Page 29 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

Julia flicked her gaze over the rolling sea, understanding in an instant where he was headed. Her heart skipped a beat as memories flooded through her. She swallowed hard, hoping it looked more innocent on the outside than it likely was.

Was this visit a coincidence or influenced by something Alicia had said? Doubt lingered in her mind as Luke rounded the island closest to them, slowing the boat as he trolled toward a makeshift dock.

“Umm, is that thing safe?”

“Definitely,” Luke said. “Built it myself.”

“Like with your own hands?” Sierra asked incredulously.

“Yep,” Luke said as he slid the boat alongside it and leapt to the dock with a rope to secure the boat.

Gentle waves lapped at the island, but the serene beauty of the place clashed with the storm of emotions brewing inside Julia.

Duchess hopped onto the little wooden dock, her tail wagging as she issued a loud bark, a call to Julia.

“Well, come on, you’ll love this place,” Luke said with a grin as he ran his hand through his hair. “Sierra, you’ve been snapping pictures, and there’s a great place to do that if you climb to the top of the island.”

Sierra leapt to her feet, sold on the idea of another selfie, and strode to the dock, allowing Luke to help her off the boat.

“Want to wait here?” Julia asked Grant.

“I better not,” he said. “Sierra won’t be happy.”

“It’s a nice view,” she said with a shrug as he rose and wrapped an arm around her.

“At least the dog’s not barking at me.”

“Sorry,” Julia said as they strode across the deck. “She’s never seen me with anyone else.”

As the rest of them stepped onto the dock, Sierra, shielding her eyes from the bright sun, asked, “Wait, are we supposed to walk up to the top? Isn’t there like a golf cart or something?”

“Uh, no, you just walk,” Luke said, seeming a little confused. “Julia, I’m sure you remember the way.”

“Have you been here before?” Sierra asked.

“Yes, she has,” Luke answered. “We spent a lot of time here. This was one of our favorite spots. I built that dock just for her.”

Julia slid her eyes closed as she felt Grant tense next to her. This was already hard enough without Luke throwing every memory in her face. As she stepped onto the island, a rush of memories washed over her.

Sunny summer days laughing as they frolicked through the high grass with hands intertwined, starry nights cuddled together, and the tender moments shared as they overlooked the town’s lights. The memories burned through her, stirring up emotions she’d desperately tried to bury. And leaving one question blazing in her mind: could she leave him behind again?

CHAPTER 7

GRANT

Grant’s jaw clenched as they climbed back aboard the boat for the return trip. At least it was nearly over. He couldn’t wait to get away from the situation.

His unease had only grown since they’d boarded. What he’d suspected when he’d first witnessed Luke and Julia together had become obvious. Her admission that they’d been engaged was like a punch to his gut.

But nothing sliced at his heart more than that laugh she’d given as they reminisced over the past. Simple and genuine, the rawness of her emotion in that moment scared him. Had she ever been that easy and effortless with him?

He eased into the seat next to Julia, leaping up again as the dog bared her teeth at him.

“Duchess, that’s enough, stop it,” Julia said.

The dog whined at her but allowed him to sit down. Thank goodness for small miracles. As they pulled away from the dock,he frowned at it. Luke’s words echoed in his mind.I built it for her. It was one of our favorite places.

Could the man make it any more obvious that they’d been together? It felt like a less-than-subtle attack on her current relationship.