Stroke of Luck - Opal Carew Page 0,3

thought about it, the fact that he was clearly rich himself now meant he’d be wary of her showing an interest in him. So ironically, his wealth made it impossible for her to even consider trying to turn around her mistake from the past.

“Just one question,” she said. “Why did you help me by paying my bill if you’re so convinced I’m just after money?”

He shrugged. “You meant something to me once. I wouldn’t have felt right ignoring your predicament, especially when it was so easy to fix. The money means nothing to me.” His intense gaze bored through her. “But let me be very clear. If you ever ask me for money, the answer will be no.”

2

Austin leaned back in his chair sipping his imported beer. His gaze was on the man two tables over rolling a poker chip between his fingers, back and forth, as he watched the sexy blond waitress clearing dishes from another table.

The guy had been flirting with her when she’d served him his meal, and now Austin would pay odds that he’d give her that fifty-dollar chip as a tip, then invite her to his room after her shift. From her body language when she was near him, despite her warm demeanor, Austin would lay even bigger odds that she’d turn him down. Politely, of course.

She picked up the tray of dishes and carried them away. Austin couldn’t help watching the gentle sway of her hips as she walked.

She had greeted Austin by name when she’d shown him to his table. It seemed the staff were made aware of the wealthier guests staying in the hotel. She’d given him the best table in the house, overlooking the stunning garden and spectacular fountain outside, and right near a trickling waterfall inside that, set among greenery and flowers, fed a small pond with water lilies. The table’s corner location, with windows on two sides, allowed him to see all the other tables while affording him a little more privacy. Which he loved because he was a people-watcher.

The waitress had flirted with Austin, and he was sure she would jump at an invitation to join him for dinner tonight. And she’d probably wind up in his bed. Seeing how she was with her customers, he was sure she’d be great company. And probably sensational in the sack.

But he didn’t want someone who just wanted to be with him because of his money or status.

His gaze drifted to the couple near the opposite window. They were clearly regulars because as soon as they’d walked into the place, the waitress had nodded and brought them two slices of cheesecake and tea. She’d chatted with them for a few minutes before she’d continued on her way.

Austin smiled as he watched the two people holding hands. The look of love in their eyes was palpable.

That’s what he wanted.

He and Quinn had spent the past two years thinking of nothing but building the business. Nights. Weekends. They’d had no social life at all. Except the occasional casual fling to relieve the tension. Nothing serious.

But now that the ICO had launched and the new cryptocurrency they’d put on the market had skyrocketed, propelling them to heights of wealth they’d never imagined before, it was time to start living. And not just carousing around. He wanted to find a meaningful relationship.

He wanted to fall in love.

And he knew Quinn wanted the same thing.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Taylor,” the waitress said. “And Ms. Smith.”

Austin glanced to the entrance of the restaurant and saw Quinn standing beside a stunning woman wearing a floral sundress in a black-and-coral print, cinched at the waist with a flowing skirt. It set off her incredible figure beautifully. Her long golden hair cascaded over her shoulders in shimmering waves, and her heart-shaped face with those full pink lips was gorgeous.

As the waitress led them to the table, Austin noted Quinn’s closed expression. Also, the woman’s eyes were puffy, and she clung tightly to the handle of her purse with both hands. She also wore a huge diamond ring. He’d bet she’d just broken up with her fiancé.

Austin stood up as they approached the table.

“Austin, this is April,” Quinn said as he pulled out a chair for her to sit down.

She stuck out her hand, and Austin shook it.

“Nice to meet you,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you for lunch.”

“Of course not. It’s a pleasure, April.”

“Thank you.” She sank down on the chair as Quinn pushed it in for