Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe: Refuse to Settle (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Stephanie Haefner

  “I don’t know. I’ve never been to a gala before. What does it entail?”

  “Me in a tux, you in a dress, dinner, dancing, five hundred of my family’s closest friends digging deep into their pockets to help support various charities.”

  “You dance?”

  “I attempt to, yes, but it remains to be seen if it actually classifies as dancing.”

  “I’m in, but I have to warn you. I’m a fabulous dancer.”

  “Oh really?” That piqued his curiosity. “I can’t wait.”

  She stepped around the counter and rose on tiptoes to kiss him. “I’m closing up in an hour. Wanna do something tonight?”

  “I can’t. I have to get back to the shop. One of my guy’s wives just had a baby, so we’re short a set of hands. I don’t want to get any more behind than we already are.”

  The fake pout on her face was so freaking adorable. He gave into the urge to suck on that luscious bottom lip. Which turned into a full-on fiery kiss. God, she knew how to tantalize him and make him never want to leave her side. He sure as hell didn’t want to now. He had a long list of things he’d rather do than go to work, all starting with her naked in his bed.

  “If we don’t stop now,” he said as he pulled away, “we’re going be naked on the floor of this café.”

  She giggled. “That could be really bad for business.”

  “But so good for us.” He wanted her so damn bad.

  She pulled that bottom lip in between her teeth, which made him harden even more, then said, “Maybe some day.”

  Definitely. Some day real soon. How the hell was he supposed to go to work now?

  * * *

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been this horny in my life,” Jilly confessed to Charlene as they finished off homemade pizzas that night for dinner.

  “He’s so super sexy. I can’t believe you didn’t do it after that crazy romantic private jet date.”

  “You kinda ruined the moment when you opened the door on us, remember?”

  “Hey, it’s not my fault you were making out in the hallway instead of in your bedroom.”

  She had a point. “Maybe after the gala on Saturday we’ll go back to his place so I won’t have to worry about you at all.”

  “Gala? He’s taking you to a gala?”

  “Yes. The Rutherford Gala.”

  “Oooh!” Charlene squealed. “That’s so exciting! What are you going to wear?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never been to a gala before.” Jilly had watched her mom prepare for tons of them. When she was a kid, it seemed there was a different one every week. Her mom would don her fanciest gowns, miles of satin and silk, encrusted with rhinestones and elaborate beadwork. Her hair was always perfect, her makeup flawless. She was good at hiding the bruises. Good at appearing happy.

  “What about that royal blue dress I have? The one I wore for my cousin’s wedding.”

  “I don’t know. It’s very bridesmaids-y. What do you think about that black satin dress I have?”

  “The one you’ve never worn?”

  Jilly had taken the dress from her mom’s closet after she died, when she’d packed up all her things and moved out of her stepfather’s house. She hadn’t taken much when she left. She didn’t want to hold on to anything from that time in her life, but that dress. Her mom had looked stunning in it. Long and black with a high slit, thin spaghetti straps, and completely backless. It was the epitome of sexy. And it was perfect.

  She modeled it for Charlene, the first time she’d ever even put it on her body. It fit like it was made for her. She added a glittering rhinestone bracelet and ring. No further accessorizing was necessary.

  “If he doesn’t want to screw you the second he sees you,” Charlene started, “I’ll seriously need to question his sexual orientation. You’re so hot I’m starting to question my own.”

  Jilly grabbed a pillow and whacked her friend. “Thanks. I think.”

  “This is all so very fairytale and I’m so happy for you.”

  She looked at Charlene. “I’m happy for me, too.”

  Jilly hadn’t been looking for anything serious, but maybe that’s how it happened when it was real. She was falling for this guy, and it both excited and terrified her. She’d seen what love could do to a woman. She’d seen what her mom went through, and most recently, the heartbreak her best friend had faced. She refused to believe all men were evil like the examples life had shown her, but was she really lucky enough to find one who wasn’t?

  Chapter 9

  Colin worked until midnight on Thursday and all day Friday, with only a brief phone conversation with Jilly. She understood how crazy things were right now and that he had a ton of work to get done before the gala. The great thing about dating a woman who owned her own business was that she got it. The dedication, the long hours. The need to put everything you had into making something great.

  Saturday morning he headed into the shop and made it there before any of his employees. He got some administrative work out of the way then jumped in with the guys. He was learning more and more every day, proud of where he was now versus when he’d started the company. Back then he just loved cars; he didn’t know much about how they operated.

  “Hey boss,” he heard and slid out from underneath the Jag he was working on.

  “What’s up?”

  “I think your dad is here. He’s in the office.”

  Fucking great. Twice in the same week. “Thanks, man.”

  Colin stood and washed up as best he could then headed for his office. When he walked in, his father was leafing through papers on his desk and made no attempt to hide his snooping.

  “Can I help you with something?”

  “I have some possible investors coming to the gala tonight. They know I’m planning to retire within the next five years, so I need you to be on top of your game. I assume you found a date?”

  Colin no longer wanted anything to do with Rutherford Enterprises and didn’t give a shit about possible investors, but this wasn’t the time to tell his father that. He’d go to the gala and dazzle the men like a good son. “Yes. I have a date.”

  “The Hinskin girl?

  “No. I have a new…girlfriend.” It was the first time he’d called Jilly that and he hated that it was said to his father.

  “Fine. It doesn’t matter to me. Just don’t be late.” And with that, Colin Rutherford III stalked out the door. He didn’t ask about the woman his son was dating, he only cared that there would be a piece of arm candy to make them look like a good investment opportunity.

  Colin took his frustration out on a Studebaker that came in yesterday that needed major demolition. The entire interior needed to be yanked out. It was the perfect way to de-stress.

  He left the shop, showered, and dressed in his favorite tuxedo. The stresses of the day melted away as the minutes ticked by. Soon he’d get to see Jilly.

  Colin took the elevator from his penthouse to the underground garage. Which one of his beauties would he drive tonight? He decided to go with the one that would irritate his father the most: the cherry-red Chevy pick up.

  He rolled up to Jilly’s apartment building then took the stairs two at a time, anxious to get to her. He knocked on her door and Charlene answered.

  “Well, don’t you look handsome?” she said.

  “Thanks. Is Jilly ready?”

  Charlene stepped to the side, and there she was, head to toe in glamour. His jaw dropped. She looked like a movie star from the 30’s or 40’s in a long black dress that hugged every curve, dipping in the front to reveal just a hint of cleavage. Tiny straps held the thing up and he had an intense urge to slip them off her shoulders and watch it puddle around her feet. Later.

  “Wow.”

  “I assume that means you like it.”

  “‘Like’ is a huge understatement. You’re breathtaking.”

  A shy smile blossomed. “Thanks.”

  “You two crazy kids have a good time,” Charlene sa
id as she ushered them out the door. “And if you find any hot single guys, give them my number.”

  Colin put his hand to the small of Jilly’s back, finding nothing but skin. He let her take a step in front of him. Backless. The dress was freaking backless. This was going to be a long-ass night. He wasn’t sure how well he’d control himself, waiting until the end of the party to have her in his arms without the silky fabric between them.

  * * *

  Jilly was never impressed with a man’s clothing, but damn, did Colin look delicious in a tuxedo. The lust surging through her body helped eliminate a portion of the fear and anxiety. As she’d dressed for the evening, she realized this was so much more than just a party. She would be meeting his parents. Jilly would have to dig deep down and pull out the skills she had acquired as the stepdaughter of a hotelier. She knew how to talk to rich people. Knew how to impress them. And she knew they’d hate her right off the bat, just because of her unique choice of hair-color.

  Colin pulled up in front of the Piedmont Hotel. Of all the hotels in San Francisco, it had to be this one.

  “Ready?” he asked, the smile on his face lighting up the dreary night.

  She forced a smile back. “Yes.”

  Anxiety swirled through her as the valet opened her door and she stepped out. But the second Colin connected with her, her hand secure in his, the tension faded. Everything would be fine. Better than fine. She was ready to enjoy her evening with this amazing man who had dropped into her life.

  They walked into the lobby and she was greeted by the ghosts of her past. The seating area where she’d spent many nights reading, doing homework, and sleeping. The bar where she’d sat to eat dinner most nights while her mom poured drinks for customers. The memories didn’t hurt as much anymore. She actually looked back on that as the “good times.” They’d barely scraped by, but it had been just the two of them, before the rich husband and stepfather lorded over them.

  Jilly turned to Colin and he smiled down at her. He was nothing like her stepfather and maybe someday he’d know just how thankful she was for that.

  Leaving her memories in the past, Jilly vowed to enjoy her evening. There were drinks and dancing, a hot guy on her arm. She planned to soak up every second.

  Right away they were approached by a guest who looked to be Colin’s age. “Colin! Where the hell have you been? I haven’t seen you at the club in ages.” The guys slapped hands.

  “Busy. The car business is booming. Edward, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Jillian Cole.”

  Girlfriend? So they were official? He hadn’t discussed it with her and she had a second of irritation, but decided to let the other side of her brain take over and be giddy about it.

  “A pleasure to meet you.” He shook Jilly’s hand.

  “The pleasure’s all mine. How do you two know each other?”

  “We’ve been friends since we were kids,” Colin offered. “Attended the same school. Even dormed together in college.”

  “And let’s not forget, Fox Valley golf champs two years in a row. You better get to the course and practice soon. League starts up in a month and I want a third victory.”

  Edward excused himself when another man approached.

  Colin and Jilly stopped at the bar for drinks and continued to mingle. Seems Colin was a pretty popular guy, constantly being greeted by various guests. And every time he made sure to introduce Jilly. He never left her out and his hand only left hers for the few moments it took to shake someone’s hand.

  “Darling, there you are,” Jilly heard from behind. They turned and standing before them was a tall blonde in a shimmering gold dress, fake boobs pushed up to her chin. She appeared to be wearing at least a million dollars worth of diamonds. She wrapped her arms around Colin tight and kissed his cheek.

  Who the hell was this floozy? Jilly assumed there would be some of Colin’s exes at this party and had prepared herself for the daggered glances thrown her way, but she hadn’t prepared for this. She maintained her plastered-on smile as jealousy surged through her body.

  Colin peeled the woman’s arms from around his neck and stepped back. “Mom, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Jillian Cole.”

  Uh. Excuse me? Mom?

  “I didn’t know you were dating someone!” she squealed, then wrapped her arms around Jilly. “It’s so wonderful to meet you!”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

  The woman stepped back and raised her arm and waved. “Colin! Come meet our son’s girlfriend.”

  Jilly’s anxiety spiked. She hadn’t known it was his mom when she’d come over, so that introduction, while awkward, hadn’t been so bad. She was terrified to meet his father.

  A tall man walked over, an older version of Colin. He had a presence about him, one Jilly recognized and feared. He was a powerful man who commanded attention and obedience.

  “Jillian Cole, please meet my father, Colin Rutherford the third.”

  The man looked her up and down, an expressionless face, until he got to her hair. His eyes narrowed slightly. Would he comment on it?

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” He held out a hand and she took it. “And what do you do, Miss Cole?”

  “I’m a pastry chef and café owner. I own The Rhubarb on Market Street.”

  “Ah. I believe I know of it.”

  “She’s amazing,” Colin offered. “She makes the best cookies I’ve ever tasted.” He looked down at her, pride in his eyes.

  “Well, it certainly looks like someone’s smitten with more than just her baked goods,” his mom said with a wink.

  “It was a pleasure meeting you,” Colin III said with a nod then moved away.

  “We’ll talk later, sweetie,” his mom said and gave him another kiss on the cheek.

  When they were far enough away, Jilly squeezed Colin’s arm. “I’m so glad that’s over.”

  “Why?” he asked, amusement across his features.

  “I was super nervous to meet them. What if they hated me?”

  “I don’t care what they think. Never have. Never will. But I think my mom adored you.”

  “That’s good. At least one of them did.”

  “Ignore my father. I always do.” He pulled her close and placed a kiss on her neck just below her ear. “Wanna dance?”

  “Sure.”

  Colin led her to the dance floor as the band played a soft and sultry jazz tune. His hand on her back set her skin on fire as her right hand joined his left. They swayed in rhythm to the music, their bodies pressed tightly together. The rest of the party guests faded away and it was just the two of them.

  “Are you having a good time?” he asked, his voice low and sensual.

  She looked up at him. “Very much so.”

  “Me, too.”

  Jilly knew what she wanted to say next, but should she? She long ago vowed to always speak her mind. Make sure people knew where she stood and what she wanted. And she wanted Colin.

  “But I’m looking forward to the end of the party and getting out of here.”

  His smile turned sly. “Why? Are you already bored of me?” He was going to make her work for this.

  “Quite the opposite. I can’t wait to get even closer to you.”

  “I’d say we’re pretty close now.”

  “Yes, but there are a few layers of fabric I’d like to eliminate.”

  He appeared a little shocked at her boldness. “I strongly agree with that statement. We can leave right now if you want.”

  “Nope. It took me hours to look like this. And I’ll enjoy making you wait.”

  “I’m sure it will be worth every second.”

  Oh, it definitely would be.

  Chapter 10

  Colin didn’t know how he’d make it through the rest of the party without dragging Jilly to the nearest closet and ravishing her. He told himself it would be much better if they waited. He didn’t want their first time together to be some quickie surrounded by linens and cleaning supplies.
She deserved better than that, but it didn’t mean it would be easy.

  “I need a drink and some fresh air,” he said.

  “That sounds perfect.”

  He led her to the bar and ordered a scotch for himself and a glass of wine for her.

  As they waited, he felt a slap on the back. “There you are. How the hell are you?”

  Colin turned. “Mr. Bennett. How are you?” He shook the man’s hand.

  “Good. I hear you’re doing well. I might have to think about buying one of those restorations you do. It would be a nice addition to my collection.”

  “I’ll let you know when I have something you might like.” Colin turned to the woman on his arm. “Jilly, this is my father’s best friend, Richard Bennett.”

  Her face had gone pale, her grip on his arm like a clamp. “I know who he is.”

  “Jillian?” Mr. Bennett’s expression had changed as well. “I can’t believe it’s you.”

  Colin looked at Jilly then Mr. Bennett and back again. “Do you two know each other?”

  Jilly straightened, fire replacing her shock. “We most certainly do. Though we haven’t seen each other since my mother’s funeral.”

  Mr. Bennett’s eyes narrowed. “And people are still talking about the way you verbally attacked me.”

  “You deserved every word.”

  “Whoa. What’s going on?” Colin stepped in, even though he had no clue why.

  Jilly looked Mr. Bennett dead in the eyes. “He killed my mother.”

  “Lower your voice,” he demanded.

  “You may have had control over my mother, but you have no control over me.” She turned to Colin. “I’m sorry, but I can’t be here.”

  Jilly didn’t give him the opportunity to say anything. She trotted across the room and headed for the lobby. He stood there for a moment. What the hell just happened? Mr. Bennett disappeared and Colin headed in the direction Jilly had gone. He saw her turn down a hallway and he followed, reaching her just as she ducked out through an employee entrance.

  “What’s going on?”

  She turned to him, tears running down her cheeks. “He killed her. That family friend of yours killed my mother.”