Read Online The Resilient One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance by Cami Checketts, Jeanette Lewis - Free Book Online

hated those words, her dad’s favorite phrase, before he manipulated and used her and everybody else he met.
    “Are you almost done here?”
    Pa gave them a thumbs up. “She’s sold almost everything I have in stock. Take her, buddy.”
    “Take her?” Alyssa mouthed to Beck.
    He laughed and wrapped his fingers around her elbow. “You up for an early dinner?”
    “Let me just check in with Granny.”
    “Great.”
    She placed the call while still staring at Beck. She’d hated the words “business proposition” because of her dad, but she had also learned to be concerned when she heard them because of her talent. She never knew if someone was interested in her for her or for her artwork. That was probably how Beck felt about his wealth. Hmm.
    “Hello,” Granny Ellie answered.
    “Grans, Beck just came to the gallery and wants to take me to dinner. Do you want us to come get you?”
    “Heavens, no. I’m going on a nice walk and then I’ll eat my leftovers from lunch and watch a chick flick. You two enjoy yourselves.”
    Granny hung up before she could respond.
    “Granny turned me down flat. Guess it’s just us.” She shivered at the thought of being alone with him, not only was he strong but she was drawn to him like she’d never been to another man. She could easily let her guard down and he could hurt her physically or emotionally, and as much as she liked him, she might never heal.
    It’s Beck , she kept repeating. He’d never hurt me .
    But really, did she know that? Did she really know him? He’d flown all the way to Hawaii to find A.A. Maybe he’d known all along who she was. Maybe he had someone like Maryn on his staff who could dig through people’s dirt and find out what they wanted. Maybe he was here to proposition her for more than just business. Oh, my heavens, that was silly. He was exquisitely handsome, wealthy, and great to be around. He didn’t need to be stalking women.
    Dinner alone with him would be fine. They’d be at a crowded restaurant and then if she didn’t feel comfortable with him driving her home, she could walk to the bed and breakfast from there.
    “Perfect,” he said.
    Beck offered her a smile and his arm. They walked out into a windy afternoon, but she hardly noticed her hair knotting as she studied Beck. He was extremely handsome in that pale blue color and the soft material of his shirt did nothing to hide the musculature underneath, but for some horrid reason she kept waiting for him to unzip his perfect costume and allow the creep to crawl out. Why did she have to be so untrusting?
    They strolled to the Lahaina Pizza Company. Alyssa watched Beck as he asked for a table for two. Polite, friendly, but never leering or smutty. They climbed the stairs to the upper dining area. Her right foot landed halfway onto a step and she flung out her hands to catch herself. Beck steadied her with his firm hands and his warmth lingered even after he pulled her chair out and was no longer touching her. Why couldn’t she have some faith that the good Lord hadn’t created an entire gender of monsters? She knew that most men were good guys and didn’t have hidden agendas, but it was kind of like convincing a two-year old that the dark wasn’t scary. She had just been exposed to an excessive amount of greed and lust.
    The waitress arrived and Beck looked to Alyssa. “You’re the expert here. What should we order?”
    “Shrimp thermadour,” Alyssa responded without hesitation. Man, he just did everything right, but the words “business proposition” kept repeating in her head.
    “Shrimp thermadour,” Beck repeated to the waitress, “And two salads?” He smiled at Alyssa.
    “Yes, please. Ranch with mine.”
    “I’ll have the house. Thank you.” Beck handed the waitress the menus and then fully focused on Alyssa.
    She smiled shyly and ducked her head. A few seconds ticked by as Alyssa played with the straw in her water, tucked some hair behind her ear, and finally got