by Shelby Clark
Tess McDaniel fell for Augustus Escobar a long time ago. He was her friend and first love. He helped her through some tough times. But when Augustus started receiving more attention from the ladies, their relationship suffered some turbulence. So she decided to just focus on her career.
Now the private lawyer for Augustus's father, Tess put a lot of time into her new position, something she noticed was a problem for Augustus. He seemed to want her for himself. Tess knows that the Escobar men are philanderers by nature, but will his past allow her to trust him for another chance?
If so, will their love survive the doubts they share about each other?
My Baby’s A Billionaire
By
Shelby Clark
My Baby’s A Billionaire
Copyright © August 2013, Shelby Clark
All Rights Reserved
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. The ebook contained herein constitutes a copyrighted work and may not be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, or stored in or introduced into an information storage and retrieval system in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the copyright owner, Shelby Clark, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This ebook is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Shelby Clark
Pikesville, MD 21208
jamocharomanceink.blogspot.com
Cover art by Kimberly Killion © August 2013
Formatting by Bob Houston eBook Formatting
Dedication
This ebook is dedicated to my husband, family, and friends who helped, as well as supported me, to make my dreams a reality.
Chapter One
Yes, we’re looking good. I’ve got to represent. I can’t go out there looking crazy in front of all those cameras. I wouldn’t be this frantic if I didn’t stay up late last night and overslept this morning. Today of all days!
Tess stopped suddenly in front of the mirror of her closet to check her appearance for the nine hundredth time. While in the process of running around her office, she checked and double checked making sure that everything was in order for her boss, Julius’s, Press Release.
Her hair was done in goddess braids pinned up into a bun, and her makeup was flawless. Baby blue and smoke gray were the colors of the pin-striped two-piece skirt suite. She complimented her attire with a pair of opened toe, sling back stilettos. Every nail and toe had a French manicure. Keeping her look tight and professional from head to toe was a ritual for her, and she wasn’t having it any other way.
Besides, Tess knew that her boss was a very serious business man. He was also grave, in not only demeanor, but in his actions. Julius Escobar, a widow for years now, was just as eye-catching as his sons, regardless of his age. Women, young and old, moved to his every whim.
When working with Escobar Telecom Communications, he expects nothing less of his employees than that sort of professionalism and quickness to action, and that’s the same kind of mindset Tess possessed. As the owner of her own law firm, McDaniel and Associates, and private attorney for Julius Escobar and Escobar Telecom Communication—ETC, located in the heart of Mexico City Zocalo/ Plaza de la Constitución—she knew she had to bring it all to the table.
Alright now, I think we’re ready to get this show started.
With minutes to spare, Tess was on the move. Everything was still on track and ready to go from the night before. Being a perfectionist doesn’t stop you from overthinking your actions. She knew all was well, but it never hurts to backtrack and do a double take. Leaving her plush office at ETC that she barely used, she headed to the conference room.
****
When Tess walked in, she noticed some of the Press was already there setting up. Some began to take snapshots of her. She had her briefcase and some files in hand. Julius and his sons, Augustus and Atticus, were talking amongst themselves, until Julius walked up to her.
“Tess, I’ve been waiting for you. I expected you here earlier, what happened?”
“My apologies, Julius, I was here, but I needed to stop past my company’s office before I came in. Nevertheless, I’m here.”
“I know you have everything in place. I just like you by my side, always at my disposal.”
“I’m here, sir. I have everything under control. I have all the documents ready for signatures, and the will of your Grandmother.”
“Well, hold onto that. We’re not going to present that just yet, not in front of the Press. I changed my mind about that. Those nosy bastards would have a grand time with that piece of information, and broadcast it to the world.”
“Yes, sir, will do.”
“And, Tess…”
“Sir?”
Julius whispered in her ear. “I told you a million times to stop calling me sir. I’m not that old.”
Tess giggled as she answered Julius. “OK, Julius, I’ll try to be mindful. It’s just a habit I’ve been used to for years.” Tess noticed Augustus staring at her in a strange way she’d never seen before while he was talking Atticus.
Julius put his hand around Tess’s waist as he directed her to stand next to him and called his sons to stand on the opposite side. He jested for the Board of Directors and Stakeholders to sit at the long oval table. The Press stood on the opposite end of the board room. Tess made another quick glance at Augustus as Julius began to talk to everyone.
“Hello, everyone! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this Press Release. This is an important time for my company. But before I go on I want to introduce some people to you.”
Tess noticed that Augustus was still observing her from time to time.
What’s up with this man? Why’s he keep eyeballing me? Augustus Escobar, we’re not children anymore. This is not the time for you to start acting crazy. Your father thinks that you’re ready to run his ship. Don’t prove him wrong, especially now!
“To my left are my sons, whom I adore, August Escobar, my eldest, and Atticus Escobar, the youngest. I’m very proud to say that they are strong, professional men. I think I did a damn good job rearing and prepping them for this day, the same as my father did for me.”
One of the new reporters interrupted. “Mr. Escobar, will you be allowing us to ask you questions at this Press Release?”
Julius answered abruptly, “Not if you’re going to be rude, son! For now, just listen. Today, I announce my retirement. I’m turning the reins of the company over to my sons. August, as CEO, holds twenty-six percent, and Atticus, as CFO, holds twenty-four percent in shares.”
The reporters yelled out with questions at Julius’s silent invitation. Julius pointed to one of the female reporters to ask her question.
“Sir, who’ll then have controlling rights of the company?”
“I’ll still have majority of shares, but they both will be running the company in my stead. This business is a family owned business that’s been passed down for three generations. When I’m gone my sons will have full throttle of the company. They’ll inherit my shares equally.”
The Press Release lasted for an
hour, after which Julius, Augustus, and Atticus all met in Tess’ office for the signings of affidavits for the company’s control. When they arrived, Ayana Simmons was waiting.
Tess walked in first. “Hello, Ayana, thanks for meeting me here. OK, guys, you all know or at least remember my cousin/associate, Anaya Simmons, she’s assisting me today.”
Atticus responded, “What happened to your assistant, Lazuick, the foreign exchange student?”
“His intern ended. He had to go back to his country. So…”
Atticus, not as tall as his brother, was an even six feet with chestnut colored eyes and black straight hair. He walked over to Ayana and kissed her hand as he met and held her gaze.
“Yes, I remember Anaya. Hello, Ms. Simmons. I’m glad you can join us today.”
Ayana responded with a smile as she locked her eyes onto Atticus’s.
“Thank you. I remember you too, Mr. Escobar.”
Julius and Augustus watched as Atticus and Ayana engaged in foreplay with their body language.
Next to business, Julius’s sons were his pride and joy. It pleased him to see his sons seduce women with the Escobar charm. They all were philanderers by nature.
“Please, by all means, call me Atticus.”
Tess interrupted. “Gentlemen, please, can I redirect your attention to the business at hand?”
Julius responded. “How much longer will this take, Tess? I have another meeting.”
“Well, just a minute, sir…I mean, Julius. It’s the same drill. I need everyone’s John Hancock on the dotted line. These are just the legalities.”
Tess briefly went over the purpose of each document and they all signed in turn.
“One more thing, sir. We need to go over the other document you told me to hold off on.”
Julius answered hesitantly with a tight jaw, “Tess, I don’t have time. Just give me the file with the document. I’ll talk to the boys about this later and pull you up to speed. We can all sign them then.”
“Julius? I thought I was the counselor. I should be the one to look them over and advise you.”
Julius responded with a sharp stare as he walked out the door. “Tess! Don’t try to strong arm me right now. Again, I have a meeting. I’ll fight with you later. I expect to see you tonight at the party. Go purchase something nice and charge it to me.”
“That won’t be necessary! Thank you anyway,” Tess replied.
Julius walked out the door leaving Tess standing there. She turned around and saw Augustus writing on her note pad, and Atticus and Ayana whispering.
“Augustus and Atticus, can you two gentlemen please sign these documents so I can go? I have a lot to do. Atticus, leave my associate alone.”
They both signed twenty sheets of legal documents.
“What’s your hurry? Are you going to meet with him again? Don’t you think you spend too much time with him? Slow down a little, Tess.” Augustus insisted.
“Augustus!”
“August! ...Is what I prefer to be called!”
“Your name is Augustus Escobar!”
Augustus grabbed her hand, the motion only slightly out of the view of the others, and whispered in her ear.
“It’s August. Oh, and I left you a note on your desk. Don’t be late,” he demanded.Chills of ecstasy ran up her spine, creating instant pools of hot lava between her legs. Tess snatched her hand away. He strolled out the door. She balled her fist as she held it close to her side trying to suppress the unexpected feelings she felt. Tess grabbed the note and her briefcase.
“Ayana, I’ll see you back at the office, and please lock my door before you leave.”
“Sure, I have everything. I’ll be right behind you.”
Tess headed for the garage. She sat in her car and read August’s note.
Tess, meet me at our spot. I need to talk to you about something. It’s important. Plus, I think you need a break from father. You’ve been doing a lot.
August!
As soon as she read the last word and looked up, Ayana and Atticus were walking together to Ayana’s car.
Man, I hope she’s not falling for him. My main rule, do not get involve with the client. It’s a cardinal rule! I’ll talk to her later. I’ve known this family all my life. They’re blood born charmers. Even I have to be on my guard.
Tess sped off in her convertible BMW.
****
Arriving before Augustus, Tess took the liberty of getting them a booth in the back of the café so no one would spot him. Not soon after she took her seat, he walked in. She observed his tall six-foot-three stature as he came toward her. He looked as if he was moving in slow motion—there was enough time for her to take in his image from head to toe. His hair was a true black interrupted only by the streaks of blonde highlighted sideburns combed backwards. They complimented his dark eyebrows and eyelashes.
Tess couldn’t help but notice his excellent muscular physique, every woman that passed by did. The silk black shirt he had on offered no mercy on the spectator. Her jaw dropped. She felt herself panting like an animal in heat longing for her mate. Within seconds, she grabbed the complimentary glass of water and tried to pull herself together, swallowing deep and hard by the time he reached the booth.
Come on, girl, what’s the matter with you? Get a grip on yourself! It ain’t anybody. It’s just August. He’s like a brother. Get your hormones under control! Yeah, under control, I got it.
“Tess, I was right behind you, but someone took my parking space so I had to look for another,” he called out to her as he passed by the other tables until he reached their booth. “Thanks for coming. I thought you weren’t going to show up.”
“Hm, so what was so important that we had to meet here? We haven’t come here in years. Come on, August, you know I’m busy. Your father needs me now more than ever.”
“I know it’s been years, yet you remembered the spot. Anyway, there’s something I wanted to know.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Tess, we grew up together. My family took your family in.”
“Hey, I know that! What’re you doing? I know where I come from.”
Augustus grabbed her hands again to try and calm her down.
“Wait. That’s not what I meant to say. Let me start over.”
“Yes, start over. I don’t need you to check me! What’s your problem?”
Tess, for the second time, pulled her hands from his.
“Why can’t I hold your hands or touch you? I know you work for my father and the company, but has it come to this? We can no longer be friends or as close as we were?”
It’s not that, August. It’s just, every time you touch me something happens to me. I suddenly feel horny, and it’s not right because I see you as my brother.
Augustus stroked his hands over his hair. He fell back into his chair while he gave Tess a long stare.
“Just tell me the truth. Is something going on? Are you seeing him?”
Tess picked up her spoon and began pointing it at him as she scolded. “What? Seeing who? Look! I know you’re not trying to get into my personal life and running background checks on whomever I choose to see!”
“Excuse me, Tess, but yes, I will. If I have to, yes, I will investigate, and especially if your affair concerns me. I’ll stick my nose into your business.”
“No, I don’t think so, buddy. If anything, you need to check some of those skanks you’ve been running around town with. That’s why we’re in the back now.”
August’s voice went deep as he slammed his fist on the table. “Don’t you think you’re being inconsiderate to this family? You’re making yourself look like a gold digger! At least those women mean nothing to me, but you… you, Tess!”
She stood up and grabbed her pocketbook. “Look, I had a long day, I haven’t had time to change, I’ll be damned if I’m going to sit here and allow you to accuse me of or cross examine me for something I have no clue of!”
He jumped up to bloc
k her path. “No! Sit.”
“Move, August!”
“Sit. Please! I like when you call me August. Hold on for a minute first, hear me out. You know how I am.”
“Yes, I do! You’re hot headed and quick to react.”
“See. You do know me and I thought I knew you, but I guess I don’t. I don’t understand.”
They both sat back down.
“Understand what? How am I supposed to know what’s going on in your head. Will you just say what’s really on your mind?”
They paused and just stared at each other. Tess felt butterflies in her stomach when she dropped her gaze to his lips, then to the exposed collar bone that introduced his broad shoulders and chest. She tightened her grip on her pocketbook in hopes of gaining control over her hormones. They were getting the best of her. She quickly bowed her head and put her hand over her face.
Damn, he looks so hot. What is the matter with me? Stop it Tess! Get your mind right. See, it’s that damn Escobar charm. I can’t let him know, besides he’s a player. He wouldn’t want me. Like he said, we grew up together. He doesn’t see me like that.
“What happened? What’s wrong? Why did you drop your head like that?” Augustus responded as he caressed her arm above her elbow.
“Nothing! I must have an eyelash in my eye, but I’m okay.”
As soon as Augustus touched her, her attention went straight to the contact between her arm and his hand.
“Do you want me to look into your eye? I can see if I there’s a lash or anything?”
“Hell no!”
I can’t let him get that close!
“What! Oh, OK, I’m sorry for asking. I was just trying to help.”
“Hm. Sorry, I mean…I was just saying… I don’t want one of your lady friends to catch you all up in my face. You know, I don’t want to have to slap a lawsuit on anyone.”
August started laughing and smiling hard, showing all his pearly whites.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would say someone sounds jealous.”
“Jealous!”
