Marrying My Billionaire Boss

by Lee, Nadia

  The car stops at the gate. I turn to tell Kim the security code to put into the number pad, then stop as a man moves slowly toward her side of the car.

  He doesn’t look like a vagrant or loiterer. He’s in his mid- to late fifties, with his stubble half white and half light brown. The skin’s tanned and weathered, and his shirt and jeans are both old and faded. The sneakers on him are black-gone-gray and as weathered as his skin. There’s a firm purpose to his gait, and in his steady, clear gaze. He knocks on Kim’s window.

  She lowers it, just enough to talk, but not enough for him to stick his fingers in. “Look, we have no cash, and the owner won’t be back for a while,” she says.

  “I’m not looking for cash. I was wondering if you know when Evie Sterling is coming back. You might know her, if you’re working here.”

  I snort-laugh at the man’s assumption, until it suddenly registers that he’s looking for me, not Nate.

  I shift until I can peer at him better. “What do you need to see her for?” Maybe it’s about one of the medical centers. But then, why not just go to one directly, or come to the office?

  He dips his head and stares at me hard. Then he puts a hand over his mouth for a moment and starts blinking hard and fast. “Oh my God. It’s you,” he says finally, his voice thick. “You’re more beautiful in person than in the pictures.”

  His over-the-top reaction makes my face hot, and I squirm in the passenger seat. I’m not anything special, and I resent the fact that strangers can now recognize me because of the tabloids.

  “I’m Bradley Brown,” he says.

  For a moment, I can’t even speak. It’s as though somebody dropped a bomb in my psyche. It’s like all my birthday and Christmas wishes came true.

  “I just…” He wipes at his eyes. “It’s enough to know you’re okay. I didn’t mean to… Sorry.” He starts to turn away as though realizing he’s revealed too much.

  I jump out of the car.

  “Don’t!” Kim says, getting out of the car herself.

  I put a hand up toward her, then call, “Stop!” I start after him, with Kim following half a step back.

  He keeps walking, and I pick up the pace. Kim reaches for me.

  “What if he’s a kidnapper?” she says. “Do you know what you’re worth to criminals now?”

  I ignore her because I know he’s not. He’s—

  He spins around, his eyes flashing. “I’m not a criminal, and I’m not trying to hurt her!” he yells. Dull red blooms on his face, and he looks away for a moment. “I… I just wanted to see her, that’s all.” He runs a hand over his cheek, sniffling.

  A golden ring on his finger flashes, and I move forward to look at it more closely. I squint and realize it has a flower motif like Mom’s.

  Suddenly my legs are unsteady and trembling. Someone might be able to pretend to be my dad, but the golden band? That’s different. “Can I see your ring?”

  He pulls back, hiding the hand behind his back. “No.”

  “Please! It’s important.”

  He hesitates and seems to debate with himself.

  “I swear I won’t steal it. I just want to see it.” I need proof. Even as my heart says this is my dad, my head says I have to be absolutely sure. Kim’s right about my new station in life and what that could mean to the unscrupulous.

  After three beats, he reluctantly pulls it off his finger and gives it to me. The metal’s warm from his body heat.

  “I don’t know why you’re so interested,” he grumbles, looking at his shoes. “It’s just a cheap ring. Not even real gold.”

  I don’t care about the cost. I only care about the design. The flower motif is just like Mom’s. It’s gotta be the same set that my mom’s came from. My hands shaking I tilt the band to see the inside. Mom’s says …till death do us part. This one says To love and cherish… in the same swirly script.

  Tears spring to my eyes as my hand clenches around the ring.

  He shoots me a glance, then sighs. “Aw, don’t cry like that. I’m sorry. I didn’t show up to cause any trouble or anything…” He shakes his head, then looks at Kim beseechingly.

  Kim puts a hand on my shoulder, shifting to put herself between me and him. “Evie, hey. Are you okay?”

  I nod, touched that she cares even though the gesture is wholly unnecessary. “Yes. It’s my…” I pause as I realize what I’m about to say. “It’s my dad.” Another wave of longing and joy sweeps over me, and my chest feels tight. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to see my father, much less introduce him to any of my friends. But now I get to do both.

  “Your dad? I thought he wasn’t around anymore.” Kim takes another good look at him. “How did you find her?”

  “I saw articles,” he says. “I only wanted to see her, that’s all. I’m embarrassed I fumbled around like a fool.”

  “You didn’t.” My voice is shaking hard. “Do you have any idea how much I wanted to find you?”

  “Evie…”

  “Mom said you were a great guy. And I…I was hoping you’d come find me one day, because I wasn’t sure if I could find you. We lived in Dillington for so long. I think Mom secretly wanted you to come back,” I say through the tears that keep welling and falling, my heart overflowing with emotions I can’t begin to identify.

  Dad steps closer…

  Chapter Forty

  Nate

  I leave the office early. There are still a few things to review, but I can do that at home. My office feels oddly empty without Evie around. It’s as though she’s what makes everything complete.

  As I approach the gates, I notice a couple of women and a man off to the side. Weird. We don’t have many pedestrians around here. I do a double take when I realize it’s Evie and Kim with a guy I don’t recognize. Rage fists around my heart at the sight of tears on Evie’s face. What the hell is going on? Is the guy hurting her?

  He starts to move toward her.

  Oh no you don’t!

  Fear for Evie and our unborn child slams into me, along with fury and an overwhelming need to protect her. I slam on the brakes and jump out, my hands clenched into fists. I leap between Evie and the man and point a finger at his chest. “Stay away from my wife!”

  The man flinches, blinking like I’m the bad guy. The gall!

  I turn to Evie. “Are you okay? Is this guy harassing you?”

  She swipes at the corners of her eyes, then sniffs. “No. It’s my dad, Nate.”

  She isn’t making any sense. She’s been crying, so maybe she’s too emotionally overwrought to speak coherently. I glance in Kim’s direction. She looks tense, not happy and relaxed like a woman who just met a friend’s parent. I turn my gaze back to Evie. “What?”

  “My dad. I thought I’d never see him again, but he came looking for me.” She shoots me a teary smile.

  Alarms start to go off inside my head. Keep an open mind. This might actually be Evie’s dad.

  I turn to this alleged father of Evie’s. He looks at me with a small, uncertain smile. “Hello. I’m Bradley Brown. Nice to meet you.”

  I’ll bet it is.

  I take an inventory of the man. He’s tall, attractive under the stubble. The features aren’t classic, but nicely arranged. His nose is slightly crooked, probably broken at some point. The clothes are shabby, but not so much that they’re embarrassing. Just enough to make him appear like a friendly, normal guy, the kind of man who’s down on his luck—an underdog you might want to root for.

  Except I don’t quite buy it. Maybe I’ve become skeptical over the years because of too many douche burgers trying to take advantage of me and my family. Women aren’t the only ones who approach us, and I just can’t believe this man’s motives are all that pure.

  Besides, how can Evie be so certain he’s the man he claims to be?

  But she’s smiling, her face glowing like her fondest wish just came true. I can’t bring myself to ruin that, especially when I have no proof that this Bradley Brown is a scammer.

>   So I school my features into warmth and congeniality and put on my most charming smile. “Nate Sterling. It’s a pleasure to finally meet Evie’s dad. Sorry about that just now. I didn’t know who you were.”

  Sniffing, Bradley scratches the tip of his nose. “It’s all right. If I were you, I might’ve done the same.” He turns to Evie. “Sweetheart, can I have the ring back?”

  She starts. “Of course. Sorry. I forgot I was holding it.” She hands over a golden band to him.

  I look at it curiously. Is that the proof he offered?

  As though he senses the question, Bradley says, “It’s the part of the set I gave Mari. I had it designed myself.”

  “Ah.” A DNA test is a better option and more conclusive. I wonder if he’ll agree to one.

  But I don’t think he’s going to be the real problem. It’s Evie. She’s looking at the man like he single-handedly discovered the Holy Grail. Obviously she wants him to be the person she thinks he is. And she’ll be upset if she thinks I don’t believe him—not even a little.

  But something about him feels off. I can’t quite place my finger on the precise issues I’m having, but there’s something about him that’s trying a little too hard.

  Sighing, I remember that Kim is still standing there. “Hey, Kim.”

  “Hi, Nate.” She gestures at a car parked at the gates. “I was just driving Evie home.”

  “Thank you,” I say.

  “She also helped me pack my things, and I wanted to ask her in for coffee or tea,” Evie says quickly, her gaze darting to Kim, then back to her dad.

  Kim also looks at Bradley, but her eyes are still more polite than friendly. Interesting. Is she getting the same vibe I am?

  “I can take a rain check on that,” she says, her voice sweet as she turns to Evie, although her gaze is slightly guarded. Evie doesn’t seem to notice. “I don’t want to intrude on your time with your dad, especially when you haven’t seen him in forever.”

  “Thank you, Kim,” Evie says. “You’re such a good friend.”

  “I know, right? Don’t you forget it.”

  My car isn’t designed to haul two extra passengers, so Bradley and Evie climb into Kim’s car. I want to object, since I don’t trust the man at all, but there’s no good way to do it without looking like a jerk.

  That guy isn’t going to do anything crazy. He’s looking for a bigger score, I tell myself, not that it’s much comfort as I swing in behind Kim, so I can keep an eye on the three of them.

  During the drive along the long, winding road to the mansion, I assemble a list of things to do. First, I need to offer to feed Bradley dinner, since I can’t quite kick the man out, no matter how uneasy I feel. Second, I need to figure out how to get rid of him graciously. Maybe put him up at a hotel. There’s no way I’m inviting him to spend the night. Third, I need to get Pattington to do a thorough background check on this guy. If the family detective clears him—and only if—I can let my guard down some.

  My mind made up, I dictate a text asking him to look into Bradley Brown, a.k.a. my wife’s father. He confirms the new assignment, and I let out a soft breath. Pattington’s good at his job, and he’s been working for my family for years. He’ll not only be quick but discreet.

  Kim pulls to a stop in front of the main door. I park my car behind her and go up to the three of them.

  I put a hand on Evie’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “I’ll get your things with Kim.”

  “Do you need help?” Bradley offers.

  I give him my warmest smile. “It won’t be necessary. Why don’t you go ahead and catch up with Evie over there?” I gesture at the small porch.

  He nods and walks off with Evie, a hand at the small of her back. I narrow my eyes, but keep my mouth shut.

  Kim pops her trunk open as I join her. She breaks the silence first, her voice quiet. “Good thing you showed up.”

  “You don’t like him either?” I ask.

  “Nope. I feel bad because it’s obvious Evie’s excited, but…” She shrugs. “There’s something about him. I’m pretty sure I’m just being paranoid, though. It comes with the territory of being Salazar’s assistant. He gets his share of…leeches.” She wrinkles her nose.

  As much as I hate it, part of me is relieved Kim and I are on the same page. I’m not just being paranoid for no reason.

  She continues, “I could be wrong, because I’m protective of Evie and don’t want to see her hurt. Maybe he’s just a genuinely nice guy but super nervous. I mean, it makes sense, right? And some people are just awkward, terrible at making a good first impression.” She gestures at the boxes in the trunk. “All her stuff.”

  “Thanks.” I pick a couple up. They’re surprisingly light. “I owe you one.”

  “You and your whole family.” She winks.

  I let out my first genuine laugh since seeing Bradley step closer to crying Evie. Salazar isn’t just Kim’s boss, but Justin’s father-in-law. She does a lot to smooth things out between the families when opinions clash, and Salazar can be very stubborn.

  “Keep an eye on them while I take the boxes in, will you?” I ask, not wanting Bradley to move off the porch or try to get into our home.

  “Sure.” She smiles, then walks toward the porch.

  I take Evie’s things, put them in the foyer and lock the door again. When I come out, Kim’s hugging Evie. When she notices me, she shakes hands with Bradley.

  “I should get going and let you get to know each other,” she says.

  Evie looks torn. “Are you sure? I’m dying to invite you in.”

  “Next time. You owe me a complete tour.” Kim winks, then turns to me. “Bye, Nate.”

  “Bye, Kim,” I say.

  She drives off, and I start toward Bradley and Evie. She’s laughing softly at something he said. At least he knows how to entertain her. That’s a point in his favor…but only a small one.

  “Why don’t the three of us go out for dinner?” I say, putting an arm around Evie’s waist, wanting to ensure Bradley understands he better not hurt her.

  He hardly bats an eye. As a matter of fact, he seems pleased. That should ameliorate the unease in my gut, but it doesn’t.

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Evie adds hurriedly when Bradley doesn’t immediately agree. “You don’t have anything to do tonight, do you, Dad?”

  My jaw muscles tighten at the affectionate way she calls him Dad. How in the world can she bond with him so quickly? If I were in her place, I would be suspicious.

  She isn’t cynical like you.

  But she’ll learn, I think with a bit of sadness. People who treat you the same regardless of the size of your bank account are rare. I wish I could shield her, but it’s simply not possible.

  He gives her a paternal smile. “Of course not. I’d love to spend some time with you and get to know you better. So where are we going?”

  “Virgo,” I say.

  Bradley smiles. “I’ve heard great things about that place.”

  I’ll bet. “Did you drive here?”

  “I parked my car a few blocks away from where Evie and her friend stopped.”

  “Okay. Why don’t we go get it and then go to the restaurant?”

  “Sure,” he says, and I grab my Beamer SUV to take him to his car and wait for him to get behind the wheel.

  As I drive to Virgo with Evie sitting next to me, I can see Bradley’s car in the rearview mirror. It’d be nicer if he got lost. On the other hand, maybe not. Evie would probably freak out.

  “Thank you,” she says softly. “I know the visit is a total shock to you.”

  “Wasn’t it for you?”

  “Yeah, but in a different way. It’s my dad, someone I always wished I could meet some day. You didn’t even know you had a father-in-law.”

  I grin. “Your mom didn’t have you all by herself. I just didn’t think I’d ever meet the guy.” Was hoping I wouldn’t, if he was enough of a dick to leave her only to come back when she’s married to a rich
man.

  She and I both know we’re together because we care about each other. I adore her, want the best for her. But to a lot of people out there, she’s just a lucky girl who managed to snag a super-rich boss. Some assholes are probably calling her a gold digger, and might even think she deserves to be fucked over. It’s my job to ensure those douchebags don’t get to hurt her.

  “I know the timing looks bad,” she says. “Him popping up like this. But please just understand I’ve been wanting to find him for a long time. Mom said he really loved her. He’s a good man, just bad luck and timing separated them, you know?”

  “I get it. But how did you know he’s really your dad, and not some imposter?” This is the question I didn’t want to ask in front of Bradley. I didn’t want his presence to affect her answer.

  “That ring he showed me? It’s really the same one as my mom’s.”

  “He could’ve copied the design.” I would if I were a con man.

  “Yeah, but my mom’s ring has half a sentence engraved on the inside. His is the other half. And Mom never takes off her ring. So that’s how I knew he was my dad for real.”

  Hmm. That does sound pretty genuine. But it isn’t enough to totally calm my suspicions. My instinct is telling me something’s wrong, and I need to tread very carefully.

  I pray Pattington works fast, hoping my gut feeling is wrong for Evie’s sake.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Nate

  The food is great, which is to be expected. Virgo is a perfect restaurant. Unlike the other places that Vanessa’s older brother Mark owns, the dress code is slightly more relaxed, so Bradley’s outfit doesn’t get us kicked out.

  We could’ve gone to some other place, but I chose Virgo, especially because I want Mark to see Bradley and give me an impression. Unfortunately, he isn’t there. Damn it.

  Once we’re seated, Bradley defers to me for wine and menu options, saying he doesn’t know much about fancy sit-down meals. I merely smile, since it isn’t that fancy, and he could just pick his own food and drink. I can’t decide if he’s worried that I’ll judge him if he selects the wrong wine or if he’s trying to ingratiate himself somehow. There’s no need for him to play up the “poor relative” role to this degree. Until Pattington clears him, I’m not letting my guard down.