The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four (20 page)

B
reathe, it’s not
like it’s your wedding.
KJ couldn’t understand why her legs were trembling as the music played.
Just walk down the aisle and stand to the left. Real easy.
With each step she took, her eyes saw only one thing: Drew standing at the end, dressed in a tuxedo.
God, he’s gorgeous.
Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t pull her eyes away. The way he was looking at her felt like he was devouring her in front of everyone. Her body was flush with excitement and embarrassment.
Knock it off, Drew; you’re killing me.

Finally, she made it to the front and forced herself to turn, waiting for the maid of honor, Jill. She thought her reaction was bad, but Jill was smiling from ear to ear and even blew Ross a kiss while walking down the aisle.

KJ looked at Drew out of the corner of her eye to see if he had noticed. He hadn’t, and his eyes were still fixated on her. She wanted to say something, tell him to pay attention, but there was satisfaction knowing that, in a room filled with many drop-dead bombshells, he seemed to only have eyes for her. A feeling of love flowed through her, causing her eyes to glisten.
Don’t even think it.

At least if she cried, everyone would think it was because the wedding was so beautiful.

The music changed to the wedding march, and the guests stood, waiting. When Lizette came around the corner, her arm linked with her father’s, everyone gasped in awe. She was stunning. The dress fit her perfectly and every hair was in place, but it was something so much more. She absolutely glowed with love. As she walked to her groom, KJ noticed they never took their eyes off each other.

KJ felt horrible, and her mind wandered from the time the justice of the peace asked, “Who gives this woman?”
How could I do that? She’s my friend.
This may have been Lizette’s special day, but all she could think about was Drew and their future. Would she someday be exchanging rings with him?
Slow down, take it one day at a time.
Easier said than done. As the officiant said, “You may now kiss your bride,” KJ yearned to be kissing Drew.

This was insane.
She was a grown woman and had full control over her thoughts and actions.
No proof of that right now.
How could one man break through all her defenses? Meeting his gaze again, she knew.
He goes straight for the heart.

They presented Mr. and Mrs. Jon Vinchi, and the bridal couple exited the gazebo. Jill and Ross followed, leaving Drew and her. He extended his arm to her, and she slid hers into his. They were supposed to follow everyone else’s lead, but Drew hesitated. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. It was only briefly yet her heart practically stopped.

Giving her no chance to react, he guided them down the aisle behind the others. KJ knew she was lost. She loved this man so much, and he somehow was able to read what she needed or wanted before she asked. Sometimes he knew even before she did.
That’s what scares me.

The bride was
supposed to be the most beautiful woman there, but no one stood out above Katherine. She was stunning. Thankfully he wasn’t the best man because he didn’t pay any attention to the ceremony. It hadn’t been his intention, but when she’d walked down the aisle looking at him like she had, it was all over.
They should consider themselves lucky I didn’t sweep her into my arms and carry her away before they said “I do.”

The next hour was pure torture. Stand here, look there, smile and then start all over again in a new location. Drew wanted to know whose bright idea it was to keep men on one side and women on the other. He wanted to feel Katherine’s silky smooth skin under his hand if he couldn’t have anything more.

He had attended a few weddings before. But as a guest. While everyone in the wedding party was trapped with the photographer, he had been enjoying the bar.
Damn, I could use a drink right now.

He had no idea why anyone would want to do this more than once. Looking at Jill and Ross, he knew they were next.
I hope they elope.

Laughing softly to himself, he knew there was no chance of that. Jill was a party planner, so she was going to plan a big wedding, and Ross wasn’t going to have any say in it.
You deserve it, buddy, but that doesn’t make up for totaling my car.
He most likely would be doing this again soon, by the way they looked at each other.

When I get married, it’s going to be a private affair.
He looked around in shock, as though he had overheard someone saying those words, but he stood alone.
When?
That sounded like a plan, as though he had already made up his mind. A few months ago he would never have thought the word
if
, never mind the word
when
.
What have you done to me, Katherine? How did you find your way inside my heart without me noticing?

It would be easy to say it was her beauty because she certainly was beautiful, but that wouldn’t have blinded him. No, it wasn’t anything so simple. She was caring, loving, gentle, compassionate, sweet, honest, funny, strong, and so much more.
Damn her for being more than I can resist.
He’d never thought he needed anyone to complete him. His parents, in their negligence, had taught him to be fiercely independent.
It’s as if my solitude has been invaded in the very best way.

His statement earlier had now been confirmed.
When.
No way he was ever letting her go. He just wasn’t one hundred percent sure she felt the same way. There were still things they had to discuss; their future being the main one.
We’ll resolve that issue when we get back to New York.

He took her hand in his, and they entered the reception hall. It wasn’t what he wanted, but it was all he could do at the moment. Drew squeezed it slightly and Katherine turned to him. “What is that look for?”

Drew’s thoughts weren’t as under wrap as he wished.
Damn.
There was so much he wanted to ask, wanted to say, but timing was everything, and this wasn’t the time. Everything he needed to say required time and a lot of privacy.
You’ll just have to wait, Katherine.
Not risking even a small hint, he knew she wasn’t going to let him off the hook if she suspected he was holding back. Smiling he said, “I’m just thinking how beautiful you look tonight.”

He was relieved when she kissed his cheek and turned her attention back to the party.
Hook, line, and sinker.

‡

K
J didn’t know
what was up with Drew. He had been acting so differently for the last two days. She knew he was troubled about Takes One and what Brad would have wanted. It had been weighing heavily on her mind as well.
Mostly: how or when to tell Drew the truth.

That was one of the good things about the busy weekend. It hadn’t left much time for pondering the issues at hand. Now back at his penthouse, she had no excuse even though she kept coming up with some lame ones.
Walking Blossom and unpacking. Really? Quit stalling.

The time had come. All she had to do was get Drew to settle down and listen to what she had to say. He seemed to be as distracted as she was today. Maybe after this he would have some of the answers he was looking for. It was unclear what that meant for them and their future.
Maybe this is why I’m so nervous.

She looked on the rooftop, knowing how much time he seemed to spend there. KJ couldn’t blame him. It was as peaceful as could be in the middle of the city, and if she had her way, it’s where she would spend all her time. Surprisingly he wasn’t there. She hadn’t noticed him in the penthouse. Could he have gone out without letting her know?
Why not, it’s his place?

Unable to find him, she decided to lie down and rest up for the inevitable conversation. When she entered the bedroom, she heard soft music from the bathroom.
What the . . .?
The door was opened, but the room seemed empty. Had he forgotten to turn off the music?

Entering, she saw the tub filled with steamy bubbles, rose petals sprayed along the edge, and a tray of strawberries and champagne nearby.
What’s going on?

“Glad you could join me.” His voice sounded husky from behind her.

Spinning around, she was met by the most beautiful sight. Drew was holding a single red rose, standing almost naked, with only a short white towel wrapped below his waist.
Oh my God, he’s gorgeous.

KJ willed herself to take a step toward him, but she was frozen, her eyes roaming over his delicious physique. She was hungry for him: the touch of his strong arms that carried her as though she was a feather; his muscular chest and abs, rock hard, begging her to rake her nails over them; and that bulge, which was growing before her eyes. “Drew.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

He came to her but didn’t touch her. Instead he reached out with the rose and brushed it gently against her cheek, then her jaw, and up the other cheek. When she thought he would remove it, he ever so gently brought it between her eyes, to the tip of her nose. Inhaling the sweet scent, he traced her lips, her chin, then down to the crease between her breasts. Her body was on fire with need.
Please Drew, I need you.

With his free hand, he began to unbutton her blouse, one button at a time, starting at the top. As the blouse opened, the rose followed the path of his hand. It was cool against her warm skin.
This feels so good.
Finally the blouse slipped off her shoulders, landing on the floor. His hand struggled with the button of her pants. KJ tried to help, but he pushed her hand away.

“Let me show you how I feel.”

Yes, show me.
She remembered why she had been looking for him. “Drew, there is something I need to tell you.” Her breathing was ragged.

“I know; you love me.” He kissed her neck gently. “I love you too, baby.” He unzipped her pants and slipped them down.

“No.”

He pulled back to meet her gaze. “No, you don’t love me? Or no, you don’t want me?” Drew studied her closely.

She loved him more than she thought humanly possible, and if he stopped touching her she would probably die, but she had to tell him. It wouldn’t be right to wait until after they made love. “I do love you. But there is something I want to talk to you about.” Her voice trembled, filled with need.

Drew placed the rose across her lips. “I’ve heard all I need to right now.” His gaze roamed her body. “Tonight I’m going to make love to you until you melt beneath me.” His breath was hot against her ear. “I am going to kiss and taste every inch of you.” His tongue darted out and licked her earlobe.

A shiver ran through her.
Oh God, you’re killing me.

“Unless you really want to
talk
.” Drew nipped her ear.

Her legs almost gave out and she reached to him, clinging to his shoulders. “Please . . . please touch me,” KJ begged. Her body won the battle, the need greater than she could control.

She didn’t need to ask twice. He dropped the rose to the floor, reached behind her, and unhooked her lace bra. Her nipples became taut as he cupped both breasts, squeezing them together.

His towel dropped from around his waist, and his hard shaft sprang out to her.
I want to taste him, feel him.
Drew bent and licked her between her breasts and said, “You know what I would like to put between them, don’t you?”

She moved, sitting on the edge of the tub and called him over. Pulling him to her, his throbbing shaft rested between her breasts. She cupped her breasts and wrapped him between them. Slowly she moved them up and down him. Drew slid himself between her large mounds. As his tip peeked out from the top, she darted her tongue out and licked him. A low husky growl echoed through the room and encouraged her to take more of him. His hands tangled in her hair, moving strays away from her face so he could watch as she licked him, but she needed more of him. Dropping her hands from her breasts, she gripped his shaft and took him fully into her mouth.
Hmm.
Her moan vibrated around him.

“God, baby, that feels so damn good.”

She hungrily took all he had to offer, sucking him deeply.
Hmm, so good.
Her tongue pressed firmly against his base to the head before circling and taking him in again. Sucking harder and faster than the time before.

Drew pulled away from her. “I don’t want this to end before it even starts.” His voice had deepened, and his breathing had grown heavy.

KJ smiled, letting her tongue slowly trace her lips. She took pleasure in knowing she could bring him to the brink with only her mouth. If she didn’t desperately need to feel him inside of her, she would have taken him in her mouth again.

Drew picked her up sat her on the marble counter near the tub, brushing the contents of everything on the counter to the floor without care. KJ leaned back, the marble cool against her hot flesh, awaiting his sweet touch.

He dropped to his knees and brought her legs up to rest on his shoulders. Kissing her inner thigh he said, “I’ve missed you so much.” She sighed as he bit her gently. “I like these.” His thumbs hooked both sides of her thong. In one swift move, he snapped the strings and they fell from her.