by Jessica Gray
Reese moved her hands from across her chest onto her hips. She still didn’t smile, but it was a start. He felt a flicker of hope. He knew he could win her back. “Reese. I love you. You intrigued me from the first moment I met you at the beach and with every passing minute, I got more attached to you.”
Still nothing. No response. No smile. The hope faded again. He cleared his throat, not sure if he could manage this next part. “I know I hurt you in so many ways, but I’m here to apologize. Sweetheart, you’re the first woman I ever cared about and I want to love and protect you for the rest of my life. Can you please forgive me for the things I said to you?”
She looked at him and he saw the very moment her heart softened towards him. A huge stone fell from his heart when she nodded. “I forgive you.”
Nik crossed the distance between them, pulling her into his arms and kissing her as if she were the last drop of water in an arid desert. When she finally broke their kiss to catch her breath, he whispered in her ear, “Reese. Sweetheart. I love you so much. I’ll never let you go again.”
Before he could kiss her once again, he heard the clearing of a throat behind them. Evelyn.
He released her and stepped back, turning Reese around for the introductions. “Reese, this is my personal assistant. Evelyn, this is Reese.”
Evelyn came forward and shook Reese’s hand once again. “It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who has finally managed to tame Nik. I’d just about given up on that ever happening.”
Nik glared at her and whispered over Reese’s head. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
Evelyn’s grin got broader and she told him, “We women have to stick together. And I really like your girlfriend.”
Reese shared a laugh with Evelyn and then asked, “So, this thing with the villa was a set up?”
Nik shook his head. “No. I purchased it to show you how serious I am about making our relationship work. It’s important we spend time together, so I’ll be here in Ashton as often as I can. I don’t want to lose you ever again. The last few weeks have been the most miserable time in my life.”
Chapter 30
Reese stepped into her parents’ home with Nik by her side and felt a moment of complete nerves overtake her. The last three days had been bliss, but Nik was heading back to New York tomorrow morning.
They’d kept his presence in Ashton quiet so far, relishing in re-discovering each other and making plans for their future. Since he wasn’t going anywhere in the long term, Reese had insisted he should meet her parents before leaving.
Reese had called and invited them both to dinner, her mother saying nothing about the fact her daughter was bringing a billionaire with a bad boy reputation home with her.
She was extremely nervous, and didn’t understand why. Maybe because Nik was so important to her. Her family was her backbone and she wanted them to like him. And for him to like them. Her worst fear was if she would be forced to choose between him and her family.
Glancing at the cars in the driveway, she sighed in relief. Allison and Russell’s car sat in the driveway along with Terrence’s, but apparently her mother hadn’t invited anyone else. So far, so good. Terrence knew already and would support her and she could always count on Allison to lighten the atmosphere with her happy chatter.
Nik picked up on her nervousness. “Who do all these cars belong to?”
She gave him a short smile. “Those two are my parent’s. Mitch and Bridget. That one belongs to Allison and Russell and the other one to Terrence.”
“Your brother Terrence?”
“My twin brother Terrence. My other brothers are out of town.”
“How many other brothers?” he asked as he parked the car and turned the engine off.
“Three. Ethan is currently in London. Chase is traveling somewhere. He just competed in New Zealand, but I forgot where he was headed next.”
“Chase is the kiteboarder?”
“Yes. And then there is Grant. He lives in New York with his fiancé.” The look of concentration on his face was almost cute. She squeezed his hand and said, “Don’t worry about it. Just remember that Allison is nine months pregnant. This will help you remember who she is.”
“She’s the only other female in there, other than your mom, right?”
“Yes.”
Nik could see she was teasing him and he tickled her. “I think I can remember her name. Now, you on the other hand, I seem to be having a bit of trouble.”
Reese leaned over and kissed him. “You know who I am. The woman who’s going to rock your world later.”
Nik kissed her back and then exited the car. “I will remember that.”
They headed up the short sidewalk and were greeted by her dad on the front step.
“Dad, this is Nikos Petridis.”
Her dad shook Nik’s hand. “Petridis? Of Petridis Shipping?”
Nik shook his hand and nodded. “Yes.”
“You think you’re good enough for my daughter, just because you’re rich and famous?”
Reese almost choked, but Nik squeezed her hand.
“No sir. But your daughter is kind enough to give me the chance to become a better man for her.”
Her father’s face softened. He was a kind man and uppermost in his mind was to protect his daughters. “No offence, but you have quite a reputation.”
“I know and I’m working hard to change that. I can assure you I love your daughter with all my heart and I will do everything in my power to make her happy.”
Reese’s heart brimmed over with joy. Nik had changed so much since the first time she’d met him. The former bad boy had turned into the most loving and tender man she could ever wish for. Well, except for the bedroom where she reaped the benefits of his wild and naughty side.
“I count on that. Come on in. Coming from a shipping dynasty, I assume you know how to sail?”
Nik grinned. “Yes sir. I grew up on the ocean.”
“Call me Mitch.”
Her dad had quickly accepted Nik’s good intentions and Reese had to stop him before he hogged Nik with sailor’s stories. “Dad, I want to introduce Nik to the family. You two can share sailing adventures later.”
Reese introduced him around the room, and Nik exchanged a few words with Allison and Russell before he spent an extra moment greeting Terrence. “Thanks for coming to her rescue outside Cairns.”
Terrence shook his head. “Thank you for putting up with her for twenty-five hundred miles. Not an easy task if you ask me.”
Everyone laughed, except for her mother, who hadn’t heard the whole story yet.
She turned on Reese, demanding. “Haven’t I told you time and again never to get into a car with a stranger? Hitchhiking across a foreign country? What were you thinking?”
Reese bit her lip so she wouldn’t start laughing. Terrence tried to stop his mother’s tirade and explain, but she was on a roll and Reese could see everyone trying not to laugh. I guess she forgot to tell me I should never spend two weeks in the Outback, squeezed into a tin can with a man I’d never met before. Oops.
Her dad finally came to the rescue, wrapping an arm around Bridget’s shoulders and placing a kiss on her mouth. “Darling. I happen to like what she brought home from Australia. What say we save the lectures for another time? He seems like a nice guy.”
Bridget blushed and greeted Nik warmly. “I’m sorry. I guess I went a little overboard. Welcome to the family.”
Reese didn’t miss the look her mother sent her, promising an earful over the next few days. When her mother could get her alone. She smiled serenely back at her mother, knowing she’d listen as she always did. But it wouldn’t make any difference. What was done, was done.
She was finally with Nik, and no matter what anyone else said, it was the only thing that counted. They were together again. Where they belonged.
***The End ***
This was the second book in the Love in Sandy Beach series.
Book three feat
ures Chase Paxton and Pearl Davids. In TURBULENT KISSES they experience a turbulent relationship indeed. Chase wants to relax in Sandy Beach after a long and exhausting kitesurfing season, when he meets sexy as hell Pearl Davids.
Coming soon….. CLICK HERE to get an email reminder as soon as it's released.
Or preorder the book right here: TURBULENT KISSES
Want to know, how everything started with the Paxton siblings? Read EXPLOSION OF LOVE, a story of friends to lovers. Grant Paxton and Samantha Armstrong have been friends forever, until she comes running to him for consolation. Heat rises and soon they’re confronted with a totally different kind of relationship.
EXPLOSION OF LOVE
Thank you for taking the time to read BILLIONAIRE KISSES. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend.
Thank you,
Please enjoy a preview of the story of Samantha and Grant
EXPLOSION OF LOVE
The Armstrongs, Book Six
Jessica Gray
Preview Explosion of Love
Samantha Armstrong grabbed another handful of tissues from the box in a futile attempt to get a grip on her running nose and her streaming eyes. The box fell to the floor with a bang, and she left it lying there. She had bigger problems to worry about than a stupid tissue box. Her world had just turned upside down, in more areas than one.
At the age of twenty-four, the world should be her oyster. She was a highly sought-after top model in New York, but today, she’d probably lost it all because of her temper, and the underhanded dealings of someone who’d said he cared about her. After today’s debacle, you’ll be lucky if you can land a job advertising dog food.
She gave in to her tears for another few minutes and wallowed in self-pity. But if she was honest, she had to blame herself and her lack of self-control for what had happened. She pushed away that insight and dug through the pile of magazines, receipts, and other contents that had spilled from her purse, in search of her cell phone. Why did that stupid cell phone always have to hide somewhere? The whole imbecile world is conspiring against me!
When she located it, she scrolled through her contacts until she found the one she wanted, her best friend Grant Paxton.
“Hello, Sammie. Long time no talk.” Grant answered the phone with a smile in his voice.
He was the only person in the world she let get away with calling her Sammie. Not even her brothers were allowed to do that. But with Grant, she actually liked the way he pronounced it, sweet and fun at the same time. Just like him.
“Hi, Grant.” Samantha heard his cheerful tone, but it didn’t penetrate though her sadness and despair. Not today. She struggled not to unload her sorrow on him right then and there. He’d take it in stride, but it wouldn’t make her feel any better. She needed a hug in the worst way.
Making a rash decision, she told him, “I’m coming to Chicago. Can you pick me up at the airport?”
After a slight pause Grant replied, “Sure, Sammie. When do you arrive?”
Sam mumbled something into the phone, while opening her laptop to search for a flight, and trying to dry her tears at the same time.
“I didn’t catch that. What time does your flight arrive?”
“I’m working on it.”
“What do you mean? You haven’t scheduled your flight yet?” Grant asked in disbelief.
As he spoke, she booked the last remaining seat on a flight leaving in over an hour. “I’ll be there around 6:40 tonight.”
“Say that again. Sorry, I dropped the phone and only caught the last word.”
Samantha repeated the time of her arrival, a little louder this time, but there was no way to disguise the huskiness in her voice, left behind by her tears. She’d just given herself away.
Grant’s sigh echoed over the phone line. “What is it this time?”
Damn, I can’t hide anything from him. Sam blew her nose and answered his question on the verge of breaking out into tears: “I broke up with Craig.” And I need you to make me feel better.
“Again?” Grant asked.
This wasn’t the first time she’d called him after breaking up with the slime bag, but it would definitely be the last one. She felt stupid because she hadn’t seen through Craig before. How stupid could a girl be and go back to the same unworthy guy time and again?
“Yes. But this time it’s for good.”
Grant said nothing, but she envisioned the eye-roll her comment produced. He might not believe me right now, but I’m serious this time.
“So, how long are you staying?” Grant asked, moving away from the subject of her breakup. He’d made his opinion of the man known a time or two, and now she wished she’d listened to him – or to her brothers. If she wasn’t so stubborn, she might have taken their advice and kicked that guy to the curb years ago.
“I’m not sure…”
“You’re not sure.” Grant repeated her words as if there was a mystery he needed to solve. “Aren’t you a busy supermodel, who’s booked out for weeks in advance?”
“Yeah, but not right now.” And maybe never again. I more than likely ruined my career. After my temper tantrum today, nobody will want to work with me ever again.
“Well, you know I love seeing you. Text me your flight number and I’ll pick you up. Take care.”
Samantha hung up the phone with a small sense of relief. Grant always had that special way of making her feel good. Secure. She didn’t spend much time analyzing it, but given the choice between running home to her family, or to Grant, she would always choose Grant.
The thought of her family had her trying to remember where all of her siblings were, and she sighed in relief at the realization that only one or two of them were in Chicago at the moment.
Whew! I don’t need them breathing down my neck right now. Sure, they’d be sympathetic to her plight, threaten bodily harm to Craig for his actions, but it wouldn’t stop there. No, it would continue, becoming more than she was willing to put up with in her frame of mind.
She wasn’t up for the lectures she would more than likely receive from her brothers. They had never liked her ex-boyfriend, and as much as she hated to admit it, they’d been right all along. She just hadn’t wanted to see it or to listen to anyone. But today, she couldn’t handle even one “I told you so” from them. Getting her nose rubbed in her failures was the last thing she needed. I need a shoulder to cry on and someone to make me feel good about myself. I need Grant.
Before rushing off to the airport, she tossed a few clothes into her suitcase, packing the essentials and nothing else. She needed out of New York, and away from the possibility of running into her ex. Fast. That douche bag had just officially ruined her career. As far as the fashion world was concerned, she was as good as dead now.
Samantha put on her huge sunglasses and hailed the first taxi to pass by her building, instructing the driver to take her straight to the airport. She’d been lucky enough to secure a seat on the last flight to Chicago this afternoon, and hoped it wouldn’t take her too long to get through airport security. With one carry-on bag, and already checked in online, she should be able to make it in time for boarding.
It’s not like you’re prepared for any instant photos anyway. If the media gets wind of what went down today, you’ll be sought after, but for the wrong reasons.
That unpleasant notion had her rehashing recent events in her mind. Again. It seemed that was all she’d done for the last few hours: replay the events of earlier today over and over in her mind. No matter how many times she rehashed things, they didn’t make her actions look any better the twentieth time around.
It hadn’t been enough for Craig to put his needs before hers. No. He’d had to destroy her in the process. Lying piece of…
Samantha started sobbing again, drawing the attention of the taxi driver. Thankfully the driver was too occupied with rush-hour traffic, navigating the numerous cars trying to get out of
the city and home for the evening, to start a conversation with her.
When the taxi arrived at the airport, she attempted to mop up her face with the soggy tissues in her hand. She swallowed several times before she stepped out of the taxi, taking the suitcase the driver was holding for her and handing him a roll of cash. “Thanks.”
She entered the terminal, eager to get on the plane and home to Grant.
Grant would know what to do. He always knew.
They had been friends for as long as she could remember. As they grew up and became adults, their friendship had stayed strong. She trusted him. He’d always had her best interests at heart, even though his brutal honesty was often a lot to cope with. Especially when he pointed out things she knew but didn’t want to admit. Like her lack of self-control, or that Craig wasn’t the right guy for her.
Their close friendship had been one of the things she’d missed most in New York. Since she’d left the Windy City four years earlier, they’d seen each other once or twice a year, at the most, and she’d missed him. A lot.
(End of Sneak Peak)
To continue reading, pick up the book of Samanta and Grant:
EXPLOSION OF LOVE
More Books by Jessica
The Armstrong and Love in Sandy Beach books can be read as stand alones. For more enjoyment, read them in series order. Characters carry on from one book to the next and from one series to the next
The Falling for Him Series is best read in order. Books 1 through 5 have cliffhangers. The rest of the books don’t.
THE ARMSTRONGS
Power of Love - (Trevor and Nicole)
Forever my Love - (Ryan and Kendra)
