Going Down Hard (Billionaire Bad Boys 3)

but he was her parent. And Derek would do anything for another day with his own father.

So he looked the other man in the eye and said the only thing he could to his offer. “I accept.”

* * *

Cassie spent the entire day in her bed, working on her laptop. If anything good was going to come of her brother’s confession, Derek’s mother would be exonerated, and to Cassie, that meant everything. Only after she’d finished the words could she go to Derek. She didn’t know if they had a future, but without the words, she couldn’t bring herself to try.

The phone rang in her apartment and she answered. “Hello?”

“Ms. Storms, this is Curt, the doorman at the front desk. There’s a limo driver here for you.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I’m going to put the man on the phone if that’s okay with you.”

Curious, she agreed. “Go ahead. Thank you.”

“Ms. Storms, Mr. West sent me. My instructions are to wait for you to change into something nice and take you to meet him for dinner.”

Shock and pleasure rippled through her in equal measure. He’d beat her to reaching out. Well, she could live with that. She had a lot to tell him, and she hoped he’d both understand and forgive. It had taken her awhile to hear what her mother had said and, more importantly, to accept it.

If the situation were reversed, if his family had hurt hers, she wouldn’t hold it against him. Hopefully this overture meant he felt the same way.

She hit save on her document, shut her laptop, and headed for the shower. The driver was waiting, and she had to freshen up quickly.

She chose the same white cashmere dress she’d worn the night of their first date, left her hair down the same way, and clasped the same gold chain around her neck. She hoped her choices would evoke good memories for him.

They did for her.

After applying her makeup and a spritz of perfume, she headed downstairs. Her stomach flipped with nerves, similar to the way they’d done that first night.

She wasn’t surprised when the limo pulled up to the restaurant of their first date. They were on identical wavelengths.

As the car parked, Derek stepped out of the front door of the restaurant. He met her at the curb. Helped her out of the backseat.

“You look beautiful,” he said as his hand clasped hers.

Her gaze swung to his. “Thank you,” she murmured. “You must be freezing.” He wore a pair of black pants and a white dress shirt, no jacket.

“It’s fine. Come. I reserved a private room in the back,” he said, a grin pulling at his sexy mouth.

“Derek! You didn’t have to do that again. But I’m glad you did.”

He led her inside though she knew the way, and walked to the back room. Their booth was there and they sat side by side, his thigh close to hers. Just being near him, inhaling his cologne, taking in his handsome profile, she knew what she wanted.

She desired Derek and a future with him.

The waiter came to take their order. “Same as first time?” he asked.

“Sounds perfect to me.” She was definitely in the mood for their steak au poivre, a baked potato loaded with sour cream, and creamed spinach.

Derek grinned her. “Me too.”

Without looking at the wine menu, he ordered a bottle of Miner Cabernet. The red wine had been delicious with their meal.

“I’m assuming that’s okay? If you still like wine, that is?” he asked with a wink before the waiter took his leave.

Her lips lifted in a knowing grin. She remembered her exact words here too. “I still prefer wine to beer. Though once in a while, sharing a bottle can be fun.”