This is Love (High Stakes Billionaires)

by C. J. Thomas

  I stopped for a breather around the next bend. Putting my hands on my hips, I turned toward the open meadow, soaking in the view.

  I knew I was out of my league. But I wasn’t sure Sienna knew just how far out of this world Nolan Foster was. Especially when comparing him to my ex, Raymond.

  Seeing a neatly perched granite rock on the edge of the nearby hillside, I scampered over and took a seat.

  It wasn’t fair of me to compare the two men. They were so different. And not just when it came to physical appearance. Personalities, too. But Raymond was the only man I had to measure up against Nolan. And where Raymond was normal, boring, and awkwardly romantic, Nolan was the exact opposite. Raymond was sweet where Nolan was dominant. Raymond was a relationship where Nolan was only the weekend.

  My jaw clenched as I grew frustrated with myself for even letting my thoughts go there. Soon I found myself smiling across the valley, impressed by the high mountain peaks. From afar they were gorgeous, but up close they were rugged and rough. And I wondered if that was how Nolan was, too. It certainly seemed that way. In fact, Nolan was someone Sienna would be comfortable with if she wasn’t planning to marry Gary.

  Turning my head, I wished Sienna had never looked Nolan up on the internet.

  This was all her fault—getting me to think too much into him—but I shouldn’t have been surprised that she couldn’t resist. She and Nolan were cut from the same fabric. Raised in a posh community, never knowing what it was like to truly worry about finances. And if she and I didn’t play soccer together as kids, I questioned whether or not we would even be friends at all. Our lives were completely different and I wasn’t sure I was cut out for this fancy life Nolan seemed set on bringing me into.

  When I heard my cell ringing from the depths of my backpack, I dug it out to look at the screen. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Hey, sweetie.” Mom’s voice instantly settled my anxieties. “How are you doing?”

  The corners of my eyes crinkled when I looked back to the jagged peaks. “I’m hanging in there.”

  “I heard about your promotion falling through.”

  “I should have called.” A lump formed in my throat.

  “I’m sorry.”

  The backs of my eyes swelled when I closed them. The pain from Friday came rushing back into my life faster than I could control. And as much as I wanted to remain up in the clouds, still dreaming about last night, the reality of my current situation was enough to pull my feet back down to earth by the ankles.

  “Yeah,” I sighed. “They awarded it to an unqualified male candidate.”

  “I’m proud of you, sweetie.”

  “You shouldn’t be.” My head fell into the palm of my hand. “I failed.”

  “No you didn’t.” Mom’s voice perked up.

  Lifting my head, my brows squished. “But I didn’t get the job.”

  “That may be, but you challenged the status quo and, by the sounds of it, you rattled the foundation.”

  “It’s a man’s world,” I grumbled, sick and tired of feeling like I was played.

  “Something will come along.”

  “They played me, Mom. Promised me the position, then gave it to someone else.”

  “When one door closes, another always opens.”

  I could hear her smile bursting through each one of her words. And I loved her optimism, always had, but what my company did was unprincipled and wrong on so many levels. “I hope you’re right,” I said, thinking back to Sienna’s suggestion that maybe now was a good time to start my own gig.

  “If you need anything from us, your father and I are always ready to hel—”

  The line started to break up. Standing, I tried to find better reception. “Mom, I’m in the mountains. You’re breaking up.”

  Her voice rattled with distortion and I couldn’t make out what she was saying.

  “We have a bad connection.” This time I was disrupted by an incoming text message.

  “Enjoy your time off. And keep your head up.” Mom’s voice finally broke through, but the line disconnected before we could say our goodbye. And when I glanced at the screen to check my reception bars, my heart skipped a beat.

  The text was from Nolan.

  And he was asking what I was wearing.

  22

  Nolan

  Noah’s words left me feeling frustrated with the position I was in.

  I hated everyone who set me up to date Audrey. It went back years but was orchestrated between families when we were still children—practically an arranged relationship. That was what had my gut twisted with agony. Because it was a deal between parents, when it came down to it. And it sickened me to think that my own family phrased it like I didn’t have a say in any of this. Even though I knew that wasn’t even close to being true.

  Raising my elbows to the desk, I put my head inside my hands.

  This drama with Audrey would blow over. It had to. If it wasn’t for last night’s fundraiser and the fact that we were both in the mountains at the same time, none of this would have ever been an issue. We were over. Had been over. And there wasn’t even a hint of our relationship rekindling until yesterday.

  The front office door opened, sucking out all the cool air with it. Picking up my head, my eyes quickly met with Charlotte’s. She flashed me a small smile and I watched her walk through the front lobby.

  She was incredibly put together—as she always was—with her hair pulled up into a ponytail that complemented her outfit of blue jeans and brown leather jacket with knee-high boots to match.

  “Hey, big brother,” Charlotte casually said with her hands inside her pockets.

  “Let me guess,” I leaned back and laced my fingers over my stomach. “Dad talked to you, too?”

  She eyed the mess of papers that littered my desk before taking a seat. “Just thought I would stop by before I flew out.”

  “You do know how ridiculous it is for you to be flying back and forth when our family has at least two dozen empty beds available, right?”

  Her shoulders shrugged.

  “Not to mention how your extraordinary travel completely contradicted the cause we both supported last night.”

  “That was your deal.” Her eyes flicked up to me. “Not mine.”

  “We’re a product of affiliation.” I raised both brows. “That’s what it means to be a Foster.”

  She rolled her eyes and pretended to yawn.

  “Seriously?”

  “Nolan, that’s why I’m here.” She fixed her gaze back on me before uncrossing her legs and leaning forward.

  I tipped my body forward as well, curious to why she suddenly grew so serious.

  “I heard Dad talked to you about Audrey.”

  Clenching my jaw, I knew that was why she was here. And I was positive that Dad made sure everyone in the family knew the specifics of my mistake by now.

  “I wanted you to know that I’m sorry.”

  Leaning back, I turned my head to the wall, letting my gaze fall on the family photo proudly displayed above the Foster name. I couldn’t be mad at Charlotte. This wasn’t her fault. Maybe if I would have known beforehand that Dad wasn’t going to let this one go, I would have made a different decision last night. But I didn’t regret it. And I certainly wouldn’t go back and do things differently knowing what I did now.

  “Cooper wouldn’t shut up with it,” Charlotte’s gaze cast down to her fidgeting fingers, “and I accidently let it slip.”

  Nodding, I knew Coop was the one to call Dad. He was the one with the most to lose from this. I just wondered how I’d managed to get stuck in the middle of his mess.

  Turning back to face Charlotte, her eyes begged to be forgiven. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “You’re right, though, Nolan.” Her cheeks burned with shame. “Family reputation is everything, and I know that what I did must have complicated things.”

  “You have no idea,” I said under my breath.

  “For what it’s worth,
” her voice took on her usual confidence, “I like her.”

  The crown of my head pulled to the ceiling as I felt the sparkle of hope return to my eyes.

  “I can see why you asked her out.” Her posture relaxed. “She’s the complete opposite of Audrey.”

  Bringing my forearms out in front of me, I said, “Sophia. That’s her name.”

  “Nolan and Sophia.” Charlotte’s voice was barely above a whisper. “It has a nice ring to it.”

  “Then let’s not jinx it.” I smiled sideways, knocking on wood.

  Charlotte laughed. “But, please, don’t become a love-sick puppy before getting to know her. I really like who my brother is now.”

  Smirking, I asked, “How is it that you can get away with never bringing a date to a single family event?”

  “I’m Daddy’s little girl.” She grinned. “And, besides, who would schmooze the elites when times are tough?”

  “Travis is cute,” I said sarcastically.

  Charlotte laughed. “I’m not ready to settle down. Dad knows it, too. Which is why I’m his most valuable asset.”

  Shaking my head, I said, “Sorry, sis. But I believe I hold the title of most valuable asset in our family.”

  Charlotte stood. “It won’t be long before I take it back from you.”

  “Let’s hope you’re right.” I pushed my chair back, away from the desk.

  The desk phone rang and we both glanced at it. It had already been a long day of work filled with paperwork, conference calls, and emails. And the last thing I wanted to do was answer it, but I knew there was still plenty that needed to be done before my date with Sophia.

  “I better get back to work,” I said, standing. “It’s important Dad knows how serious I am about leading the company.”

  “You’ll win Dad over again.” Charlotte winked before rounding the desk. “We all know that you’re our best option to lead us into the future.”

  The phone continued to ring but I didn’t give a damn. What I needed now—what we both needed—was to give my sister a hug before she left. Wrapping my arms around her, we held each other in a tight, silent embrace as if reminding ourselves that the love between siblings overrode everything we could be forced to overcome.

  “I love you, Nolan.” Charlotte stepped away, smiling.

  I watched her leave, proud to be her big brother, just as Christine arrived. They greeted and engaged in easy conversation. And that was my life, the never ending revolving door that always proved to be the distraction from the work I still needed to do before the day was over.

  Thinking to how incredible my sister was, and knowing how far she had come since being the little girl following her brothers into the mountains, was nothing short of amazing. Charlotte having my back when it came to my new love interest, Sophia, meant the world to me. Because of her—and our simple two-minute conversation—she gave me the confidence I needed to go forward with making sure I didn’t pass up the extraordinary opportunity that I knew Sophia was.

  Charlotte glanced to me and waved before finally exiting the building. Christine turned and started to head my way. Her heels clacked over the tile flooring as she made her way back and I liked that she had her bag full of work-related item, coming in ready to get the job done on a Sunday afternoon.

  “You didn’t happen to bring me lunch, did you?” My face brightened with amusement.

  “Nolan, it’s almost five o’clock.” Her voice raised in disbelief.

  “If I would have known I’d be waiting for you all day, I might have gone out earlier.”

  She laughed and shook her head as we greeted with air kisses. “How are you doing?” Her brow furrowed. “Is everything okay? I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night.”

  Thinking of how quickly I left with Sophia at the fundraiser, I appreciated the kind thoughts. “Everything is good,” I said, choosing not to go into details about my family drama, or how Sophia pulled me into her condo and proceeded to make hot, dirty love to me all night long.

  Sitting down, we spent the next hour going over last night’s final numbers, discussing the areas that needed to be improved upon for the next event we worked together, and celebrated our success. I couldn’t have been more pleased by the number of generous donations we received, and it far exceeded the goal Christine and I had set beforehand.

  “Can I ask you something?” I asked.

  Christine lifted her eyes off the paperwork, concern lining her brow.

  “Did you happen to speak with Audrey Rothschild last night?” I held my breath.

  She straightened her spine. “Caught up with her not long after you left.” She set her pen down. “Why?”

  Releasing my lungs, I blew out a breath of air as I closed my eyes, somewhat relieved to know that Audrey wasn’t a complete liar. “How was she?”

  Christine gave me a questioning look.

  “Did she seem happy?”

  Knitting her brows, she said, “What’s this about, Nolan? I thought you two moved on and were seeing other people.”

  “Yes, you’re right. It’s just that I brought Sophia last night and I think it might have caught some people off guard.”

  “You certainly surprised me.” She laughed.

  My voice softened. “Anybody say anything to you? Or did you overhear people talking about me?”

  Christine reached out and let her hand drape over my forearm. “Is Nolan Foster, the man behind the billion-dollar family empire, feeling insecure?” Her eyes teased.

  I gave her a half smile. “I’m not worried about me,” I assured her. “But the Rothschilds promised Cooper their support in his gubernatorial campaign and I don’t want my relationship with Audrey to affect what my brother is after.”

  Christine squeezed my arm before retracting it back to her side. Falling back into her seat, she folded her arms over her chest and said, “I’m sorry, Nolan. My ears tend not to pick up that sort of stuff.”

  “But you did give Mr. Rothschild the check I wrote, didn’t you?”

  She locked gazes. “He was very appreciative.” When her cell started ringing, Christine answered the call.

  Giving her the privacy she deserved, I headed to the restroom, making sure to take my phone with me. I was ready for the day to be over. Ready to get my mind and hands back on Sophia. She was the relief I needed, the quick answer to my restless desire to escape.

  Walking down the hall, my thumbs swiped over the screen typing up a quick message to Sophia, asking what she was wearing.

  What happened to the gentleman I was with last night? Sophia responded almost immediately.

  I smirked. Left on the bedroom floor somewhere beneath the pile of clothes you stripped off me.

  Sophia: Ha. Funny I didn’t find him there after my shower.

  Me: So, what are you wearing?

  Sophia: Do you think I’m that easy?

  Feeling the heat of arousal spread across my body I typed, Yes.

  Sophia: This conversation is over.

  Entering the men’s bathroom, I turned the camera on me, snapping a quick selfie so she could see my exaggerated frown. Then I attached the image to the message: Please don’t go.

  Sophia: Here’s a clue. I’m covered in sweat and my muscles are tired.

  My dick twitched. And I’m on my way to you now.

  It took a minute for her next message to come through, but I liked how even something as simple as texting with her was easy, fun, and flirty.

  I’m not at the condo, she finally responded.

  Me: Then you better get there quick.

  Sophia: Why? Are you coming over?

  Me: Meet me here, I gave her the address, in one hour. Dress casual and get ready to get bucked.

  Sophia: Bucked?

  I smiled and tucked my phone away before taking a leak. I could only imagine the thoughts that were swirling inside her head now. Returning back to the office with my head buried inside my phone, I re-read our conversation if only to remind myself what I h
ad to look forward to. Christine was on the phone and when our eyes met, she looked concerned.

  Lowering my phone, I listened to her side of the conversation and I knew it wasn’t good. And the moment she hung up I asked, “What is it?”

  “It’s Mr. Rothschild.” She blinked, looking shell-shocked. “He just had a heart attack.”

  23

  Sophia

  Finally, I stopped walking and looked down at what I was wearing.

  Again.

  I felt like I might have overdone it with my outfit. I mean, what did dress casual even mean? And my definition could have meant something entirely different from what Nolan thought.

  Lifting my gaze, I caught my reflection in the big window in front of me.

  I wasn’t going to try to not look good for him. Because I wanted it to be impossible for him to take his eyes off of me. I wanted him to drool at what he saw. And I wanted him to think about fucking me from the moment he laid his eyes on me.

  “Dress casual,” I snickered as I tucked my hair behind my ear. As far as I knew, tonight was the last night I would ever see him and that was enough to make me want to pull out all the stops before I had to get back to living my life.

  The thought of leaving the mountains left a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  I wanted to stay. Wanted to continue down this wild and fast road with Nolan. And my heart burned to know if last night was a fluke or something real—something lasting.

  Taking in a deep breath, I felt my chest tighten.

  Even though I was given until Tuesday to return back to work, I wasn’t ready to walk into the office pretending like nothing happened. When I was supposed to have taken the weekend to reflect, it quickly evolved into something more of an escape. Not that I minded, and I certainly wouldn’t have changed any of it if I could, but it was important that I went into work—whenever that may be—knowing I had a plan on how I was going to move forward.

  Taking a small step backward, I flipped my palm up and checked my phone. Then I tipped my chin back and read the sign above the door. “This has to be it,” I said to myself.