Playboy Billionaire

by Mia Ford

  Both of them snapped to attention when they heard voices on the path; it was Jared and Helen. Suzie sat up and smoothed out her clothes, shaking her head at her own lust. Jeff, feeling angry at whoever was walking towards them, got angrier still when he saw Jared walking up the path. How could Suzie be Jared’s when she was so clearly better off with Jeff? How could Suzie not see it? Jeff wondered.

  Jared ran up to Suzie for an embrace and Jeff slipped away before he had to witness it. He wasn’t quiet; his anger caused him to stomp through the forest back to the studio. The three on the path stopped when they heard him and Suzie looked in surprise at the hidden entry way, had Jeff been watching her? Helen suggested it was a deer or other large animal and they went back to the cabin for supper.

  Back at the cabin Jared was animated, talking about his afternoon on the lake. They had caught fish and his dad was making fish and chips. Fortunately, Suzie could smile and let him carry on the conversation with excitement. They were all surprised when Jeff joined them for supper.

  “What are you doing here?” Jared asked. “I thought you went home.”

  “Yeah, I came here instead,” Jeff said, offering no further explanation.

  “When did you get here? Where you been hiding? You missed an epic boat ride,” Jared said.

  “I am here now, stop the interrogation,” Jeff said with irritation.

  “Wow, someone needs to get laid,” Jared joked.

  “What the fuck do you know?” Jeff said and stormed into the kitchen. Helen followed while his dad chided his language and sipped his beer.

  Jared joked and Suzie pretended to laugh but she was shocked. It was hard to see them together especially when she knew she would have to tell Jared. But what. Maybe she could leave Jeff out of it all together. She did not like to hear them fight and she knew she was the cause of their stress even if Jared did not. After a while, Jeff returned with his mom at his side. He mumbled a sorry to Jared and sat down. Jared passed him a beer and told him to chill out. Jeff scowled and said nothing.

  As supper progressed Suzie’s tension rose. She tried to be polite as Jeff, Jared and their parents carried on, what must be typical family conversation. Smiling she answered questions and politely declined more food. She felt sick. What kind of sick person could play both brothers like that? She had come here to clear her head and forget about Jeff, how the hell did he always turn up to tantalize her. After supper was over she excused herself and went and sat in the deck swing. Rocking, she watched from a distance as Helen tried to persuade Jeff to talk about his painting. He stopped her before she could speak and spoke with Jared about coming back to his place so he could finish the job. Jared made a joke about having to share everything with Jeff and Jeff did not laugh. Instead he pushed away from the table and said he would find somewhere else to stay if sharing was such a problem. Jared got defensive, tired of placating Jeff.

  “What is your problem? What are you so angry about? Why does everything have to be a competition with you?” he asked, getting in his brother’s face.

  “Back off pretty boy. You and your perfect life. Life is a competition, there is not enough meat to go round,” Jeff said pushing into Jared.

  “Evading questions as usual. Since when have you started hiding stuff from me? We are twins remember? We used to be able to read each other’s minds,” Jared said, backing off a little.

  “So read my mind now.” He looked right in his brother’s eyes and waited. “Yeah, that is little kid stuff, we are men now and all bets are off.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? We are still brothers. And since when have you ever wanted anything I have?” Jared asked, sounding angry again.

  “Since…since,” Jeff began but Suzie cut him off. She had heard enough.

  “Hey,” she said, touching Jared’s arm. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  Both brothers stopped and looked at her. While Jared leaned down to kiss her cheek and agree, she saw Jeff’s eyes, hungry, angry, wanting. She bit her lip and turned and walked away with Jared. Silently they walked hand in hand down the path to the spot where Jared had taken her previously, their special spot. She felt sick again but knew she had to put an end to this, or at least try. The problem was she had no idea what to say. When they reached the spot, they sat down. Jared spoke for a while about his brother and how he was worried something was going on with Jeff. Suzie let him speak, not giving any feedback and then they sat quietly for a time.

  “I have something I have to tell you,” Suzie started.

  “I thought you wanted to wait until the drive home,” Jared said.

  “Maybe I should, but it cannot wait anymore. I don’t want to lie to you,” Suzie said.

  “Ok, go for it,” Jared said, sounding nervous.

  “I don’t know how,” Suzie said. When Jared did not move, she put her hand on his and took a breath. “First, I am sorry things seem strange between us. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

  “Any of what to happen?” Jared asked, getting agitated. Suzie started mumbling again and Jared stopped her. “Just say it.”

  “Ok. I met someone. It wasn’t intentional, but something happened and I didn’t know how to tell you because I still want you,” Suzie said, knowing it had only just begun.

  Jared pulled his hand away and turned to look at her. “What do you mean you met someone? What happened? What aren’t you telling me?”

  “He kind of surprised me. It wasn’t planned. But when he kissed me, I let him and then I kissed him and I am sorry,” Suzie said, praying the questions would stop.

  “WHAT! WHEN? It was the night of the fire wasn’t it? And did you see him again after that?” Jared stood up and faced her, his face hurt and confused.

  “Yes,” Suzie said softly.

  “K, I don’t want to know anymore,” Jared said sadly.

  “I’m sorry,” Suzie said. “Can we start over?”

  “Do you want to, or do you want the other guy?” Jared asked. Then said, “Never mind I don’t want you to answer that question.”

  “I am here,” Suzie said and wrapped her arms around him trying to shelter him from more hurt.

  “Okay,” he said and let her hug him but did not return the hug. “Do you think you could find your way back yourself? I would like to be alone for a while.”

  Suzie nodded and kissed him on the cheek. She walked back to the cabin slowly, unsure what to do. She felt sad and elated at the same time. Sure she had hurt Jared but not as much as if he found out the whole truth and now he wouldn’t have to. Jared would either decide to start over with her or be done but either way it would be on his terms, not by being betrayed by his brother. Jeff, she had momentarily forgotten about him. He had been so upset at supper; she should go and tell him what she had told Jared so that he would not spoil her story. Picking up the pace she decided to stop at the studio and talk with him before Jared came back.

  Knocking on the door of the studio it was dark and Suzie was worried Jeff had left. No one answered the door so she stepped inside, calling out into the darkness. Jeff turned a light on and she could see him, wearing nothing but jeans as usual. He was painting, in the dark apparently and it was a new canvas, this one dark with anger. It spoke of passion and heartbreak and pain and his feverish painting of it showed in his paint covered hands and arms. Still saying nothing he went to the sink to wash them.

  “Does Jared know you are here?” he asked.

  “No,” she replied. “He asked to be alone.”

  “You told him about us?” Jeff asked.

  “No, but I told him I met someone else,” Suzie said.

  “Just met?” Jeff said with emphasis on what she didn’t say.

  “And kissed,” Suzie said, unsure why she was blushing.

  “That is it. We just kissed?” Jeff laughed and moved closer to her.

  “Not us. Don’t you see? Now he doesn’t have to know about you. Now, he can decide what happens without feeling betrayed. Isn’t that great?” Su
zie said with a smile.

  “How is that great? You didn’t tell him the truth. The truth is you want me,” Jeff said and he stepped right up to her enveloping her in a kiss. She pushed him to let go but he deepened the kiss and touched her where he knew he could get her attention. She moaned and wrapped her arms around him with passion.

  A gasp was heard behind them and they pulled apart. Jeff stood still and stared as Suzie whirled around to see Jared looking at them. “YOU! You’re the other guy?”

  “I thought you wanted to share?” Jeff made a bad attempt at a joke. It infuriated Jared and he stormed towards them. Suzie put her hands out towards him.

  “Jared, wait. I can explain,” she pleaded. He looked at her and stopped like he was ready to listen. Then quick as a flash, he spun and punched Jeff in the face. Recoiling, he moved to punch Jeff again though this time Jeff blocked him.

  “The first one, I earned. Now stop or I am fighting back,” Jeff said calmly.

  “Fuck you. Your filthy hands were on my girlfriend. What is wrong with you? Of all the girls you could pick, it had to be her? Why?” Jared asked fists still clenched.

  “It just kind of happened. You were gone. You asked me to take care of her.” At this comment, Jared swung again and Jeff blocked the punch again. Infuriated, Jared attacked Jeff and they grappled for a while, bumping into things in the tight studio space. “We’re not doing this in Mom’s studio. You want to fight, let’s take it outside.”

  “Fine, but I am going to kick your ass,” Jared said storming out the door, ignoring Suzie.

  “Not likely, pretty boy,” Jeff laughed.

  Suzie followed urging them to stop, not knowing what to do. Outside, fists were flying as both brothers landed punches, grappled and wrestled each other. Their loud shouts of anger and fighting brought over their mom and dad who shouted at them to stop. Finally their dad had to step in separating the two of them and pushing Jared who refused to let it go. Jeff stood at the ready staring his brother down as Jared tried to get past his dad.

  “Cool it both of you or I am getting the hose,” Helen said. “Talk to Dad about it and don’t come to the house until you can be civil.” Then she guided Suzie up to the cabin.

  They sat on the deck and Helen brought Suzie a hot drink (spiked with rum) and sat down beside her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No,” Suzie said. “You’ll think I am horrible.”

  “Not likely. In fact it has happened before,” Helen said, her voice calm and steady.

  “What?”

  “Yep, the oldest boys had a very similar fight over Melissa.” Helen said with a laugh. “Boys will be boys.”

  “Jason’s wife?” Suzie asked.

  “Yes, she dated Jeremy first.” Helen told Suzie who asked how that worked out. Helen spoke of soul mates and said that she knew all her boys would find who they were meant to be with. She then explained that she had guessed the truth from Jeff’s behavior and painting and had already discussed it with him. “It will all work out dear.”

  Suzie was uncertain but was relieved she did not have to lie anymore. Helen encouraged her to be honest about her feelings but Suzie did not know if she could. She knew how to be with Jared and it matched her job and life, it fit. But Jeff, he made her feel things she thought were fiction. She desired him and felt breathless thinking about not being with him. There were no easy answers.

  After what seemed like forever Jared walked up the yard toward her. He sat down across from her and did not look at her or touch her. “I should have seen it. But I was too busy trying to make you who I wanted you to be. I see now you and I will not work out. We want different things. So let’s try to be friends okay?”

  “You’re breaking up with me?” Suzie asked, tears in her eyes.

  “Yes. I cannot pretend you are something you are not,” he said sadly and then walked away.

  Suzie sat on the deck swing and rocked, feeling more alone than ever. Helen had come to check on her and informed Suzie that Jared had left and they would make sure she had a ride back home. A long time passed and the place was silent. Jeff joined her on the deck when the cabin went dark.

  “I thought you would come to me,” he spoke quietly, putting his hand on her shoulder.

  “I didn’t know what you wanted,” Suzie replied.

  “I want to paint you,” Jeff said and he scooped her up and brought her to the studio. “Now be with me.”

  Billionaire’s Nanny Romance Series

  THE BILLIONAIRE’S NANNY (PART 1)

  Blurb

  Veronica Lawrence is a simple babysitter, who is content with her life with her boyfriend, Calvin. She has everything she could ever dream of and more- or so she thought. Without her knowledge Calvin sets her up with an interview for a job with the richest lawyer in the city, Frank Davenport, who Veronica discovers is incredibly attractive and alluring, almost to the point of distraction. She surprises both Calvin and herself by actually landing the job. There is a catch, though. If she wants to take the job, she must agree to move onto his large estate.

  While Calvin is reluctant, Veronica decides to take the job, and she finds herself surrounded by opulence and riches. Little did she know, though, that her employer would be quite so impossible to resist.

  Veronica heaved a sigh, readjusting the strap of her purse as she walked down the sidewalk. She had just finished up a babysitting job for one of the neighbors in her community. She had started doing as a quick way to make money in high school, and she had loved it so much then that she decided that was what she wanted to do for a living. Even as she earned her business degree, she had used babysitting as a way to get her through school.

  Even after she graduated, she had very little interest in picking up a job in the realm of business. Now that she was no longer in school, she had more time to devote to taking care of kids. In fact, in a way, that was sort of like a business in and of itself, and she ran it very efficiently. It didn’t bring in as much money as it could have, because often times the people she babysat for couldn’t pay as much as they had originally thought.

  While Veronica, too, needed the money, she couldn’t bring herself to demand money from people when she could clearly see they were just trying to get by and support their children. Veronica cut a lot people slack, and as a result she often had to live a lean life, but she didn’t mind it.

  That is, until she met her boyfriend, Calvin.

  Calvin was a young social climber, fresh out of law school. He frequented the same coffee shop that Veronica went to, and had taken a liking to her. Veronica had been interested in him as well, on account of his ambition and the fact that he was more than a little attractive. She could hardly resist flirting when he approached to talk with her one afternoon.

  It didn’t take long for them to start dating, and for a while Veronica was fairly happy with their relationship. They made plans for their future together, and Veronica could easily picture herself spending the rest of her life at his side, maybe even having some kids and buying a house. It only seemed natural when Calvin suggested that they get an apartment together and start making a life with each other.

  Veronica’s parents couldn’t; have been more thrilled for her. They loved Calvin, as he was a respectable young man who was steadily moving up in his career, and they knew he would provide stability in Veronica’s life. Veronica was glad they were both so supportive of her relationship with him, and she was eager to see where the future would take them.

  At some point, though, after they had spent about a year and a half together in, Calvin began to voice his true opinions about her line of work. Even now, as she headed home to their apartment, she felt a tension creep into her shoulders as she wondered what he would say when she told him she was short on money again.

  Calvin had a good job at a law firm, so money wasn’t an issue for him. Even so, she could tell it bothered him that she didn’t have what he considered a “real job”. He often tried to pressure her into looking fo
r a job somewhere at an office, or at least to collect the correct amount of money for her services.

  Veronica could only prepare her usual list of responses and pick the most appropriate one for whatever argument he chose to employ.

  Veronica finally made it to their apartment building, and she rode the elevator up to her floor. She then made her way to the door of her apartment and unlocked it. She stepped inside silently, looking around and carefully listening to see if Calvin was home.

  Veronica didn’t see or hear anything, so she heaved a small sigh of relief, turning to shut the door behind her. She placed her small bag on the hall tree just beside the door, and moved into the kitchen, taking a glass from out of the cabinet and filling it up with water from the sink.