It was time for honesty, on both sides.
Which should make for an interesting evening.
CHAPTER FIVE
Heart pounding in excitement, Isabelle tried for nonchalance, but failed. She couldn’t help but gape as the launch took her out to Dalton’s yacht.
It was shiny, sleek, and beautiful, and she couldn’t wait to climb on board. She had a feeling her entire life was about to change.
She’d gotten his portfolio, read it through, and made a few phone calls for verification. It hadn’t taken her long after that to pack up her things and check out of the cheap hotel room. She’d practically sprinted down to the dock.
Okay, so she’d taken a shower first, changed clothes and made sure she looked decent. After all, she had a benefactor to impress. A stinking rich benefactor. If she played her cards right, all her dreams might soon come true.
The launch came up next to the yacht and she was helped aboard by a crew member who held out his hand and assisted her up the ladder.
Wow. Polished, gleaming deck, cushioned seating and lounge chairs, a bar, even a hot tub. Fancy stuff. Amazing the things money could buy.
“Mr. Gabriel will be right with you, ma’am. I’ll take your luggage to one of the cabins below,” the deckhand said with a short nod of his head.
“Thank you.”
She wandered around, running her hand over the railing and staring out to sea. Calm, blue waters, and underneath was the possibility of a lifetime. Butterflies flitted in her stomach, anticipation driving away the hurt and anger she’d carried with her these past few months.
A soft breeze blew strands of hair against her cheek. She tucked them behind her ear, enjoying the warm afternoon sun against her face. This was so peaceful, the rocking motion of the boat lulling her into a sense of security she hadn’t felt in far too long.
She needed good things to happen in her life. A dark cloud had been hanging over her head, and she was determined to blow it away.
Success could provide the hard wind she needed to obliterate that cloud. And money could supply a lot of amnesia. Then she could forget the bad things.
“Welcome aboard.”
She turned at the sound of Dalton’s voice, once again struck by an instantaneous attraction to him. More than just his appearance, though that part of him was mighty fine. White linen pants, blue button-down silk shirt, they both looked great against his dark tan. But it was more than appearance. There was the sexiness of his voice, the slow and easy way he walked toward her, the way he smiled as if he was genuinely happy to see her. What woman wouldn’t be affected by all that in one delectable package?
He held out his hand and she slid hers against his palm, then fought a shudder.
A zap of electricity, a sudden rush of heat.
Wow. Now that was chemistry. But it was more than that. Something behind his eyes, an awareness, as if she knew him. . really knew him. An instant comfort. She rarely felt that with men. Men always made her uncomfortable. She used them, definitely, but she was never at ease with them.
Dalton felt. . easy.
“Thank you for agreeing to provide the funding for this venture,” she said.
“I’m glad my portfolio met with your approval.”
She snorted, then clamped her lips together, unable to believe she’d done that. “Sorry. It’s just that. . who wouldn’t find your portfolio acceptable? You are a billionaire, after all.”
He smiled, seemingly not insulted. “I guess you have a point. Should I feel used?”
“Probably.”
Now it was his turn to snort. “I like an honest woman. How about a drink?”
Honest? Now that was a quality she’d never attributed to herself, but Dalton didn’t have to know that. “I’d love one.”
He motioned to a table under a shaded overhang. “Bloody Marys, Dimitri. Doubles.”
When he slid into the chair next to hers, she said, “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“No. I just like a strong cocktail. I can make yours a single if you’d like.”
She shook her head. “Not necessary. I can handle my alcohol.”
“Good.” He swirled the celery around the dark red liquid, then lifted the glass to his lips and took a long swallow. Something about that action really hit her hot buttons. The color of the drink was compelling. She took a drink out of her own glass, enjoying the hot, spicy flavor.
“It’s really good.”
He nodded. “Dimitri is a great bartender.”
