Women everywhere were constantly throwing themselves at Luke Ryder but more often than not he didn’t seem to notice or maybe he didn’t care? I wondered what had hurt him so badly in the past. I had a distinct feeling that his wounds ran deeper that anyone knew. He seemed to have an angry, edgy side to him that was always lurking right beneath the surface.
I had to give credit where it was due though. Despite running a billion-dollar company, Luke still managed to find time to be a great dad. Mason has been given every opportunity and luxury that life had to offer. Considering that he could have been a nasty brat and he was the sweetest child imaginable, that was nothing but a true testament to his dad.
Chapter 3
LUKE
“Daddy! Dad! It’s time to wake up, it’s Christmas morning!” sang Mason, my eyes opening to the sound of his happy voice.
“Hey Mas...” I garbled, my voice still hoarse from sleep as he flung himself on to my bed.
“Come here, buddy. Get into bed and cuddle with me.” I mumbled, hoping to get a few more minutes of shuteye.
“No time Daddy, we have to get downstairs! I already checked! I sneaked just a little peak, but I saw all the presents under the tree! Santa came, he came! It’s a real Christmas… in our own house!”
My smile widened. This kid had me wrapped around his finger and I loved it.
****
A little while later, as I sipped my coffee and watched him open gifts, I realized that I was enjoying the moment. His excitement and wonder were infectious. Maybe Christmas was possible for us.
“I’m just going to get a coffee refill, little man. Want me to bring you a glass of orange juice too? I asked him as I got up and headed to the kitchen.
“Sure Daddy.” he answered as he ripped the paper off yet another gift. I didn’t realize there was so many. I had given Mrs. Adler and Olivia a budget for the gifts but maybe that budget had been too large? I wasn’t sure what was appropriate, but this haul looked huge. Maybe too huge.
Once in the kitchen I looked around, feeling lost. I needed to make the kid breakfast too. I wondered what Mrs. Adler has left for us. Mrs. A, as Mason and I both called her, was my kitchen coordinator, resident chef and all around grandmotherly type. True to form, I soon found a stack of papers with instructions on the kitchen table. Mrs. A was diligent in her meal planning and always worked within our specific tastes. If not for her, I’d be eating out all the time. In her first week with me she had told me, in no uncertain terms, that children needed good home-cooked meals. She was right of course, which is why I’d hired her and paid her triple the going rate.
I read the meal plan and scanned details on how to warm everything up both for today and for tonight’s Christmas dinner. Just reading the instructions made my mouth water. Mrs. A’s food was the best.
Suddenly, I heard Mason calling me from the other room. “Dad come quick, there’s been a mistake!” he called.
I ran in and saw panic written all over his young face and my heart dropped at the sight of him so worried.
“There’s a present here, and it says for Dan, Dad, who is Dan?” His eyes searched mine for answers.
“It’s all right, buddy.” I said. Who the fuck IS Dan? I silently wondered to myself. Until I noticed the handwriting.
“Ah... looks like it’s from Olivia to Dan.” I trailed off, suddenly lost in my thoughts of Olivia and some guy. A vision of that shiny chestnut hair, grabbed hold of my attention and wouldn’t let go. I found myself distracted by that heavenly fragrance that somehow had been stored in the back of my mind.
“Someone doesn’t have his Christmas gift, Daddy!” Mason’s eyes were wide with shock and disbelief.
“Yeah... looks like Olivia left it here by mistake. She must have mixed up this one with ours.” I said, as I pulled out two beautifully wrapped gifts from Olivia, with our names on them.
“Dan must be a friend of Olivia’s. Don’t worry though, honey. We’ll give it back to her next time we see her.” I continued nonchalantly. Seeing this random gift under my tree made me realize that I knew nothing about Olivia’s life outside this house and her association with Mason. I felt uneasy and irritated as questions bubbled up inside me.
“Why don’t you open the one that Olivia left for you?” I continued, eager to change the subject.
“Okay… you too Daddy!” Mason’s voice rang out, once again high pitched with excitement.
God how I love seeing him squeal with delight like that.
As we opened our gifts from Olivia, I was taken aback at how she seemed to know us better than we knew ourselves. Beneath the wrapping I stared into a book. Not just any book but a leather-bound, montage of photos from this past year with Mason. How Olivia had managed this, I’ll never know. Occasionally, I would see her snapping photos but I had no clue it would turn into such a beautiful tribute. Blinking back the emotion, I paused, reminding myself to exhale. This was too much. It had been a long time since anyone, much less a woman had gotten to me like that. Shit, pull it together, man! I scolded myself. I didn’t want Mason to see me getting worked up. Not that he would have noticed, anyway. He was too busy flying around the room making airplane noises with Olivia’s gift. He couldn’t stop saying how this was his ultimate dream airplane. I guess she spent so much time with him that she knew what he wanted more than I did. Once again, I found myself being thankful that we had her in our lives. And for another moment, I let myself get lost in thoughts of her…
“Dad? Daddy?” Mason’s shrieks came piercing through the haze of jumbled up thoughts in my mind. “We need to give this gift to Olivia, Daddy! She needs to have it back today!”
“What? Uh... no why?” I stammered. Crap, now he’s totally caught me off guard.
“Because, Dad! Everyone needs their gifts, it’s wrong to keep it!” Mason continued passionately.
“Look buddy, Santa will correct his mistake tonight, I’m sure.” I tousled his hair, my distracted mind still thinking about Olivia.
“What? This gift is not from Santa...Dad, you said so yourself! It’s from Olivia! Besides Dad… I know about the whole Santa thing.” he said sheepishly. “And now, I’ll bet that her friend thinks she doesn’t like him.”
Good. I thought happily. What does that mean I wondered... did she like him? Who was he?
“Wait! What THING about Santa?” I asked as Mason’s words dawned on me, a second too late.
“I know Dad… I didn’t want to say it though because I thought you wanted me to believe… but I know.” Mason continued. “I’m sorry to disappoint you Daddy.” Mason whispered.
“Oh buddy, you could never disappoint me Mason!” I said as I reached over and hugged him tight.
“Dad… what about Olivia? Are we going to go?” he questioned.
Just the thought of Olivia having another man in her life made my throat tighten. What the hell was wrong with me? She’s my kid’s nanny for Christ’s sake! She’d been spending so much time in my house, I’d forgotten she had another life. A real life, and we were just her job.
Looking down at my son, I saw tears in his eyes. His concern and love for Olivia was real, and he wanted her to be happy. I had to do better than this.
“Okay buddy we’ll do it, but just a quick drop off.” I conceded. “Because really, we don’t want to disturb her at Christmas.”
Maybe it’s better to just leave the gift outside her door. I wondered to myself.
“Yay! Daddy you’re the best!” Mason’s small arms squeezed me tight. This little man had more love inside him than I could have ever imagined was possible.
“Okay, you go get dressed and I’ll find her address.” I told him.
Chapter 4
OLIVIA
The doorbell rang and for a split second I paused, unsure if I should open it. Already, this had been the worst possible Christmas ever, and it was only midday on December 25th. It rang again, this time it was as if someone was repeatedly pushing the damn button right into my brain. Gr
eat, another fucking surprise. I hated surprises.
I was still in my pajamas and my hair was a mess. There wasn’t a scrap of makeup on my face unless you counted what was left of yesterday’s mascara. However, drying my eyes with the back of my hand was the best I could manage. Especially, after the last twenty-four hours of hell. I pulled the door open and in a split second realized my mistake.
This day was about to get way worse.
“Merry Christmas Livvie!” squealed my favorite little guy as he jumped on me and wrapped his entire body around my legs.
“Hey cutie pie!” My voice and demeanor immediately shifting as I bent down to hug him. Mason and I were eye to eye. I could only hope that my smile hid the pain. Yet, it wasn’t lost on me how his little sparkling face made me feel a touch better.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked, mostly still to Mason. I was beyond embarrassed to look at Luke. Although, I did catch a quick glimpse of him before focusing back in on Mason.
Mr. Wall Street he was not this morning. Nor was he the confident, sexy man from yesterday. Today he seemed almost unsure, or perhaps uncomfortable? His eyes were downcast and a grey tuque was sliding off the back of his head. His black pea coat hung open, revealing a soft grey sweatshirt underneath. He looked younger and more vulnerable than I’d ever seen him before.
Mason’s voice in the distance was still on repeat “Livvy are you crying? Why?? Did you think you lost the present? It’s okay Olivia, I found it for you!” He sounded so proud and joyful. What a kid. I looked up again at Luke. Our eyes locked for a moment and there was just silence. I watched his eyes turn from that beautiful Caribbean blue to a darker, more dangerous shade of midnight. Just as I panicked at the loss of my voice, he spoke.
“Olivia what’s happened to you?” His concern evident as he stared up and down at my disheveled appearance. I could sense something else too… was it anger? What on earth could I have done to make him angry? Shit. I can’t afford to lose this job.
“I apologize Luke, I…I know how awful I look. I should never have answered the door like this.” I was stuttering and sounding idiotic but I couldn’t seem to control myself. Fuck!
I tried to back away slowly while still addressing Mason. “Thanks, so much sweetie… everything is fine, no worries. I’ll see you after the holidays.” I repeated as I tried to close the door.
“No… no Olivia, everything is NOT fine.” Luke grabbed my arm. His voice was stern and almost threatening as he stepped into the doorframe, preventing me from closing it.
“What the hell happened? Who hurt you Olivia?” he demanded again. His eyes even darker and more intense than before. I looked down at his hand on my arm, still reeling from the electric shock of his touch.
It was all I could do to hold it together. “I’m so sorry you have to see me like this Luke. I’m such a mess.” I sobbed uncontrollably, the tears flowing freely now. A moment passed. Then out of the blue, as if it was natural, he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. Immediately, my senses were overwhelmed as I went crashing into those hard muscles. My body vibrated at his touch. I felt helpless and unable to do anything more than bury my head and drink in the woodsy smell that was pure Luke.
Despite not knowing anything about my situation, he made me feel warm and safe, in a way I had never known before.
“Let’s get you to the couch, I want to hear all about it.” Luke instructed, marching through the door with me still in the crook of his arm. “Mason, go get Olivia a glass of water from the kitchen.” He instructed. Even through tear-filled eyes, I saw Mason nod and scurry off looking important. Luke sat down next to me, holding my hands in his, his eyes searching my soul.
“Talk Olivia.” he whispered.
Taking a deep breath, I began. “I came home last night and found Dan fucking another woman in our bed.” I let out another sob. “I should have known it would come to this!” Well aware that my voice was now wailing and shaking, I took another deep breath and tried to calm myself.
“Things haven’t been good for a while but I figured we were both just busy with our careers… Can you believe the only thing he said when I caught him was, I didn’t expect you home tonight…? I thought you’d be working over Christmas.” I inhaled sharply as if someone has stabbed me in the chest. “I feel so stupid!”
Looking down at my hands, I saw they were shaking despite being blanketed by Luke’s. I glanced up into his eyes. The blue warmth was gone and in its place, a look as cold as ice.
“Luke...?” I questioned.
Time stood still and neither of us moved.
“What a disgusting piece of shit…” Luke’s quiet demeanor was in stark contrast to the utter disgust that dripped from his voice. “You deserve so much better than that lowlife, Olivia.” he said. His eyes slowly returned to their natural color but his hands didn’t seem like they would ever unlock from mine.
“What can I do? How can I help you?” He asked earnestly.
“Honestly Luke, I appreciate your offer but there’s really nothing.” I began. “I need to figure out my life, get rid of the rest of Dan’s things…” I felt another sob coming on as I looked around at the multitude of objects that belong to him, scattered around my apartment. Before I reigned it in, another sob came flowing out of my mouth from deep in my soul like a tornado.
Thankfully Luke didn’t say another word, he held me close and brushed the hair away from my face with his hand. His smell engulfed my senses. Dark, woodsy and comforting, I buried my face in him and breathed in deeply.
He was my antidote. His calmness slowly transferring over, helping me to regain control.
After a while he lifted my head and tilted my chin towards him. He asked again “What can I do for you Olivia? There must be something?” Luke stopped and breathed in deeply. “You do everything for Mason and I. Let me be the one to help you this time.”
“Okay…” I said reluctantly. “Maybe just one thing?”
“Anything.” Luke repeated.
“Could I stay in my room at your place tonight? I can’t bear to spend another minute here.” I asked softly.
He didn’t miss a beat “Absolutely.”
“Yes!!” came Mason’s voice giggling with glee. “Livvie’s coming home with us!! Will you sit next to me for Christmas dinner, pleeease?” he whined happily.
“Anything for you little man.” I responded.
Chapter 5
LUKE
I knew this would change everything.
Finally, after a few hours at Olivia’s apartment followed by Mrs. A’s delicious Christmas dinner at my place, I had a moment alone. Olivia had gone up to her suite for a while to unwind and I stood next to the fireplace with the first of what was sure to be an evening of several drinks in my hand.
Thankfully, Mason had fallen asleep on the couch and transferring him to his bed had been easy. It was only eight o’clock but since the little guy had been up since five this morning, he’d been more than ready for an early night.
I still couldn’t believe how this day had turned out. I truly hadn’t anticipated bringing Olivia back home with me but when she opened her front door today, I knew I had to do something. She’d been a fucking mess, and it ripped my heart open to see her like that. I should have remained professional, but something inside me took over. I wanted to take care of her, help her and make her problems go away. Shit. I needed to get a handle on myself. I was doing this for Mason. Olivia needed to be okay for Mason.
And I needed another drink. A stronger one.
I poured myself a glass of Henny and sat down on the couch next to the Christmas tree. I had to admit, with Olivia back at the house and the glitter and shine of the tree… maybe I was feeling a little of that so-called holiday magic. I laughed out loud. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. The Henny was smooth, and it allowed me to relax a little which made my brain drift to thoughts of Olivia naked in the shower. A vision of warm water trickling down her soft skin made me insta
ntly hard. No, cut it out you animal! I berated myself. It’s wrong to be thinking like this. She’s your employee and Mason’s nanny for Christ’s sake. I needed to cultivate better self-control.
She was getting to me and I needed to take care of the issue pronto. Just considering jerking off to thoughts of her, made me need a cold shower. No, I couldn’t perpetuate this idea, it would only make matters worse. Henny. Yeah… the only answer was more cognac.
Dammit. When would my body accept that some women were off limits? Never again would I put myself in a position like I had been with Claire. We had all paid the price for my stupidity, especially Mason.
I felt more relaxed as Henny number two took effect. So much so, I almost missed the faint sound of her feet padding into the room. I opened my eyes and saw her standing before me, hair still slightly damp from her shower, eyes still faintly red. Her skin a glowing pink. Fucking beautiful.
Typically, Olivia dressed in jeans and loose t-shirts when she hung out with Mason but something was different this time. She was still casual yet something was definitely different. Is it my mind or was her t-shirt tighter? My eyes were drawn to those round, perky breasts. Is that the faint outline of a nipple poking through? Even her ass seemed to be rounder and tighter in those jeans. Shit. I had to stop this before my dick exploded right out of my jeans.
“Luke, thank you for being so great. You’re so kind and understanding but I shouldn’t have been so unprofessional earlier today. I really feel bad about how I acted. I know our relationship must remain strictly professional for Mason’s sake. So, from now on, I will keep my personal problems to myself.”
I nodded my head slowly as I swirled the alcohol in my glass. Her words said one thing but her body said another... hands were clasped tightly together as she spoke, she was shifting her weight side to side as if she was squeezing her thighs together. She even had a more pronounced flush in her cheeks than she did earlier… but maybe it was from the hot shower?
Christmas Magic: A Billionaire Single Dad Romance Page 2
