The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four Read Free Page B

picked up everything she needed to make it a home, including a full set of china and crystal. Those had at least been opened but still sat waiting patiently in the cabinet. Blossom’s not a fan of fine-dining. The pots and pans, on the other hand, were still in their original boxes in a closet. Time to break them in. It wasn’t long before her kitchen smelled absolutely amazing. Maybe I should do this more often.
    Then she looked around the kitchen: disaster. It appeared she’d used every pan she owned, and they were stacked on top of each other, overflowing the sink. Thank goodness we are eating in the dining room. She laughed softly to herself. There was only one thing left to do—wait.
    Thankfully she didn’t have time to second-guess herself. Blossom announced his arrival even before the doorbell rang. Let’s get this over with. Taking off her apron, she laid it on the counter and headed for the door. Her heart skipped a beat when she opened it and found him holding a large bouquet of orange tiger lilies out to her. Unusual. Beautiful. “Thank you, Drew. They’re lovely. Please, come in.” Don’t be so nervous; it’s only dinner. “I hope you’re hungry because dinner is ready.”
    As he entered the living room he replied, “I wasn’t, but something smells fantastic and suddenly I’m starving.”
    Let’s hope you enjoy it. “Follow me. You can sit in the dining room while I bring everything out.”
    “Let me help you.”
    “No,” KJ said sharply, her hand on his chest stopping him from following her. You’re not entering that kitchen. In a softer tone she added, “I mean I have everything under control. You’re my guest; sit and relax. I’ll only be a moment. If you’re bored, you can open the wine while I’m gone.” Leaving him alone, she trotted off before he had time to argue with her. Nothing like biting his head off in the first five minutes. Great job, KJ.
    Quickly she carried in both plates. They looked wonderful, but she was now questioning her choices. Does this say I’m trying too hard? KJ almost dropped the plates as she noticed Drew had not only poured the wine but had also lit the candles from the living room and placed them on the dining room table. He’d also moved his place setting next to hers. Was that his subtle way of telling her he was in charge? You’re going to be sadly mistaken if you think that’s the case, Drew. Choosing to ignore it, she handed him his plate, then took her newly relocated seat next to him.
    “Aren’t we missing someone?” Drew asked.
    Oh goodness. Had he invited someone else? Had I missed that bit of information? “Who would that be?” Hope they aren’t hungry because I only cooked enough for two.
    “Your roommate.”
    Puzzled at first, she caught on. Oh, you know how to play this, don’t you, Drew? No matter his intentions, it did calm her nerves. “She is lying on her doggie bed and won’t come until I need her.”
    Drew looked around then turned back to KJ. “I’m not sure I ever met a dog so well trained. Was she a Marine too?” he teased.
    KJ laughed. “She probably could’ve been. I never had a dog before Blossom, so I don’t have anything to compare her to, but I have to admit, she is pretty awesome. I know why they say a dog is man’s—and woman’s—best friend.”
    Drew nodded and said, “If my lifestyle was different, and I was actually home more, I might consider getting one.”
    “They do need a lot of attention, but the payoff is worth all the time you put into them. I wouldn’t want to be without her.” She’s all I have in the world. KJ needed to change the subject before the easygoing mood of the night was lost. “Hope the food choices are okay. I should have asked you earlier.”
    “You’re an amazing cook, Katherine. Full of surprises, aren’t you?” Drew had sampled the lobster earlier and now cut into his steak, taking a huge bite.
    She wasn’t sure what he meant by that. KJ knew she was easy to