The Billionaire's Revenge (The Blank Check Series Book 6)
Page 16
“Only if Thursday can be Mama’s Place night,” she stated.
“Deal.”
“This isn’t so bad. You had me worried for a minute,” she stated.
“I’m not done with my list yet,” he warned. “But I didn’t want to overwhelm you with all my requests.”
As they made their way out of the building and into the limo, she said, “You have my full attention, so keep them coming. I am in a very obliging mood.”
I’m hoping you are.
“I was thinking that you might consider changing your address. And by that I mean live with me. My place is bigger, and I don’t mean just my bed,” he said.
Gianna asked, “Won’t you miss that small shower?”
“Oh don’t worry. A bigger shower just means we can try a few new things in it,” he said seductively.
“Well maybe we can go to your place now and explore some options?”
“I’d love that. But since we’re talking about changes, how do you feel about your last name?”
“I don’t know what you mean?”
“Are you very attached to it?” he asked.
“Well, I’ve had it since birth,” Gianna replied. “Why? What do you suggest?” she asked.
“I was thinking the name Lawson might sound good. What do you think?” he asked. Gianna’s eyes opened wide and she blinked several times, speechless. That was a first for her. So he said it again. “Gianna Lawson. It has a certain ring to it. Like it was meant to be.”
“Jordan are you…are you asking me…to…marry you?” Gianna stammered.
“In a very long roundabout, unromantic way. Yes Gianna, I’m asking you to be my wife.”
“Are you sure, because I don’t want you to feel as though you need to marry me to protect me or anything,” Gianna said.
“Married or not, I’m always going to want to protect you. But I’m asking for one reason only. I love you Gianna. I can’t picture my life without you in it. Can’t say we won’t have some bumpy moments, but I think we have proven that we handle them better when we face them together.”
“Yes. Yes to the bed. Yes to the pizza and the apartment and most of all, yes to the name change. I love you Jordan and I want nothing more than to be your wife.”
Jordan pulled her to sit up on his lap. “I don’t care if you turned down anything else, because this was the only one that mattered to me.” He kissed her then said, “Gianna Lawson. Gianna Lawson. I could say that name over and over again.”
She laughed, “You could or you could kiss me again instead.”
Jordan smiled, “As you wish.” But as he claimed her lips, he couldn’t stop thinking that she just said yes. They had closed the chapter regarding Marvin and opened another all about the two of them.
Epilogue
As they sat at the kitchen table having their breakfast the local news played in the background.
“It’s going to be a sunny day today. What do you say about meeting me in Central Park for a walk at lunch?” Gianna asked.
“Are you saying that because I had two helpings of lasagna last night?”
Gianna laughed. “I would be running a marathon today if I thought it would help burn off that cheesecake. I can’t be eating like that. I need to be able to fit in that wedding dress in a couple of weeks.”
Jordan said, “Are you forgetting my tux? We might need to stop going out to Mama’s Place until after the wedding. If we don’t I’m going to need an elastic waistband on my pants.”
“I do remember you telling me there are ways we can burn off these calories,” Gianna said playfully.
“Don’t go starting something you can’t finish,” he warned.
“Oh I can finish, but not till after work.” She looked at the clock and said, “Which I really should be heading to.” She got up and put her dishes in the sink. “I’ll do these tonight too.” Then she walked around the table and kissed him. “Don’t forget our lunch date.”
He wrapped an arm around her and said, “Maybe if you kiss me again, it’ll help me remember.”
Gianna shook her head and laughed. “I fell for that trick yesterday morning and we both were late for work.”
“Can’t blame a man for trying,” he said.
“No I can’t.” She picked up the remote to turn off the television and stopped. “Oh my God. Look. It’s…Marvin.” She turned up the volume.
“Millionaire Marvin Granger turned himself into police late last night. He confessed to credit card theft. He will be arraigned in district court this morning. When they spoke to Mr. Granger he said sometimes you have to deal with the lies to move forward. In other news”
Gianna clicked off the television. “Jordan, he…he…”
“I know. I wouldn’t believe it either if I didn’t just see it,” he replied.
“Why do you think he did that? Connor said they weren’t able to link the theft to him, and just some guy overseas.”
“I suspect it’s for the same reason why he called you when you were on the television show. But what made that happen too? I don’t think we’ll ever know,” Jordan said.
“Jordan, you’re going to think I’m crazy, but…I feel bad for Marvin,” she said.
Jordan coughed. “Forgive me if I don’t.”
“But you forgave me for my part in the lie. Why won’t you do the same for Marvin?” Gianna asked, believing it was a valid question. Maybe he really hasn’t forgiven me either.
“Gianna, it’s not about what happened when you were nineteen. It’s who he became over the years. Maybe forgive isn’t the right word. I guess I resent him for…”
“Not being who you thought he was?” she asked.
“Or for myself for not seeing it long before. My mother, who loves everyone, didn’t care for Marvin. When he came over, she seemed to hover. She said he might not be the friend I thought he was. She was right. But I chose to ignore signs and in a way, that is what opened the door for him to hurt you.”
“No. He made his own choices. You’re no more to blame than I am,” she said. There was a knock on the door and she said, “Well we know that’s not Marvin.”
They walked to the door together, weaving through the packing boxes stacked throughout her living room. Moving day wasn’t coming fast enough. When she opened the door it was a courier. “I have a letter for Ms. Ionnetty.”
“That’s me.” She signed for the letter then closed the door. “I wasn’t expecting anything.” As soon as she opened it, she realized who it was from. “Jordan, it’s from Marvin.”
“Do you want me to read it?”
She shook her head. “I’ll do it.” She went and sat down on the couch and Jordan joined her. “Gianna. Let me start by telling you that I’m sorry. I know that won’t make up for anything I have said or done, but it’s all I have. You might have heard that I have turned myself into the police. What I did to Mary-Lou and Jordon was because they stood in my way from having you. I hurt everyone I could because I was hurting inside.
I felt as though I was spinning out of control. I had thoughts that scared the shit out of me. Not just thoughts about hurting myself, but thoughts of hurting others. I was becoming a monster. Someone I couldn’t hide from any longer. I signed myself in for some in house treatment. It’s going to be an on-going, long process, but hopefully they can fix whatever is wrong with me.
But no chemical imbalance or diagnosis will ever make up for the damage I’ve already done. The only thing I can do is take responsibility for them.
I also know that you and Jordan are engaged. I’m happy for you. For you both. He is the man I wanted to be, but never could. He had all the honorable traits that will make a good husband. Don’t hold it against him for once upon a time taking pity on me and being my friend. Losing that friendship is yet another regret I must live with.
One final thought. I’m not writing to ask your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. I’m just thanking you for telling me no, and for standing your ground and being the
strong woman I always knew you were.
Now go and have a shit load of children and be happy. Marvin”
There was a lot to take in, but she couldn’t believe that Marvin sought out help on his own. She really had believed it was going to escalate and Sal or Connor might have to put an end to it in a way she’d tried not thinking about. Gianna knew this didn’t mean Marvin was now a saint, but she was glad to see he was taking responsibility for his own actions. It was a good start for him, and also helped with the healing for her.
She held the letter and looked up at Jordan. “It’s really over.”
“I guess it is,” he said.
“Okay, now you’re really going to think I’m crazy.”
“You want to go to his arraignment don’t you,” he asked.
She nodded. “How did you know?”
“Because that’s the loving kind person you are.”
Gianna reached up and touched his cheek. “And you’re not one who turns his back on a friend either. Are you coming with me?”
Jordan said, “Gianna, I promised you, I’m by your side always. Yes, I’m going. I was hoping you’d ask me to go with you. This is something we both need.”
“I love you Jordan,” she said.
“I love you to Gianna,” he replied.
She was glad Jordan wasn’t thinking about revenge any longer. Together, they found their love surpassed all else.
Nothing’s too hard or scary as long as we face it together.
The End
Also by Jeannette Winters
When Sparks Fly Series:
Drive Me Wild
Plug Me In
Turn Me On
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The Blank Check Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Rival
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Charade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Scandal
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Regret
Book 5: The Billionaire’s Deception
Book 6: The Billionaire’s Revenge
The Billionaire’s Rival
Charles Lawson carries the weight of the entire family’s future on his shoulders. As CEO of Lawson Steel it is his responsibility to ensure their legacy continued for the next generation. First on his agenda is to clean up loose ends from the past. Doing so is risky and if he fails, the price could be great. It’s a risk he’s willing to take.
Rosslyn Clark loves her life as is, but family is everything to her. When her parents find themselves in a crisis, all she loves is at risk. Whether she likes it or not, sometimes change is inevitable.
As Charles prepares to seal the deal, he finds one beautiful blonde stands in his way, and things become complicated. Can he continue with his original plan and look at her as collateral damage or has Rosslyn become something more to him?
Rosslyn finds herself caught between two powerful men, one she works for, the other, his rival. Will she do what is expected of her, or will she walk away from everything and follow her heart?
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Barrington Billionaires Series:
Book 1: One White Lie (FREE!)
Book 2: Table For Two
Book 3: You & Me Make Three
Book 4: Virgin For The Fourth Time
Book 5: His For Five Nights
Book 5.5: New Beginning Holiday Novella
Book 6: After Six
Book 7: Seven Guilty Pleasures
Book 7.5: At the Sight of Holly
Book 8: Eight Reasons Why
Book 9: Nine Rules of Engagement
Book 10: Ten Broken Promises
One White Lie
Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.
Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?
Do you love reading from this world? Continue with Always Mine from my sister, Ruth Cardello, Her series will mirror my time line. It isn’t necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun!
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Betting on You Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Secret (FREE!)
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Masquerade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Longshot
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Jackpot
Book 5: All Bets Off
Book 6: A Rose For The Billionaire
Book 7: The Billionaire’s Treat Novella
The Billionaire’s Secret
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
She never expected to win a date with a billionaire.
He never thought one night could turn his life upside down.
One lie stands between them and their happily ever after. Too bad it’s a big one!
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Southern Desires Series:
Book 1: Southern Spice (FREE!)
Book 2: Southern Exposure
Book 3: Southern Delight
Book 4: Southern Regions
Book 5: Southern Charm
Book 6: Southern Sass
Novella: Southern Hearts
Southern Spice
Derrick Nash knows the pain of loss. But is he seeking justice or revenge? He doesn’t care as long as someone pays the price.
It is Casey Collin’s duty at FEMA to help those in need when a natural disaster strikes. After a tornado hits Honeywell, she finds there are more problems than just storm damage. Will she follow company procedures or her heart?
Can Derrick move forward without the answers he’s been searching for? Can Casey teach him how to trust again? Or will she need to face the fact that not every story has a happy ending?
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Turchetta’s Promise Series:
Book 1: For Honor (FREE!)
Book 2: For Hope
Book 3: For Justice
Book 4: For Truth
Book 5: For Passion
Book 6: For Love
Book 7: For Keeps
For Honor
Looking for a new Romantic Intrigue? Then you will love the Turchetta’s. You met them in both the Betting On You Series as well as Barrington Billionaires Series. Now it is time for an up close look into their lives.
Rafe Turchetta may have retired from the Air Force, but his life was still dedicated to fighting the injustice of the world. There was one offense that went so wrong, and it will haunt him, as it continues to destroy him on the inside.
Deanna Glenn was being tortured by a tragedy, one that she couldn’t share with anyone. Time was running out and she needed the lies to cease before she started to believe them herself.
Healing meant returning to where it all went horribly wrong years ago. For Deanna she needed to take on a new identity. For Rafe, that meant doing whatever he needed to in order to get her to speak the truth.
When danger rears its ugly head will Rafe follow his heart and protect Deanna even if it means never learning the truth? Or will Deanna sacrifice her happiness and expose it all?
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Books by Ruth Cardello
ruthcardello.com
Books by Danielle Stewart
authordaniellestewart.com
Do you like sweet romance? You might enjoy Lena Lane
www.lenalanenovels.com
By Jeannette Winters & Lena Lane
Muse and Mayhem Series
/> Book 1: The Write Appeal
Book 2: The Write Bride
Book 3: The Write Connection(2020)