Billionaire's Secret Crush (Tempting Billionaires Book 4)

by Claire Angel

  I called Gilly.

  “Hi there,” she answered cheerily. “What’s up?”

  “Aidan called me with the dates for our cabin escape. Are you available on the twelfth for a week?”

  “Perfect. Dan is so excited. He’s never been before. Neither have I.”

  “It’s unlike any other place I’ve ever been to. I feel like I’m in a fairy tale whenever I touch down in Aspen. You’re going to love it.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  After the call, I scanned my work schedule to check that there weren't any potential disasters looming on the horizon. The upcoming show in Moscow wasn’t for a few months yet, and preparations were running smoothly. Everything else could wait until I had my breath back.

  The phone rang again while I was returning a few emails. I didn’t check the caller ID—that was a mistake.

  “Hello.”

  “Jayde, dear, it’s Mom.”

  I heard from my mother a few times a year, usually when she needed something, mostly money. Her voice took me by surprise.

  “Oh, hi, Mom. How are you?” I fumbled.

  “I’m okay.”

  “What do you need, Ma?”

  I was sorry the minute I said it. I was being a bitch. I didn’t mean to be, it just came out.

  “Nothing, Jayde. I thought you should know that your father is ill.”

  Probably liver failure. Like we didn’t see that one coming!

  “What’s wrong with him?” I asked, well aware of the indifference in my voice.

  “Cancer. He’s not well at all.”

  “I’m sorry for you, Ma.” I honestly didn’t feel anything. I tried for years to get close to him, but he wasn’t interested. Too much of a narcissist.

  “I think you should see him,” she said.

  “I can’t at the moment, Ma. I’m too busy with work, and I’m leaving town for a few weeks. I’ll call you when I get back. Look after yourself, Ma.”

  “Okay. You too.”

  It was unfair that children were expected to heal the rift created by abusive parents. For years I thought that if I had tried just a little harder to be what he wanted me to be, we’d get along. He may have loved me back if I lived up to his expectations. But that was bullshit. Nothing I did would have changed that man’s lack of love for me. My mother was too obsessed with keeping her man, that she forgot to look out for her only child.

  There were many times where she kept silent when my father was picking on me. Even when he was in the wrong, she never came to my defense—not once. What kind of mother put her husband before her kids? If I ever decided to bring life into the world, I’d do the exact opposite of my parents.

  I caught myself chewing on a nail. I hated it when I did that, but it was a nervous habit I developed in childhood. I stopped immediately. I refused to allow my father any more victories over me. So, he was sick. How sad for him.

  The rest of the day flew by, and I tried my best not to think about my mom’s call. I thought about my ski gear. It needed an update, so I did the one thing that made all women take back the power. Retail therapy. I called Gilly.

  “Hi, Gillian. Do you have decent, modern skiing gear? And I don’t mean the ones you used in college. That stuff was old before it even left the store.”

  “Thank you, Doctor Fashion. Don’t pretend that your first ski outfit wasn’t as ugly as sin too,” she fired back. “I still have photos of you in that not so fabulous jumpsuit. If you don’t behave, I’ll splash them all over social media.”

  “Okay, you win. Promise to take them to the grave with you, and I’ll splash out on a new outfit for you and me.”

  “Deal!”

  “I’ll pick you up in half an hour.”

  “Cool.”

  Gilly was ready and waiting when I arrived at her and Dan’s apartment a while later.

  “I’m glad to see you’re wearing your trainers. I’m about to drag you from shop to shop until we look like Aspen royalty,” I said.

  “Go easy on that credit card, hon,” I heard Dan calling from the bedroom.

  “Oh, stop whining, Scrooge!” I yelled. “It’s my treat.”

  “Well, in that case,” he said as he came toward us, “I need a few things too. Shall I mail you a list?”

  “Get a real job, you bum!” I grinned.

  “I have a new job. I’m Gilly’s man Friday, available twenty-four-seven for any whatever her little heart desires,” he said, patting Gilly on the butt.

  “Get off, you horny fool! I’d love to stay and work off your debt, but Jayde and I need to spend obscene amounts of money now. If you behave, I’ll bring you a little something.”

  Dan grabbed Gilly and kissed her. She laughed as he made all kinds of lewd noises.

  “That’s enough. Step away from my shopping partner, you horndog. Cook some dinner. Earn your keep the honest way.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Gilly and I left the apartment and headed for the elevator.

  “I’m putty in that man’s hands.”

  “Duh. He’s adorable, Gilly.”

  “He’s so good for me.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a gem, and he’s lucky to have you. How is he?”

  “Busy. His second company is like a newborn, demanding and tiring. But he’s doing brilliantly, and he loves every minute of it. I must say though, I’m really glad we’re taking a break. Aspen will be a much-needed rest for both of us.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Your mom call?” she asked as we got onto the elevator.

  “How the hell did you know?” I asked.

  “Those chewed nails speak volumes.”

  “Damn, you’re sharp.”

  “I can read you like a book, girl. Now spill it.”

  “She called me to tell me that Dad is sick.”

  “What’s wrong with him?” Gilly asked carefully. She knew our tumultuous history well.

  “Cancer.”

  “Oh, Jayde. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “I know he’s an asshole, but he is still your dad,” she said, placing her hand gently on my forearm.

  “I guess.”

  “How’s your Mom taking it?”

  “Hard to say. She doesn’t let me in. Never did.”

  “Are you going to see him?”

  “Maye when we get back,” I said nonchalantly, “I’ll see.”

  “You know I’ll go with you if you like.”

  “You’re so sweet, Gilly. Thanks, but if I go, I’ll go alone.”

  “You don’t have anything to be ashamed about, Jayde. You are not where you’re from. You have achieved in your short lifetime what most people dream of. I don’t care that you grew up in a shithole. You shouldn’t either.”

  I thought about what she said. When I bought my first apartment, I was so proud of myself. It was nothing like the shoebox I lived in with my parents. Not that it mattered I supposed. It would have been perfectly fine if there had been love at home. But a shoebox feels a lot smaller when you’re trying to find a corner to hide in until the yelling stopped.

  “I’m not ashamed anymore. I simply choose to put that life behind me. I have everything I want.”

  “Everything?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked Gilly, who pretended not to notice my irritation. I knew what she was referring to, but I wasn’t going to walk blindly into that conversation.

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about. He’s tall, strong, has sandy blonde hair, beautiful eyes...nice ass.”

  “You’re not going to give up, are you?”

  “Not a chance. I’ll be keeping a close eye on you two next week. I’ll give you my honest opinion once I watch you together. You know I won’t bullshit you.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” I knew she’d give it to me straight.

  Chapter 12

  AIDAN

  The eleventh rolled on and m
y stomach was a mess. I had a quick word with myself about my schoolboy crush on Jayde. What the hell was wrong with me? The woman kissed me once and ever since that kiss I pined for her touch. It was a daily struggle not to call her up and blurt out over the phone that I was dying to ravish every inch of her body until she screamed my name.

  The mere thought of touching her skin made me hard. Talk about embarrassing moments. I’d have to get my shit together before we got onto the plane for Aspen. The one thing I had in my favor was the fact that there would be others to distract her and give me an opportunity to get a grip.

  Marco, Lola, Jayde, Gilly, and Dan were joining me at the airport, while Joey was meeting us in Aspen on the thirteenth. I didn’t sleep much the night before, and I doubted whether I would fare any better the night before the big day.

  When did I become such a man? Where was my self-respect? Was I doomed to love and want a woman who had no idea how I felt about her? And what if I came clean and she hit me with the dreaded ‘you’re such a good friend’ crap?

  I wondered how long it would take them to find me if I took the wrong line on the slope. Wandering around the frozen mountains would be less painful than having my heart ripped out.

  Okay! That’s enough pissing through your eyes for one day. You really need to man up, dude.

  Greg called me about a small issue he needed advice on. It wasn’t anything serious, but he was the kind of guy who tried to take care of the molehill before it became a mountain. After our meeting, I checked in with Brenda that nothing needed my urgent attention, then I went home.

  I called Joey from the car.

  “Counting down the hours to our first drinking session, bud!” he said as he answered the phone.

  “You’ll be glad to know that Aspen Liquors are delivering a crate of booze as we speak. I ordered a little extra for you.”

  “And that’s why you’re the man. Oh, yeah, now that I have you on the line. Is there space for a plus one?”

  “I insist. Who’s the fox?” I asked.

  “You’ll see when I get there.”

  “Now you’re scaring me, Joe. She is not another one of your psychos, is she?”

  “Oh, come on. A guy makes one mistake. How was I supposed to know she carried a gun in her purse?”

  “Or that her brother was an overprotective drug dealer?” I said sarcastically.

  “Yeah, there was that too. I promise this one is special.”

  “She better be. I can’t afford to change the locks at the cabin again.”

  “You’re such a drama queen.” He laughed. “See you soon, buddy.”

  “See you, Joey. Stay out of trouble.”

  “Have you met me?” He laughed.

  “Okay, don't get caught, then.”

  “Never.”

  He ended the call, and I sat back and relaxed as Carl drove me home.

  “I’m away for the next two weeks, Carl. Feel free to take some time off and visit your family.”

  “Thank you, Sir. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

  “My pleasure. Pop into the office before you leave. I’ve asked Brenda to give you a small something for your trip.”

  “You’re too good to me, Mr. Davis.”

  “You’re a good driver, Carl.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  We pulled up outside my house in the hills. The long driveway snaked to a three-story, contemporary home, surrounded by lush trees and beautiful gardens. I was a fan of clean lines. All the homes I owned were modern. The cabin in Aspen was a log home, but I renovated it to reflect my love of open spaces.

  The bedrooms and entertainment areas had wrap-around glass windows and sliding doors, opening up to stunning views of the vineyards below. I did feel like a fart in a storm wind at times, wandering around a mansion that size all on my own, but I seldom spent much time at home anyway. One day I’d fill it with a family, and lots of dogs, of course. The hardest part would be to find the wife I wanted. After that, it was plain sailing.

  “Good afternoon, Aidan.”

  Olivia was my substitute mom. Where Brenda ran my business life like a boss, Olivia kept my home in order. I felt comfortable knowing that she was there and treated the house like it was her home.

  “Hi, Olivia. Did you have a good day? The trees alongside the driveway look fantastic. Thanks.”

  “My pleasure. Your bags are packed and ready for Aspen. What would you like for dinner? I’ll get chef to whip up something fabulous for you.”

  “Surprise me, Olivia.”

  An hour later, I sat on the balcony off the dining room, overlooking the vineyard, enjoying duck confit, grilled asparagus, a warm beet salad, and a glass of Chardonnay.

  After dinner, I called Mom and Dad.

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Hello, Son. How’s life on the top of the rung treating you? Eat any decent fish lately?”

  “Funny. I’m well, Dad. Off to the cabin tomorrow, so I thought I’d give you a quick call.”

  “It was lovely having you home, Aidan. Mom and I miss you terribly.”

  “I miss you too, Dad. Christmas isn’t too far off. You’re still coming here, right?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. Mom’s tugging at my sleeve this side. I’m going to say goodbye and hand you over to her before she rips my sleeve.”

  “Okay, Dad. Love you.”

  “Love you too, son.”

  “Hi, honey.”

  “Hey, Momma. Is Dad still getting on your nerves?”

  “Yes, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that he’ll never get around.”

  “Sounds formidable.”

  “Damn right. Okay, stop skirting around the issue, young man. What’s your plan for giving me a grandchild soon?”

  “Good grief, Mom. You’re like a dog with a bone. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, go easy on Dad and I’ll see you two at Christmas.”

  “You win. Love you, my boy. Have a good trip.”

  “Love you, Ma.”

  No business negotiation was as intimidating as a tongue lashing from my mother when she was on a mission. As small as she was, she could scare the fleas off a stray dog without breaking a sweat.

  It was still early. I went to the movie theatre on the second story. It was cool being a billionaire—I never stood in a queue at the movies, ever. Honestly, I didn’t miss it one bit. I wasn’t the best queuer, a trait I inherited from my Dad. Mom could stand in a queue at the store for days on end without getting irritated. She would come away with at least one or two friends she met in line. She was one of those people everybody trusted without question. I chalked it down to the compassion and love in her eyes. I didn’t know anyone who disliked her. She was no pushover, but she had a heart of gold.

  I was in the mood for an action movie, something that didn’t require too much in the way of concentration. Hitman, bad guys, shooting, car chases, the usual blockbuster stuff, took my mind off the weeks ahead and my plan to win Jayde over. I hoped that the other guests would take the pressure of being a perfect candidate for romance off me. My wingman, Joey, was sure to have my back—and tell me when I was being a spineless pussy too. It was a fine line, apparently.

  After watching a muscle man kicking the snot out of men with terrible foreign accents, I headed for my bedroom. The house was quiet, and the sounds of crickets and katydids were carried in by the breeze and permeated the house. I was used to the sounds of owls and coyotes of the desert at night. I found it very calming as a child. The crickets and katydids were a close second.

  I lay in bed, pondering life. Being wealthy was amazing. I’d never say anything as pathetic as ‘money doesn’t buy happiness’. Only people without it made such glib, blanket statements. I was proud of my achievements, and I wasn’t ashamed of my wealth, but there was one thing that would tie it all together, one link missing in my chain; Jayde.

  I was determined to work on it. Ego be damned.

  Chapter 13

  JAYDE

  I look
ed critically at my reflection in the full-length mirror in my bedroom. My hair was in a loose plait, there was no point in going to too much trouble. My snow beanie would only mess it up anyway. My faded blue jeans, white T-shirt, and white sneakers looked holiday-ready. I draped a light sweater around my shoulders and took one more critical look. Perfect.

  My housekeeper helped me pack my ski suits, ski boots, and casual wear for my Aspen trip. I couldn’t do without her. She was a marvel with excellent taste and a memory like an elephant. I never told her anything twice, and she was as reliable as hot cocoa.

  It was just past 10 am, and I was ready to meet Aidan and the others at the airport. We were flying to Aspen in the jet that Aidan and I spent time in not too long ago. Vegas would never be the same again. I was glad that we wouldn’t be alone in the skies again. It would be too awkward. He and I hadn’t seen each other since the kiss, and I wasn’t sure what he thought of my unique intervention skills with Kayla. I couldn't shake the feeling that he found it amusing rather than a turn on. Which was fine by me. It wasn’t as if my ego demanded he fall madly in love with me because of an ill-timed kiss. I reminded myself that we were just friends and that there were no reasons for me to feel awkward. He obviously hadn’t.

  I’d never leave my Mustang princess at the hanger for two weeks, so when Aidan offered his driver’s services I happily accepted. Gilly and Dan were close on my heels. The buzzer to my apartment sounded at 10:30 am. Carl came upstairs, collected my bags, and we set off for the airport. Traffic was a bunfight as always, but Carl was a pro, zigzagging in and out of the main arteries to the airstrip.

  Gilly and Dan were waiting for Carl and me as we drove up to their apartment building. Carl greeted them politely and collected their bags without uttering a single complaint about the size and weight of Gilly’s bag.

  “What the hell have you got in there, Gilly?” I asked as they joined me in the limo.

  “I tried to talk some sense into her, Jayde, I swear, but she just kept packing.” Dan laughed as Gilly rolled her eyes.