Page 7 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

Jessica’s eyes widened, and a brow cocked up. “No, the lady will not. I want just the burrito, please, smothered with green chili and cheese.”

Rosa wrote on her pad. “Very good. Two margarita beef burritos, one chili relleno crispy and one guacamole salad. I’ll be right back with the guac.” She hurried away toward the kitchen.

Knowing he’d made a serious faux pas, Roark looked at the table and then up at her. “I’m sorry I overstepped my boundaries. I shouldn’t have ordered for you. I just wanted you to try everything I love. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

She smiled and then shrugged. “It’s all right. We have lots of things to learn about each other. One of them is that I like to order for myself.”

His lips rolled inward, and he knew he had reddened a bit. “So noted.”

Jessica waved her hand and smiled. “Okay. Do you want to go first, as we reveal our real selves?”

He shook his head just slightly. “No, I think mine will take longer to explain.”

“All right.” She removed her glasses and released her hair from the bun at her nape. She pulled the mass of curls over one shoulder.

The waves fell past the table top but he didn’t know how far, just that he’d like to run his hands through those waves and see if it’s as silky as it looks.

His eyes widened, and he smiled. “You’re even more beautiful than I already thought you were.”

She dropped her gaze to the table. “Thank you.” She lifted her head and looked directly at him. “Now you.”

He took a deep breath and let it out. “As you know, my name is Roark Sullivan. I’m the owner and CEO of Sullivan International Holding Co.”

Her brows furrowed a little. “I’m sure I’m supposed to know who you are from that, but I don’t. I’m afraid I don’t even own a TV or keep up with either the stock market or the gossip rags.”

He waved her words away. “It’s probably better that you don’t or you would have seen and heard a lot of gossip about me. All of it was overblown. I simply request fidelity of my fiancées, and thus far no one has provided it. The last one used my London home for her rendezvous’.”

Jessica covered her mouth but burst out laughing, anyway. “Your London house. Oh, my God. That’s rich.” She laughed harder. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh at your expense.”

He chuckled and then began to laugh, and soon he was laughing as hard as she was. Roark hadn’t felt this at ease with someone, especially a woman, in ages. Maybe ever.

“How many fiancées have you had?”

He reached over and took her hand in his. “Too many. My mother wants me to marry and have an heir.” He pulled his hand away and leaned back in the booth. “I’ve been engaged six times. Meredith Vandermeer was the most recent. For some reason, I can’t get a woman who is faithful. What does that say for me?” He realized if he moved too fast, he could scare her away. “Jessica, I have an engagement coming up and need a date. Would you consider going with me to the Kids with Cancer fundraiser and ball tomorrow? I know it’s the Saturday before Labor Day, but if you don’t have something planned…”

She lifted both brows and her lips forms anO. “Actually…I’d love to attend the gala with you. I go every year anyway. Well, to the auction. I’ve never stayed for the ball.”This could be good info for my next contemporary. What happens at the dance? I’ve never known.

He leaned back toward the table and held his right hand palm up on the table. He waited for her to put her hand in his.

When she did, he wanted to shout to the rafters and jump for joy, but he stayed calm. “This time, you’ll stay for the ball. I promise you’ll have a good time.”

Rosa brought their food, and the conversation stopped.

Jessica took a bite of her burrito, chewed, and swallowed. “This is wonderful. I love the green chili. It’s not too hot but is still very flavorful. I dislike green chili that makes my forehead sweat. It’s so unattractive when your makeup runs onto your food.” She laughed.

He chuckled and then took a bite of his relleno and chewed. The cheese melted in his mouth, and the mild green chili was perfect when combined with the crispy outer shell. Rellenos need to be eaten when they are hot and the cheese is melty. He finished his bite and chuckled. “I knew you’d love this place. I’ve never brought anyone else here.”

She frowned. “Why not? The food is great.”

He shrugged. “It’s not fancy enough for the women I usually date.”For all the good it’s done me.“But you’re different. You’re real. I mean, you’re down-to-earth.”

Jessica shrugged. “I am who I am. I never learned to be fake about anything important, just the disguise.” She lifted her arms and spread them wide. “This is me.” She rested her left forearm on the table and picked up her fork with her right hand.

He reached over and placed his right hand on her left one, where it lay on the table. “I like what I see. You’re honest, except for your little disguise, and I don’t blame you. I’d definitely ask you out.”

She pulled her hand back and set it in her lap, all the while blushing and looking down at her plate.

He picked up his fork. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to push. I’ve just never met anyone like you. Thank you for agreeing to come with me to the gala. I wasn’t looking forward to it before, and now I find I can’t wait for tomorrow.”