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Chapter One

Jessie'sdinner with a billionaire A married billionaire, at that

“Well,” she said, looking at the chosen dress in her bedroom mirror “This is it”

While nothing overly expensive, it was the finest dress she owned since Jessie had a feeling that John Harouldn't be taking her anywhere cheap She hoped it was good enough for whatever five-star restaurant he'd be taking her, and she touched-up herfor John's driver At almost seven on the dot, her doorbell sounded and Jessie quickly draped a silk shawl over her bare shoulders She had decided on a cocktail dress in deep red satin It had a halter back, was figure-hugging, and hadn't been worn since she was eighteen In four years, she'd had no reason to wear a dress She could hardly recognize her reflection, and hurried to answer the door She collected herself and opened it slowly, atteer

Seeing John Harwood outside her door, looking totally out of place in the shabby hallway, ner suit before

“Is there so with my attire?” he asked as he looked himself up and down

“No, you look great,” Jessie chuckled “It's just weird seeing you here in this apartht I'd never see I thought you were sending a driver?”

“I intended to, but I couldn't wait to see you,” he said, s back at her

Heading downstairs andthe way, they climbed into the back of John's chauffeur-driven Bentley The air outside was cooling after a sunny day causing Jessie to shiver at the change of terown to si her usual sweats and jeans It had been far too long since she'd dressed up to go somewhere nice

“Are you nervous?” John asked her She hesitated before answering and then smiled

“No Not at all I'm not the nervous type”

“I could tell that”

The streets, norht There seemed to be a lull over the city as if time itself had come to a standstill Jessie relaxed back in her seat and watched the city lights pass by the , curious as to where their final destination would be A short while later, that question was answered when the car came to a halt outside a tall hotel Jessie had passed it several tie, and she was always drawn to its architecture It see way, and it was strange that John had brought her here of all places As if reading her mind, John chimed in to offer her some assurance

“Don't worry, the restaurant is on the top floor,” John co you to a hotel on our first date, if I dare call it that, but believe me when I say the restaurant is top-notch and the food is delicious I hope you're not afraid of heights”

“I think I can handle it,” Jessie replied calmly

“Good, because the views are pheno you here You've never seen the city until you've seen it from up there,” he explained

They rode up in the elevator in silence, and Jessie noted that this was the third silent elevator ride she'd taken over the last week or so She got the feeling that John wanted to take her hand yet was showing immeasurable restraint A warht of what she was doing here with a married man was in the forefront of her mind At least she wouldn't run into anyone she knew, she reassured herself

She could sense that there was nothing innocent about this dinner She resolved to politely excuse herself when the et carried away Sure, it looked like his e was likely over, but as of noas still uard up However, after looking at his profile as the elevator doors opened, she wondered how she was going to stay in control He was strikingly handso, and perhaps most i threatening about thearound him made her feel safe

John extended an arm so that she could exit first, a chivalrous move that she fully expected, and she s into the top floor restaurant alls e and clean it felt as if she were standing out on a terrace, but the lack of wind, soft lighting, and comfortable temperature served as a re

“Where is everyone?” Jessie questioned after looking around and noticing that, apart fro a few feet froly the only patrons

“I thought you rin, “so I booked the whole place”

Jessie turned to hio to all that trouble – not to mention the expense”

“It was no trouble at all Especially since I own this hotel,” he quipped

Jessie opened her ht by asking, “Could I show you to your table?”

John nodded, and they followed the waitress to a table at the far end of the restaurant that was situated next to one of the roo yet seductive with dark wood and deep red upholstery The whole place oozed sophistication,in the view of the city lights, she relaxed into her seat and picked up the menu

“Can we get chane?” John asked the waitress, who nodded and promptly left the table to fetch his order

“Are we celebrating?” Jessie inquired, her brow raised in curiosity

“You could say that Today I asked Kimberly for a divorce,” John said solemnly

“I',” Jessie said with genuine concern in her voice

“No, it is a celebration I've been under soto keep a ether that probably should

never have happened”

“But who can resist a superht?” Jessie raised an eyebrow

“It wasn't like that, Jessie” John was suddenly serious for aalmost hurt by the comment “I'm not like that Kimberly once had beauty froed all that”

“And it didn't change you?” Jessie asked cautiously

“Yes, I'et to where I aet where I came from And that's important”