.”

The day she met Blossom came flooding back to her. She was looking for something at that time, but it hadn’t been a dog. She’d been searching for answers, for heart and peace of mind. Blossom had been her comforter as she’d dealt with her own agonizing loss. Ursula, the pet therapy trainer had said Blossom had adopted her, not the other way around. Was this what was happening all over again? Was Blossom adopting someone new?
Oh God, no. I can’t lose you, girl.

Panic filled her, and she turned to Drew, searching his eyes, pleading for help. “What is it?”

KJ turned back to Danielle and asked, “Can you excuse us for a minute?”

She answered, “Take all time you want. I’m going enjoy the view while I’ve got it.” She nodded in Jamie’s direction.

Drew took her by the hand and led her to a bench not far off. “Okay Katherine, what’s going on?”

“Don’t you see what’s happening?” KJ’s voice shook.

He looked around then turned back to her puzzled. “Not really. What am I missing?”

KJ threw her hands up in the air and said, “Really? Look at her. She’s abandoning me. She never leaves my side. It’s like Blossom doesn’t want me anymore.” A tear trickled down her cheek.
Please tell me I’m wrong. Tell me it’s going to be okay.

Drew wiped her tear away with the back of his hand. “Ah, now I see. You think she doesn’t want you? That dog loves you and always will. But I do recall you telling me the story of how you acquired her. She has an uncanny way of sensing needs.”

Nodding, she said, “She always has.”

Smiling, he added, “Then what is it she senses about you now?”

KJ looked at him sharply.
What does that mean?
“She thinks I don’t want her anymore?”

“No. Blossom knows you don’t ‘need’ her anymore.”

Angrily she said, “Why would she think that? I’m far from over everything I’ve been through.”

Wrapping his arms around her, he said, “That is true. But she knows you’re not going to have to deal with it alone any longer.” He kissed her cheek. “You have me.”

I have you.
He was right. Blossom must have sensed the peace she was feeling. “So what do we do now?”

Drew cocked his head in the direction of Danielle, Jamie, and Blossom. “I think that decision has already been made for us.”

They walked over to join Danielle who then asked, “Do you have to go so soon?”