Without Limits: Austin (Rugged Riders Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

another like that again.
    “Hi,” I said, after swinging the door open.
    He stood there in black slacks and a collared blue shirt. His hair was groomed well. It suited him, but I’d always preferred the just-out-of-bed look on him. This classier version of him had me smiling, but under the layers of maturity, I knew the real Austin was deep down inside. The bad boy who gave no shits and did whatever he wanted. The alpha male that had brought out the fun, adventurous side in me all those years ago.
    “Damn, you look amazing,” he said.
    “Thanks. You clean up nice yourself, too.”
    “Glad you like it. Ready?”
    I nodded.
    He held out his hand, pulling me outside with him. There was no going back or changing my mind at the last minute. After all these years, finally I could talk to Austin again—in person.
    Once inside his BMW, I thanked him for having my car serviced.
    “They brought my car up to the dress shop right after lunch. Apparently, I needed a new battery. I’m glad that was all. I don’t think I could afford a major repair right now,” I said. “Speaking of…how much do I owe you?”
    He glanced over at me. “This date.”
    I laughed. “Fine.”
    Less than a half hour later, we pulled up in front of Veleros Italian Bistro and Grill, an intimate restaurant just outside the city. I had been here before, but only on special occasion. The five-star service they were known for was very intimate and the food prices were sky high.
    The greeter came out behind the podium to welcome us inside. “Do you have a reservation,” he asked.
    “No I don’t. I need a table for two?”
    “Sir, we’re only open for reservations. Without reservations-” A younger woman tapped the greeter on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear. “Oh!” He then laughed. “Why didn’t you say anything? Right this way, Mr. Clark.”
    “How did you do that?” I whispered to Austin.
    “Do what?”
    “You know…get us a table without reservation.”
    “I’m part owner. This is my first time eating here though.”
    Austin pulled out my seat for me and I sat down.
    Seconds after the greeter made sure the seating was okay with Austin, the waiter arrived at their table and placed a couple of menus on the table. Moments later she came back with glasses of water and took our drink orders.
    I picked up the menu and skimmed the dishes.
    “Strange,” I said. “But I don’t remember you owning this restaurant.”
    “The deal happened months ago.”
    “Deal?”
    After taking a few sips of his water, Austin sat back in his chair.
    “About a year and a half before I retired, I knew I wanted to still earn money. Not necessarily work, but gain profits. So, I started investing in my own business venture early. I’m an angel investor.”
    “An angel what?”
    “I invest in different companies. Mostly start-ups, but occasionally I’ll take on seasoned businesses looking to expand. Owners and inventors seek capital they don’t have and I provide the funds. My return on investment either comes in the form of a loan or ownership stake in the business.”
    “Oh…” I nodded. “Things are starting to make sense now.”
    “I thought they would once you gave me the time of day to explain,” he said.
    The waiter came back at the moment with our glass of water and bottle of wine and empty wine glasses. We watched as the waiter popped the cork on the bottle and first filled Austin’s glass and then mine. “Are you ready to order, Mr. Clark?”
    Austin looked at me.
    “Any suggestions,” I asked. “I’m not picky.
    “I’ve heard the five course meal for two is popular,” Austin said. “We can get a variety and share, if you like.”
    We confirmed our selections and the waiter took the menus away. While sipping on white and enjoying some appetizers, we made small talk about our work lives. I learned more about how Austin had earned the bulk of his money outside of racing by investing. He’d been so busy during