Blackmailing The Billionaire (Billionaire Bachelors - Book 5) by Melody Anne Page B

as they began to eat. As hungry as she’d been earlier, her stomach was so tied in knots she barely managed to get anything down. She moved her food around her plate, and then grinned. She was thinking Kinsey would get a real kick out of the situation.
    “What’s so funny?” he asked.
    “I was thinking about my best friend. She’ll be home in a month and I can hardly wait,” she told him honestly.
    “You mentioned her in the hospital. Have you been close a long time?”
    “Forever. I can’t remember my life without her in it. We went through school together, and then college. She’s a nurse and out to save the world. I know what she does is important, but I’m selfish and just want her with me,” she said.
    “I can understand that. My siblings, cousins, and I used to be closer than just family. We did everything together. Then, my mother died, and my siblings and I drifted apart. We all hurt so badly and were trying to somehow outrun the pain. My father forced us into this move back to Seattle, and though we won’t admit it to him, it’s the best thing that could’ve happened. We’re all right back where we used to be. It’s important to have people in your life that you care about,” he said.
    Cassie stared at him in shock. She’d never heard him say something so personal about his life. It had to be the wine and the intimate atmosphere. She was sure he’d regret being so open with her, come morning.
    “I’d love to have a family as large and loving as yours. Everyone I’ve met so far are wonderful,” she said. He smiled his approval.
    “We can be a tad overwhelming.” From what she’d heard, the Anderson’s as a group were quite the sight. She’d love to see it, though she knew she wouldn’t get the opportunity.
    “Overwhelming is much better than empty,” she said, fighting the sudden tears wanting to spring to her eyes.
    “Let’s leave this mess until morning. I want to enjoy the fire,” he told her as he stood and stuck out his hand. She hesitated only a moment before taking it. He grabbed the wine bottle and led her to the couch facing the fire.
    She sat on the far end, sipping from her glass, letting the flames lull her into a sense of security. When he spoke again, she jumped.
    “How long have you wanted to be a reporter?”
    “I think since I was twelve. We went to outdoor school, and when we got back one of our assignments was to create a newspaper about our week at camp. I really got into the project. I went around and interviewed the different teachers who had chaperoned, got my film developed from all the pictures I’d taken, and even got quotes from the kids. The other students in my group were thrilled to be paired with me because they didn’t have to do much on the project. I did the complete layout of the paper, provided all the photos, and did most of the stories. I was really picky, even in sixth grade,” she said with excitement edging through her voice.
    “Aah, you were that kid.” Her hackles immediately rose. There was absolutely nothing wrong with being smart and caring about your grades. Not everyone was handed millions of dollars when they reached adulthood.
    “I worked hard,” she said in defense.
    “Hey, I wasn’t putting you down. I was that kid, too,” he said, throwing his hands up. She looked at him suspiciously. He was gorgeous, with his chiseled features, bright eyes, and a to die for body. There was no way he was one of the smart kids. He was most likely the jock every girl wanted to date and every guy wanted to be.
    “Yeah right,” she said with a smirk.
    “Seriously, I was only five-six until my junior year of high school and weighed about one-hundred pounds. I was president of the chess club, and…” he paused for dramatic effect, “was a complete klutz. My siblings all hit their prime long before me, making me a bit self-conscious at the time,” he said.
    Cassie stared at him, not knowing whether she could believe him or not. She