Book 5 is now available! This is the last book in my Clean Billionaire Fake Marriage Romance series. Read an excerpt from the first chapter of The Billionaire’s Marriage Pledge below…
CHAPTER ONE (Excerpt)…
Zach “Tonight, it’s my honor to be the first to take the microphone and introduce my grandson.” William Stevenson sent the crowd a side-ways look and winked at Zach. Soft chuckles could be heard from the many folks who had gathered in the large showroom space that was hosted in one of Zach’s massive buildings as part of his company, Stevenson Sea Adventures.
Zach’s grandfather continued. “But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be more proud of my grandson. Since he began this business, Stevenson Sea Adventures six years ago, Zach has won numerous awards for his boat designs. He’s gained a reputation as a builder of watercraft that meets the highest standards of safety and durability. And tonight’s announcement is no different.”
The grey haired man turned to Zach. “However, today’s news is his to tell. Ladies and gentleman, to share with you his latest project welcome my talented grandson Zach Stevenson.”
Zach hurried to the front of the room, a big grin lighting up his face as his gaze met the shiny blue eyes of his grandfather. His grandfather pulled him into a quick embrace before turning to walk off the stage. Swallowing nervously, Zach scanned the large crowd. His grandfather had returned to stand beside his grandmother, Catherine Stevenson. His mom wore a big smile as she stood together with William and Catherine and her four sons and their wives.
He was very thankful he could always count on support from his family. The only person missing was his late father. Zach glanced heavenward. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but he couldn’t help but hope that somehow his dad was catching a glimpse of a few of the important moments in his life, like tonight. He exhaled a long sigh filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement as he looked over the crowd.
Gratefulness swelled inside his chest as his gaze swept the crowded room filled with business acquaintances as well as childhood friends from Paradise Lake and Seattle. They were here because they had accepted his invitation. Swallowing once more, courage rose up on the inside and at last he found his voice.
“Thank you everyone for accepting my invitation to tonight’s event.” Zach grinned. “I was quite vague about the details in the invitation you received. I’ve since heard many of you ask me, ‘What’s your big surprise?’” He paused and the room grew silent. “My secret project is a new line of Motorboats.”
Intense pleasure filled him as applause broke out in the room. Seeing smiles on the faces of people he knew who loved boats like he did filled him with a warm glow of happiness. “Before we unveil the new motorboats, I wanted to share the inspiration behind this new project.” He tensed, holding raw emotions in check.
Memories that haunted him for years swirled in his mind. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. “This project was inspired by the memory of a really good friend of mine. During my teenage years, we spent many summers on the lake together enjoying the water.”
“Sadly, when he was only sixteen, Koda died in a motorboat accident.” As he spoke, it seemed like the weight of the life and death of his friend was heavy upon him. Zach swallowed back emotions that threatened to spill over. He hesitated a moment before continuing. “An investigation into what happened revealed that the accident could have been prevented if only my friend had been piloting a safer motorboat that day.”
“Since that day, designing and building safe and durable watercraft has become my passion and my life’s work.” Loud applause broke out in the crowded room. Zach paused for a moment until the room was quiet again. “Today we are happy to share with you my friend’s story and we’re pleased to present the newest line of motorboats dedicated to his memory.”
He nodded to a handful of employees who stood in the back beside the covered up new motorboats. His nod was the signal to remove the cover off the two new motorboats at the back of the showroom. “Ladies and gentleman, introducing our newest production line of watercraft: The Koda Lightfoot motorboat series. I hope you take some time to take a look at these new watercraft and that enjoy what you see.”
The crowd broke into a round of applause as they turned to see the new motorboats being unveiled. Excited gasps, sighs and many ohs and ahs could be heard around the room. Zach grinned as he saw the wide smiles on the faces of family and friends. There were many who had come to support his new venture, for which he was grateful.
He was surprised that some folks from the town council had turned up as well as others like the small town barber and the family doctor. Eyeing Doc White’s familiar wrinkled face and grey hair, Zach took a second look when he noticed the young woman standing beside him. Thick dark hair hung in long graceful curves over her shoulders.
Large dark-framed glasses that were perched on a small straight nose, looked out of place on her delicate, oval face. Her clothing appeared rather lackluster and oversized on her slender body. Suddenly she looked up, her large violet eyes connecting with his. Zach made no attempt to hide the fact that he was watching her.
Nodding slightly he held her gaze as an easy smile played at the corners of his mouth. Her cheeks stained pink at his bold gaze and she swallowed. Lowering her thick dark lashes, she broke eye contact.
He regarded her with a somber curiosity. There was definitely something about this woman that charmed Zach. As he stepped off the stage, he was determined to find Doc White and ask for an introduction to the young woman at his side. Was she a new assistant or nurse? Whoever she was, he definitely wanted to meet her.
He weaved his way through the crowd, his mood buoyant after the pleased response from everyone. Searching the room brimming with people, he had a good vantage point to view the room from his six foot three inch height.
Finally, he caught sight of Doc White and the woman on his arm. Zach moved through the maze of people to catch up with them, but he was too late. Before he could reach them, the two of them had opened the door and exited the building…
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