Without Warning: A Billionaire Romance (Playboys of New York Book 5) JA Low (e textbook reader .TXT) 📖

family while she was recuperating in The Hamptons. I was having a summer fling with Grey, Stella’s PT, but I may have also had a little fun with Jesse. The man gives off that silent, mysterious vibe that makes women go crazy.

Me—I was that woman.

We had fun. Both of us never wanting anything more from the other except for orgasms.

Stella rushes to her brother and wraps her arms around him as he swings her around. It’s so nice seeing Stella looking so comfortable around her family after all these years. EJ shakes Jesse’s hand before loading our bags into the back of the truck and jumping in with Stella.

“Hey.” Jesse tips his hat at me.

“Good to see you again.” The flirtation is still there, and it’s nice having his attention thrust upon me once again. As I head toward the truck, he gives my ass a little slap before helping me up into the cab.

I see where this is going.

We head on out the long road toward Stella’s family ranch. We’re staying in her sister’s glamping tents while we are here because it was easier. I stare out the window watching the orange glow of the sun setting across the golden rolling hills. It’s beautiful out here. Desolate but beautiful.

We drop EJ and Stella at her dad’s place first for a family reunion. Then Jesse takes me in a comfortable silence to where the glamping tents are located. I’m exhausted. Plus, I have some ideas that I’m itching to get down on paper.

It doesn’t take us long until we are pulling up to my tent. Apparently, Stella and EJ’s tent is over a little, a two-minute walk away, but in the darkness, it will be an eternity if I need them. I check my phone, and I still have reception, so that’s a good thing. Not that I scare easily, but I do remember EJ telling us very animatedly about the sounds of nature on the ranch.

Jesse helps me out of the truck, his strong fingers wrapping around my waist as he places me on the ground. “Head on in. I’ll grab your bags,” Jesse tells me.

I walk up the wooden stairs to the deck that shoots off from the canvas tent. Pulling open the tent door, the deck continues through the entire space. Thank goodness. I do not want to have to worry about critters when I sleep. There is a large boho-style rug on the floor and an enormous king-size bed with a reclaimed wood headboard. There is a desk and two chairs on one side that looks out a plastic window to the fields and mountains around us. Behind the bed is my en-suite, which has a proper shower, toilet, and vanity. I don’t think I could have coped with digging a hole in the middle of the night. There is also a small closet for clothing as well as a kitchenette which has the basics of a hot plate, fridge, and coffee maker. There’s a gourmet food basket that is filled with fresh sourdough bread, jams, and fruit.

“Here you go.” Jesse places my bags on the bed. “You’re all set.” He grins, those blue eyes looking me over hungrily.

Then before I even have a chance to respond, he stalks over to me, grabs my face, and kisses me.

I’m surprised.

Shocked, actually.

And a little turned on.

I let the kiss go on for a little longer than I should before I gently push his chest, pulling us apart.

“Wow. That was unexpected.”

“I had fun last time… I thought we might have fun again?” He gives me a wink, and my panties practically liquify.

“We did have fun,” I agree with him.

“Sounds like there’s a but…” He gives me a grin.

Not sure why I feel bad about kissing Jesse because I’m a single woman, but what’s happening between Rhys and me has complicated my mind a little. “There’s a complication back in Manhattan, that’s all,” I tell him honestly.

His brow rises. “I had no idea you were seeing someone.” And I can see instantly he’s remorseful about kissing me.

“No. No, I’m not. Technically I’m single. It’s just…” I have no idea what the hell I’m saying. I think exhaustion is catching up with me. “I had something with someone, and for some reason, I’m still thinking about him.” I’m an idiot for turning down Jesse because, if I’m honest, I wouldn’t mind riding him like the wannabe cowgirl I think I am.

“Completely understand.” Jesse smiles, tips his hat in my direction, and makes a hasty retreat into the darkness.

Urgh. I flop myself onto the white linen-covered bed. What is going on with me?

I need to concentrate on work. Definitely not cowboys with cute asses or billionaires who look delicious in a suit.

I’m here for one reason—to create Stella and EJ’s dream home.

21

Rhys

I’ve been sending texts to Ariana all week, and I still haven’t heard from her. Is this how she felt when I never replied to her? I get it now. I miss her.

It’s been a shitty week, and we’re still no closer to unwrapping the lies surrounding my divorce. I’m sick of this paranoia I have all the time, like I can’t trust anyone. This divorce is really fucking with me, and I don’t like it. I’ve had to lock down my office, put extra cameras around too. I told Stirling as well. Explained to him everything Madison had told me. We scoured through hundreds of hours of video surveillance around the office, looking for any little thing. We even scoured the apartment cameras as well to see if Madison brought anyone home. Unfortunately, the building deletes most of the footage on a weekly basis, unless something is on there that’s concerning. Of course, I want to keep Ariana away from this mess. Divorces are hard enough, but throw in some dramatic corporate espionage, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Ariana deserves more.

I want to give her more, but I have to unravel this mess first.

“Hey, sweetie.” Mom gives