The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four by Jeannette Winters Page B

food to last months. The refrigerator, which had only contained milk, cookies, and beer, now was stocked with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. There also seemed to be a wide variety of drinks that came in handy tonight. You really thought of everything, didn’t you?
    They sat by the fire pit and listened to music, sipping on homemade frozen strawberry daiquiris. “If I knew he had a Jacuzzi I would have brought my bathing suit.” KJ couldn’t help but turn beet-red thinking of all the wonderful things Drew did to her there last night. “By the look on your face, maybe I’m glad I didn’t bring it,” Jill teased. “I guess things are working out for us both.”
    KJ wasn’t about to admit that . She was enjoying herself, but working out meant they were heading in the same direction, and she wasn’t sure either of them knew what direction that was. “I am having fun. You on the other hand made the right choice. Ross followed you to the boat and you seem to have fixed the issues.”
    Jill looked blissfully happy, full of life. It was nice that one of them could find true love. How is it that someone six years younger than me has their shit together and I don’t? Funny, until two years ago she was the one who knew exactly what she wanted and nothing ever got in her way. It had been easy. “Follow the yellow brick road.” But somewhere along the way the bricks had scattered and she seemed lost.
    Only recently had she started to feel and dream again. Happy dreams of things to come, not reliving scenes of the past. That wasn’t a huge step but it was one in the right direction. When she’d returned home she knew things were going to be different. Better. Of course not having Drew in her life was going to leave another void she was going to have to deal with, but what choice did she have? Every time they spoke he made it clear this was only two weeks, nothing more. Never did he speak about any future past that. She should be grateful he didn’t mislead her in any way. Maybe this way she could keep her emotions and feelings for him under control and not let them get any deeper than they already were. Please don’t let that happen. One of her Marine nurse skills was her ability to compartmentalize her life. She could be warmhearted as part of her job, whether she felt that way or not, but it had always required strength, resilience, nurturing. That was what she had to find again: fortitude. And I will.
    Even now, sitting with her friend, KJ’s mind continued to travel back to Drew. Focus, damn it. Spending a second night in a row apart was a good thing. The more the better. But not too many because I’m already missing him. That was when she realized she was losing the battle. Her feelings for him had already grown past where she wanted them. Was it time for her to leave now? Make up an excuse to go back? I could say my Chief of Staff called, and I am needed urgently. That’s believable. There was only one problem. She didn’t want to go. Even thinking of leaving now twisted her stomach in knots. There was only one thing she could do. Ride it out and hope that somehow his words were not matching his feelings and he too wanted her desperately. I don’t think I could handle another loss.
    “So, what do you think of Drew? I knew the moment I met you that you two would be perfect together.”
    Oh did you, Jill? “He is nice.”
    A devilish look came into her eyes as she asked, “How nice?” Bursting out laughing she added, “Don’t tell me.”
    Wasn’t about to. “We get along fine but we are two very different people.”
    “Exactly. Why do you think I hooked you two up?” Rolling her eyes, she shook her head in disbelief. “You can’t see it? Really?” Letting out a heavy sigh she continued. “What do you like about him?”
    “Jill, I can—”
    “No, you can’t. If you could you would have already. I get it, I needed your help and now you need mine. He really likes you a lot.