Free Dangerous Deception (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Series) by Judy Angelo Page B

past so many other
cars on the highway.  She hadn’t even seen a stick shift car in years but she
remembered when she used to drive one.  She’d actually liked the feel of the
clutch and the shifting of the gears.
    “Used to be one,” he said casually, glancing over to
give her a mischievous grin.
    She looked at him through narrowed eyes.  “You’re
kidding.”
    “Nope,” he said and his smile was so smug she knew he
was telling the truth.
    “You, the first born of one of the wealthiest families
in America, and your parents let you race cars?  What were they thinking?”
    He laughed out loud.  “It’s what I love, Dani.  Fast
cars, fast motorcycles and-”
    “Fast women?”  She finished the sentence for him.
    “Wrong guess,” he said with a chuckle.  “I was going
to say rock music.  I love rock music.”  He reached down and switched on the
radio and the music of Hootie and the Blowfish, ‘I Only Want To Be With You’,
blared through the speakers.
    That put an end to any further conversation so Dani
leaned back and closed her eyes, the better to enjoy the song and the feel of
the breeze whipping through her hair.
    At that speed, in no time they were pulling off the
highway and onto a local road.  The closer they got to their destination the
tighter Dani gripped the side of her seat.  She had no idea what to expect. 
Would they be snooty and mean, immediately sniffing out her ordinary working class
blood?  Would they quiz her on things only rich people knew?  She could just
picture it - a discussion on quality wines, one in which she wouldn’t even be
able to participate because she didn’t have a clue.
    Before long they made another turn, this time onto
what looked like a country road at the end of which stood a majestic mansion
nestled among huge trees which had begun to sport the colors of autumn - yellows,
golds and reds among the green leaves.  Storm pulled up in front of it and
hopped out to come around and open the door for her.  Then, as if he knew she
needed the support, he took her hand and they walked up the steps together.
    Storm pushed the door open and as they entered the
foyer he called out, “Mom, we’re here.”
    “Finally.  How are you, Storm?  You need to come home
more often.”
    Dani turned to see a tiny woman with short-cropped
black hair coming down the hallway, her arms open wide.  Storm stepped away
from her and walked right into his mother’s hug.  “How are you doing, Mom?" 
He towered over the petite woman and had to bend over to hug her.
    “Always better when I see you.  You need to visit more
often."  She gave him a playfully accusing look.  "Are you trying to
avoid me for some reason?”
    “Aw, come on, Mom,” Storm said, looking almost
guilty.  "I come when I can.” 
    Mrs. Hunter’s hrumph told him what she thought of
that.  She did not respond to her son’s defense.  Instead she turned to look at
Dani.  “And who do we have here?  Aren’t you going to introduce me, Storm?”
    “Of course.”  Storm took Dani’s hand and pulled her
forward.  “Mom, I’d like you to meet Danielle Swift, my best kept secret.”
    “Secret is right,” Mrs. Hunter said softly as she
stared up at Dani.  “Welcome to Hunter’s Lodge, Dani.”
    “Thank you,” Dani replied, almost feeling like she
should do a curtsy.  Although small, Mrs. Hunter was intimidating with her
piercing gray eyes and regal posture.  She looked like she should be sitting on
a throne in England rather than presiding over a house on American soil. 
    “Mrs. Johnson has prepared a special meal to celebrate
your spending the afternoon with us.”  She gave Storm a pointed look.  “It’s
been such a long time.”
    Storms lips tightened but he said nothing.  He simply
put his hand under Dani’s elbow and directed her down the hall after his
mother.
    Dani was beginning to understand the challenge Storm
faced.  Just by observing his mother who was obviously a strong