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

by listening to her rant. This is all on you, Ross. She knew Ross could handle himself but she didn’t want to witness it. For now she wanted to focus on positive things only.
    More people were arriving, and it was time to get the party underway. “Excuse me, but I should see to the other guests,” Jill said, thankful to have any reason to walk away from what was about to blow.
    Even from a distance, she could hear his mother’s accusations. She really should’ve listened to Ross when he told her his mother was difficult. Understatement.
    The crowd was growing faster than she expected. There was a nice blend of people from all walks of life. As expected, several people arrived with their precious pups—from purebred to mutts—and all were well-behaved excepted for a few barks. For now. It was the funniest thing to see: a miniature pinscher barking a challenge at a fully grown Newfoundland with all the confidence to win in a fight. Jill smiled. Today was going to require all hands on deck. Thankfully her friends were picking up the slack and tossing balls for the dogs to chase.
    “It looks like you have a good turnout,” Ross’s father said from behind her.
    Turning to face him, Jill was filled with surprise to find him holding a small pug in his arms. She scanned for Tami who, unfortunately, was still on her rant, but now with staff members.
    His father seemed content holding the dog, which was yet another difference with the married couple. “Mr. Whitman, I’m taking pictures for their website. Would you mind?” she asked, batting her brown eyes.
    “Only if you stop calling me Mr. Whitman. My name is Jefferson.”
    “Okay, Jefferson it is.”
    He boosted the dog higher in his arms so they were face to face, looking at her iPhone as she snapped the photo. Amazing. She showed him the picture. “You will need to send me this so I can post in on the vineyard’s website, too.”
    They were as different as night and day. Whether in a crowd, or a small intimate group, no one would ever consider them husband and wife. Jefferson was so laid-back. Tami was high-strung, to say the least. Ross definitely took after his father. Thank God .
    “I hope you don’t mind all the dogs here today. It was my mistake for not asking permission.” Even though he hadn’t seemed to mind, she knew she should apologize.
    Shaking his head, he replied, “Ross told me, and I thought it was a great idea. My wife’s parties are all too stuffy. This is a welcomed change.”
    Not for all. As they were chatting, a bullmastiff approached Jill, looking more like a small horse than a dog. It must have weighed close to two hundred pounds yet was dressed in a light pink T-shirt saying “Size doesn’t matter.” She also wore a large pink bow around her neck. On the other end of the leash was a woman who looked tiny in comparison. She wore a matching outfit. Too damn cute.
    “Hello; welcome to the event. I’m Jill Aragao, and this is Jefferson Whitman. Who do we have here?” Jill asked.
    “This is Blossom,” the woman said, patting her dog, who instantly sat by her side when she stopped walking. “My name is Katherine O’Malley, but please call me KJ. I’m a trauma nurse and served in the Marines for twelve years. What you are doing is a wonderful thing. I know what Blossom has done for me.”
    Jill could hear her strength as she spoke but hadn’t missed the pain in her eyes. The huge dog may have intimidated her before, but now she sat looking at her owner as though she understood what KJ was talking about. “We really appreciate you and Blossom coming to join us today. I hope you both enjoy all the activities.”
    “I’m sure we will,” KJ said and made her way toward the refreshments.
    “Sorry, I better keep mingling,” Jill said to Jefferson and gave the pug a scratch behind the ear before heading into the crowd.
    As she walked and greeted her guests, more of them handed her checks. This was turning out better than she