Page 52 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

Maybe that’s why she’s having so much fun here tonight—it’s nothing like the world she lives in.It’s a novelty.

Nothing real.Nothing permanent.

I need to remember that.

After a fun and enjoyable meal, we boys clean off the table and get the dishwasher going.A messy ranch cookout is no match for Navy men with way too many years of galley duty experience.

The bigger challenge is the shit I’m getting from my own damn family.

“She’s too hot for you,” Special K says.“I bet she likes younger, better-looking men.”

When we’re done with cleanup, we return to the back deck to see Phyllis lighting candles along the railing.Johnny Cash is playing from the outdoor speakers.Dad is dancing with Victoria, and Phoebe is spinning Jasmine in circles.Summer is propped on the outdoor kitchen counter, smiling and swaying to the music.Evander is falling asleep in his wheelchair, apparently worn out from the festivities.

When the music switches to Vince Gill’s “Broken Road,” Dad waltzes Victoria in my direction and delivers her to me.“You gotta take over for me, son.I need some dessert.”

Victoria looks at me, the corner of her lips curled in a shy smile.And since I can feel everyone’s eyes on us, I do the gentlemanly thing and place my palm on her waist and curl her hand in mine.And I lead.

I feel her warm breath on my chest.“I love your family, Cal.”

I almost stop in my tracks.She sounds so earnest and true.I don’t know if I can trust that.I don’t know if I’m ready to trust that.

“They seem to love you, too.”

I pull her a bit closer and look over her head to see everyone staring at me in shock.Even Evander is awake and blinking in disbelief.

A big plop of water hits me square in the forehead.In a matter of seconds, the sky has opened and it’s pouring.

“Grab the desserts!”Dad says.The man has his priorities.

Phoebe wheels Evander inside.Phyllis and Jasmine grab the cupcakes and popovers and follow.The first crack of lightning flashes, and Summer is already running to the paddocks.Some of the animals must still be out.Finn, Special K, and Declan are right behind her.

But Victoria’s still in my arms.Her hair is already plastered to her head.Her cotton shirt is soaked.Rain pours from the tip of her nose down her perfect lips.

I’m frozen.

I want to kiss her more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my fucking life.

“Go inside and get dry,” I say.I release her from my arms and run after my brothers, not sure if I’d just made a wise decision or the biggest mistake of my life.

I look over my shoulder through the rain.She’s standing where I left her, watching me go, the rain pouring down her cheeks.

I turn around and run back.

CHAPTER 27

Victoria

We run into Cal’s house.We’re both soaked from our dash from Jamie’s house, and we’re dripping onto the entranceway tile.Without saying a word, Cal pulls the jean jacket off my shoulders and tosses it to the floor.

“Kick off the boots,” he barks.“You’ll need to dry off and warm up as soon as possible.You’ve been through a lot today, and lowering your body temperature is not going to help.”

I do as he says and take off the boots.But I notice he just stands there, watching me.He’s soaked through too.

“What about you?”I ask.

He shakes his head.“They need me outside.We have to secure the animals and equipment.This is a sneaky storm, and we need to take it seriously.Will you be okay without me?”

I can’t believe that he’s worried about me when he’s got a world of responsibilities.“Of course.Go help your brothers.I’ll be fine.”