Just Trust (The Reluctant Heart Book 2) Read online

  She nodded. “It wasn’t a pain, but a light, warming feeling. Like a hug without being touched. It felt…nice…just...not something I’ve ever felt before. And I really can’t describe it either.” She smiled and in a sexy voice added, “Maybe it’s my body trying to come down after you brought me to the heavens.”

  He had to agree; his body was still tingling too. But he hoped it was more than that. Jerry wasn’t one who believed in fate, or hope, or wishes coming true, but that didn’t stop him from looking back up at the stars. Something had heard him. Thank you.

  Jerry wrapped his arms around her more tightly and said, “You definitely were sent to me by the heavens, because you’re my angel.” Reanna lifted her head, looking down at him again. He brushed her hair out of her eyes and added, “You’re more than that. I’d try to put it in words, but I haven’t been able to figure it all out myself. I just know that you mean more to me than I ever thought possible.”

  “I feel the same way. I thought I was happy with my life the way it was. Never thought there was anything missing. Until you came into it. Now it’s…”

  “Complete,” he offered. She nodded. “I told you before my only fear was ending up like my parents. Do you remember that?”

  “I do.”

  “Their marriage wasn’t one of love. It was a business decision to continue to grow the Heart empire. It’s the way my family has done things for generations. You don’t fit into that mold. You’re not a good business decision. But you’re the best one I’ve ever made.”

  “Jerry, I’m sure you’re trying to tell me something important, but you’re losing me along the way.”

  He smiled. “Leave it to me to make something so simple, complicated.”

  “Oh good. I thought it was me. So, in simple terms, what are you trying to tell me?” Reanna asked.

  “That I love you.” The words that he’d never expected to come out of his mouth were spoken. And more than that, they reflected what he felt with every cell of his being.

  Reanna’s eyes glistened. “You…love me?” He nodded and she said, “Good thing, because I love you too.”

  He lifted his head and kissed her. Jerry could feel the warmth of the tears as they ran down her cheeks and onto his. When he broke the embrace, he said, “Honey, I don’t know what the next step is for us. This is all new to me.”

  Reanna said, “Not planning has worked well for us so far. Why don’t we just let nature take its course?”

  He was glad that she wasn’t trying to rush him into a commitment or marriage. Jerry knew he loved her. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life giving her all the things she deserved. But there were still so many unknowns. And now we can enjoy figuring them out together.

  “I love you Reanna,” he said again, enjoying how good it felt to say it. She smiled and then chuckled. “What’s so funny?”

  “This was so much better than the last time you told me you loved me,” she said.

  He arched a brow. “I told you before now?” That was news to him, but maybe in the heat of passion he’d let it slip.

  “Yes. You were riding a cow and—”

  “A what?” he said, shocked. “A cow?” He raised his hand to her forehead to check for a fever.

  She laughed. “And you were naked too. Well, not totally. You don’t happen to have a black cowboy hat, do you?”

  “The answer is no, and you might want to start this story from the beginning.”

  She laid her head on his chest again and said, “I hope you still love me after hearing this. Because trust me, it was one crazy-ass dream.”

  “Can’t be all that farfetched. I told you I love you in it, after all,” he reminded her. And that’s a reality.

  He watched the stars as he listened to her describe the dream. It was the wackiest thing he’d ever heard. But through it all, he realized one thing: that she trusted and loved him even in her sleep.

  “Have anything to say now?” she asked.

  Jerry nodded. “Next time you tell the story, make it a Mustang instead of a cow.” She laughed as he rolled her over so he was now on top of her. “But for the record, the moon isn’t far enough. I love you more than that. More than words can ever reflect.”

  “Then why don’t you show me,” she said, pulling him down to her.

  Jerry kissed her tenderly. Trust me. I’ll show you for the rest of my life.

  Chapter Twelve

  There was no way she could’ve pulled this off without Kenneth’s help. Now all she could do was hope he had kept his mouth shut like he’d promised. It wasn’t going to have the same impact if it wasn’t a total surprise.

  Reanna never put so much effort into planning a date in her life. But this wasn’t just any date, it was with the man of her dreams. Ever since he took her to the race track, she’d been racking her brain trying to impress him just as equally.

  If this doesn’t do it, nothing will.

  Jerry asked, “So not even a hint? I gave you one if you recall.”

  “You did. But I don’t believe there was a set rule regarding giving hints,” she smiled. It was mostly because he was afraid he’d guess it. “I will tell you that we’re almost there.”

  “Good, because I’m hungry,” he said.

  She took her eyes off the road for a second and said, “How do you know we’re going to be eating?”

  Jerry laughed. “Because I’ve been with you since before supper, and you haven’t eaten a thing.”

  With a huff and her eyes back on the road she said, “You make it sound like I eat all the time.”

  “No. You’re just one on a schedule. Nothing wrong with that. I actually am enjoying it. It’s been so long that I had a home cooked meal that I’m feeling spoiled.”

  “Anything is better than the first one I attempted to make.” She couldn’t bring herself to use that oven again and actually purchased a new one. Not only was it mice free, but actually cooked at the correct temp too. “There will be food, but that is all you’re getting out of me. We are almost there so have a little patience.”

  “If you haven’t figured it out by now, I don’t like surprises, and patience isn’t something I have much off,” replied.

  “You tell me all the time to just trust you. Tonight, you’re going to have to trust me. You’re going to love it.” I hope.

  She put on her turn signal and pulled onto the road that Back In Time Drive-In was on. Reanna hoped he didn’t guess until she turned in the parking lot. She wanted to keep this going to the very last second. Of course pulling in was only one piece. There was so much more.

  She could see the sign in the distance. Please let it be the way I asked it to be set up. Reanna slowed down and put on her turn signal again.

  “The drive-in?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she smiled.

  He signed. “I hate to tell you, but that sign says closed. But I appreciate the thought. We don’t have any in Boston and never went to one when I was kid either. I hear they are something you should experience at least once in your life.”

  She continued driving up past the closed sign and up to the gate. Reanna gave the attendant a wave. Reanna had been there first thing in the morning when she had everything delivered and set up. Get ready Mr. Heart. I’m about to blow your mind with this. I hope.

  The parking area was in real rough shape and between the bumps and the potholes, they were bouncing all over the place.

  “I take it you’re giving me a tour?” he asked. “Or are we just testing the shocks on this truck. Because if that is the case, you need new ones,” he teased.

  “Very funny.” The only good thing about him holding on while she drove through the parking lot was it kept him distracted until they made it on the other side of the concession stand.

  “Sorry, I know you love this old thing.”

  “It’s not that old. It’s a 96.” You’re about to see old.

  “I stand corrected. It’s only pushing thirty years old,” he teased. As th
ey pulled around the concession stand it was in perfect view like she had planned.

  She pulled up beside it. The other truck was facing them, so the bed was facing the movie screen. “Okay, we’re here,” she said and noticed he was staring at the 1957 Chevrolet pick-up truck. It needed work but it was in decent shape, with a good chassis. From what she knew, that’s what was important when buying a classic vehicle. It would’ve been nice if she could’ve afforded a fully restored one, but those were going for one-hundred grand at the auction. She considered herself damn lucky to have found this one for twenty grand from a private owner. “I know it’s not a Ford, but wait till you hear it.”

  He turned to her and asked, “Whose is that?”

  Beaming with pride for actually pulling off the surprise, she answered, “Yours.”

  He looked back at the truck and then to her. “Mine? You’re serious aren’t you?” he stated.

  “I told you this was going to be a date you won’t forget. Sorry it took me so long to get it organized.”

  “You bought be a classic truck?” his eyes still shinning in disbelief.

  “Don’t get too excited. It needs a little TLC, but thing runs great. It might not look it, but it’s in better shape than my Ford.”

  He chuckled. “I’m sorry. I’m still blown away with the fact you bought me a vehicle.”

  Why wouldn’t he be? Jerry was a billionaire who could purchase anything he wanted. She wasn’t even sure he’d like this. He never spoke about classic cars at all. The only thing she knew was he had a friend with connections to race cars. This was so different.

  “Maybe you want to get out and check it out. I know it’s dark so you can’t really see it all that good, but I have a flashlight.”

  “I have a question, why here and not at your house?” he asked.

  “Oh yeah. We’re watching a classic movie too. Wish it was from the 50’s, but the 60’s aren’t too bad either. You know, college kids cruising around before they head off to college. I even have the back of your truck ready for watching,” she said. “Even remembered the bug spray too.”

  “Bug spray?” he asked.

  “Mosquitoes and drive-ins go hand-in-hand. Oh so does eating junk food and drinking soda. So are you ready to start our date?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “I still have no idea how you pulled this off.”

  “I have connections. I believe that is what you told me when I asked you about the Mustang.”

  “Do you really want to know?” he asked and she nodded. “You can’t tell anyone, not even my brothers.”

  This made it all the more appealing to her. “I promise. Hopefully it’s not anything illegal. The only time she broke the law was in her dreams and there was nothing criminal about that.

  “I own it,” he stated.

  “Own what?” she asked.

  “The Mustang. That is my race car, although I am not the driver. That is my pit crew and my team. I have for years, been able to keep that knowledge private. I would like to continue to as well.”

  Reanna remembered seeing a small heart inside the Mustang. It made sense now. Well as much as anything else did with Jerry. “So when you told me I should drive it like I own it, you really meant like you own it.” She felt so stupid now doing this. He owned a race car and she purchased him a fix-me-up classic truck. Idiot. So much for impressing him with this date. He’s probably fighting to control his laughter.

  “I guess so. And you sure did. Never thought you’d haul ass like that. I was impressed how you handled it. The crew was as well. Of course next time we might want to shut off the mic so only I can hear you,” he smiled.

  “Next time?”

  “Since you know, I thought maybe you’d want to do it again.”

  Hell yeah! “I’d like that. Thanks.” He wasn’t the only one who could control his emotions. “Did you still want to watch the movie or”

  “Of course I do. And we’re definitely doing it in my truck.”

  “I have the blankets and everything ready for us if you want to hop out now. And once we are settled, they’ll bring us our food. Get ready for a stomach ache. It’s just a warning, but something about a burger, a milk shake, fries and popcorn with extra butter, always does it to me.” Reanna reached for a plastic bag behind her.

  “What is that?” he asked.

  “Candy.”

  His eyes widened. “All that?” She nodded. “Now I know why you get a stomach ache.” He took the bag from her and looked inside. She knew she’d brought too much, but she couldn’t decide, so she got it all. It was filled with all different chocolates and licorice. She watched as he pulled out several strips of the red licorice and took a bite. “You have found my weakness. This and those red gummy fish ones.”

  Reanna giggled. “I think those are in the other bag.” She reached behind her again and pulled out her back-up bag. “I wanted to be prepared,” she said blushing as she realized how over the top she had gone.

  Jerry took that bag as well and then said, “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the movie.” He leaned closer and said, “I do hope they understand you can’t sit in a classic truck and watch a classic movie without some serious classic necking going on.” He gave her a wink.

  Reanna grinned and said, “My Mama warned me about boys like you.”

  “And trust me, I plan on living up to the reputation tonight,” he joked. Then he said, “Damn I wish I would’ve known we were coming here. I have this black leather jacket I’ve been wanting to wear,” he said.

  “Maybe you can wear it when you take me on a Sunday drive in your truck,” she suggested. Then she remembered, he hadn’t said what he thought of it. “That is if you…like it.”

  “I love it. It’s probably the coolest gift anyone has given me. But until we try out the bed in the back, I won’t be able to tell you if it is perfect or not,” he teased.

  “I’m sure with the age of this truck, it’s been well christened,” Reanna stated.

  “They might have been the first honey, be we are going to be the last.” He opened his door and hopped out. Then she watched him walk around the front of the truck, open her door and scoop her into his arms.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Just starting early,” he said and claimed her lips.

  He tasted like cherry candy and when he pulled away she said, “I should’ve given you the truck at my house. So much more…private.”

  Jerry whistled and barked instructions, “Hey, roll the movie and then get the hell out. We want to be alone.”

  Reanna’s eyes looked around in shock. The movie started and then she saw them all scurrying off. “I can’t believe you did that.”

  He pulled her close and responded. “No. I’m the one who can’t believe you did all this just for me.”

  “I love you Jerry.”

  “I love you too Reanna. Now let’s test drive this bad boy,” he said with a wicked grin.

  The movie was playing, but she knew neither of them was going to watch it. They had other things on their mind.

  I’m glad I trusted him and now he trusts me.

  Reanna couldn’t have planned it any more perfectly. There was only problem that she could foresee. What the heck were they going to plan next to top these two dates? But Reanna trusted Jerry to think of something.

  He promised me a lifetime of adventure and surprises. We’re off to a good start.

  The End

  Also by Jeannette Winters

  The Reluctant Hearts Series:

  Book 1: Don’t Break

  Book 2: Just Trust

  When Sparks Fly Series:

  Drive Me Wild

  Plug Me In

  Turn Me On

  **************************************************

  The Blank Check Series:

  Book 1: The Billionaire’s Rival

  Book 2: The Billionaire’s Charade

  Book 3: The Billionaire’s Scandal

  Book 4
: The Billionaire’s Regret

  Book 5: The Billionaire’s Deception

  Book 6: The Billionaire’s Revenge

  The Billionaire’s Rival

  Charles Lawson carries the weight of the entire family’s future on his shoulders. As CEO of Lawson Steel it is his responsibility to ensure their legacy continued for the next generation. First on his agenda is to clean up loose ends from the past. Doing so is risky and if he fails, the price could be great. It’s a risk he’s willing to take.

  Rosslyn Clark loves her life as is, but family is everything to her. When her parents find themselves in a crisis, all she loves is at risk. Whether she likes it or not, sometimes change is inevitable.

  As Charles prepares to seal the deal, he finds one beautiful blonde stands in his way, and things become complicated. Can he continue with his original plan and look at her as collateral damage or has Rosslyn become something more to him?

  Rosslyn finds herself caught between two powerful men, one she works for, the other, his rival. Will she do what is expected of her, or will she walk away from everything and follow her heart?

  **************************************************

  Barrington Billionaires Series:

  Book 1: One White Lie

  Book 2: Table For Two

  Book 3: You & Me Make Three

  Book 4: Virgin For The Fourth Time

  Book 5: His For Five Nights

  Book 5.5: New Beginning Holiday Novella

  Book 6: After Six

  Book 7: Seven Guilty Pleasures

  Book 7.5: At the Sight of Holly

  Book 8: Eight Reasons Why

  Book 9: Nine Rules of Engagement

  Book 10: Ten Broken Promises

  One White Lie

  Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.