by Aurora, Lexi
The Fast Billionaire
History with the Billionaire
Historical Regency Romance Novella (with a paranormal twist)
The Lusty Lord
Bonus 1: Sugar for the Billionaire
Jess
“Keep an eye on that Apple Kringle,” Madeline snapped.
“Yes, Madeline,” Jessica answered.
Jessica Meyers watched Madeline Greer cross the kitchen to snap at Sally. The young apprentice ran into the pantry in tears. Jessica disliked her boss immensely. Madeline was rude, impatient, and unnecessarily harsh to her employees. But she also was an excellent pastry chef. Jessica begrudgingly admitted that she had learned a great deal about pastry cooking while working under Madeline. She just wished that Madeline was a nicer person. The timer went off and Jessica opened the oven door to look at the Kringle. She saw that the dessert was ready to be removed. She tucked her thick brunette hair more securely under her netted cap then grasped the tray with oven gloves and set it on the padded countertop. She then began scooping the Kringle onto the cooling rack.
“Jessica!” Madeline called.
“Yes, Madeline.” Jess looked up at the older woman.
“Take this order of desserts to the Cooper mansion. They are having a party and requested this order,” Madeline stated.
“Cooper?” Jessica wasn’t sure who Madeline was talking about. They had more than one customer with the Cooper last name.
“Jaxson Cooper, you idiot! Who else? Take this order to him immediately,” Madeline demanded.
Jessica looked at the cakes and pies that lined the long table. They needed to be boxed up, which would take some time. Jessica sighed.
“Alright,” Jessica replied.
“You have a problem with the task?” Madeline asked sharply.
“No. It just needs to be boxed up which will take some time,” Jessica replied.
“Hurry up!” Madeline said curtly then turned away.
Jessica stuck her tongue out at Madeline’s back. Sally giggled as she approached Jessica.
“I’ll help you,” she offered.
Jess looked at her gratefully.
“Thank you, Sally,” Jess smiled.
“Old Maddie is getting to you, huh? She had me in tears,” Sally said.
“I shouldn’t have done that. But Madeline makes me so mad at times,” Jess grumbled.
“She doesn’t seem to know how to be nice.”
“No, she doesn’t. But being able to say that I studied under her will look good on my resume. And I need the paycheck. Money is so tight right now,” Jessica replied. She thought about her rent which was two weeks past due. She had to come up with the money. It was paramount that she keep a roof over her head, as she had not only herself, but a six-year-old son to think about. Tyler couldn’t be exposed to homelessness. And then there was her mother who was hounding her for money as though she owed it to her. Why that woman couldn’t make her own way was beyond her understanding.
“I understand. I need more money too. I’m thinking about getting a better paying job,” Sally said.
“But what about your career? You want to be a pastry chef,” Jessica asked in surprise.
“I do. But I need money so badly. My career may have to wait,” Sally said sadly.
“I know what you mean,” Jess replied. That same thought had crossed her mind as well.
They finished packing up the desserts just as Madeline came back into the kitchen.
“The packing should be done, Jessica,” Madeline barked.
“We’ve finished. I’ll put it in the van,” Jessica said.
“No. I need the van. Take your car,” Madeline said.
Jessica frowned. She drove a small jeep and the trunk was not very big, so it would be a tight fit securing all of the desserts in her car. But explaining that to Madeline would be fruitless. Madeline didn’t wait for her reply anyway. She left the kitchen and Jessica heard the van start and pull off. She had no choice but to take her jeep. She and Sally carefully packed her jeep. Jessica was amazed that everything fit. She took her car key from her back jean pocket and hopped into the jeep. She waved to Sally then drove off.
*****
Jessica drove up the half-moon driveway of the Cooper mansion. There were plenty of mansions in Beverly Hills, California, but there was a special mystique about the Cooper place. Jessica would have normally paused and taken in its palatial beauty, but she knew that Madeline would expect her to get back to the kitchen as soon as possible. She parked her jeep in front of the two-tiered steps then hopped out. She climbed up the stairs and then rang the doorbell. A short, middle-aged woman with blonde hair answered the door. She wore a straight black dress and a white apron tied at her trim waist.
“Hi. I’m from Greer Bakery to deliver desserts,” Jess said.
“Oh yes! Right this way,” the woman said pleasantly. She led Jess to the kitchen. “The driveway forks out to the side of the house. You can drive your car to the side kitchen entrance to unload it.”
“Thank you. I will,” Jess smiled. She trotted back to her jeep and drove it around to the side entrance. Hopping out of the jeep she quickly began taking the desserts from her truck to the kitchen. She was walking to the counter with a cake when she heard a deep male voice.
“She will do,” the voice said bluntly.
Suddenly a large, firm hand grasped her arm and pulled her forward. Stunned, Jessica dropped the cake onto the countertop and turned to stare into the most brilliant green eyes she had ever seen. For an instant she was speechless from the sheer beauty of their hue.
“Let’s go,” he said.
Jessica regained her senses.
“No!” She stared at the gorgeous male specimen that was holding her arm. “Who are you and what the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He looked at Jessica sensuously and smiled dangerously.
“I’m Jaxson Cooper and I’m about to give you the best night of your life,” he grinned wryly.
Jessica caught her breath at his words. She was in over her head and knew she was in a whole lot of trouble. Her honey brown eyes seemed to be stuck to his glittering green ones until she managed to tear her eyes away from his.
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” she snapped. She tried to pull her arm from his grasp but his fingers only tightened in an iron grip.
“You’re coming with me. My date had the nerve to cancel and I need a substitute. You fit the bill. Or at least you will when I redress and glam you up,” he replied. “You’ll thank me for your makeover in the most pleasant of ways.” His grin was devilish.
“No! Have you lost your mind?” Jessica was astonished at his audacity.
“Of course I will make it worth your while. You won’t be disappointed,” he returned.
Suddenly his smile was gone and his brilliant green eyes bore into hers, bending her to his will. Jessica struggled to refuse him.
“No. I can’t. I’m sorry your date bailed on you. But I cannot fill in for her,” Jessica said.
“Why not?”
Jessica stared at him in disbelief. He had to know the answer to that question. There were a slew of reasons why she couldn’t just drop everything and become his arm candy.
“I don’t know you,” she said in exasperation. She yanked her arm free. Although she suspected that he’d simply released her.
“Ask anyone here. They can vouch for me. I am no serial killer or rapist. I only want you to be my date for the evening,” he said. His eyes narrowed. “And if anything more happens, it’s all good.”
“More? What more?” she asked suspiciously.
“Time will tell.”
His lopsided smile was sinfully charming. Jessica was drawn to it even though she knew it was dangerous. His kind was dangerous and she had always avoided men like him. She wasn’t socially or mentally equipped to plays his games. It was far better for her to keep her distance, yet here she was, sorely tempted to take him up on his offer. He’d
said he’d make it worth her while, which meant he would pay her. And she sorely needed the money. She could ensure that she’d receive enough to pay her rent and some pressing bills. His proposition had its advantages. But what would she tell Madeline? That woman would have a cow.
Jaxson could see that Jessica was wavering.
“Do we have a deal, Jessica?” he asked.
“How do you know my name?” she asked curiously.
“It’s on the delivery slip.”
Jess looked down at the slip of paper on the counter. Her name was written across the paper in large print.
“Oh.”
“Do we have a deal?” he repeated.
She knew Madeline would not be happy.
“Madeline would have a fit,” she murmured.
“Your boss? Leave her to me. She will want you to stay when I finish talking to her,” he said confidently. “What is her name?”
Jess shook her head. She knew Madeline.
“She will be agreeable to you but will lambast me come tomorrow,” Jess said as she chewed her bottom lip.
“If she does, let me know,” he said.
Jess looked up at him. He was so tall and handsome. He had an ultra-confident aura that surrounded him like a coat of arms. She felt he could resolve any problem that presented itself. She made up her mind.
“Alright. I’ll do it.”
He nodded a single time then grasped her arm again.
“Let’s go,” he clipped.
“But I have to finish—
“Sharon will finish unloading your car. You have other things to do,” he interrupted her.
Jess looked back at the friendly woman at the kitchen island. Sharon smiled at her.
“I’ll take care of it. Run along now,” Sharon said kindly.
Jess looked at Sharon almost in despair. What had she gotten herself into?
*****
Jaxson led Jess up the back staircase then down several corridors, eventually stopping before a bedroom door. He pushed open the door and guided her into the room. Jess looked at her surroundings in awe. She felt as though she had entered a bedroom showroom. The walls were a soft blue and the ceiling a creamy white, while the crown molding was dark grey in color which was the perfect complement to the walls and ceiling. The king size bed had a white, tufted, arched princess headboard. And the bedding was yellow, tan, and mint green. The dresser, bureau, and desk were made of delicately carved oak. The chairs and sofas were white with blue and yellow pillows. The large windows allowed lots of natural light to flood the room.
“It’s beautiful,” Jess murmured breathlessly.
“It’s yours,” Jaxson said in a low voice. Jess looked at him questioningly. He grinned casually. “For tonight.”
“I will enjoy it while I am here. I doubt if I will ever spend time in such a lovely place again,” she commented.
“Why would you say that?” He looked at her intently.
She didn’t want to go into the personal details of her life. She had her goal of becoming a fabulous pastry chef but she also was a realist; her chances of realizing that dream were slim, especially while working under Madeline. That woman was extremely jealous and would block any opportunity that came her way.
“Life tends to throw a lot of lemons my way,” she said with a shrug.
“Then you make lemonade. Nothing should stop you from achieving your goals and living as you would want,” he said sternly.
“Easier said than done,” she countered.
He opened his mouth to respond when a maid rushed into the room. She carried a garment bag over her arm.
“I brought several gowns that you can choose from, Jaxson,” she said.
“Thank you, Mindy,” Jaxson said.
Mindy laid the garment bag on the bed then left the room. She closed the door softly behind her. The click of the door made Jess a bit apprehensive. She decided that they should settle the details of their arrangement. It would keep things on a business level.
“I would like to discuss our arrangement,” she said. She was surprised at the calmness of her voice.
He sat on the bed.
“Alright. I want you to be my date. You will act the part in every way.”
“In every way?” she queried.
“Yes. We will eat, talk, dance, and laugh together. Converse with everyone here. If anyone should ask, and they will, I met you at your bakery and we hit it off. We’ve had several dates,” he said.
“Alright. That’s simple enough,” she replied.
“And if I want to kiss you, you will gladly receive it.” He stared at her hard. “Is that understood?”
Jess hadn’t considered that there would be any intimacy between them. However, looking at his glacial expression she knew he would not back down on that stipulation. Oh, what the hell! She hadn’t been kissed in forever. It might be nice.
“Yes. But that sounds like it is going to cost you!” she said.
He seemed surprised by her demeanor then quickly recovered.
“Good. I will pay you ten-thousand dollars for your services. Is that acceptable?”
Ten-thousand dollars? It was beyond her wildest expectations!
“Yes. That is acceptable,” she answered calmly.
“Good. Now, let’s pick out a dress for you.”
She looked at him in shock.
“You’re going to select my dress?”
“Of course. You will be my date and cannot embarrass me,” he said. He unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a sparkly, silver mini sheath with spaghetti straps. He held it up against her chest and examined it critically. “Try this on. I estimated that you were a size six. Are you?”
“Yes.” Jess was amazed that he would know such a thing. “How did you know?”
“I saw you unloading your jeep from my bedroom window. It was a good guess,” he replied.
“And do you just happen to keep a wardrobe of women’s clothing on hand for these special occasions?” she asked derisively.
“Actually I do.”
Jess was shocked. She didn’t know how to respond so she said nothing.
“Hurry and change. We don’t have forever,” he urged. “The dressing room is over there inside the closet.” He pointed across the room.
Jess took the dress from him and made her way into the closet which opened up into a dressing area. She stood in wonder as she hung the dress on the hanger tab, looking at it in admiration. She really liked the dress and hoped it fit her well, as she quickly disrobed and slipped it over her head.
“Do you need any help?”
Jess gasped as she spun around to see Jaxson standing in the doorway. His expression was inscrutable. He moved toward her.
“Turn around and I will zip you.”
She did as he instructed. The feel of his fingers against her back was tantalizing and arousing. Jess didn’t think she had ever felt these feelings before. Her last boyfriend was over a year ago and he hadn’t evoked sensations as these. He had blamed her for the lack of desire in their relationship. Although Jess wasn’t very experienced, she knew it wasn’t her fault; Derek had just been a terrible lover. Jaxson completed the task and allowed his hands to slide to her shoulders. He turned her towards the full-length mirror.
“Not bad,” he murmured.
The shimmering dress fell just above her knees to show off her shapely calves. She could see his green gaze graze her legs. Jess was glad that she had spent her Sundays on her small terrace taking in the sun. The golden hue looked lovely against the silver dress. The tan covered her entire body and Jaxson’s glittering eyes covered every inch of her body. The dress fit her as though it had been made for her.
“I like it too. But I will try on the other dresses so you can compare them,” she said. She moved away from him.
“No. I like this one. Wear it,” he said gruffly. He moved to the bedroom and she followed. “I will send in some ladies to do your hair and makeup. And then be back in an hour to es
cort you downstairs.”
He left before Jess could utter a word. She was left alone with her erratic thoughts. One minute she thought she was crazy for going through with his proposal, and the next she was thanking her lucky stars that such an opportunity had presented itself. The money would be a godsend. She would be able to pay all of her bills and take care of Tyler. The thought of her son brought a smile to her lips. Tyler was her life. She loved him to distraction and would do any and everything to keep him safe and happy. And tonight was a prime example. This was all for Tyler, or so she told herself. She didn’t have time to mull it over because soon, the door opened and two African-American women entered the room. One carried a makeup case and the other held bags of hair tools.
“Hey, girl! I’m Latoya and this is Shamira. We’re sisters and we hear you want a makeover,” Latoya smiled.
“More like Jaxson wants me to have a makeover,” Jess grinned.
“And what that man wants, he gets,” Shamira laughed.
Jess laughed. They led her to the vanity and sat her on a curved, white stool. The sisters chattered non-stop and kept Jess in stitches. But after they were finished Jess could only stare at her reflection. She couldn’t believe she was the woman in the mirror.
“Is that me?” she asked in disbelief.
“It’s you. And you are gorgeous,” Shamira answered.
“Jaxson knew what he was doing when he ordered your makeover. You are beautiful,” Latoya smiled.
Jess lightly touched her brown locks. Latoya had styled her long locks in loose curls that fell gently on her soft shoulders. She had layered her bangs to lay in wisps across her forehead. Shamira had used a cool, toned, rosy blush just under her cheekbones along with burnish mascara, eyeliner, and gold and sea-green eyeshadow to accentuate her honey gold eyes. A splash of cinnamon lipstick completed the effect.
“I can’t believe this is me. Thank you so much. I feel like Cinderella going to the ball,” Jess sighed.
“And Prince Jax will not be able to keep his eyes –or his hands– off of you,” Shamira prophesized.
“I second that,” Latoya laughed.
“Thank you again,” Jess said as she stood to hug them, which they both returned warmly.
