The Independent One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance

by Cami Checketts

  Haley wanted to know why everyone around here treated Cal like some kind of royalty. The waiter had seemed almost jealous of him, but obviously wasn’t going to make any waves. If Cal was the manager it would make sense, maybe. She opened her mouth to ask, but Cal preempted her. “So, the drink’s delicious?”

  “Yes.” She watched Taz vroom his tractor around the sand track.

  “And your name is?”

  She couldn’t help but grin. “Okay, I guess you passed the test. Haley Turnbow.”

  Cal stuck his hand out. Haley placed hers in it. He wrapped his hand around hers and held on. Warm tremors trailed up her arm and the way her face burned hot she could’ve sworn she’d come out of the shade of the umbrella. Maybe she should go jump in that cold ocean.

  “Cal Johnson. It’s very nice to meet you.”

  “You as well.” She couldn’t help but grin and then sigh when his dimples deepened. How could you not like a guy with dimples?

  Taz noticed their drinks and came running over.

  “Try this,” Haley said, holding it down where he could reach.

  Taz noisily sipped through the straw then yelled. “Yum! More!”

  Haley gave him another long sip, letting him savor it for a few seconds before pulling it away. “Wait a second or you’ll get a brain freeze.”

  “Oh, yeah, those brain freezes suck.”

  “We don’t say suck,” Haley tried for the hundredth time.

  “Yeah, Mama, cept I do say it all the times.”

  Cal chuckled. “I think you’re losing that battle.”

  “You have no idea.”

  “I can get him his own drink.” Cal ran his hand up and down the glass, wiping the condensation away. Haley was drawn in by the movement of those nicely-formed fingers.

  “Naw, backwash makes it taste better.” Haley winked at him.

  Cal laughed harder. “I’ll take your word on that one.”

  “Can you help me build a castle?” Taz interrupted.

  Cal stood and carefully balanced his drink on the arm of his chair. “For sure.”

  Taz stared up at him with a worshipful grin. “You’re the best. I love you!” He hugged Cal’s legs then hurried back to his toys and started filling up the bucket with sand.

  Cal stayed rooted to the sand, watching him. He swallowed and glanced at Haley. She stood next to him. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I just…” He rubbed at his jaw. “It’s been a while since someone spontaneously told me they loved me and really seemed to mean it.”

  Haley nodded. Taz told a lot of people he loved them, but in his innocence he really did mean it. She was so spoiled by his love sometimes she forgot what a blessing it was. Cal appeared to be successful and happy, but maybe living a professional life didn’t equate to much if you didn’t have a bit of sunshine hugging you and loving you. “Do you have family?”

  “They live in Northern Idaho. Guess it’s time to go visit.” He placed a hand on her back and escorted her toward Taz. Wearing only a swimsuit, his touch created a fire she couldn’t ignore. “This sand castle isn’t going to build itself.”

  Haley dropped to her knees next to her son. She and Taz always had a great time together, but doing all of these things with Cal created more excitement and fun than she had experienced in a long, long time.

  Johnson couldn’t recall the last time he’d had this much down to earth fun. He did plenty of exciting things with his friends—rock climbing, scuba diving, surfing, learning to fly helicopters. He enjoyed a thrill as much as the next guy, but the main pull for him was being with people he enjoyed. He was a people person, but today was up there on the smiling and laughter quota. Haley and Taz were great. He’d taken the entire day off work and he didn’t even care. The improvements on his various hotels and commercial rentals and the real estate deals and auctions would wait for him, and if they didn’t he would be okay. His business was thriving. Haley was here now and he wanted to take advantage of every moment.

  He knew he was getting invested far too quickly, but there was just something about Haley. Of course he was attracted to her beautiful face and body, but it was more than that. She was real and she made something simple like building a sand castle fun. And her son. He shook his head. When Taz had told him he loved him, Cal recognized it wasn’t some grand pronouncement, but it had struck something deep within him. His close friends didn’t shout out they loved him for no reason. In fact, besides his mom and sisters closing out a phone call, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d heard those words, unless it was from a woman he was dating who was hoping to rope him into more than he wanted out of the relationship. He really needed to visit his family more.

  Haley had agreed to go to dinner with him and he was more excited about the opportunity to be with her than he was when he’d acquired his last hotel. It was an enlivened and nervous combination that he wasn’t used to feeling around women. He always enjoyed meeting and dating new women, but this felt different—more fun and lighthearted, but at the same time more serious because he was actually serious about developing a relationship with someone like Haley. Maybe it was because of Taz. He smiled. He sure liked that kid.

  The hotel had several great restaurants but he decided to take her to Miguel’s Concina. He told himself it was because he loved their sopapillas, but he knew it was because he didn’t want someone from the hotel to tell her he was the owner. If she started asking questions he might reveal all the properties he owned across the United States, his involvement with his friend, Tucker, in the social media site Friend Zone, and the huge house he was renovating a mile down the coast from Tucker’s.

  Haley was a salt of the earth, fun Mom, bringing him back to memories of his own mom and sisters. The women he’d dated lately were definitely attractive, but kind of fluff. Haley was real. From the way she worried about paying for medical care for her son to the way she was upset that he upgraded her to a suite, he could tell she wasn’t comfortable around money. He needed to get her cozy around him first and then maybe he could start dropping the bombshells on her.

  Escorting her into her chair, he fully appreciated the way she looked in a simple white sundress that set off her olive skin and long, dark curls. Taz bounced on the seat next to her. “Can I get nachos, Mama, and a case-wa-dilla? Please, please,” he yelled.

  Haley placed her hand on Taz’s arm and talked slowly to him. “Taz, honey, you need to take a few slow breaths and then we can look at the menu and see what you can order.”

  “Why’s I got to breathe?”

  Cal hid a smile behind the menu.

  “You’re just a little too excited and remember how in a restaurant we need to use our inside voice and not get too crazy?”

  Taz sucked in air and blew it out three times. His face got a little red. He puffed out the final breath. “Okay, Mama. Read that menu to me.”

  Johnson couldn’t help but laugh. “How about nachos for an appetizer then you can get the quesadilla for your dinner?”

  “Yes!” Taz jumped onto his chair and did a little dance.

  Haley gently set him back down and reminded him that he needed to stay seated.

  “And remember we don’t yell in restaurants,” she said.

  Taz’s brow furrowed. “Why not? Cause I do, Mama.”

  Cal couldn’t keep from smiling. He appreciated that Haley was trying to teach her son manners, but that little body just had too much energy in it to stay sedentary for long.

  The waiter took their drink and appetizer orders, setting down crayons and a menu that Taz could color on. He took one look at the menu and said, “I don’t need this! I already know I’m getting the case-wa-dillas with pork and nachos.”

  Haley shushed him and thanked the waiter. Cal noticed the waiter smiling a bit too broadly at Haley, studying her like that punk kid, Bryce, had this morning. She was a beautiful woman and he wasn’t the only one who had eyes, but it still made him a bit possessive, even though he had no right to be. He was
happy when the guy finally walked away.

  Taz immediately focused on his coloring and Cal knew this was his opportunity to get to know Haley better. “I don’t even know where you’re from.”

  “Why do you want to know?” She tilted her head to the side. Her dark curls brushed her strong shoulder and Cal loved that she was flirting with him.

  “It’s kind of like the name. Nice to know. Are you going to make me drag all the details I want to know out of you?”

  Haley smiled. “Maybe. You are still a strange man.”

  “We’ve built a sand castle together. That’s an insta-bond kind of moment.” He winked and she blushed. Usually the women he dated would go on the offensive after a wink, reaching for his hand or his leg. Haley blushed. He liked it. He hoped she really wouldn’t draw every question out. It was time to know everything he could about this woman, from how she spent her days, her views on religion and politics, how would she feel if he came to visit her after she went home, and most especially, who Taz’s father was and if he was still in the picture.

  “Ah, so that’s how you work.” She licked her full, pink lips and Cal lost focus for a second. “Rescue bruised up children and then bond with their mothers over sand castles.”

  “I am pretty heroic.” He kept the sarcastic grin on his face even though he winced inside. Heroism was something he didn’t want to discuss. The Army felt like a lifetime away now, but he still occasionally met with a psychiatrist to help him deal with the aftereffects of being a sniper.

  The waitress brought their drinks and Taz glanced up long enough to yell, “Thanks for my Sprite!”

  Haley ordered chicken fajitas for her and the pork quesadillas for Taz. Cal ordered the carne asada, thanked the waiter, and drank some of his lemonade.

  Haley sipped her water then pulled a face. “Gross. Our water at home is much better than this.”

  “I should’ve warned you. The island water is clean, but has an odd taste. They say too many minerals in it. You need a lemon or maybe another strawberry daiquiri.”

  “Better go for the lemon. Two daiquiris in one day and I’d have to live at the gym when I get home.”

  Cal looked appreciatively at her lean shoulders and thin waistline. “You look like you already do live there.”

  “Thanks.” She glanced down. “I wish. I get a lot of lifting at my store.”

  “What store?”

  “I own a home décor store.” She stared straight at him, kind of a challenging stare.

  “Wow. Mother, entrepreneur, and only twenty-five. That’s impressive Haley Turnbow.” He really was impressed and wondered why she’d gone defensive. Maybe she’d gotten flak from someone about running her own store. “And where might this home décor store be located?”

  She smiled and her shoulders lowered a fraction. “Crested Butte, Colorado.”

  “Nice. It’s beautiful there.”

  “You’ve been there?”

  “I skied there last month.” No need to tell her he’d recently acquired One Ski Hill Resort. He’d fallen in love with the town and the skiing. Now he had another reason to go oversee that hotel for a few weeks. Who was he kidding? Would he be able to leave her or Taz after only a few weeks? Maybe he’d buy another home in Crested Butte. “What’s the name of your store?”

  “Sugar ‘n Spice.”

  “Sugar ‘n Spice and everything nice,” Cal murmured. “Just like you.”

  “Ha,” Haley laughed, pushing a curl behind her ear and then tucking her hands in her lap. “I’m definitely not like that. You should ask my brother.”

  He smiled. “How many brothers do you have?”

  “Just one, thank heavens. You?”

  “Two brothers and two sisters. Any sisters for you?” He wanted to know why she was happy to have only one brother. His brothers used to be his best friends, probably still would be if he wasn’t so connected with Tucker and took the time to visit home more.

  “No. My mom died a couple years ago so it’s just my dad, my brother, Isaac, and I.”

  “I’m sorry about your Mom.”

  She nodded. “Me too.” Glancing over at Taz, she murmured, “It makes me really sad for him. Mom was one of those people who only saw the good in others and Taz was her whole world. A kid without a dad really needs people like that in his life.”

  Cal’s mouth opened and closed. He wanted to comfort her and reassure her that she was doing a great job as a mom, but it all caught in his throat.

  “Mama.” Taz tugged on her sleeve. “I gotta poop.”

  Cal couldn’t help but laugh. Haley pulled a face. “Well, that’s not awkward. We’ll be right back.”

  Cal watched them go. The attraction to Haley was different than his usual dates. He’d seen her make-up free and soggy from the pool and she still looked downright sexy to him. He’d made the rounds with actresses, models, businesswomen, and even some politicians. Haley wasn’t extreme either way. She ran her own business yet was still very feminine and vulnerable. It was obvious being a mother was not only something she enjoyed but that was important to her.

  He doubted most of his other dates had ever given a second thought to children. He thought of his own family in a way he hadn’t for years. His mom was like Haley. She took good care of herself physically, but wasn’t caught up in her looks. She could run a board room as easily as she ran their family home and ranch. Haley seemed the same to him. Very capable but still feminine. The huge quality they shared was selflessness. Haley put Taz’s needs before her own. He admired that, especially as he’d only had himself to worry about for a long time and he had to admit it wasn’t as fulfilling as it used to be.

  Cal stirred his drink with his straw and shook off the thoughts of an instant family. He needed to slow down. He wasn’t really ready for someone like Haley, even though she reminded him more of Maryn than any woman he’d met. Sure, he’d like a family like Haley and Taz, but an insta family was a lot of responsibility. After he’d gotten all his hotels running the way he wanted and tired of acquiring condos and office buildings he could be a dad. Too bad that day couldn’t be today.

  Haley always savored adult conversation, but tonight at dinner there had been a whole new level of enjoyment as Cal would catch her eye, wink at her, or tease her about something. He even seemed to take it in stride when Taz came back from the bathroom and described how big his poop was. Haley saw him cringe, but he played it off well.

  They walked slowly back to the hotel. The night was warm and Haley loved having no work waiting for her. Nothing but enjoying Taz and Cal. Taz was holding both of their hands and counting to three. On three they’d swing him off his feet. He’d giggle and repeat.

  Haley wasn’t quite sure what to make of Cal. He was well-off, but he didn’t make her feel like she was less like Brad always had. He acted like her owning her own business was impressive. He was also more than attractive to her. She glanced at him over the top of Taz’s head and appreciated everything from his tall, nicely-formed body to his handsome face and those dimples. She sighed and he caught her gaze. “What?”

  Haley shook her head. No way was she explaining those thoughts. “Nothing. It’s just been a great day.”

  “Yes, it has. Thank you.”

  “Thank me?”

  “Three,” Taz screamed.

  They lifted him up and he squealed in delight.

  “It’s been fun being with both of you.” He searched her eyes and then grinned. “Well, except for the poop description. The carne asada lost its flavor after that.” He winked.

  Haley groaned. “Leave it to Taz to bring the gross factor in.” She wondered if that was all she and Taz could be to Cal. Fun. She should be all right with that, they’d only be here a week after all, but something inside of her wanted more than just fun with him. Would he want to see them after this week was over or would he move on to the next “fun” thing?

  “Three!” Taz yelled.

  They swung him. “How about we count to ten in be
tween?” Haley suggested.

  “Mama.” Taz shook his head. “That would be lame.”

  Several swings later, they reached the hotel’s front doors.

  “Okay,” she said. “No more swinging in here, buddy.”

  “Kay.” Taz ripped from their hands and ran for the elevator. The ride up was filled with Taz asking the night operator, Mr. Shumway, who was even older than Mr. Rotel, all about the elevator and if he had a girlfriend, and did he know Taz had four girlfriends.

  Cal kept his gaze focused on Haley. She smiled at him, but finally had to look away. It was either that or beg him to spend tomorrow with them too. This wasn’t like her. After years and years of taking care of everything in hers and Taz’s lives, she’d allowed this man to upgrade their room, give them a huge gift basket, spend the day with them, and there had been no arguing with him about who paid for dinner. He must have given the waiter his card while she was in the bathroom with Taz because a bill never came. She appreciated his generosity, but it was a fine line between accepting the kindness of a gentleman and being a wussy girl.

  It was vacation. That had to be the reason. So she’d enjoyed a fun day with a handsome man in an exotic location; it was every woman’s dream come true. The goal now was to appreciate it. Not try to make too much out of it and not worry about the future. She was pretty certain Cal wasn’t looking for a longtime commitment, so she shouldn’t overanalyze this anyway. When they exited the elevator and Cal rested his hand on her back, all those thoughts flew out the window. She wanted to spend every spare minute with this man who made her tingle with a simple touch and she didn’t know if she’d ever want to let him go. Whoa, sister. Getting a little ahead of ourselves.

  She unlocked the door with her key card and Taz raced to the treat basket.

  “Thanks for dinner.” Haley kept one eye on Taz to make sure he didn’t run for the balcony.

  “Yeah, thanks for my nachos,” Taz yelled.

  “Anytime, little man.” Cal turned back to her with a grin. He gently traced a hand down her face. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”