Secret Billionaire (The Carolina Series Book 2)

by Jill Downey

  Faye wiggled her fingers at her friend, “Night. Try to stop in tomorrow.”

  “I’ll try. I’m going to sit out here and finish my wine.” She tipped her glass toward Faye. “Here’s to pleasant dreams and no nightmares.”

  6

  Faye could hardly believe that it had been two weeks since Jesse had started working for her. They’d discovered that they worked remarkably well together. In no time at all they’d fallen into a comfortable rhythm albeit with an intensely sexual overlay.

  “Faye!”

  She walked outside onto the deck for the third time in the last hour, hands on her hips, trying hard not to smile, “Can I help you?”

  “Could you please turn on some country tunes? This pop music is driving me bat shit crazy! You’re killing me.”

  “Anyone in particular you’d like me to stream, your highness?”

  Positioned on his hands and knees, and no shirt, he looked up at her grinning, and her breath hitched at the sight of him. “Brett Young station.”

  Her eyebrows rose, “Anything else?”

  “Some water when you get the time. And I might need your help in a few minutes. I need to do some more measurements and figure out exactly where you’d like to see this bar and arbor placed.”

  “Let me take care of the music first, then I’ll grab some water for you.”

  He winked. A sure sign he knew he was being a diva. “Thanks, darlin’.”

  “Anything to keep the help happy.”

  He chuckled. “When I agreed to help you out, I had pictured you on your hands and knees, by my side, handing me nails... I’m lonely out here all by myself.”

  She rolled her eyes, “And they say women are high maintenance.”

  “Your point?”

  “I’m not inside twiddling my thumbs you know,” she teased.

  “You sure about that?”

  Her eyes narrowed and she was about to let him have it when she saw the gleam in his eyes. She didn’t go for the bait this time. Shaking her head, she went back inside to do his bidding. After changing the music, she reached into the cooler and grabbed an ice-cold bottle of water, hesitated, then pulled another one out for herself.

  When she returned, Faye found him sitting on the deck floor, legs extended, leaning back on his elbows. His muscular pecs and six pack abs were on full seductive display. Same pencil tucked behind one ear. Her earlier curiosity about shirt or no shirt was answered. His torso was a golden-tanned washboard…matching the parts she’d already admired.

  She swallowed hard then leaned down to pass him the water. After plopping beside him, she crossed her legs and took a long swig. She looked out across the water. “Heaven on earth isn’t it?”

  His gazed followed hers and he nodded, “Pretty much.”

  Faye was quiet, taking in the moment. The sun shone, and the temperature had climbed into the low seventies. The briny sea air and squawking of the shore birds were hypnotic. The slight breeze stirred her hair, tickling her cheek. She brushed it back. Brett Young crooned in the background about mercy and a broken heart.

  “This must be why there is such a thing as island time,” Faye said.

  “Yep.”

  She heated as he turned his attention back to her. His eyes burned a trail across her skin. She met his gaze—big mistake. His eyes smoldered with desire. Her belly flip-flopped and she suddenly became aware of a warmth between her thighs.

  “Faye,” he said gruffly.

  She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them before burying her face. He reached out and traced his fingers across her bare arm, sending jolts of electricity through her entire body. Lifting her head, she whispered, “Jess, I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because technically, I’m your boss…and I don’t want to lead you on. I’m not entirely healed from the last breakup.”

  “How’s that?” he asked gently.

  “Bad ending to my last love story.”

  “Do any of them ever end well?”

  “This one was particularly ugly.”

  “My last wasn’t any picnic either, trust me on that.” He took a long pull from his water bottle, suddenly pensive. Faye studied his sculpted jawline, which looked as if he’d missed his morning shave. She liked the light sexy stubble. She already regretted opening her big mouth. She could kick herself for bringing up the ex. He was her past. This bar was her new life.

  She reached out and touched his arm, “Hey, you got all quiet. I’m sorry that I brought up the past. I really like you Jesse, I do. I won’t deny that there’s wild chemistry between us. I’m just not sure the timing is right.”

  “Because you’re my boss and all.” His eye’s glittered. “I promise that I won’t accuse you of harassment.”

  She pushed him against his chest, “Well aren’t you just funny as all get out? You know what I mean…why complicate things? We’re doing just fine as we are. I think we make a great team.”

  “I agree, but things are already complicated. I’ll have to call you out if you say otherwise. I want you and I think you feel the same.”

  “That may all be true… but I still don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Again, why not? We’re both adults. I’m not wrong that this attraction goes both ways, you just admitted it.”

  She smiled, “No, you’re not wrong.”

  “Is there someone else in the picture?”

  “No,” she answered softly.

  He sat up and leaned in close, kissing her cheek. “I promise to take it slow but I’m going to warn you, I don’t give up easily.” He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear then trailed his fingers across her cheek. Their gazes locked, only a few inches between them. His breath against her face smelled clean and slightly minty. She couldn’t help it…without conscious thought she pressed her lips softly against his.

  He drew in a sharp breath, then whispered, “Faye.” He ran the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip, staring intently into her eyes.

  Blushing she said, “I’m sorry, I’m giving mixed messages.”

  “I like this message much better.”

  From a distance they heard someone yell, “Get a room.”

  Faye started giggling. “Do you think they’re talking to us?”

  He jumped up easily and grinning held out his hand, “I’d bet on it. As much as I’d like to take his advice, I’d better get back to work. This deck isn’t going to build itself.”

  He helped her up and rather than release her, he pulled her against his chest. She slipped her arms around his neck. She could never grow tired of looking at him. His eyes were warm pools of liquid gold, like whiskey, and the streaked highlights in his hair matched as if they’d been brush stroked by an artist. His soft curls lifted in the breeze, he flashed that sexy smile and she knew she was a goner.

  Jesse met Faye’s eyes and was utterly enchanted. Damn it! She had cast a spell for sure. Her bedroom eyes were almost his undoing, bright blue fringed with those long dark lashes, looking up at him like he was an ice cream cone she wanted to lick. His throat tightened.

  “I could get lost in your eyes,” he murmured. He was an inch away from picking her up and carrying her inside to finish what she’d started. Lush moist lips tempted him to dip back down for another taste.

  He had to… just one. Leaning down he brushed his lips against hers. So soft. He smiled at her sharp intake of breath. As he rubbed his hands up and down her bare arms, her warm soft skin made him want to kiss every inch of her. She parted her lips and her tongue darted out, brushing against his mouth. So sweet. He drew it in, sucking gently. She kissed him back.

  His hands drifted down from her waist and he held her tight against his hardness. Her fingers scorched the skin of his chest. He reluctantly ended the kiss. Resting his forehead against hers, he caught his breath before burying his nose in her hair. Her floral scent almost drove him over the edge.

  She stepped away and he shoved his
hands in his pockets to keep himself from pulling her back into his arms.

  She avoided meeting his eyes. “We should get back on course. Now, where were we? Didn’t you mention something about needing my help with measurements?” she asked, still slightly breathless.

  He gave her a lopsided grin and played along, “Why yes, Ms. LeBlanc that’s exactly what I said.” He reached out and brushed her hair back. “Let’s go inside first and I’ll show you a couple of drawings I came up with and see if it’s what you had in mind for the arbor. First thing in the morning, I’m going to get to that barricade and block off the entry from the dock. I should have done that right away. Some of my tools were messed with during the night. We don’t need anyone else trespassing around the construction site.”

  “I’ll buy a couple of signs from the hardware store to keep people out.” Faye added. She turned and led the way inside.

  “Good idea,” he said. Jesse enjoyed the view as he followed Faye inside. Reaching behind the bar he pulled out his backpack and withdrew a cardboard roll containing his drawings. Spreading them out onto the counter, they bent over them together. He was aware of her bare arm brushing against his and had to force himself to concentrate. He pointed out where he thought the mini-bar should go.

  Tilting her head, her brows furrowed, “Wait is this toward the back end? I pictured it toward the front.”

  His strong tanned fingers traced the drawing. “Yes. See, here is the exit onto the patio, and here is where I think the bar should go.”

  “I guess I can visualize that. I trust your judgement.”

  He casually draped his arm across her shoulders, “It’s going to look great when I’m finished with it.”

  “I have no doubt.”

  “That’s good then. When we’re done with this place it will be the only place to go for a good time.”

  Faye grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  7

  Could it really be Friday already? Impossible… and yet it was. She was thrilled with the progress they’d made on the outdoor area. She honestly felt more alive than she had for a long time. When she pedaled into the parking lot, Jesse’s motorcycle was already there. She felt guilty that she’d overslept and was an hour later than she’d intended to be.

  She secured her bike to the rack by the back entrance. Seeing that damn graffiti made her spitting mad every time she had to look at her ruined wall. Damn delinquents. That was at the top of her list of things to accomplish as soon as possible. She’d put it off for too long. At least it was in the back, hidden from the public’s view.

  Of course, her schedule would depend on what Jesse had in mind for her today. Regardless, she was going to re-paint the damn thing this weekend if it was the last thing she ever did.

  Slinging her backpack over one shoulder and juggling the carryout coffees and cinnamon rolls from her basket, she stepped inside. It felt deserted and she called out, “Jesse?”

  No answer. She set her pack and goodies on the bar. Everything was opened up and the ocean breeze had chased away any residual staleness lingering in the air. It was still chilly, but it was sunny and supposed to reach the upper seventies. Perfect!

  “Jesse?”

  “Out here,” he called.

  She still couldn’t see him, but she grabbed the coffees and stepped outside, following his voice.

  He was hidden from view, crouched down in a pit between the large stilts below the deck. Half of the planks had been removed and the deck level was at about shoulder height.

  “You’ve got to see this, it’s the darndest thing,” he said, ducking back down.

  “Good morning to you too,” she said,

  He glanced up at her and grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, I’m just trying to figure something out here.” He hopped up beside her and accepted the cup of joe she held out.

  “Cream and sugar, right?” she asked.

  He winked, “You really get me.” He took a sip, eyes sparkling as he peered at her over the rim of his cup.

  “What’s got you puzzled?”

  “Give me your coffee,” he said, placing it on the deck next to his own. He jumped back into the pit and turned for her. She sat on the edge and he splayed his hands around her waist, lifting her down next to him like she was as light as a feather. He didn’t release her right away. Pulling her against him, he tipped her chin.

  “I’ve missed you…and you’re late.” He planted a kiss on the tip of her dainty nose. She fit perfectly against him. She resisted the urge to snuggle into the warmth of his body.

  “I’m sorry, but did I miss something? When did you become the boss?”

  He grinned and released her, squatting down next to a large wooden crate. There was stamped lettering which read ‘Mexican Stone Craft’. “I found this after pulling up some loosened deck boards.”

  “What’s inside?”

  He lifted the lid which he’d earlier pried open with a crowbar. Faye leaned closer, peering into the crate.

  Her eyes widened, “It’s a statue.”

  “Yeah and what’s it doing here?”

  “Who knows. I wonder how long it’s been sitting down here?”

  “Could have been here for weeks or years. Anybody’s guess.”

  Her forehead furrowed, “It almost looks like somebody built a little room down here. That’s so weird.”

  “There’s more. This whole ten by ten space was enclosed and protected from any rising water levels.”

  “Why would someone go to that amount of trouble?” She said.

  He squatted down and picked up a newspaper from a pile on the floor and read, “World series goes to Cincinnati Reds. This is from 1975. And look at this box of cheap trinkets. It’s like something you’d see at a street market.”

  She put her hand on his back, peering over his shoulder. “Strange. And all those canned goods. Think I could serve them at the bar?”

  “Ha! This is an old building. Think about the prohibition days. Smuggling, rum runners, they’d need a place to stash their booze.”

  “It could even have been a supply storage area. Depression-era hoarding,” she said.

  “Could be. I think we should use this statue in the bar somewhere. It’s cool, looks vintage,” Jesse said. “You’re artistic. You could paint it to match the rest of your wild color scheme.”

  “That’s a great idea. I just don’t see having the time to take that on with everything else. I’ll call Amy, an artist friend of mine, and see if she’ll paint it for me.” She frowned, “If it’s an antique I wouldn’t want to ruin it though.”

  “I don’t think it’s worth much, looks like an ordinary old clay figurine of some Mayan God. Next problem, how to lift the damn thing out of here. I’m going to have to round up another guy to help me. It must weigh over a hundred pounds.”

  “This is so exciting…and mysterious. Makes me want to go on a fact-finding mission about the history of this place. Too bad I don’t have the time.”

  “That could be a future project, maybe in five years or so,” he said, chuckling.

  Faye reached in and ran her hands over the decorative statue. A sudden chill ran down her spine and she shivered.

  “You cold? Here, take my jacket. I’ve worked up a sweat, I don’t need it anymore.”

  He held it for her while she slipped her arms into the sleeves. She leaned her head back looking over her shoulder at him, “Thank you.”

  “Anytime. By the way, thanks for the coffee.”

  “I’ve got cinnamon rolls inside.”

  “Sold!” He jumped back out of the hole and gave her a hand up. Grabbing their coffees, he beat her inside to the pastries.

  He was already sitting at the bar ready to take his first bite by the time she sat down. “Hungry?” she asked.

  “Always. I’ve got to keep up my strength.”

  “For sure, because as you know, I’ve got a mile-long honey-do list for you. I still can’t believe
I was lucky enough to snag you.”

  His gorgeous caramel eyes crinkled as he bit into the pastry. “Maybe you should wait until the works done before you get all excited.”

  “I still can’t believe you found the time to work me in. Every other place was booked up for the next year. I promise to promote you like crazy after you’re done here.”

  He choked on his roll and grabbed the coffee to wash it down. He looked at her from the corner of his eye. “Good thing you came along to rescue me then isn’t it?”

  “Don’t be modest! You’re the one who rescued me! I’m just glad to be able to help you out as well as benefit myself. Winning!” He put his hands behind his head, triceps flexed and defined, and looked at her. He opened his mouth to say something, but she interrupted him, “I am so curious about that statue! Who do you think put it there?”

  “I have no clue.”

  “It brings out my inner detective.”

  “Well Nancy Drew, we’ve got bigger fish to fry. I’ll see if I can round up someone to help me get it out of there sometime today.”

  “Do you have someone that can help?” she asked.

  He glanced down as if considering her question then said, “I’m sure I can round someone up.”

  “That’s good then. My bro…friend Griffin might be able to help but he’s not much into manual labor. He’d rather get his workouts in the gym or by playing hard.”

  “No offense, but he did look a little highfalutin. Don’t worry, I’ll figure it out. What’s on your docket this morning?” he asked.

  “If you don’t need my help right now, I thought I’d go into town and buy some paint for the back wall that got defaced.”

  Standing he said, “I won’t be needing you this morning…not for labor anyway.”

  She bit her lip as their eye’s met… the intensity of his gaze took her breath away. He reached out and brushed a crumb from her chin then leaned down and kissed her cheek. She felt his warm breath against her face, his lips a soft caress. She could smell hints of aftershave cologne…spicy. An ache she couldn’t define settled in her chest. Her whole body tingled with longing and she wanted more. Her lips parted and taking it as an invitation, he covered her mouth with his own.