The Conflicted Billionaire (The Conflicted Love Series Book 1)

by Sharon Sue Thorn

  “But you said you’ll be in debt until you die.”

  His eyes lit up and made her laugh out loud.

  “Yeah,” she said, shrugging. “I will. So, what’s another hundred dollars?” She pulled the bill down and looked for the amount due. When she found it, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Ooh! Or four hundred,” she said, and the last syllable came out in a squeak. “That’ll teach me.”

  A laugh burst out of Owen, and Jenny just stared at him. He tried to compose himself, but struggled. Finding the humor in her mishap, she couldn’t help but join him. For a second, she thought about how she couldn’t wait to write to Jeff and tell him about the incident. Her laughter instantly died in her throat.

  “Hey...” Owen nudged her. “Seriously, I can help you with that.”

  “You know my friend I told you about who lives in Destin?”

  “Yeah.” He nearly whispered the word.

  “He dumped me.”

  “No! He—” Owen stopped abruptly. “What do you mean? Was he your boyfriend?”

  “Not technically, but he should have been. I won’t bore—” Jenny stopped, recognizing her words.

  Owen reached across the center console and placed his fingertips lightly on her chin, then gazed into her eyes. “Whatever happened...” He spoke the words slowly. “Your friend is an idiot who didn’t know what he was doing.”

  “Yes, he did.” Jenny nodded, but Owen’s hand still touched her face. The heat from his fingertips alone warmed her entire body. “We talked for months, and I thought I knew him. He knew me. But he didn’t want me. Not even as a friend.”

  Do you want me?

  Jenny’s world slowed as Owen leaned in. His fingertips didn’t leave her face as he ran them down the length of her jaw, drawing her nearer. The drumbeat of her heart, combined with the intensity in Owen’s emerald eyes, slowed the motion of her world. She could almost count the seconds as his lips neared hers. Her eyes closed lazily as their lips met in the space over her console.

  Who would ever have thought being electrified could be this pleasurable? Engulfed in the softness of Owen’s lips, intoxicated by his desire, Jenny forgot she was in her Jeep, on a public street, in front of Mr. Hidy’s house. As she lifted her arms with every intention of pulling Owen across the console, her elbow pressed into her steering wheel and blasted the horn.

  Jenny gasped, sucking in so much air it made her cough.

  Owen reached over and patted her on the back. “You okay?”

  With a final cough, Jenny caught her breath and nodded. “Yeah.” She sat back against her seat.

  Mr. Hidy appeared in the doorway and opened the screen door. “Why are you still here?” he called. “Everything okay?”

  “Sorry! I’m fine, Mr. Hidy.”

  Mr. Hidy bent down, trying to see inside the Jeep from where he stood. “Is that a man in there with you? Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Oh my goodness. “I’m fine, Mr. Hidy. We were just talking... and stuff.”

  Mr. Hidy waved a hand of understanding and slowly made his way back inside.

  Jenny rested against her seat for a moment, but she couldn’t bring herself to look at Owen. In her peripheral vision, she could see him staring at her. Covering her face with her hands, she spoke into them, letting her voice come out muffled.

  “I can’t believe I just did that.”

  “I know. Me neither.”

  She whipped her head toward Owen. He couldn’t believe she had kissed him, or he couldn’t believe he had kissed her? Did he regret it? “What do you mean?”

  “I really shouldn’t have done that.”

  Jenny’s face flushed, and it spread through her entire body. “Thanks a lot!” She straightened and started her Jeep. When she hit the gas, Owen lurched forward and grabbed for the handle. Scaring him gave her a small sense of satisfaction, but not nearly enough.

  “Jenny...”

  “What?” she asked curtly.

  “I’m going home tonight. So, what I meant is, I shouldn’t have done that. You make me want to stay, and I can’t stay.”

  Letting up off the gas, Jenny turned onto a side street and parked.

  Owen raised his brows in confusion. “Did you forget a meal?”

  “No. That’s not why I parked.” Her brain told her no, but her heart said, Why not? She always did the right thing. Always told the truth, and look where it’d gotten her. Besides, it was only one more kiss. He’d leave, and she’d never see him again. “Just this once.”

  “Just this once what?” Owen asked.

  Jenny slid out of the driver’s side of the Jeep and walked around the back to the passenger door. She opened it, put her foot on the step, and launched herself up. Hanging on to the “Oh Shit” handle, she met Owen’s eyes.

  “Kiss me again.”

  His eyes darkened as he reached for her. Running his hand down her side, he didn’t stray from the path, but the effect was the same. Pulling her toward him, she sat on his lap. She rested one hand on his muscled chest and let the other get lost in his hair. Her face hovered slightly in front of his, and this time, with a boldness she usually didn’t possess, she pressed her mouth to his.

  When they parted, Jenny was breathless. Instead of walking back around the Jeep, she slid over the console, back into her seat.

  During the quiet ride back to the B&B, Owen reached over and held her hand. She was going to joke with him and say something like, You’re just trying to keep me from speeding, but she didn’t want to break the spell.

  Jenny was surprised at herself, and, yes, pleased. For once, she didn’t feel guilty. Of course, she wished Owen wasn’t leaving. She’d love to find out if this magnetism between them was more than a physical attraction. I’m going to Florida, where he lives. She wondered if Owen would have time for a date while she was there. She could spare the time between spending time with Sammie and hunting Jeff down. Maybe Owen would be back home before she left.

  And that was all it took. One single moment of wondering. All her doubts came rushing back. What if I ask him that question and he says no? Does he have a girlfriend in Florida? Surely not! But what if he does?

  She untangled her fingers from his and put her hand back on the wheel. Owen stared curiously but didn’t say anything.

  She pulled her Jeep over in front of the curb at the B&B and turned to face him. “Will you let Betsy know everyone is taken care of? I’m not going back in.”

  “Sure.” Owen sat forward and ran a hand over his face. He looked almost pained. “What are you doing tonight?”

  “Just staying home,” she answered honestly.

  “Want to have dinner with me? I have some things I need to tell you. Want to tell you. Please don’t ask what. I promise you’ll understand why I’m asking. It’s complicated.”

  “Okay,” she said lightly. Why would she pass up a chance to have dinner with this man? Whatever he wanted to talk about, she’d be happy to listen. Maybe that kiss worked a little magic after all.

  “Okay?” he asked. Clearly, he hadn’t expected it to be that easy.

  “Why are you surprised?” she laughed. Had he forgotten so quickly that she had just about kissed his face off?

  “I’m just glad you said yes,” he smiled. “Come by at six?”

  “I’ll be back,” she said, and grinned.

  Owen opened the door and stepped out of the Jeep. Bending down, he peered in at her and said, “Hurry back.”

  Chapter 18

  “I will,” Jenny said. Her smile lit Owen up in so many ways. It made him brave. Thinking about the kisses they’d shared nearly burned a hole through him. Proof of their chemistry was in the pudding, and Jenny was the sweetest. Whatever happened tonight, he was going to tell her the truth and let the chips fall where they might, as the cliché went. No girl had ever moved him in so many ways, so he had to man up and do the right thing.

  “Close my door,” she giggled. “I can’t drive away like this.”

 
“Oh, yeah...” He started to make a comment about not speeding off with a lead foot when someone called out from the front porch of the B&B.

  “Hey! There you are!”

  Recognizing the voice, Owen snapped his head up. Jeff was standing on the porch, waving like a maniac. What the hell was he doing here?

  “Jeff?” Jenny opened her door and got out.

  Owen felt sick. He could only watch in horror as Jenny’s face changed from surprise to elation to confusion.

  “Jeff!” she called out.

  “Yeah?” he said. His eyes squinted, and he put up one hand to block the sun as he looked at Jenny.

  “Um, Jenny?” Owen called out, but she barely looked at him. As if she was shaking herself out of a stupor, her uncertain steps took on purpose as she marched up to the porch.

  “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

  “Excuse me?” Jeff backed up.

  Molly came flying out the door. Standing next to Jeff, she called out to Owen. “’Bout time you got here. We’ve been here well over an hour.”

  Owen stood there, unable to move or even speak. No matter what he said or did, he wouldn’t be able to stop this train wreck.

  Molly looped her arm though Jeff’s and cocked her head. “What’s wrong with you, Owen?”

  “Jeff, who is that woman?” Jenny asked in a sharp tone.

  Molly whipped her head around to Jenny. “I’m his wife. Who are you?”

  Jenny stumbled back as if she’d been slapped. “Jeff? You’ve been married all this time?”

  Oh, this was going down a road that Owen had been too stupid to see. He raced up the walk to stand between Jenny and Molly.

  “Everyone, let’s calm down and sit down somewhere.”

  Molly moved away from Jeff as if she’d been shocked by a cattle prod. Her face was a mix of hurt and building rage. “What does she mean, all this time?”

  Jeff put his hands up like a teapot. “I have no idea.”

  Jenny covered her face as tears began to spill onto her cheeks. She looked at Molly. “I am so sorry,” she gasped out. “He said he was single. I would never knowingly talk to a married man.” After a brief hesitation, she spun to Owen. “Are you married?”

  “No!” he shouted. “I’m not. We all need to talk this though and clear it up. I can explain.”

  “Oh, I think things are pretty clear. Jeff Morgan is married, and that’s why he didn’t want me to visit him.”

  Molly wobbled and grabbed the porch railing. For a moment, Owen thought she might just tumble over. He headed her way, but before he could get two steps closer, she reared back like a major league pitcher and brought her hand around, making hard contact with Jeff’s face.

  “You son of a... I won’t say the rest because I love your mom. I hate you.”

  She stormed into the B&B and came right back out. She was racing down the steps toward the car when Jeff realized what she was doing and chased after her.

  Jenny chased after Jeff, yelling, “This is what happens when you lie! You liar!”

  “Oh, no! Jenny! None of this is what you think. Let me explain,” Owen begged her. “Molly!” He ran toward her car, waving his hands. “Stop!” But she sped off.

  Jeff turned to Owen. “Where are your keys? I have to go after her!” In his panic, he turned his attention to Jenny. “Who are you, you crazy lady, and how do you know my name?”

  “This is all my fault!” Owen yelled at the top of his lungs.

  Betsy came to the front door. “What kind of craziness is going on out here?”

  “I need to get to my wife! Where are your keys, Owen?” Jeff demanded.

  “You know each other?” Jenny asked, her voice weak and unsure.

  “Yes, we’re best friends,” Jeff said. He looked back at Owen. “Keys!”

  “Take my Jeep.” Jenny tossed her keys to him.

  “Shit. I don’t think that’s going to go over well, either. What the hell. I’ll bring it back as soon as I can.” Jeff raced toward to the Jeep, jumped in and peeled off.

  “Jenny, I...” Owen stammered.

  “Stop, Owen. I don’t want to hear a single word out of your mouth. You’re a liar. You knew about Jeff and me, and you claimed you didn’t know him.”

  “Just let me explain, and it will all make sense.” Owen’s voice cracked.

  “I’ve had enough of your kind of explaining. All my life, I’ve been told I’m too honest. But you know what? I’d rather have my feelings hurt by honesty than by lies. This world is full of liars, and you’re one of them. I can throw a rock any direction and hit someone just like you. I never want to see your face again.”

  Jenny marched down the sidewalk, and Owen followed.

  “Please. Jenny. Just five minutes.”

  Jenny spun around so quickly, her hair whipped his face. “Do not follow me, or I will call the police. Don’t ever speak to me again.”

  With that, she stalked off, not looking back.

  Owen walked back to the yard of the B&B and stood there for a moment, not knowing what to do. He sulked up the stairs and saw Betsy sitting in one of the rocking chairs. “I’m so sorry, Betsy.”

  Betsy’s chair rocked a steady rhythm. “This is more excitement than this place has seen in a long time. Leave it to Mr. Handsome to bring the drama.”

  Owen pushed his hands through his hair. “What do I do now, Betsy?”

  “I can only try to help if you tell me what exactly is going on.” She patted the seat next to hers. “C’mon, Handsome Owen. Sit down and tell me all about it.”

  It took Owen less than five minutes to give Betsy an account of the incredible mess he’d made.

  Betsy cringed. “You sure did a number on everyone, including yourself, didn’t you?”

  “I did. What do I do now?”

  “I have no idea.” Betsy sat back and rocked.

  “Ugh.” Owen’s head fell forward.

  “Look, Jenny lives here,” Betsy finally said. “She isn’t going anywhere. But your friends’ marriage is on the line. You need to go after them and set them straight first.”

  “You’re right. I hope they’re headed to the airport. I don’t know where else to look.”

  “I don’t think they flew.”

  Owen wanted to smack his own head. That was their car Molly had taken off in. He stood. “I need to call Jeff first, and I need my keys.” He raced upstairs while dialing Jeff’s number.

  “Good luck, kiddo.”

  It wasn’t lost on Owen that he’d just lost his ‘handsome’ title. Even Betsy was seeing him in a new light.

  “Did you find her?” he asked when Jeff answered.

  “I’m behind her, but she won’t pull over.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Hell, I don’t even know. Just passed Auburn Road.”

  On the way to his car, Owen asked Betsy to point him toward Auburn Road. She did, and he followed her directions. As soon as his phone had blue-toothed to the rental, he tossed the phone into the passenger seat.

  “Molly is driving slower,” Jeff said, relief filling his voice. “So, that was Jenny?”

  “Yes, that was her.”

  “Owen, she knew me on sight.”

  “I know,” Owen said, swallowing hard. “I can explain.”

  “Explain what? That instead of picking some random photo off the internet so you could converse with some girl, you used my photo and didn’t even bother to change my name?”

  At a stop sign, Owen briefly closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. A car honked behind him, and he drove again. “Jeff, man. I am so sorry. This was a bad decision made on the fly, and it was never supposed to go beyond one conversation.”

  “You know,” Jeff said, “this would be easier to forgive if I wasn’t married. The fact that I’m following my wife in the car of some girl I don’t even know, but who thinks she knows me, is insane. Right now, Molly’s mind is filled with thoughts of me cheating on her, man. Are you really that big of a c
oward?”

  The line went dead, and the radio came on, filling the silence. Try to call Molly, you idiot.

  Why hadn’t he thought of that sooner? He held down the button on his phone and said, “Call Molly Morgan.”

  Molly answered his call, her voice thick with tears. “Hi, Owen.”

  “Hey, Molly. Can you let me catch up with you?”

  Ignoring his question, she launched into a tirade. “What happened back there, Owen? I’m trying to figure it out, but my husband is following me in her Jeep, and I feel sick. It’s like I got sucked into some horrible reality show.”

  “Molly, this is all my fault, and I hope you can forgive me, but I need to explain to you both. Jeff did not do anything wrong. Will you please pull over?”

  “I just turned right on Wanamaker Road. I’m going to wait in the McDonald’s parking lot.”

  “I’m closer to you than I thought. Be there in a few minutes.”

  When Owen pulled in, Jeff was standing next to his and Molly’s vehicle. She was still in the car but had rolled the window down. Owen parked near them and got out. Each step toward them ripped a piece of his heart out. Their faces were full of the unexpected torture they’d both encountered.

  “Let’s hear it,” Molly said with a curtness he’d never heard in her voice before.

  After a single steadying breath, Owen launched into explaining how he had used Jeff’s photo on a whim and had planned on removing it that same night. But then Jenny had come along, and their first emails back and forth had morphed. They’d both been hesitant to be on a dating site in the first place, and both of them had just wanted some company.

  He explained how, originally, they had kept their emails neutral. It wasn’t until later that personal details started to come out. So many times, he wanted to tell her the truth, but he had convinced himself it wouldn’t matter.

  “Owen.” Molly exited her vehicle and walked up to him. “You’re selfish. Out of all the things you could have done, interfering with my marriage is the lowest you could go. Scum of the earth low. You made me doubt my husband.” Her last words stuck in her throat as she choked up. Covering her mouth with her hand as tears streamed down her cheeks, she gasped. “I thought he’d ch-cheated on me.”