Temptation (Billionaire Venture Capitalist #4): A Second Chance Billionaire Romance
Page 24
The reception kicks in and transitions from traditional Hawaiian to more modern music piped from Trey’s iPhone to speakers around the area. Smiles abound, and everyone seems to be letting their hair down and enjoying themselves.
Reminiscing at the dinner table with Emerson about Sara’s dress and the wedding, I catch a glimpse of some of the bodyguards. “Boy, they’re two intimidating Hawaiians. I think they have muscles on their muscles.”
“Dillon tells me Patrick has guards at the gates to keep everyone out, as well as patrols on the beach and in boats.”
“CeCe did tell me that Sara and Trey will release a few pictures through a publicist. We hope that’ll keep the gossip rags away.”
Emerson throws her blonde locks back and laughs heartily. “As if that’s likely to happen. This is the Arnaults—American royalty.”
CeCe sits down and joins us, saying proudly, “My big brother did okay today.” We both nod. “I always wanted a sister, and I couldn’t have asked for better one.”
Genevieve was beautiful in her light blue floral dress. She danced with one of Sara’s brothers and spent time with her brothers and sisters. We all learned to hula and just had fun into the early hours of the morning.
Looking around the room, I realize that while my parents may have struggled with the idea, these people here are truly my family. I love them all and know that no matter what, every person in the room would be there for me if I needed them. I’m incredibly fortunate.
As Andy and I walk a half-asleep Genevieve back to her room, she gives me a hug. “Even if I couldn’t text my friends that I was here, I had a really good time today. Thank you for inviting me.”
Andy tucks her into bed and joins me in my room. “It was a beautiful night, don’t you think?”
Holding on to him tightly, I don’t ever want to let him go. “I think Genevieve had a good time.”
“I know she did. Did you?”
“Yes, but I’d have fun with you no matter where we were.”
He kisses the top of my head, and I drift off to sleep still in my dress. Lying in his arms feels so right.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Andy
“Are you ready for this?”
I pat my chest pocket. “Readier than you’ll ever know. I made plans with Patrick to take a jeep from the estate and do some sightseeing, and we’ll figure out the right place.”
Our helicopter tour yesterday concentrated on the Na Pali coast, which isn’t accessible by car. The stunning sea cliffs overlooking the ocean are pure paradise. There are great hikes to see the top of the cliffs, but probably too difficult for the sneakers we brought.
We want to take more up-close looks at a few spots that piqued our interest from our helicopter tour, so we head up the coast to Waimea Canyon State Park. I had planned for this to be the place, but unfortunately the fog rolled in, so it was difficult to see across the impressive gorge and canyon views. We could make out a few of the waterfalls in the distance, and it was beautiful, but it wasn’t quite right.
“Papa, why are there so many chickens here running around?”
Greer looks at her travel guide. “According to the book, it says Hurricane Iniki in 1992 destroyed all the chicken coops, so they’ve run wild ever since.”
“Oh, look at the beautiful hen. Red, blue, yellow, and black feathers. Wow! And look, she has, one, two, three,… six chicks.”
I miss the turn for Wailua Falls, so we head to the other end of the road to put our feet in the sand at Hanalei Bay. The long scenic white-sand beach with mountain views is stunning. We squeeze a large blanket between the lobster-colored tourists and dip our toes into the water.
“The water is so warm here,” Genevieve says.
“It certainly isn’t our Northern California beach temps,” Greer agrees. Turning to me, she asks, “Isn’t this amazing?”
“I’m with my two favorite girls on a beach far away from the challenges of my vineyard. I’d agree.” I pull both girls in for a family hug, and we enjoy the late afternoon sitting on the beach.
When it’s time to leave, we stop at a local fruit stand on our way to our final stop, ordering fresh coconut, pineapple, and mangos and eating them roadside.
“Coconut always tastes better here in Hawaii,” Greer says.
With pineapple juice dripping down my chin, I tell her, “I think this is even better here, too.”
With a big sigh, Genevieve says, “I wish we could move here and not go back to the vineyard or your crazy job in San Francisco.”
Greer nods. “Wouldn’t that be fun? But you’d miss your friends.”
Reluctantly Genevieve agrees. I’m in awe that Greer doesn’t tell her that moving away would be silly or discount what she has to say. She treats her as an adult and offers a practical reason of why moving wouldn’t work. I didn’t think I could love her any more than I already do.
Finally, we head to our final destination for the day. If this isn’t the place, then I’ll have to figure out something else and soon.
When we arrive at Wailua Falls, I know this is it. The double waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery are perfect. This is the place I want to remember for the rest of my life. Our tour book tells us of a hike that will take us closer to the falls, and we all agree to wander. In my breast pocket is the engagement ring and my cell phone.
We all stand next to one another, admiring the beautiful flowing waterfall as the sun begins to set, casting a warm orange glow onto the water. Genevieve spots hikers who’ve gone down to the bottom of the falls. We take our photos, and I hand my cell phone to Genevieve, who snaps a few of us.
She looks at me and I nod. She reaches for Greer’s hand. “Thank you for including me this week. It’s been really fun. My friends are never going to believe that I was at Trey Arnault’s wedding.”
“I’m so glad you could come, and I’m glad you had fun.”
“I know when we first met, I was a complete jerk. I just want you to know I really like you, and I see how happy you make my dad.” She wipes a tear away and gives Greer a tight hug. My heart beats faster as I see the two women I love most get along.
Before Greer can say anything, I know it’s my turn. “I know your work is important, and I never want to take that from you. I know we can figure out how to make it all work. You’ve become so important to both Genevieve and me and—” I get down on one knee while Genevieve holds her hand. “—because of you, we’ve learned to smile more, laugh regularly and dream often. We were wondering if you’d marry us and be part of our family.”
She pulls us into a big hug, nodding and crying as she says, “Yes.”
I grin, slipping the round-cut Tiffany diamond with adjoining pear-shaped stones on a platinum band on her finger. “I hope you like this. We can change it if you don’t.”
“I love it, and I love both of you so very much.”
I’m the happiest man on earth.
Venture Capitalist: Obsession
Book 4
(Coming March 1, 2019)
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A few words…
This book was a lot of fun to write. It was a little over a year ago that I sketched out this series. Eight books. Some of them were going to be more challenging than others, but I was so excited about Greer meeting a good guy. Her heart had been broken, and it’s so easy for us to think we’ll never find love, but I wanted to show that patience wins. But I loved so many of the secondary characters of this book. My favorites were Eve and her manic moments. What fun to just spew words and activities. Sophia came to me as I was writing—someone who felt the world had done her wrong. We all know that person, and sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom before they ever realize that it wasn’t nearly as bad as they thought.
When I started this series, I sat down and talked
to the voices in my head and out came the Venture Capitalist series demanded to be written first. I lived for many years in San Francisco and loved how close Napa was to San Francisco. Greer and Andy aren’t based on anyone I know, but they are people I’d love to know. I did a lot of research on winemaking and how hard it would be to steal barrels. I came across an old article from early days that spoke of how the monks would move barrels around and thought it would make for a great plot line. I hope you enjoyed reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
As an independent author, I rely on so many people to get my books to print. I’d never be able to truly do this on my own. Publishing takes a village—sorry Hillary. I have two hobbies—writing and reading. So when I’m not sitting in my car waiting for one of my boys to finish some kind of practice, I’m reading someone else’s book or writing.
My amazing husband is my muse. He deserves a medal for all that he does for me. He really is my rock and truly the most supportive partner anyone could ever ask for. He is my alpha reader and loves more than just the steamy scenes. He has his opinions on who the mole is, but even he doesn’t know. Despite being together for sixteen years, a girl still needs a few secrets. But, without his love and support, I’d never have taken the leap of faith to write these stories that are hidden in my head. Daniel, you are my happily ever after.
I have a wonderful group of friends. Some I went to school with, some who I’ve met through my professional life and some are writers that I’ve reached out to that kindly have offered me guidance. As I was wrapping up this book, my friend Michael asked to read my book to hunt for any remaining mistakes. Shortly after giving me his feedback, Michael passed away. My feeling of loss is immense. I will miss him and the random text messages asking who the mole might be. Michael, may you rest in peace as you are reunited with your mother.
Aria Tran at Resplendent Media who does my amazing covers and Nadia who makes my paperback books insides look amazing. My words would be empty without your artistry.
A huge thank you to Mark Dawson and James Blatch at Self-Publishing Formula who helped show me how to get my books in front of all my readers.
A huge thank you goes to the girls over at Hottree Editing: Becky always gets my books first. Sometimes she shreds them and other times she is full of compliments. Kristin dives in and does the heavy lifting on my books. She goes through and line-edits and makes it so much smoother, while still leaving my words and intent. Donna makes the magic happen moving my book from one group to another, and her scheduling pushes me to stay on track. Barbara was my final eyes this go around. She was amazing and had caught a few good oops. And, no book would be complete without my beta reader, Sue. You all have helped make this book look professional, and error free. All of the errors in this back matter are mine and don’t speak nearly to the help and guidance the girls give me. If you know of anyone looking to break into the world of self-publishing be sure to talk to Becky and Olivia—sending you all hugs for all you do for me.
I want to thank those of you who’ve taken the time to review my books. Reviews help those silly algorithms at Amazon find these stories. I love all for your kind words. It means so much to me.
And finally to all of my readers, without your support and encouragement, there would be no Ainsley St Claire. Thank you so much. I love getting to know you through e-mail, your reviews, sharing with me what you like and don’t like; I do listen and adjust. Please tell your friends if you like my stories. Getting the word out is what allows me to keep writing.
Ainsley
How to find Ainsley
Thanks for reading Venture Capitalist: Temptation. I do hope you enjoyed Greer and Andy’s story and reading the fourth book in the Venture Capitalist series. I appreciate your help in spreading the word, including telling a friend. Before you go, it would mean so much to me if you would take a few minutes to write a review and capture how you feel about what you’ve read so others may find my work. Reviews help readers find books. Please leave a review on your favorite book site.
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About Ainsley
Ainsley St Claire is a Contemporary Romance Author and Adventurer on a lifelong mission to craft sultry storylines and steamy love scenes that captivate her readers. To date, she is best known for her debut “naughty Nicholas Sparks” novel entitled “In A Perfect World
An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance
Ainsley’s passion immediately shifted to a vocation when during a night of terrible insomnia, her first book came to her. Ultimately, this is what inspired her to take that next big step. The moment she wrote her first story, the rest was history.
Currently, Ainsley is in the midst of writing her Venture Capitalist series.
When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality family time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her amazing soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. She is also a scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate). Outside of books, family, and food, Ainsley is a professional sports spectator and an equally as terrible golfer and tennis player.