Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 Laura Burton (books to read this summer .TXT) 📖

I were not married when he told the family. I think it’s like you say, he doesn’t usually jump into anything too quickly. He didn’t want the family to change his mind.”

“Why would we––”

“Let me finish,” Emily said curtly. Edward closed his mouth and folded his arms. This gave her more confidence. “It was a whirlwind, I’ll grant you that.” That was the truth. “But when you know, you know.”

“So, I’m supposed to believe that this is all about love at first sight, and nothing to do with my grandmother’s inheritance? You are aware, I presume, that now David is married, he will receive a portion of her estate?”

“Careful, it sounds like you’re accusing your brother––”

“Maybe I’m more suspicious of you and your intentions,” Edward cut in.

“Are you calling me a––”

“Desperate gold-digging woman who saw an opportunity and––”

Whack. Edward stopped talking and moaned, as something––or someone, had punched him on the cheekbone.

“Stay away from my wife. You don’t have any right.” David’s words set a fire alight within Emily and she couldn’t stop her face from breaking into a smile. David and Edward had a silent standoff, their shoulders squared and fists clenched. Their eyes glinted dangerously in the lighting. Emily wasn’t sure if they were going to fight or walk away.

“I was only congratulating Emily on joining the family. She seems very happy—considering the circumstances.”

David raised his fist, but Edward lifted his palms up in defeat.

“All right, I’m going. But this isn’t over.”

“Oh, yes it is,” Emily said with her hands on her hips. She gave him a steely stare. A triumphant smile flashed across Edward’s face and his eyes flitted between David and Emily. It was as if this moment was part of his plan. Why would he be pleased? Emily wondered as she watched him wave a hand and walk away without another word. David turned and pulled Emily in for a tight hug.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” His voice was smooth and gentle again. Emily broke away and looked at him.

“I was okay, you know. I can stand up for myself.”

David laughed. “I know,” he said as he took her hand, and they walked farther down the path away from the house. “But what he said was––”

“Absolutely true,” Emily said simply. David stopped walking, Emily followed and turned to him. “When you came in and told me you needed a wife, it couldn’t have been at a more convenient time. If I believed in that sort of thing, I would have called it Fate.”

“But you weren’t looking for my money….”

“Maybe not, but you were the key to getting those investors onboard. And I put my ambition ahead of your feelings. I owe you an apology for that. I’m sorry.”

David clutched her hands and pressed them to his lips. The heat of his breath against her skin took out the chill in the air and Emily was basking in his warmth.

“You never need to apologize for anything,” he said in a low voice. His eyes darted left and right, and Emily wondered if he wanted to say something; if he had, then he appeared to decide against it.

“I want to show you something,” he mumbled and they started walking again.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sweet, tender mercies

“Shouldn’t we be getting back to the party?” Emily asked, as they hurried farther down the winding path. David’s heart was pounding so fast he could hear it in his ears.

“I’m not going to subject you to anymore interrogations,” he replied. The path ended and they were walking on sand now. Emily stopped for a moment to take off her shoes.

“But your grandmother––”

“She’ll be fine. She’s enjoying the music and the sound of everyone having fun.” David looked over at Emily, her dress flowed out at the waist and the tight bodice accentuated her curves. The sunflower necklace stood out in the dark of the night, a flash of yellow, like a line of stars on her neckline.

“My brother and I would make a den down here. There’s a cave farther along the shore.”

He watched Emily take in the scene before them. The moonlight flooded the still water to make it look glassy and palm trees stood like shadows in the sky. David swayed as the air moved with the tide. The water eased in and out as if the ocean were breathing. He watched Emily close her eyes and inhale deeply, taking in the salty, sea-air.

“Well, this is magical,” Emily mused, opening her eyes. They glowed like two moons. David had the urge to cradle her face with his hands and kiss her. He let go of her hand and took his shoes and socks off. Emily dropped her shoes on the sand and pulled something out of her hair. The bun unraveled and her wavy hair fell in a swift motion to her waist.

“Come on.” Emily picked up the ends of her dress and ran toward the water. David raised his brows as he watched her dipping her toes in and spinning around in circles. She was a beautiful silhouette, dancing in the water. He removed his jacket and tie and followed her.

“Here, you need to cool down,” Emily said as she splashed him, dropping the skirt of her dress. The water was like tiny daggers against his body; he shuddered. David thrust his hand in the water and showered Emily from head to toe.

The two of them playfully splashed one another and ran around in the shallow water for some time. David’s cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling so much, but he didn’t care. Within minutes, the two of them were soaked from head to toe and the cold air had them both shivering.

“You see, this is why I love you.”

The words escaped David’s lips before he could register them. Emily stopped splashing and stood still, staring at him.

“You love me?” she asked.

David’s defenses fell away. He had never been sure of anything in his life, always second-guessing everything, always wondering if he was doing what was