The Billionaire’s Second Chance by Kimberly Krey Page 0,19

items at the house, suitable clothing included.

It felt good to be in Costa Rica. He hoped Vivi would enjoy it here too. Duke considered that as he stepped through his room, lit only by a lamp beside his bed, and slid the patio door open.

It was a perfect evening. A clear sky overhead, a layer of clouds in the distance, and the low hum of a far off rain over the next island—more trees than land, it seemed.

After one last breath of the fresh night air, Duke stepped back into his room, plopped onto the bed, and tucked his hands behind his head as he stared into the darkness.

He’d taken some time requesting a special gift basket for Vivi’s room. He was glad he had.

Visions of the brown-eyed beauty swept through his thoughts, more welcome than the breeze. Those full lips, flushed cheeks, and ever-analyzing gaze.

The last ten years had been good to her. Very good. A fact made all the more impressive when he considered her status as a single mom all these years.

Dang, he was intrigued by that woman. Always had been. Even back then, Vivi harbored a lot of passion—it was something he liked about her. Only now it seemed she had added layers to it. More life lived. Lessons learned. Love lost, perhaps.

It made him wonder how many relationships she’d gone through. How many hearts she’d broken. Or had she been on the opposite end? Had the twins father abandoned her and the boys?

A deep ache settled into his chest at the thought. Duke hated the fact that he’d hurt her. Deeply. He’d seen it in her eyes. And boy, did he long to make up for it somehow.

He only hoped that—beyond the interview—she’d give him the chance to do just that.

Viv stood on her balcony in the morning sun, taking in one of the most stunning sights she’d ever seen. Lush green leaves gave way to clearings of sun-glistening sand and water that looked more turquoise than blue.

For just a moment, she let her eyes drift shut while lifting her chin to the sun. Viv never had placed much value on what money could buy, but this—taking in beauty like she’d never seen it, sights she’d never otherwise have the chance to see—it truly was a gift. One that only money could afford.

Still, another vision threatened to rival the view before her. It was one she’d stashed into her memory from the night before—Duke’s face when she’d told him about the twins. You’d think the guy had been told he was the father himself.

She had not expected that. And to think she hadn’t planned to tell him so soon. Thank heavens she had. It cleared the way for them to have an honest relationship. And why shouldn’t the honesty go both ways?

Moments ago, Viv had spoken with the twins on a video call. While tucked into the backseat of Grandma and Grandpa’s sedan, the boys asked if they could invite their entire new baseball team to their waterslide birthday party, coming up in just a few short weeks. After Viv assured them they could, the twins turned their attention to Viv’s surroundings.

Their eyes nearly doubled in size as they oohed and ahhed over her morning view. The sight triggered a thousand questions about the climate, wildlife, and the rainstorms too. Would she see any of those?

Chances were she would. According to Duke, the month of May started the country’s rainy season, but even still, the first few weeks in May didn’t generally see a whole lot of rain.

Viv spun around, rested her elbows on the railing, and took in the tall, angular planes that gave the massive home a sleek, contemporary appeal. Five levels, four above ground, jutted from the center of the home in massive, sleek-looking sections.

Spectators, if there were any, could look up and see into several of the rooms at once if they so desired. But Viv guessed that wasn’t an issue. This was a private island, after all. And the design was not only aesthetically pleasing, but it allowed for a breathtaking view from likely every living area inside the home.

Reluctantly, she tore herself away from the patio with its warm sun and fresh air and headed back into her bedroom to get ready for the day. A simple chest sat at the foot of the queen bed. A bed made up with some seriously luxurious linens.

A glass-back fireplace stood across the room, its simple hearth blending just enough to allow