Billionaire's Virgin - A Standalone Romance (An Alpha Billionaire Virgin Romance)

by Joey Bush

  “Jenna – don’t,” Ryder said. He didn’t want me to mention the cancer unless he did.

  I nodded and grabbed my phone to leave. Ryder was still in bed and I took the opportunity to return to the bathroom. Something inside of me had to look at the pill bottles. I had to confirm that was real.

  Ryder had cancer.

  I stepped out the front door and my phone buzzed. I took a look at the screen although there was no one I wanted to talk with. My mind was on Ryder and the amazing evening we had. I smiled when I realized it was a text from him.

  Miss u already

  Another text came.

  Left bra/panties smell like you Nectar of the gods

  I’ll buy u a new pair

  Before I reached the end of Ryder’s walkway, I received my fourth text, and they kept on coming. I smiled.

  Chapter Two

  Ryder’s hedge was hiding my car. If I wasn’t such a lazy ass I would’ve gotten in my vehicle, circled the block and parked in my mother’s driveway. Lying to my mother was exhausting. She seemed to be on a positive path and the last thing I wanted was to cause her to drown in her gin bottle again.

  I plodded down the sidewalk. My eyes darted around the neighborhood to see if I was noticed. Since I had grown up on the street, many still knew me as the Walsh baby or the little Walsh girl. They were probably wondering why I stopped setting up my lemonade stand. They had an image of me in pigtails and braces. The elderly couple across the street would have something to talk about if they knew I had been beneath the sheets with the new neighbor. They would be further surprised to hear he was fifteen years older than I was—and my professor. I didn’t go unnoticed as Mr. Simmons jogged by.

  “Hey, Jenny. What has you up and out so early?” Mr. Simmons asked.

  “It’s Jenna. I’m just out enjoying the lovely day. I see you’re starting early also.”

  “Yes. I’m attempting to turn back the clock. Getting this old body into shape.” He could barely speak. He was out of breath.

  “Good for you, Mr. Simmons. Have a great day.” I was hoping he would have nothing more to say. My lack of a bra and panties made me incredibly uncomfortable. He may not have noticed but I felt like I was jiggling all over the place.

  “You too, Jenny.” Mr. Simons continued his jog although walk was more like it.

  I made it up my porch steps. The short walk had seemed like a long journey. In a sense, I was walking from my life as an adult back into my life as it used to be. I pushed open the door, which squeaked when I moved it. I was familiar with the sound. I could find my way through the house blindfolded. It was my home for eighteen years; the longer I was at school, Leach Hall seemed like home. As I thought about it, I was more comfortable at Ryder’s place than I was my mother’s.

  I came upon my mom standing in the kitchen. It was better when she remained in bed with a bottle of gin. I had more privacy.

  “Did you have a good time with Sayler?” My mom stood with her hands on her hips.

  “It was fine.”

  My mother laughed but it wasn’t a friendly chuckle.

  “Did you see another movie with her? I seriously doubt it as I saw her at the grocery store last night. She said I should tell you hello. The two of you should really get your stories straight if you’re going to continue to use each other as a cover. I know you’re lying to me Jenna.” My mother stared at me as she had not done in a long time.

  “I’m living away from home, Mom. I’m an adult now but I’m sorry I was dishonest,” I said.

  “Your car was visible through Ryder’s hedge. I saw your head bobbing around in his kitchen.”

  Thank god I was in the kitchen when she saw me.

  “So you have met your neighbor?” I asked.

  “No I haven’t met Professor Ryder Curran. People in the neighborhood have told me that he’s teaching at South Carolina.”

  “Mom, please stop playing games with me. I know you have a speech prepared,” I said, throwing my arms in the air.

  “Word on the street is that he’s teaching freshman human sexuality, which I’m aware you’re taking. Is he your professor?”

  “Yes, he’s my professor, golf instructor, and friend.” I had started the process of starting to explain my relationship to my mother. It wasn’t going to be an easy task.

  “Jenna, I did not just fall off the turnip truck. You were with Ryder all night. Look at you. You’re a mess. You might as well wear a sign that says I had intercourse with my sex professor.” My mom threw her hands back on her broad hips.

  No, I wanted to say, I did not have sexual intercourse with my teacher—I had oral sex. Maybe that would be harder for her to hear.

  “Mom, I don’t need to detail what Ryder and I have done or not done. There is an age difference, but it’s not unheard of. Young women and older men have been hooking up for ages. Look at Hollywood.”

  “Yes. Look at Hollywood. Those relationships are often publicity stunts or there is money involved. We are talking about a man in a power position over young women. You are one of those young women Jenna. The guy is your college professor.”

  At this point, we both raised our voices. I looked towards the window to be sure it was closed. I would’ve hated for Ryder to hear us.

  “Mom. My relationship with Ryder started before I knew he was my professor. I started golfing with him before I knew he was your neighbor.”

  “What else is there you don’t know about Professor Curran?” my mom asked.

  “I’m getting to know him. It’s how a relationship progresses. He isn’t taking advantage of me or any other girls in class. Of course, I don’t know everything there is to know about Ryder. I think it would be odd if I were to meet someone, pull out a note pad and ask for his life story,” I said angrily.

  “I wonder what the university would have to say if they found out. There go your dreams of a college degree and there goes that creep’s career.”

  “Ryder isn’t a creep!” I yelled.

  “Well what about the gossip? I have lived on this street for a very long time. I take Potato for a walk every day. I know when people are talking and they will be talking about you and the professor.”

  “Sorry, Mom, but I did not realize the Walsh family had a squeaky clean image to up hold. I also doubt that you walk that fat mutt every day. His dog shit is in piles all over the yard.” I felt myself boiling over. The stress of finding out that Ryder had cancer had taken its toll on me and I hadn’t got much sleep. “This is more than I expected first thing in the morning. I’m going to take a shower, throw on some clothes and get out of here before I say something I regret.”

  As I ran up the stairs, my mother shouted, “This won’t end well, Jenna Walsh! You mark my words!”

  I dived on to my old bed and screamed into the pillow. My mother meant well, but I was dealing with enough. I did not need her interference. There was Ryder, keeping up the sham that he was merely my golf instructor, cancer, school, etcetera. I felt as if I were standing on some sort of ledge and I was about to fall off. It was a scary, fucked up feeling because I didn’t know was waiting for me after I fell.

  I saw my phone, which was creeping across by bed. It vibrated each time I received a text. Someone had their fingers busy attempting to reach me. I hated to clean off the smell of Ryder and I from my body, but I had to shower. The pulsating warm water would be soothing.

  I entered the bathroom and closed the door. I didn’t realize it until I heard the click, that I had missed having a private bathroom. It was a luxury I had taken for granted before I went to college. For once, I did not have to fear Eric’s hand reaching under the barrier to return my bar of soap.

  I sat on the cushioned toilet seat and realized I had a clear view of Ryder’s bedroom. The window glass was permanently clouded for privacy so I cracked it open a few inches. I spotted Ryder sleeping. He was angelic as his bare sculpted chest moved with each breath. He seemed to have a wry smile on his face. I wondered if he was dre
aming of our night together.

  I remembered that my mother had limited hot water and I had the water running for ten minutes already. I snapped out of it and hopped in the shower. My mother had a buffet of lotions and potions from which to choose. I felt as if I were in a day spa.

  When I finished in the shower, I ended up smelling a little strange. It was a combination of rose, honey and mint – not exactly the scent I was looking for. I had tried a little of everything.

  I peeked out the window. Ryder was out of bed and probably fixing something to eat or taking his medications. I had promised to bring him coffee and fruit and I had even hinted at something more. My conversation with my mother had taken an unexpectedly long time, so I was delayed. Ryder would have to wait for another day to have breakfast in bed.

  I threw on a pair of yoga pants and a grey hoodie. Since the encounter with my mom had put me in a sour mood, I decided to take the trip back to school. I would just have to focus on other priorities.

  I had realized that there was a great deal involved with being an adult. It was overwhelming. I had skipped classes like a rock across flat water. Mid-terms would be upon me before I knew it. I had not cracked my history book; in fact I didn’t remember what my professor looked like. I ran down the stairs hoping to sneak out the side door and avoid my mother.

  “Leaving so soon, Jenna?” My mother stopped me from a clean getaway.

  “Yes, Mom, I’m heading home,” I said.

  “This is your home, Jenna. Are you stopping to bid farewell to your boyfriend?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Ugh. I’ll call you later in the week.”

  I walked out and slammed the door behind me. I climbed into my green Soul and headed back to school. I beeped as I passed Ryder; he had texted me several times and I owed him a call. When I got on the highway, I put him on speaker phone.

  “Hello, Luscious. I had to grab my own coffee. Love em and leave em. I guess that’s your style. What happened to your return visit?” Ryder said between sips of his coffee.

  “My mother knows about us Ryder. She was ready to confront me when I walked in the door.”

  “Does she think our relationship is inappropriate?” Ryder asked.

  He used the word relationship.

  “Yes.”

  “Well…I’m kinda glad your mom knows about us. It may be hard for her to accept at first but we’re two consenting adults. It’s ridiculous having to sneak around. Especially for me – I’m thirty-four years old.”

  “I’m trying to put it out of my mind for the next couple of days. I’m on the road back to school.”

  “You aren’t running away from me because of my bum head are you?”

  “I’m hardly running away from your head, Ryder.”

  “Well, good, because I like it best when it’s nuzzled between your legs. You have some amazing thighs, Jenna. Maybe they’re a miracle cure for cancer.”

  “I don’t know Ryder…We’d have to do a great deal more experimenting to find out.”

  “Mmmm. I will gladly sacrifice my body for the sake of science,” Ryder said.

  “Is that what you were dreaming of this morning? I had a clear view of you when I was in my mother’s bathroom.”

  “God Jenna, you’re a peeping Tom—I fucking love it.”

  I laughed. “Thanks for cheering me up immensely. I don’t know how I’m going to spend the next few days without you around. Did I just sound too needy?”

  “Not at all; I’m needy, too. Pay attention to the road because I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

  “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you either, Ryder. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  I felt much better for the remainder of the drive. The night with Ryder was so special, and it was more than the incredible oral sex. We were getting closer each time we were together. I was glad I didn’t let the encounter with my mother erase the perfect evening.

  I pulled up to Leach Hall and saw Kelly’s car, which meant she was probably home. Perhaps the odd scent I had picked up in my mom’s bathroom would help with the odor emanating from Kelly’s mouth.

  I walked into my dorm room to find Kelly watching some Pretty Little Liars reruns.

  “I can’t believe you’re watching that crap. It’s the weekend. Get out and enjoy the fresh air, Kelly. You’re not in Kansas anymore. I can’t tell you how long I have wanted to say you’re not in Kansas anymore. I’m a big Wizard of Oz fan,” I said.

  “Welcome home to you, too, Jenna... Did you have a good time, wherever you were?” Kelly asked.

  “Um—it was good and bad.”

  “Did it have anything to do with your golf game?” Kelly asked.

  I glanced at my pink golf bag propped up against the wall.

  “No. I wasn’t out golfing after dark. I don’t think I can golf at night since I already suck during the day. There is video golf, but I have never played.” I let my words lie. I knew Kelly was aware of my relationship with Ryder but it would go on as an unspoken truth.

  “Cool. I’m glad you had fun. You smell interesting,” Kelly remarked.

  She finally brought up odor but it wasn’t her own. I wished that I could be so frank about her bad breath.

  “I know, Kel. I smell as if I just walked out of a cheap perfumery. My mother had all of this girly shit and I couldn’t resist. I need a shower to rinse off the gunk from my previous shower.”

  “I can tear myself away from Pretty Little Liars if you care to go for a run. It might air you out a bit.”

  “Sounds perfect. I could use a good, mind—clearing five miler.”

  We ran for an hour or so, which allowed me to put the weekend’s events in perspective. It had been a roller coaster of emotions. I had comfort and a sense of calm throughout the evening as Ryder and I hung out as a couple. It turned to sadness when I discovered he had cancer. Ecstasy enveloped me when Ryder gave me oral sex—the best I had ever had. Then I was pissed as hell with my mother. Ryder brought me back to happiness when I spoke with him on the phone. It was like a mental whiplash.

  Chapter Three

  I studied hard for the remainder of the weekend, with the occasional phone call to Ryder. They were uplifting, as usual, and occasionally spicy, laced with sexual innuendo. Ryder asked me to text him some photograph’s in varying stages of undress. I denied his request for the time being. I would surprise him when I had the chance and the spare cash to hit the lingerie store. Nudity wasn’t an option, though, since I would care if those pictures landed in the hands of the wrong person. As a woman of my generation, I had seen that happen one too many times.

  I woke up on Monday morning well rested and anxious to see Ryder in class. First, I had to get through breakfast with Max. We had plans to meet at the dining common before class. It was always interesting to see what adventures came his way over the weekend.

  I followed the routine I had established for those days when I would see Ryder, which included a shower. Normally, I would skip the bathing before an early class. I usually had a free couple of hours later in the day to wash.

  I walked to meet Max. I wore jeans without holes, a crisp white shirt, and black boots. I was elegant chic, which made me stand out among the uber casual other students. Max was already waiting for me at a table, so I cruised through the food line. I had a whole-wheat bagel and cream cheese, a bowl of fruit, and black coffee. They said eating healthy made one feel vibrant and energized. That was bullshit, because a cinnamon bun and a triple mocha with whipped cream would’ve made me happy.

  “Hey, Max. You look like shit,” I said as I sat at the table by the window he chose.

  “Good morning to you, too, Jenna. It was a long weekend with a good bit of partying,” Max said. He was wearing a pair of cargo shorts and a loose fitting t-shirt.

  “I’m sure you’re dying to tell me about it, so proceed.” I said.

  Max took a swig of cola and cleared his throat. “I went to The Spot with some buddies. You wouldn’t hav
e believed the line to get in. The place was vibin because it was a football weekend. When we finally got in, we started pounding some cocktails. You know how I love to dance, Jenna, so I started grinding hard with this chick. Neal said she was a fat chick, but I disagreed. She had meat on her bones – pleasantly plump. Her butt was—”

  I interrupted Max when I said, “Enough of the woman’s physical description. Get on with the story. Curious, though: did this woman have a name?”

  “Of course she had a name, Jenna. I just can’t remember it. Anyways, this buxom chick and I left together. Something was destined to happen between us and we ended going back to my place. As you know, I have a single, or as I like to call it a swingle.”

  “Max, if there are more details I don’t want to hear them.”

  “No. We had a great time. We had a raunchy time. I walked her to the door when we were done.”

  I laughed. “Not a long walk, Max. You have a very small room.”

  “This entire conversation would not be happening if you and Professor Curran weren’t a thing. You and I could have rekindled our old flame. Why don’t you dump the old man and we can start hooking up again,” Max said.

  I shook my head no. “Too bad; we’re a thing. Just finish your story.”

  “She left. It was fun. It was meant to be—Valerie!” Ryder shouted. “I remembered her name. It was supposed to be a one night thing.”

  “Here is where the drama comes in,” I said.

  My coffee was growing cold. Max was done with his Fruit Loops so we walked to class.

  “Jenna, Valerie called me five times. I can see one call being courtesy call to tell me how amazing I was. You remember all about that, Jenna – right?”

  “Right, Max.” I laughed and nudged him with my elbow.

  “I never once returned her messages. She didn’t take a hint. She’s nice and the girl can dance but I’m not looking for a thing. With the right girl I might be interested, but not Valerie,” Max said.

  “I hope you find a nice way to let Valerie down. The good news is that this is a large school and it’s unlikely that you will run into her,” I said. “Let’s sit in the same seats we usually take. I’m getting used to our spot behind Rozi and Rosemary. There isn’t much we can say that they haven’t already heard,” I said as Max approached our seats.