Page 16 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

“Why you—”

Roark’s body literally shook, and he fisted his hands. “Trevor, please escort Meredith away from here.”

The blond man stepped forward and put his arm around the woman’s shoulders. “Now, Meredith, come with me and tell me all about it. Let’s leave them be.” He guided the blonde away.

Jessica watched them go and finally lowered her hand from her stinging cheek.

Roark turned, so Jessica was in front of him. He put his hands on her upper arms. “I am sorry she directed her contempt at you. She’s being unfair, and you and I both know that.”

* * *

Jessica raisedher gaze to his face as butterflies were suddenly flying fighter jets in her stomach.Have I gone on a date with an engaged man? Did I just do to that woman what Mandy did to me?“Are you sure you didn’t meet me until after you’d—”

His mouth turned up on one side. “I’m sure. I hadn’t even talked to Mrs. Madison until just before lunch. It shocked me when she told me she had someone for me already.”

“That is amazing.”Do I believe him? Did he really meet me after?

“I call it kismet. You were meant for me. I mean, we are meant to be together. Don’t you feel it?”

She lowered her gaze as a shiver ran up her spine. “You’re right I do. I just needed to hear it again.”

He snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing server and handed her one. “Drink your champagne.” He leaned down and whispered conspiratorially. “It’s the one wine I didn’t supply. This is champagne from France. I insisted if they were determined to serve champagne, that it be real and not just sparkling wine.”

Jessica wondered if he was more than just an attendee and wine supplier to the gala. Otherwise, what would give him the right to tell them what wine or champagne is served? She lifted the glass to her lips and noticed her hand was shaking, but she took a sip.

Roark emptied his glass and set it on the tray of another passing server. Then he took her hand in his. “What do you say we get out of here?”

“I haven’t given my donation yet.”

“I’ll make sure they get them both tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ve got something to show you.”

Why does he want to leave the gala so soon after getting here? Is he ashamed of me? Should I have physically defended myself?

She finished her drink.

Roark took her glass in one hand and placed his other hand at her waist. He saw another server and set the glass on his empty tray. Then he easily guided her out of the convention center while calling for his car on the phone.

A few people tried to get him to stop and talk, but he simply looked at them, lifted a brow, and they moved along.

When she and Roark arrived outside, the limo was by the curb, and George stood beside the back door. As they approached, he opened it.

Roark helped Jessica into the car and then followed her. “Thank you, George. Take us home, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

Her heartbeat jumped a little before she again slid to the other side of the car and belted herself in.Why are we headed to his home? And why couldn’t we stay longer at the gala? I’d looked forward to it, to the dancing and I admit, I wanted to show off the dress, which had clearly been the most beautiful gown there. Heck, I spent more time getting ready than we actually spent at the event.

Roark sat across from her this time. He turned on the lights. “I’m really sorry for the way this evening has turned out.”

She looked out the window with feigned interest. “At least the children will still get their money, and that is the most important thing.” Then she looked back at him. “Why did we leave? Are you embarrassed by me?”

“No! You could never embarrass me.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m afraid I haven’t explained myself very well.”

She snorted a laugh. “Very well? You haven’t explained yourself at all.”

His mouth turned down at the corners. “That’s true. I’m having George take us to my home. I want to change vehicles and I want to take you somewhere special.”

Her pulse raced. “Somewhere special?”