The Jilted Billionaire Groom

by Jennifer Youngblood

  Sunny gave him a strange look. “What?”

  “I’ve heard of The Romeo Effect before from my high school English teach, Mr. Adair.” He detected a shift in Sunny, wondering what he’d said to upset her. “Are you all right?”

  A stilted smile formed over her mouth. “Yep, I’m good.”

  He searched her face. “Are you sure?”

  She laughed lightly. “Yep, I’m great.” She snuggled against him, once again facing the fire.

  A comfortable silence settled between them.

  “What would you like to do tomorrow?” he murmured into her hair. “There’s this great sushi place in Manhattan.”

  She sat up and turned to face him, her eyebrow arched. “And what? We’re just supposed to jet over there?” Her expression grew reproving. “Remember? You want me to appreciate you, not your money.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He let out a breath. “I can tell that you already do. So,” he continued, “why not put my money to good use?”

  She laughed, giving him a tender look. “You’re hopeless.”

  Hopelessly falling for you, he added mentally. “Central Park is gorgeous in the fall. We could take in a Broadway show—one that Ian can watch, of course.”

  “What about my job?”

  “I’ll talk to Drake. He can get someone to fill in for you. Besides, if you take over designing the hotel, you won’t have time to clean—”

  “Wait a minute,” she interrupted. “I don’t feel comfortable with you just handing me such a substantial project. It’s too much.”

  He rubbed her arm. “The design project is no big deal.”

  Her eyes bulged. “No big deal? We’re talking about a huge renovation costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s a big deal,” she finished, glaring at him.

  Somehow this conversation had taken a wrong turn. The last thing he wanted was to anger Sunny. “Okay, if you don’t want the design project, then fine. No big deal.”

  Her face fell.

  What in the heck was going on with Sunny? “Do you want the project?”

  “Yes,” she finally said, “I want it, but I know I shouldn’t take it.” She looked away, sighing.

  He reached for her hands, clasping them in his. He brought them to his lips, kissing her fingertips. “Why not?”

  “Because you’re only giving it to me because we’re—” She bit down on her lower lip, her cheeks going rosy.

  He leaned closer. “Because we’re what?” He couldn’t stop a grin from spilling over his lips.

  She grunted, rolling her eyes. “Don’t play games with me. We’re, you know, together.”

  A thrill shot through him. “What’re you saying?”

  “Nothing.” Her chin jutted out, eyes sparking. “I’m glad you’re having so much fun at my expense,” she retorted, moving to stand.

  He caught her arms. “Hey, don’t be mad. I’m just teasing.”

  “I know,” she exclaimed, eyes widening.

  “Because I care about you,” he countered. “Look, I know this is all new, but it’s wonderful. I wanna spend time with you … see where this goes. Is that too much to ask?”

  He could see she was fighting some inner battle. It was frustrating and intriguing. Sunny was a complicated woman with many layers. He touched her cheek. “Would you give us a chance?”

  “Yes,” she uttered.

  The balance had swayed in his direction. “Good,” he said, fighting to keep the exultation out of his voice.

  Her eyebrow arched. “But we need to take things slow.”

  “Okay.” He chuckled inwardly thinking of the kisses they’d just shared—not exactly taking it slow, but he wasn’t about to point that out.

  She held up a finger. “And no jetting me to New York for sushi or a walk in Central Park. I need to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. I have Ian to consider.”

  “Oh, speaking of Ian, there’s this ice cream shop in New York. They have monster-sized sundaes. Ian would love it. We could take him to the toy stores and The Natural Museum of History. And you haven’t lived until you’ve had a hot dog from a street vendor.”

  She put a finger to his lips. “Slow,” she reminded him.

  He let out an impatient breath. “Okay, we’ll take it slow.” For at least a few days, he added mentally. Not only did he plan to take Sunny and Ian to New York but also to Paris and Italy. Maybe even to Australia and New Zealand. While Finley had been to all those places more times than he could count, going there with Sunny would make the experience come alive, like he was reborn.

  Ian’s shriek rent the air.

  Sunny leapt to her feet, her eyes filled with panic as she rushed inside. Finley followed close on her heels.

  “No, don’t hurt him!” Ian cried. “Please.” He groaned, tossing on the couch.

  It only took Finley a second to realize Ian was still asleep. Ian clutched the fabric of his pants, his body going rigid.

  “Don’t shoot him!” Muffled sobs broke from his throat. “M—om! Don’t die!” Tears spilled over his cheeks, his lower lip quivering.

  Chills ran down Finley’s spine as he looked at Sunny whose face had gone ashen. This was more than a simple nightmare. Something was wrong here. Terribly wrong.

  Sunny sat down on the edge of the couch and touched Ian’s arm. “Hey.” He jerked. “Ian!” Sunny said, shaking him. “Wake up. You’re having a bad dream.”

  He shook his head, twisting his body back and forth.

  “Wake up!” Sunny commanded in a firm but kind voice as she shook him.

  Finally, Ian opened his eyes. For an instant, he had a glazed look. Then he seemed to focus on Sunny. Tears welled in his eyes as he threw his arms around her and buried his head in her chest.

  Sunny rubbed his back, letting him cry. “It’s okay,” she said. “It was just a bad dream.”

  When Ian’s tears gave way to muffles and sniffs, Sunny pulled back and smoothed his hair. “It’s okay.”

  The tenderness in her voice struck a chord inside Finley. It was obvious that Sunny dearly loved Ian, but there was more to the story. Finley was sure of it.

  “You fell asleep on Finley’s couch after the movie,” Sunny explained.

  Ian looked past Sunny as if just realizing Finley was there. Ian looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” he stammered.

  “No worries,” Finley assured him.

  “That was some nightmare,” Sunny said with a laugh, but her voice had a false cheerfulness. She ruffled Ian’s hair. “You’ve been watching too much TV.”

  Ian nodded. His face was splotchy and red from crying.

  “Let’s get you home so you can get some rest,” Sunny said, helping Ian to his feet.

  “I can drive you,” Finley interjected.

  “No need,” Sunny said quickly. She smiled, but it was stiff and robotic. “Sorry about all this.”

  He tried to connect eyes with hers so he could discern what was happening, but she looked away. Dread churned in Finley’s gut. Whatever was happening wasn’t good. He watched as Sunny gathered Ian’s things and hustled him to the door. She turned, offering Finley a fleeting smile. “Goodnight. Thanks again for everything.” Her voice was polite … forced.

  Everything in Finley wanted to stop her in her tracks and demand that she explain what was happening, but he knew it would be futile. Sunny was determined to guard her secret at all costs. “Goodnight,” he said absently as she rushed out the door and closed it behind her.

  For a few minutes, Finley stood frozen, trying to process what had just happened. Then he went to the kitchen island and picked up his phone.

  A man answered on the first ring.

  “Hey, Percy, it’s Finley,” he said briskly.

  “Yes, Mr. Landers. What can I do for you?”

  Percy Longstreet was a longtime employee who’d worked for Finley’s dad long before Finley was even born. Percy wore many hats—detective work being one of them. “There’s something I need your help with. A fr
iend and her son that I need you to check out.”

  Chapter 7

  Long after Sunny got Ian to bed, she lay awake staring at the ceiling, trying to decide her best course of action. She’d gotten a taste of heaven before crashing back to earth in a fiery blaze. Kissing Finley had been everything she’d ever hoped it would be and oh, so much more. She touched her lips, still feeling the burn from his mouth on hers. Desire simmered through her, then came tears. For one small moment, she’d let her guard down and allowed herself to believe that it was possible to be with Finley. Who was she kidding? A bitter laugh rose in her throat. Fate would never be that kind to her. She and Ian were on the run from a monster who wouldn’t stop until he killed them both. Shivers slithered down her spine. The sense of urgency to get away from Park City and Finley was overwhelming. But with that urgency came a powerful sense of loss that hit her like a punch in the gut.

  Tears spilled down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and turned on her side, drawing her legs underneath her. It wouldn’t be long until Finley figured out who she really was. She couldn’t let that happen. There was a small chance that Finley would keep her secret, maybe even help her. But what if she was wrong? She couldn’t risk it. She and Ian had to leave tomorrow. She had no idea where they’d go. Thoughts of starting over were overwhelming, but she’d have to face it. She offered a silent prayer, pleading for help.

  Eventually, she drifted off to a troubled sleep.

  * * *

  The following day dawned cheerful and bright. For a moment, right after she awoke, Sunny felt a burst of optimism at the coming of a new day. A second later, it all came crashing down as she remembered the events of the night before. With a heavy heart, she pushed back the covers and got out of bed. She’d need to get everything packed as quickly as possible so they could leave.

  Hysteria pricked her mind. Where would they go? Did it really matter? Maybe they’d just get in the car and drive. Starting over would eat away a large chunk of the money Lexi had sent her, but there was no other alternative. A dull headache pounded across her forehead. She pushed her hair out of her face. The first order of business was to make a stiff cup of coffee so she could think straight. Then, she’d take a hot shower and get dressed. She couldn’t fall apart now. She owed it to Lexi to pull it together.

  Ian was already up and watching TV when Sunny came into the living room. When he saw her, he jumped up, a large smile on his face. “Yesterday was awesome! Finley said we might be able to ride the ski lift up to the old copper mine.” He pressed his hands together like he was praying. “Please,” he implored, giving her a puppy-dog look. “We can go after you get off work.”

  Her heart shattered into a thousand unrecognizable pieces as tears gathered in her eyes. It was obvious that Ian didn’t remember his nightmare, or at least he didn’t understand the significance of all that had transpired.

  “What?” he asked dubiously.

  Her head was throbbing, pain shooting through her temples with every beat of her heart. She slumped down on the couch and patted the spot beside her. “We need to talk.”

  * * *

  Finley poured himself a cup of coffee and took a long sip. His fingers wrapped around the mug, he walked over to the double glass doors and looked out. Normally, he had a great appreciation for the spectacular view of the manicured golf course and the towering mountains beyond. Today, however, he hardly noticed as his mind was on Sunny. It would most likely be a few days before Percy got back to him about Sunny and Ian’s background. He took another drink of coffee, wincing as the hot liquid burned down his throat. He’d hardly gotten a wink of sleep the night before. His mind kept replaying everything that Ian said. Don’t shoot him. And then, Mom. Don’t die.

  The part that bothered Finley the most was that it sounded like Ian’s mom had died. But Sunny was Ian’s mom. His mind caught on something—when he caught Ian in the sauna area, Ian said his aunt would kill him if she found out what he’d done. He tightened his hold on the mug. Was Sunny Ian’s aunt? Why would Sunny lie about being Ian’s mother?

  Maybe he was looking at this all wrong. Ian could’ve been calling out to his mom and begging for someone else not to die, almost as if Sunny had been there too watching the whole thing. Yes, that must be what was happening. That scenario was equally troubling because it meant that both Sunny and Ian had witnessed some traumatic event. Maybe that was why he felt like there was something going on under the surface where she was concerned.

  The stricken look on Sunny’s face after Ian’s nightmare was what concerned Finley the most. She’d hustled Ian out in a flash like she couldn’t wait to get away. A chill ran down Finley’s spine. Would Sunny just leave? His heart began to pound, and he realized that was the core of his fear. He was worried that Sunny might vanish. The notion was ridiculous—unfounded—and yet he couldn’t seem to fight off the feeling of impending doom.

  He hurried back to the kitchen and placed his mug on the island. He didn’t have the luxury of waiting until Percy got back to him with information on Sunny and Ian. He had to talk to Sunny now. He glanced at the clock—7:20. Sunny didn’t start work until 9:00. It’ll be too late then, his mind screamed. His gut told him that it was imperative that he find Sunny now. He chuckled humorously. That might be hard to do considering he didn’t even know where she lived, but he knew someone who did. He picked up his phone and called Drake. Please answer, he prayed.

  * * *

  “No!” Ian’s face lit up like a sunburn, his lip curling with indignation. “I won’t go.” He crossed his hands over his chest, glaring at Sunny like everything was her fault.

  Panic welled in her chest. What would she do if Ian wouldn’t cooperate? “We have no choice.”

  “What will it hurt if Finley finds out who we are? He’s a nice man. Maybe he can even help us.”

  It was all Sunny could do to keep her voice even as she spoke. “No one can know who we are. If Finley starts asking questions, it could tip Nolan off.”

  “He won’t have to ask questions if you just tell him the truth.”

  A disbelieving laugh rose in Sunny’s throat. “If only it were that easy.” Everything was so simplistic where children were concerned. “We don’t know how Finley would react if he knew the truth. For all we know, he could go to the police.”

  “Well, can’t the police help us fight Nolan?”

  How could she explain to Ian that the police weren’t always the good guys? That they could be bought off. “We can’t trust anyone.” She felt dead and empty inside. “I promised your mom that I’d keep you safe, and that’s what I intend to do.” She gave him a firm look, leaving no room for argument. “I need you to go and pack your things.”

  He just looked at her with defiance.

  “Ian, please.” Her voice cracked, tears pressing against her eyes. “This is hard for me too.”

  “I like it here.”

  “So do I.”

  “I like Finley.” He thrust out his lower lip, daring her to contradict him.

  “I like him too.” A tear escaped the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. Hastily, she swiped it with the palm of her hand. “Look, I know this has been hard for you.” Several times, she’d tried to talk to Ian about Lexi’s death and what incriminating thing he saw about Nolan Webb. But each time she brought it up, she was met with stony silence. Ian was keeping everything bottled up. The only time it came out was in his dreams. Stupid her. She’d been so caught up in her budding romance with Finley that she’d not stopped to think what could happen if Ian started talking in his sleep. “We need to discuss your mom and what you saw about Nolan Webb.” She touched his arm, but he jerked it away.

  With a shaky hand, she brushed the hair out of her face. Everything was coming at her too fast, in a giant ball of confusion. Her throat closed, and for a second, she couldn’t breathe. She willed herself to calm down. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Take it one step at a time, she commanded herself. First, they needed to g
et packed. The next step would be to get everything in the car and drive until they found some place to stop for the night. When they got that far, she’d plan the next step.

  “I’m going to start in my bedroom. You will pack your bedroom. Take only the things that will fit in your suitcase.” She spoke the words with authority, praying inwardly that he would comply. If Ian didn’t, she had no idea what she’d do. She gave him a steely look. “Is that understood?”

  “You’re not my mom! I hate you!” He jumped up and ran to his room, slamming the door behind him.

  Tears spilled over her cheeks as she looked to the ceiling. “Lexi, I don’t know where you are, but if you can somehow hear me, please help.” Her voice broke. “I don’t know how to be a mom.” Her pleadings turned to a prayer. “Heavenly Father, please help me. Please keep us safe.”

  A whisper of peace settled over her, giving her the courage to dry her tears and get to work.

  * * *

  An hour later, Sunny had her suitcases packed. She looked around the bedroom at the mismatched furniture she’d painstakingly scavenged from second-hand stores to make the apartment feel homey. It was surprising how attached she was to these items, even after such a short period of time. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she closed the suitcase and zipped it shut. Hopefully, Ian had made some headway with his suitcase as well. She’d most likely have to help him with the bulk of it.

  She went down the hall to his room and stopped at his door, turning the doorknob. It was locked. “Ian,” she said as she knocked loudly. “Open the door.”

  Silence.

  “Ian, this is ridiculous. Open up,” she commanded, her frustration mounting. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with a ten-year-old’s temper tantrum. Sure, Ian had been through a lot, but so had she. The only hope they had of getting through this was to work together. While she wasn’t his mother, she was his guardian, and he’d have to learn to respect her. “Open the door,” she yelled.