Read Online The Billionaire's Longshot: Betting on You Series: Book Three by Jeannette Winters - Free Book Online

Decision time. Follow her gut or do as he asked? His mother, his choice.
    Her tone commanding, and without a single sign of the tenderness Jill would have expected from a mother speaking to her son, she said, “Roosevelt, the guests will be arriving soon. You need to get ready. I won’t have my friends seeing you looking like the help.” She then turned to Jill, looked her over, and snorted in disgust. “And who might you be?”
    Excuse me? It took all her strength not to tell her to get off her high horse, but once again she remembered this was her home, and the timing was bad. Ross, you’re right; she’s a piece of work . Offering her hand, which was ignored, she said, “Jill Aragao. I’m co-hosting this fundraiser.”
    “I’m Tami Whitman, Roosevelt’s mother. You look very young. Are you qualified to handle this type of affair?”
    “Jill is more than qualified.”
    She could feel her piercing gaze. Jill unknowingly held her breath. “Hmm. We’ll see about that. Do you have a copy of your guest list with you?”
    Jill nodded, and Tami put her hand out, waiting for it. How she wanted to say no, it was insulting to be asked, but there was something about Ross’s mother that made her to do exactly as Tami demanded. Reluctantly, Jill pulled the folded paper from the back pocket of her jeans and handed it to her.
    Watching Tami closely as she reviewed the names, she waited for the Oh! I’m impressed, when she finally came across the names: Corisi, Davis, Navarro, Vinchi, Barrington, Henderson and Walton. “Thank goodness I invited some influential people, otherwise I believe this event would have been a total waste of my time and energy,” she said, tossing the paper back to Jill before walking away.
    Wow. Many choice words were on the tip of her tongue; none could be spoken, not in front of Ross. No matter what, she was his mother. How could that woman not even give her an ounce of credit for bringing in a powerful couple like the Corisis? I don’t get it.
    “You okay?”
    She realized communication came in many forms, including facial expressions. No one had ever accused her of hiding her feelings well. “Fine. And you still believe not informing her about the dogs ahead of time is a good idea?”
    Ross laughed. “I think us leaving now for my boat is a great idea.” Pulling her close, his lips covered hers.
    I’ve missed you. Melting in his arms, she wished she could take him up on his offer. Her hands savored the feel of his powerful body as she pressed against his chest. As his kiss deepened so did the evidence of his need for her. If there had been any doubt he found her attractive and wanted her, it quickly vanished. Unfortunately they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Please don’t be his mother. Ross lifted his head, and she wanted to bury her face in his shirt and hide.
    “Son, I wanted to warn you your mother is in the guesthouse. Your friends, Trent and Elaine, have arrived. May I suggest you head there to save them while you still have them? I know the men can handle themselves, but Lizette had that deer-in-the-headlights look when I left.”
    “Thanks, Dad.”
    “How about I show Jill around while you attend to that?”
    She’d barely survived the short time with his mother, and hopefully, being alone with his father would go better. Turning to face him, her nerves were put to rest. Why didn’t I notice it before? Ross had his eyes. Instantly she felt more at ease. “I would love that, thank you,” she said sincerely.
    “Are you sure?” Ross whispered to her.
    Nodding, she said, “Was my other option to go with you? I think I got the better deal,” she teased.
    He kissed her forehead and headed to rescue their friends.
    His father offered her his arm and said, “Come along, dear. Let me show you what contributes to our wines’ finesse.”
    The guests would be arriving within the hour, but for now, if she couldn’t be with Ross, this was the next