Billionaire's Second Chance

By Marie Kelly

Billionaire’s Second Chance is the second in the series of books following the lives of Samantha Trey, Bella Smith and Kate Palen.

{preview}

Stepping back from him, she raised her hand to stop him, her eyes pleading with Philippe to see the effort it was taking for her to hold back the tears which shone so brightly. “Don’t....please don’t” Making to turn, his hands shot out pulling her in harder against himself “No! I am not losing you”

Bella looked back at him in shock, her arms between them as she shook her head forcefully, her voice not as strong as she hoped, a tremor deep within “Let me go Philippe...just let me go” His head dropped to rest his forehead on hers, real pain in his voice. “How can I let you go Bella? I only just found you...how is this fair?”
Swallowing down the lump in her throat, her hands fanned over his chest, hurt filling her as she shook her head almost imperceivably. “It isn’t fair Philippe...but we both know what has to be done...what the right thing to do is. We have only spent two days together...you know your child is more important”

His hands moved to cup her cheeks, raising her head to look up at him as his mouth hovered over hers, real hurt in his voice “I don’t want to do the right thing Bella...not when it means losing you” She remained still, not fighting with him as she knew she should. As his lips touched hers the tears fell, his and hers, the kiss deepened as the two held each other for one last time, both knowing it, both devastated by it.

Having met Philippe, best friend to Dante Durant, Bella is stunned when her budding romance is cruelly ended before it can really begin. Hurt, she returns to her life having thought herself to be over the man who had treated her so badly. Four years later however, she is hired to organise for Samantha and Dante’s wedding and once more comes face to face with Philippe. Can the two put the past behind them and can they ignore the chemistry which sizzles between them whenever they are together, and more importantly will they learn from the past or are they doomed to repeat their disastrous history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Kelly
• Release date: Oct 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301210503

Marie Kelly

A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

Book preview

Billionaire’s Second Chance

by

Marie Kelly

Special Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Billionaire’s Second Chance

Special Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Copyright © 2012 Marie Kelly. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

Cover Art :

Copyright © istockphoto/

ePublished and Distributed by: smashwords

Chapter One

Sitting on the beach, Bella Smith scrunched up her eyes against the bright sunshine of the Greek midday. With a small smile, she glanced over at her friend Samantha Trey, both their looks knowing, as their friend Kate Pallen sat a short distance from them, flirting with a group of handsome Germans. As both women lay back, once more Bella gave a content sigh, ignoring the calls from the same group, all trying hard to encourage the other two girls to join their friend.

Beside her, Samantha – the petite redhead of the group – shook her head. Politely, but firmly, she refused to join the young men, ignoring as they made space, declaring instead her wish to sunbath, as Bella had too. The men having tried hard and failed to tempt them over finally gave up, concentrating instead on the brunette, Kate enjoying all the attention as she flirted outrageously. Sam and Bella chuckled, both knowing that she was more than able to deal with them, used to her man-eating ways, accepting it as part of what made her the person she was.

Being the blonde of the three, Bella was used to men assuming that she would be easy and not too smart, a mistake many had made, all quickly finding that she was both intelligent and no push-over. With her perfect figure visible in the bikini she wore, and naturally curly long hair which flicked around her, she was used to the attention of men and Bella had learned from a young age how to put men in their place when they would try to overstep boundaries. Giving another sigh, she flicked her eyes around the almost empty beach, its fine white sand and aqua clear waters picture postcard beautiful, the perfect balm for her bruised heart, once more thankful for Samantha’s surprise win.

The prize had come out of the blue, even Samantha not sure when she had entered, but none of the girls questioning their good fortune. It saw the three swap the dreary English winter to spend two weeks on the glorious Greek island paradise on an all-expenses paid holiday. While not the busiest holiday destination, she had to admit it was definitely stunning, the slow pace of life not only welcome, but well-timed. Pulling her sunglasses back on, she sat up to look at the water, light from the sun dancing over the small waves, almost hypnotic as her mind drifted. A frown creased her smooth brow as her mind returned to the previous month, her mouth tightened in an all-too-familiar anger.

Her boyfriend of two months, Nigel, had assured her that he loved her, Bella not sure of her own feelings, but enjoying the attention of the handsome lawyer. He had told her that he was OK with her not wanting to jump into bed with him until she was ready, his patience and understanding seeing Bella give serious thoughts to his offer of a long weekend away, a chance for the two of them to pursue the physical side of their relationship. As proof of his feelings, he had given her a key to his luxurious flat, and that evening, having decided that she would go with him – a huge step for her – she excitedly made her way to his apartment. While she was no virgin, neither was she somebody who slept around, having only had two other lovers in her 22 years.

As the tears once more threatened, she bit her lip, the memory of leaving university early that day returning. She had been determined to surprise him with a home-made dinner at which she would announce that she would go with him. However, it had been Bella who was surprised, finding him in bed with another woman, Nigel calling after her in a harsh tone, What did you expect Bella? I’m only human.

Wordlessly, she had turned stiffly, leaving the flat, dropping his key on the table as she left, refusing to take any of his calls or attempts to meet up with her as he begged for her forgiveness, declaring that the other woman meant nothing, that he loved only her. With another sigh, she again smiled sadly. Yes, the timing of the holiday had been fortuitous indeed.

We should go. Her attention snapped back to the present as her look moved to Sam, watching as she pulled her wrap around herself. Samantha continued, chuckling softly, If we stay here much longer, I will burn to a crisp. Her lovely smile filled her face as Bella nodded, her eyes moving to their friend, so relaxed and comfortable with the men all fawning over her.

Kate!, she cried, the gorgeous brunette turning, rising gracefully as she sauntered over to the other two girls, her long hair swishing against her curvaceous body, the three boys she left all groaning with desire.

Smiling, Bella gave Kate a ‘You are hopeless’ look as Kate winked back, her lovely mouth curving in a wicked smile, Hey, I made sure there were enough to share. Both Bella and Samantha shook their heads at her, both used to her ways.

We are heading back. Need to get changed for later for the disco somebody is insisting we find…, Bella grinned, her eyes full of laughter, You coming?

Kate nodded as she picked up her towel, draping it over her shoulder as she blew a kiss to the men, all begging for her to stay, all transfixed as she flicked her eyes sensually towards them, her seductive voice like honey, I am sure that we will bump into each other again soon. Bella and Sam moved forward, their eyes rolled heavenwards, both knowing the effect Kate had on men.

Once more within the luxurious villa, complete with all modern conveniences and rooms for each, the three prepared for that evening. The plan was to eat at a restaurant they had passed earlier in the day, its large open eating area covered in vines and plants lending an exotic air to the eatery, the mouth-watering smells tempting the girls to make it their first stop that night. They also hoped to finally find the disco they were assured was somewhere on the island, not having discovered it in the three days they had been there so far. As they dressed, Kate gave a long weary sigh at the thought of having to spend another ‘boring’ night in a taverna, her pleas to find excitement making the others laugh as they agreed to be more determined in their hunt for the elusive nightclub.

They had almost reached the restaurant when Sam groaned, I forgot my camera, halting as the other two looked back at her, their eyes questioning as she searched through her bag. Kate and Bella both waved it away as Sam looked back, a frown furrowing her smooth brow, No, I really want to get some photos. With a smile she looked at the shoes Kate wore, higher than either of the other two had opted for, both girls having laughed at her choice as she hobbled along the cobbled streets. Look, I will grab it and meet you at the restaurant. I will be five minutes behind you. Kate looked relieved while Bella paused, not liking the idea of her friend walking the narrow streets alone, especially given Sam’s notoriously bad sense of direction.

However with a scornful sound Sam moved back, declaring herself fully able to find the main square where the restaurant was situated, ignoring Kate’s, Quick Bella, give her chalk. Marking the ground is her only hope of finding her way back comment as she gave a derisory half-laugh, telling the other two to order her wine.

Half an hour later, seated near the front of the open deck area of the restaurant, Bella gave a deep sigh. I knew she would get lost, her eyes darting up the street once more. Maybe I should go and look for her.

Kate gave an amused chuckle. Sure, let’s all get lost. Give her time. You know Sam, she has probably found some little cat sitting on a white-washed wall that is ‘so Greek’ and is taking a couple of hundred pics of it. Bella felt her lips twitch, Sam’s obsession with capturing everything about the holiday on film the butt of many jokes.

About to check her watch, her phone heralded a text, Bella opening it with a scowl. How the hell did he get my new number?, she bit out before being able to stop herself, Kate looking quizzically at her.

Is that Nigel?, Kate’s tone sombre, as Bella nodded, a sigh leaving her lips as she read the message. Flicking the device shut she stuffed it unceremoniously back into her bag, Kate giving her a thoughtful look. You know... He might have learnt his lesson Bella. The guy is gorgeous and loaded. Not a bad catch, and I doubt very much that he would mess you about again

With a determined shake of her head, Bella fixed her friend with serious eyes. He slept with another woman Kate. How could I ever trust him again? No – you know my rule: No second chances.

Kate regarded her silently for a second before leaning in closer, a gentle smile curving her lovely lips. You know, one day you are going to meet somebody who will be worth that second chance.

Bella grinned, Well, if he is that wonderful, then he won’t need one, because he will not screw things up in the first place.

Kate was about to respond when her eyes flew to the nearby street, Bella recognising the hungry look which filled her eyes. Kate’s voice was slow and almost purring, Well here comes Sam now... And look what she found.

Bella flipped around in her seat to see their friend walking towards them, the tall, devastatingly handsome man beside her laughing at some joke Sam had just made. Turning around again she gave Kate a warning glare, Down girl. Check out Sam – she is smitten.

Kate gave a small growl in the back of her throat as she continued to stare. Oh I would love to get all kinds of smitten by him, Bella unable to hold back the laugh as the two joined them.

The man introduced himself as Dante Durant, his look never leaving Sam for long, before reluctantly he excused himself, refusing to join them. Bella noticed how he seemed to find it difficult to go, as he hesitated, continuing to stare at the red-head by his side. She was more surprised to see the way Sam stared back, she normally reserved and dismissive of the many men who would try to attract her attention. However, with this stranger she was almost fluttering her eyelids, even Kate flicking her a look of surprise as he left, moving further into the restaurant, a chuckle leaving her as she leant in, her voice more hushed, Do my eyes deceive me, or is our little Sam actually noticing... A MAN!, the final words spoken in a dramatic tone.

Sam blushed as she tried hard to hold back the smile on her lips, her eyes flicking to look at the man who sat talking to the locals at the bar, a dreamy look crossing her features. Don’t be silly. Besides, why would a man like him look twice at someone like me?

At this Kate became more serious, her hand gently patting Sam’s, Maybe because you are a drop-dead gorgeous redhead... But, if you are really not interested, then I will take a crack at him, Bella laughing with Kate as Sam spun round, her head shaking.

Hands off Kate. I found him first.

Kate gave Bella a knowing look as she held up her hands submissively, her lips twitching with humour. Well then, the friends rule applies – as you say you found him first, he is all yours Samantha Trey.

Sam’s face lit up into a radiant smile as she grinned widely, her voice an excited whisper, Oh my God... He is gorgeous.

Bella sat back, looking at her two friends, joining in with the fun. Having no siblings of her own, Kate and Sam were as close to her as sisters could be, she knowing that they felt the same. The three girls had met at school; three more different personalities you could not hope to meet, but they had found the support they needed in each other. Since 7th Grade they had been inseparable, always there to help each other. Kate was a notorious man-eater, and she went after the men she desired with the single-mindedness of a tigress. That she was attracted to Dante was obvious, but more obvious was her love for Sam, Bella knowing that as far as the other woman was now concerned he was off-limits, also knowing that Kate was happy with that, happy to see Sam enjoy herself.

The three girls later moved to the nightclub, furnished with directions from the manager of the restaurant, as he informed them that Dante insisted on paying for their meal. Sam became sad and forlorn as he had earlier bade them farewell, dropping a bottle of champagne at their table for them to enjoy on him, his generosity with their cheque bringing a whimsical smile to her lips. So nice, she murmured dreamily as both the other girls looked heavenward as they moved to the nightclub.

Once inside, Kate did not take long to find herself another man, this time a tall handsome Swedish tourist, his eyes all over her. With a wiggle of her eyebrows she winked at them, Let me know if you want me to find you one, her eyes falling on Sam. But not you. You already have one, before she danced away, her body moving sexily.

Sam turned to Bella, her expression