Billionaire's Secret Crush (Tempting Billionaires Book 4)

by Claire Angel

  “You do that. Don’t be a stranger,” he said, then hung up.

  My self-imposed break had officially started. I had the chef put together a decent lunch for me and called the housekeeper in Aspen with the date of my arrival. If I could get my ducks in a row, I’d work on making Jayde mine on the snow-covered peaks.

  But first I called home and told a very happy mom that I was heading over for a visit. I heard my dad calling for her in the background—something about a belt sander.

  “For the sake of all that is holy, please get your butt over here and distract your father, or you’ll be reading about us on the six o’clock news.”

  “Hang in there, mom. And if you’re going to off him before I get there, don’t leave any evidence, please.”

  “You’re no fun, my boy.”

  Chapter 9

  JAYDE

  “You did what?”

  Gilly sounded like she’d seen an alien landing when I told her about the kiss between Aidan and me when she called the afternoon after my big Vegas adventure.

  “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I had to. The blonde was circling him like a lioness, waiting to pounce, and you know men are clueless when it comes to hussies. And this lioness had a big rack. Always a dangerous weapon.”

  “Are you sure you were saving Aidan? Sounds to me like the blonde tried to leave her scent on him and got up your nose. Anything you wanna tell me?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I told you, we’re just friends. He didn’t seem to read anything into our kiss. We even laughed about it on the way back home. It’s all good.”

  “Sounds to me like you’re trying to convince yourself, there,” Gilly remarked with a tone that indicated that I was full of shit.

  In fact, I was indeed full of it. The kiss wouldn’t leave me be. I caught myself thinking back to it a few times that day. Was Gilly right? Was I being pig-headed? Not like me at all—NOT.

  Aidan was the perfect man if I had to be honest. Sexy, kind, fun, rich, all the things women hunted for in a man. And I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that he sent my ovaries into a tailspin when we kissed.

  “Okay, let’s put this conversation on ice for now. Aidan invited us to his cabin in Aspen in a few weeks’ time. How would you and Dan like a snog in the snow?”

  “Sounds dreamy. I’ll check with him and let you know.”

  “Can you ski?”

  “Well enough not to get killed.” Gilly giggled.

  “Good. If you come, bring your gear. It will be fun kicking your ass on the snow-capped mountains.”

  “You wish! I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. It’s closing time in the real world.”

  “See you tomorrow, smartass.”

  The best way to get through a hangover was to sweat it out. I had a kickass gym in my apartment, so I hit the treadmill with a vengeance until I could hardly breathe or move my legs. Putting an indoor pool on the roof of my apartment building was hands down one of the best ideas I’d ever had. I changed out of my sweaty gym clothes into my swimsuit, grabbed a towel, and climbed the few stairs to my watery haven.

  The water massaged my aching muscles as I swam several lengths. I loved swimming. Ever since I was a small child I grabbed every opportunity I had to sneak into our neighbor’s yard and swim to my heart’s content. I had to be careful though, cause my dad would tan my hide whenever he caught me. The fun was always worth the burning butt.

  I wondered what kind of parent I would be. I wasn’t sure if being a mom was my deal. Granted, I was too young for kids, but every woman contemplated procreation, or so I was told. Some women weren’t built to be mothers. Mine wasn’t exactly a source of warmth and comfort, although I couldn’t blame her. With a husband like my father, I imagined life left very little to smile about. Warm and fuzzy was sadly lacking in my childhood home.

  With no siblings with which to share the brunt of Dad’s explosive anger, I learned to sidestep the shit. It wasn’t my fault that Mom kept having miscarriages, and not producing any sons, but whatever the reason, my father flipped between ignoring me and smacking the shit out of me.

  I supposed in a weird messed up way, I had him to thank for my success. There was no fucking way I’d ever be dependent on a man for my livelihood. My mother was like his prisoner, no money, no skills, no say. As soon as I could afford it, I moved out and saved money for college. When other girls my age were partying at the beach and going on holidays during summer break, I worked shifts at two jobs to make ends meet.

  I didn’t need his help, nor would I ever ask for it. That’s why I never felt the slightest bit of guilt about the way I lived my life. If I wanted something, I bought it. I was generous to the ones I loved, no one more than Gilly, and the rest I figured out as I went along. Sure, I was a little rough around the edges at times, but I always thought my heart to be in the right place.

  Aidan was the antithesis of my father, in every way possible. Was that it? They did say that women married their fathers, and as disgusting as that idea was to me, it could explain my choices in men. Kyle for instance. He was a bad boy and turned out to be a dirtbag too. The only difference between him and my father was that Dad abused with his fists, and Kyle used his cunning to oppress womenkind.

  Was it possible that the key to my real happiness had been there all the time, right under my nose?

  Slow down, girl. Why would a guy like Aidan be interested in a mongrel like you from the wrong side of the tracks? You’re lucky he’s even friends with you.

  There it was again, right on cue. That voice that drove me. The one that scared me into thinking that I had to keep going or I would never be good enough. Never amount to anything as Dad liked to drill into my head. But I beat the odds, so fuck it! My father was a bitter old man with a chip on his shoulder and I was swimming in my rooftop pool. Eat that, Daddy.

  I willed myself back to the present. Romance was a minefield for me anyway. Better to let it go, forget the fantasy, and carry on making bucket loads of dough. Speaking of dough, a pizza always went down like a homesick mole, so I dried myself off with my large, fluffy, designer towel, and made my way back to my happy space. I was in dire need of a cheese hug.

  The phone rang as I stepped back into my apartment.

  “Hello.”

  “Is that my new kissing tutor?” Aidan asked.

  “It is indeed. Have you been practicing, as I suggested?”

  “I’ve made my way through a mountain of peaches and plums. I think you’ll be pleased with my progress.”

  “An eager student? Always good to have at least one of you in a class.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Thirsty,” I admitted.

  “So, it’s not just me.” He laughed.

  “How much tequila did you pour down my throat last night, Aidan Davis?”

  “Just enough to keep you under my spell,” he said.

  “It was worth it though. I had a great time. Thanks.”

  “It was fun, but next time I’ll be forced to muzzle you, or I’ll never again see action from the fairer sex.”

  “There was nothing fair about that hussy,” I sneered.

  “Are you saying that she wasn’t interested in my fine ass, only my wallet?”

  “We’ll never know, will we? And by the way, you’re welcome.”

  “You owe me, Miller. And don’t think that kiss was payment.”

  “Damn. You billionaires are all the same. Greedy bunch. Now go away. I need to eat my pizza.”

  “Okay. I’ll let you go, but don’t think I’m going to forget this.”

  He rang off and left me standing with the phone in my hand, and a smile on my face. When the doorman buzzed my apartment, I expected it to be the pizza I ordered. Instead, it was Aidan’s driver from the night before, delivering my car back to me, safe and sound.

  “Here are your keys, Miss Miller,” he said politely.

  “Thank you.”

  “Have a good evening, ma’am.”

/>   “And you,” I answered, very impressed with the caliber of Aidan’s staff. Not that I expected any less.

  The pizza didn’t touch sides. After sleeping practically the whole day, I expected to stare at the ceiling the entire night, but against all odds, I fell sound asleep before 10 pm. I awoke the next morning feeling like a million bucks—the irony hadn’t escaped me. After a quick shower, a good cup of freshly ground coffee, and a croissant, I made my way to the office. I’d taken enough time off. The workaholic in me was raring to go.

  Chapter 10

  AIDAN

  I heard Mom and Dad pottering around the house as I opened the front door and put my bags down in the foyer.

  “Hello! Special delivery.”

  “Aidan! Are you a sight for sore eyes,” Mom said as she rushed up to me and threw her arms around my waist.

  “Hey, Mama. Careful, you’re going to crack my ribs.”

  “Oh, my darling boy. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me too, Ma. Is Dad here, or in the freezer in the basement?”

  “You made it just in time to save his bacon. He’s circling the drain.”

  “Hey, is that my son I hear?” my Dad’s voice bellowed from the study.

  “Sure is,” I called back.

  He came out to greet me with a big smile on his handsome face. I was one of the luckiest people I knew. My parents loved me, they always had, and they weren’t afraid to show it. I was a man in my thirties, but my Dad caught me in a bear hug and ruffled my hair.

  “Damn, boy. You’re just as handsome as your old man.” He laughed.

  Mom laughed and walked in the direction of the kitchen.

  “Put your bags away, honey,” she said, “you must be starving. I’ve got your favorite waiting for you.”

  Mom was a feeder. Bike crash, ice cream. Bad day at school, spaghetti. Great day on the football field, pizza and waffles. My friends drew straws to join me for lunch on Sundays. That’s when Mom brought out the big guns. A roast with crunchy potatoes, sweet carrots, and freshly baked apple pie. No matter where in the world I traveled to, I never found anyone who could cook like Mom.

  The smell of lasagne slapped me about the chops when I popped into the kitchen after unpacking. Mom was proud as punch as she dished me a huge plate and put it down on the nook at the window. Dad was waiting for me.

  “There you go, my little man. Eat up. What are they feeding you in Fancyville? Looks like you haven’t had a square meal in weeks.”

  “It’s not that bad, Mama. You can’t blame me. No one else cooks the way you do.”

  “So, am I ever going to be a grandfather?” my dad asked as he maneuvered his fork skilfully around the lasagne.

  And there it was. The question.

  “What, no time to settle in and relax for a few days? Straight in, guns blazing?” I smiled.

  “We’re getting old, boy, and I need to pass on my camping skills to the next generation. You’re our only hope, son.” Dad gave me the hairy eyeball.

  “Yes,” Mom chimed in, “and I need to show that bloody showoff, Margaret, that I too am a kickass gran. If I have to look at one more photo of her little Johnny, I’m going to have a fit.”

  “I’m thinking perhaps I should find a wife first. Just saying.”

  “You’ve had enough time, Sonny. Move your ass, or you’re arranged marriage toast.”

  Dad laughed at Mom’s threat. The scary thought was that she probably meant it too. I could imagine her arriving at my doorstep with a queue of women, threatening me to pick one, or else.

  “Okay, back up, you two. It happens that I’m working on it.”

  “Jayde?” Mom asked with a grin.

  What was it about mothers that they could read their children’s minds? How did she know about Jayde? Was she having me followed?

  “Jayde? Why would you ask that, Ma?”

  “I’ve been your mother for thirty-odd years, Aidan. I know what you’re thinking, and probably when you’re thinking it too. You have to get up pretty early to fool me,” she said. “You’ve been going on about her for years. I never hear you talking about any other girl.”

  “We’re just friends, Ma. I don’t want to be that guy who can’t take a hint.”

  “Oh, rubbish. If she doesn’t see you for who you are, she isn’t good enough for my son,” Dad chirped.

  “Exactly,” Mom agreed. “What’s your plan?”

  “I’ve invited her and a few friends to the cabin next week. I’ll know then how she feels about me.”

  “That’s my boy,” Dad said.

  “That’s enough grilling, folks. Watch this space. Are the fish biting, Dad?”

  “Smart. Change the subject. A true negotiator, just like your father.”

  “I was hoping you’d ask,” Dad said. “As a matter of fact, the rods are packed, and the Jeep is packed with camping gear.”

  Mom stood behind Dad, gave me the thumbs-up, and gave me a silent thank you. I winked at her when he wasn’t looking. I hoped I would be as happily married as they were after so many years. They bickered at times, but it was playful rather than malicious. I suspected they’d be lost without each other.

  After dinner, we sat in the living room with a brandy. Home was always home. No matter how old I was, when I was there with my folks, I was happy. I wanted to share it with Jayde. She and my mom would get on like a house on fire. My little firecrackers.

  “It’s way past my bedtime,” Dad said at ten. “Get some sleep, Son. We’re leaving bright and early. The fish don’t wait for anyone.”

  “I’ll be ready, Dad.”

  “I’ll pack you boys some lunch and a flask of coffee,” Mom promised.

  Dad winked at me. I knew he would sneak in his own flask of whiskey. Camping coffee just wasn’t the same without it. When I was sixteen, Dad decided I was old enough to have a swig of his ‘coffee’. The heat spread through my body like a runaway fire. I felt myself chatting away at a hundred miles an hour, unable to zip my lip. Dad thought it was hysterical, and so did I until the hangover hit me like a bus. He made me promise not to tell Mom. I never let slip that Dad corrupted her little angel.

  “Thanks, honey. Your coffee and snacks are the best.”

  “Shall I pack sandwiches just in case the fish don’t bite?” she asked with a wicked grin.

  “Absolutely not! You’ll jinx us, woman.” Dad was firm. I nodded at mom and she winked back.

  We said our goodnights, and I climbed the stairs to my old room. Mom had redone it when I moved out, but she left enough reminders around to keep her son’s presence there.

  All the medals and cups for my sport’s achievements were lined up on a shelf against the wall. I lay down on the bed and took in the smell and feel of my childhood bedroom. The one thing missing was my beautiful golden retriever, Bella. Growing up, she was my shadow. Bella knew all my secrets. She never judged or laughed. After twelve years of absolute dedication to me, she went to the great grasslands in the sky. It broke my heart. I fell asleep and dreamed of Bella and me running through the house, muddy foot and paw prints everywhere.

  At 5 am, Dad knocked on my bedroom door.

  “Come on sleepyhead, let’s go.”

  He looked pleased when I opened the door, dressed and ready, sporting a bright smile.

  “Well, I’m impressed, Son.”

  “I learned from the best,” I answered, patting him on the shoulder.

  He patted the inside pocket of his fishing jacket.

  “I’ve got some special juice for us. Can’t wait for a cup of coffee.”

  “Dad, you’re a bad influence.”

  “You better believe it.”

  Mom was in the kitchen, packing a picnic basket for her boys.

  “Good morning, my darling,” she said when she saw me.

  I hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

  “So, what are you going to do today without your boys, Ma?”

  “Don’t you worry about me.” She smiled. “
I’ll be just fine, all by myself, thank you.”

  “That’s code for ‘get out of my face, boys’.” Dad laughed and smacked Mom lightly on the butt.

  “I know when to leave the room, thanks. I’ll wait for you in the car, Dad,” I said. “See ya later, Ma. Have fun.”

  “Enjoy your grilled fish, honey.”

  She was so adorably mean.

  Chapter 11

  JAYDE

  Aidan called me early one morning while I sat at my desk.

  “Hey,” he said, “How are you? Ready for a break?”

  “And how.”

  “How about a little snow therapy? How does the twelfth sound?”

  “The twelfth? Sounds good. I’ll tell Gilly. She and Dan are on holiday then, so they should make it.”

  “Great. Joey, Marco, and Lola are joining us,” Aidan said.

  “Sounds like it’s going to be a lively group. I’m looking forward to meeting Lola, especially after the lowdown I got from you and Marco.”

  “You’re going to love her. She’s a real character.”

  “She must be to keep Marco in check.”

  “True story.”

  “How was your visit with your mom and dad? Your mom feed you to within an inch of your life again?”

  “It’s amazing how quickly a muffin top develops when you’re around that woman. I’ve got roast potatoes and apple pie withdrawal.”

  “Better we get you on the slopes so you can work off that blubber.”

  “You’re going to sing another tune when I wipe the slopes with your skinny backside, Jayde Miller.”

  “Bring it on, chubby,” I challenged him.

  “Oooh, you’re going to pay for that. Call me when you have an answer from Gilly and Dan.”

  “Will do. Chat soon.”

  I held the phone in my hand for a while after my conversation with Aidan. As much as I tried to convince myself that nothing had changed between us since I attacked him as if were a crazed sex addict, I felt different. Apart from regretting my impulsive act, I was annoyed because I enjoyed the kiss way too much, and yet Aidan seemed unmoved. I refused to ask him how he felt about it. I would die if he fobbed me off, so I decided to keep it to myself and check out the lay of the land in Aspen.