Billionaire Daddy - A Standalone Novel (A Single Dad Billionaire Romance Love Story) (Billionaires - Book #6)

by Claire Adams

  Was she regretting what happened after dinner?

  I checked in on Abby and found her with a slight fever. She was getting better, but I decided to take the day off and take care of her myself. It had been a while since I spent a weekday with her, and a part of me was excited to rewatch “Frozen” and sing along and make her banana pancakes in a smiley-faced shape.

  I left her in bed and started on breakfast in the kitchen. The doorbell rang, and for a split moment, I expected to see Everly on the other side. Instead, it was Nick.

  “How is she?” His face scrunched up with worry. So, he hadn’t gotten much sleep either, which didn’t surprise me

  “Better,” I said with a yawn. “Still sick though. I took the day off. You’re welcome to watch royal princess sisters and a snowman with us all day.”

  “Technically, one is a queen,” he said. “And I think I’ll leave before the first showing. Let you go through that torture once and see how you like it.”

  I finished breakfast with him beside me.

  “Sorry we just sort of rushed over,” he said. “I didn’t mean to scare Everly off like that.”

  “I think she was just caught off guard,” I said, hoping it was true. “Seeing a sick kid covered in mucus isn’t exactly the way to get someone to like them.”

  Nick laughed and left to get Abby ready for breakfast.

  “My head hurts,” she said as we sat in the dining room.

  “I know, baby. Just eat these and then we’ll go lie down.” I cut her pancakes and fed them to her.

  “You don’t feed me like that,” Nick complained and made Abby laugh.

  “Uncle Nick, why would Daddy feed you?” she asked.

  “Because your uncle is lazy and useless,” I said. Abby giggled as we finished our breakfast.

  “Get comfy on the couch, sweetheart. I’ll put on your favorite movie.” I walked to the table for the remote and then to the player to insert the disk.

  “Are you watching?” she asked Nick with her doe eyes. I grinned and watched as he struggled to find his words.

  “Yeah, I am,” he relented, and we all took our seats on the couch. Abby watched in silence, which was how we knew she wasn’t feeling okay.

  Nick left after the first showing and promised to check on Abby later.

  “I’m hungry, Daddy,” Abby said, and she followed me into the kitchen as I made her chicken noodle soup. “Are you mad at me?”

  “What? What for?” I asked and poured her a bowl. She sat on the kitchen counter and ate.

  “Because I’m sick, and because Everly left.” Her little head bowed, and she stared at her hands as she stirred her spoon around her bowl. “I’m sorry, Daddy.”

  “No, honey. I’m not mad at all. I just want you to be better, okay?” I said. She nodded and finished her soup. “I just have to make a quick phone call, okay? And then we’ll watch TV the rest of the day.”

  “I’ll be on the couch.” She hopped out of her seat and headed for the living room, where her movie was waiting for a replay.

  After a moment of hesitation, I pulled out my phone and dialed Everly.

  “Hello?” she answered on the third ring.

  “Hey,” I started. “I wanted to apologize for last night. Abby had a fever, and she didn’t mean to scare you away like that.”

  “Oh,” Everly said. “No, it’s okay. I just didn’t want to intrude. Is she okay?”

  “Yeah, she’s better. But we’re not in the clear yet, so I’m going to have to cancel for tonight, and I’ll have you come back when she has a clean bill of health.”

  “Of course,” she said. “Just let me know when to come back.”

  “Thanks, Everly.” I paused, wanting to mention what happened before Nick showed up. “I put money in your account for the week,” I said instead.

  “Thanks. I have to get going; my mom is on the other line, and if I don’t answer, she’ll show up at my door in five minutes.” Her voice faded, and a quiet giggle sounded through the phone. “Bye, Maddox. I hope Abby gets better soon.”

  “Me too.” I hung up the phone and stared a moment, unsure of what to think.

  So, Everly wasn’t going to bring up what happened, either.

  I returned to Abby and helped her pick a movie for us to watch. She cuddled against me, and I slipped an arm around her.

  “Daddy?” she asked as she turned toward me. The movie began playing, and I tried focusing on both her and the screen.

  “Yeah, honey?” I brushed her hair back from her face and kissed her warm forehead.

  “Everly’s pretty,” she said almost dreamily. I smiled.

  “She is.” I nodded my head and agreed. The movie was a new kids’ movie that had been released recently, and while I’d never admit this to anyone, I enjoyed watching them. Sometimes I found myself watching them when Abby wasn’t even around.

  “Do you like her?” Abby asked. She was starting to sound like a broken record, but then I realized she didn’t understand dating.

  “Haven’t you asked this before?” I tried paying attention to the movie. The characters were singing a very catchy song, and this would have normally been Abby’s favorite part.

  “Do you?” she asked again.

  “Of course,” I said.

  “Oh.” She grew quiet for a moment. “Daddy?”

  “Yes?”

  “Is Everly my mommy?” she asked it so innocently that it took me a moment to realize what she had said.

  “What?” I stammered. “No, honey. Why would you think that?”

  “Because she would be a good mommy. I think.” Her little face turned up to mine, and her eyes widened a bit as if she wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure?”

  “She’s not your mother,” I said. Abby settled back down, and just as I expected the song captured her attention. But it was useless for me to try and focus on anything else now. All I could do, at that moment, was pray that Abby wouldn’t start asking questions about her real mother. That was the last thing any of us needed.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Everly

  I hung up, breathing a sigh of relief as I dropped my phone on the kitchen counter. I had at least a few days before seeing Maddox again, and hopefully in that time I’d be able to sort these horrible feelings out. Why was I getting so comfortable with a man who had a life that I had always been so against? A single father, with a mysterious baby mama, and a little girl who doesn’t yet realize just how broken her home is. How could I, in good faith, become close to a family like that when I’ve been so vocal about my opinions?

  It wasn’t fair to anyone.

  The phone rang again, and I unlocked it, thinking it was Maddox. A familiar number popped up, one that I had deleted from my contacts a little over a week ago.

  “Hello?” I said.

  “Everly,” Phil said on the other line. I frowned; why was my old boss calling me? “How have you been?”

  “I’ve been good,” I said carefully, as if the phone were a landmine I’d just put next to my head. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes. If you can find the time, I’d like to talk to you face to face. Can you swing by the restaurant today?” His voice wasn’t giving anything away, and I searched my mind for reasons he might be calling. Perhaps he regretted letting me leave.

  I glanced at the clock on the microwave, debating. I didn’t have anything to do, and there was no used in pretending that I wasn’t at least curious.

  “Sure, I’m just finishing up some business here, but I can make it before the lunch rush.” I shuffled my hands to make it sound like I was doing something.

  “That works. I’ll see you then.” Phil hung up. I sat my phone on the counter and pressed a hand against my cheek. The only possible explanation was that he was offering my old job back, and it honestly couldn’t be better timing.

  I stopped by a diner on the way to Saint Padres and grabbed some brunch, trying to decide what to do if Phil offered a job. It’s barely been a few weeks, so his
desperation might help me get a bigger raise out of him. Maybe even a promotion.

  I parked in the awful lot a few blocks down and entered Saint Padres through the back.

  “Everly!” Catalina smiled as I crossed the kitchen. “I’ve been thinking about you. Phil’s tried to replace you twice, but neither lasted more than two days. He’s desperate, chica.”

  “Good to know,” I said and knocked on Phil’s office door.

  “Come in,” he said, and looked up as I entered. “Close the door behind you, Everly.”

  I did as he said, and stood awkwardly in front of his desk. His eyes continued to glance between me and a sheet of paper on his desk, as if he barely had time to give more than a minute of his attention.

  “You wanted to talk?” I asked, trying to keep a polite tone in my voice.

  “Yes.” He finally looked at me, keeping his poker face in check. “How’s your new position? Is it everything you wanted?”

  Two hours a night showing a very handsome man how to cook four to five days a week would be a tough job to give up. But Lacey’s voice spoke in my head, reminding me that my feelings were getting way too complicated and I needed to distance myself.

  “It’s fine,” I said. Phil nodded his head.

  “I wanted to do something nice for you,” he said. “I have to admit, you’re a star, Everly. A hard worker, a chef who one day is going to do amazing things. And it was my mistake letting you go in the first place.”

  “Thanks?”

  “I want you back, Everly, and so you know how much I appreciate you, I’m offering you co-head chef.” He grinned.

  “Co-head chef?” It was an entirely made-up position, and I had no idea what terms came with it.

  “Yes, you’ll be co-head chef, official title and everything.” His foot tapped on the wooden floor, waiting for my exit.

  “Thank you, Phil. I’ll have to think about it though, but I’ll get back to you soon.” I left and closed the door behind me, nodding a goodbye to Catalina as I returned to my car. I should have clarified what it meant, but it didn’t matter. She was right; he really was desperate. Creating a position for me was one thing, but if he was worried about dissension in the ranks of his kitchen before, what would happen when the others found out just how far he’d gone to get me back? Not that I cared, really. I couldn’t afford to care about much more than getting my debts paid off.

  Before going grocery shopping for my own place, I decided to check my bank account on my phone.

  I logged online, and my phone fell onto my lap as the amount of money in my bank account stared at me. My mind blanked for a moment. Where did all that money come from?

  Then I remembered. Maddox said he was giving me money for the week. I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm.

  Maybe working for Maddox wasn’t that bad after all.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Maddox

  I woke with Abby snoring soundly by my side. I didn’t remember her climbing into bed with me; I probably would have carried her back to hers had I been awake, but I welcomed her comfort anyways and checked her temperature with the back of my hand. She wasn’t too warm, and her skin had the healthy glow that had been missing for the majority of the week.

  She stirred, eyes slowly opening as I crawled out of bed.

  “How are you feeling. kiddo?” I asked and began getting ready for the day.

  “Better,” she said.

  “You’re not sick anymore?” I took her temperature properly this time, with a thermometer, and it came back normal.

  “I’m hungry,” she said, and I chuckled. I figured she was going to be hungry after eating nothing but soup for a week.

  “I’m going to hop in the shower, and then you need a bath,” I said. “And then I’ll make some muffins for you to take over to Nick’s.”

  “Okay, Daddy,” she said and settled back into bed to wait for her turn in the bath.

  “I’m going to have to stay late at work tonight to make up for the week,” I said. “Nick said you’re taking your painting in a new direction, though?”

  “You can’t know that!” she cried, and I held up my hands and slowly backed away.

  “I’m sorry, it’s a surprise. I should have known. So, you’re okay with me staying late?” I asked.

  “Yes, Daddy,” she said, and settled into bed muttering how Nick betrayed her sense of trust. I smiled and shook my head as I started the shower.

  Afterward, we walked hand in hand toward Nick’s. He greeted us and gladly accepted the tin of fresh baked muffins from the crook of my elbow.

  “I’m perfectly capable of feeding her,” he said as he popped one in his mouth.

  “Yeah, I don’t see you complaining though.”

  “Someone’s feeling better, yeah?” Nick picked up Abby and kissed her cheek.

  “I’m ready for my painting!” she said as she glanced in my direction. “That means you have to leave.” She pointed to the door in a dramatic gesture.

  Nick and I laughed.

  “I’m going to stay later and catch up, if that’s okay,” I said to Nick.

  “No problem, she can stay the night if you want,” he said.

  “I’ll see what time I get home. Thanks.” I kissed Abby’s forehead. “Goodbye, sweetie. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Bye, Daddy.” She waved me off and I closed the door behind me. I always felt as if I should do more for Nick, after everything he’s done for us.

  After a gruesome 30 minutes sitting in traffic, I finally arrived at my Alaskan Way location, still the newest of my restaurant chain. My employees greeted me with forced enthusiasm, but it was hard to blame them. They had every reason to be nervous around the owner and boss.

  “Maddox!” Jackie met me in my office. “I didn’t know you were coming in today.”

  “I’ve had too many days off,” I said. “Plus, it’s a Friday. Missing the middle of the week isn’t that big of a deal, but I need to be here on the weekend, at least.”

  “Well, I’ve left you 10 voicemails about this already, but…” Jackie handed me a folder. I decided against telling her I had deleted every message without listening to it.

  “What’s this?” I flipped it open, staring at a series of numbers that were slowly decreasing as my fingers skimmed through weeks, and then the past seven days.

  “The two-year excitement for a new restaurant is starting to die,” Jackie said. “It’s not enough to keep our numbers up, and now they’re lower than they were before Alaskan Way opened.”

  “That’s alarming,” I muttered as I examined the numbers thoroughly. They were decreasing at a much quicker rate than I had expected. “We need something new to push these numbers back up.”

  “Did you have anything in mind?” she asked. I ran my hand down my face and shook my head.

  “Nothing right now. Give me a minute; I’ll think of something.”

  Jackie left my office and I sat down, brainstorming. A new dish would help the numbers, but it would have to be cheap and exciting.

  “Mr. Moore?” I looked up at one of my assistants entered the room. Carla Fischer, one of my oldest employees, stood at the foot of my office.

  “What is it, Carla?” I asked.

  “Have you looked over the itinerary for next week’s trip?”

  “No, I haven’t.” I paused. “Wait, what trip?”

  “The Vegas trip, Mr. Maddox, where you have at least three meetings every single day for four days straight,” she said and searched through a stack of folders on my desk. She pulled out a thin red folder and placed it in front of me. I glanced through it, suddenly remembering a faint conversation I had with Jackie about Vegas and meetings. Shit.

  “Of course, the meetings,” I said and shoved the file into my take-home bag. “I’ll look over it again. Thank you, Carla.”

  The Vegas meeting couldn’t have come at a worse time, really, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Maybe I could use both this and a new dish to get m
y numbers up.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Everly

  I didn’t remember the last time I’d had such an unproductive weekend. I had watched Belle for a few hours a day while Lacey had her ‘alone time,' and had attempted a few new recipes that all turned out either too salty, too garlicky, or just plain disgusting. It wasn’t my fault, though; Belle had suggested a few ingredients herself.

  I was attempting to plan out a week that was looking to be just an uneventful as the weekend when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen as I answered it.

  “Hey, Maddox,” I said in a voice that I prayed sounded confident and not at all awkward.

  “Hi, Everly, how are you?” he asked. I looked down at my pajamas and the kitchen covered in pots stained with grease and leftover food.

  “I’m fine,” I said. “Just getting over a busy weekend. How’s Abby?”

  “She’s much better. That’s actually why I’m calling; I think we’re good to continue the lessons tonight,” he said. “I’ll send over the allowance for the week, and you can go ahead and pick up the ingredients on your way here. Sound good?”

  “Yeah, I’ll see you tonight. I’m happy that Abby is feeling better.”

  “Perfect. I’ll see you soon, Everly.” He hung up.

  It was almost alarming how perfectly casual he had sounded, as if we hadn’t shared a single experience together. Maybe maintaining a professional relationship was for the best. If he could act normal, then so could I.

  I sat at the dining table and created a menu for the week, deciding which ingredients I would get today and which ones I would save for the following days. I was just finishing up Thursday’s when my doorbell rang.

  I frowned and opened it, surprised to see Lacey and Belle waiting patiently on the other side.

  “Did you lose your key again?” I joked, but Lacey’s unamused eye roll meant that she did lose the key and she wasn’t very happy about it.

  “I had to help this one with a project for pre-K,” Lacey said. “Why would kindergarteners know anything about the evolution of dinosaurs? Don’t they save that stuff for elementary?”