Battling the Billionaire

by Kate Ashgrove

The three of them looked out over the large room filled with long tables and benches. People were already starting to drift in, looking hungry and tired. It made Jenna’s heart ache.

  “So, this is all we have?” Devon’s gaze passed over several large bags of dry rolls and Gertie’s two giant pots of soup.

  Gertie put a hand on her hip, scratching her chin. “We have several more cans of this and that. I’m not sure what it’ll come out like, or how many it’ll feed, but it’ll have to do.”

  A little boy wandered up to the serving counter. He was standing on his tiptoes, trying to get a peek into the kitchen.

  “Gertie, you got any of that hamburger pizza you made that one time?” the boy asked hopefully.

  Gertie frowned. “I’m afraid it’s stone soup tonight, Tyler.”

  Tyler made a face.

  “Not real stones, honey,” Gertie said. “That just means we have to use what we got.”

  “Tell you what,” Devon said, leaning over the counter, “if you can find a game to play for a few minutes, and help entertain the other kids, I can guarantee you some hamburger pizza.”

  “Deal.” Tyler turned around and started gathering up little kids, some of whom were already fighting or crying.

  Jenna looked at Devon, impressed with his kindness, but slightly hesitant to believe he was going to deliver.

  “I’ll be right back.” Devon pulled his phone out of his pocket and disappeared out the back door, leaving Jenna and Gertie to hold off the growing crowd.

  Several minutes later, as Jenna was pulling out dinnerware, he reappeared. “If you can make it within ten minutes I’ll make it worth your while,” he said before sticking his phone back in his pocket.

  “You’re still here,” Jenna said. “I thought you’d left us for Alastaire’s.”

  “I was tempted, but after your glowing recommendation, I couldn’t take a pass on Gertie’s soup.”

  Jenna looked out at the anxious crowd, which had nearly doubled. “So you went on a hunt for hamburger pizza?”

  “I couldn’t let a little boy go disappointed.”

  “Is it enough?” she asked, staring hopelessly into the room full of bleak faces.

  The backdoor opened, and a man came in carrying a big box. “Where do you want this produce?”

  Gertie’s eyes bulged in surprise, but she hurried over, peeking into the box. She smiled and clasped her hands together. “Just on the counter there.”

  Another man followed close behind, his chin tilted upward. “I’m not certain I have the right address.” His gaze lit on Devon. “There you are, Mr. Ward.” He stared at Devon’s hat a moment, his fine-featured face etched with confusion. “But what is this about?” He lowered his voice. “My staff is going to have to get up very early to refill the order for Mrs. Montgomery’s party tomorrow afternoon, and I’d like to be able to tell them what was so urgent.”

  “Thank you, Sebastian. As you can see, a very important dinner party came up, and I knew I could count on you.”

  Sebastian looked over the room of hungry people. His lips turned up into a hesitant smile. “Very well. I suppose they won’t care, as long as they get paid. And since you mentioned a very generous tip would be provided for their cooperation, I’m certain they won’t complain. I’ll send the rest in immediately. You’re lucky we had it loaded up and ready to go.”

  “Thank you,” Devon said, taking the box.

  When the boxes were all brought in Jenna peeked inside. There were rolls of all colors, shapes and sizes. There were mini quiches, giant shrimp, and fancy cheeses. She laughed. “This looks like the kind of thing your mom’s dog would like.”

  Devon smiled, his eyes lighting up for a moment as if he were remembering. “I’m sure we’d all prefer a good peach pie, though.”

  Jenna couldn’t help but smile back. There was a bang on the back door, and she hurried to answer it.

  A woman stood outside. “I have twenty pizzas here.”

  Devon pulled the door open wider, brushing Jenna’s shoulder as he nudged in close. He took out his wallet, and handed the woman several large bills.

  Gertie gasped as the pizzas were brought in. Then she grabbed Devon by the shoulders and gave him a big smooch on the cheek. Her eyes were misty as she began organizing the buffet line. In no time the hungry people had crowded into line, loading their plates. Jenna stood behind the table, making sure everything went smoothly. She peeked over to see Devon helping the little ones find their favorite pizza.

  There was another bang as the kitchen door slammed shut. She looked back to see trays of cupcakes being delivered. Devon hurried and took a tray, wandering among the tables to pass them out with a big grin on his face.

  Gertie nudged Jenna with her elbow. She winked, her eyes twinkling as she smiled.

  “No, Gertie,” Jenna said firmly. “One night feeding the homeless does not make him a saint. Remember what that company put us through.”

  She nodded. “Yes, I know. All I’m saying is that a person might not even know they’re wandering around in the dark until someone turns a light on.”

  “So he’s not accountable for what he’s done? I’m not willing to forget that easily.”

  “I don’t know whether or not he’s to blame, and I didn’t say forget. Maybe give him the chance to become something more. You don’t have to marry him.”

  Jenna laughed sharply. “That’s a relief.”

  “Just show him the way a little. You might both get what you’re looking for.”

  “More flies with honey, huh?” Jenna said. Gertie had a point. When Jenna had made a splash at Devon’s party, she’d garnered a little attention for her cause. But what if she could actually get him to care about what was going on? He looked like he was capable of caring.

  She watched as Devon started grabbing plates off the tables, stacking them on the empty cupcake tray. He smiled at her as he rushed past her to the kitchen.

  The next couple of hours was a whirlwind of refilling food trays and gathering up trash and dirty dishes. Devon’s arms were submerged in suds for a good hour. Jenna finally persuaded Gertie to get off her feet for a few minutes and eat something, but it didn’t last long. Soon Gertie was grabbing empty plates and pushing Jenna and Devon toward the buffet, which was nearly picked clean.

  They scrounged up a couple pieces of pizza and some fresh fruit and sat down at a long table. Jenna hadn’t realized how tired she was until she was finally off her feet.

  “Pizza never tasted so good,” Devon said, smiling at the sight of Tyler, who was lying on his back at the next table asleep, one hand on his full belly. Then Devon frowned, dragging his fingers across his jaw. “But what happens tomorrow? And next week?”

  Jenna bit her lip. “I hate to tell you this, but tomorrow they’ll have double the people, because word will get out that the food was amazing.”

  “I guess I’ll just have to make a sizable donation to keep the food coming.” Devon’s drooping eyes looked sad. “But it still won’t be enough.”

  Jenna leaned her elbow on the table, resting her head on her hand as she studied Devon. If she wasn’t careful she could see herself getting sucked in. The ache in his eyes looked so genuine, and she couldn’t deny that he’d surprised her that evening. She’d expected him to leave, or at least complain a little bit. But he’d been amazing.

  “Maybe you can’t help everybody,” she said, “but you made that kid pretty happy tonight. There’s so much you can do, you just have to start somewhere.”

  Chapter 10

  Devon

  Devon stared out his office window with his hands stuffed in his pockets. The city lights were starting to come on, and without intending to, he’d started trying to figure out where, in the outer limits of the city, Jenna’s trailer park was.

  He loosened his tie and stretched, turning his eyes to the rooftops of the buildings that surrounded his. Devon had never thought he’d be the type to stay at work as long as Charles. But then he’d never ex
pected to be standing in this office, where the scent of his father’s cologne still lingered, taking over the business he’d never had much interest in, either.

  Family loyalty and an urgent sense of responsibility had brought him back, but now it was so much more than that. There was so much he could do, and not just for his mother and their employees. His heart swelled as he remembered the look on Anita’s face when she’d seen her new home. He couldn’t forget the way that boy at the soup kitchen had fallen asleep on the worn wooden bench, his belly bulging, a smile on his face.

  And then there was Jenna, with her hair falling loose into her face, her lids growing heavy as the night wore on. There was a moment when he’d sworn she’d looked at him differently.

  He shook his head firmly, rubbing the tension at his temples. He was fooling himself. Jenna had only gone out with him because he’d bought her mother a house, and she’d felt obligated.

  And he’d gone out with her because Charles had coaxed him into it. Because of that whole family loyalty and responsibility thing that had suddenly risen to the surface. Not because he had a thing for her. How could he have a thing for a woman who’d doused him in red paint minutes after meeting him, or handed his limousine over to a maniac?

  His eyes wandered, and he was tracing the streets again, wondering what she was doing, hoping she was safe. He wished she’d move into the house with her mother. The trailer park seemed decent enough, but crime was definitely higher in that part of town. Maybe he should hire security for her neighborhood.

  Devon jumped when he heard the door shut behind him. He turned around to see Charles grinning at him. “I wanted to ask how your big date went.”

  “It was ... unlike any date I’ve ever been on.”

  Charles grinned. “I’ll bet. She’s a beautiful woman. A little on the short side, maybe, but fiery enough to make up for it.”

  Devon gave Charles a threatening look, daring him to go on.

  “Don’t worry, I’m not judging. I went slumming a time or two myself, in my younger days. They’re not the kind of women you want on your arm at a party but ...”

  “Slumming?” Devon’s chest tightened. He’d never heard Charles talk that way, but maybe it was just one of the changes that came with being seen as an adult. Another change that he could do without.

  Charles laughed. “You should see your face. Hey, I was just trying to do my duty, tell you the things your father would have wanted you to know.”

  Devon shook his head. “If I have to do things his way, I’m out. And I’ve managed without a father-figure all these years. I think I’m good, thanks.”

  Charles gave him a teasing smile. “Good. I have enough on my hands with Peyton. Listen I was just making small talk. I know exactly how your date went because ...” Charles pulled out his phone and opened a webpage. There was a picture of Devon and Jenna handing out food at the soup kitchen.

  Devon’s stomach sank. He already knew that dating a woman under false pretenses was disgusting, but somehow Charles sending a photographer to sneak along after them was worse. Everything that had felt so real that night with Jenna had just been ground into dust by Charles’s Testoni shoes.

  “Good work,” Charles said. “Whatever made you think of a soup kitchen? You’re a genius. Public opinion is favorable.”

  “It was her idea. Turns out, she’s a really good person.”

  “A good, but misguided, person.”

  “You ever thought that we’re the ones who are misguided?” Devon jammed a hand through his hair. “Look, Charles, I did what you asked. I’m done.”

  Charles’s face fell. “I understand. In some very significant ways you are nothing like your father. The art of deception is not a talent you care to develop.”

  “I’m glad you understand.”

  “It’s just—that demonstration at the party the other night really rocked the boat. It made us look unstable. It made us look ridiculous.” Charles’s voice was tense. “What you did the other night made a world of difference. And do you regret it?”

  Devon dropped his head, remembering the way that night had made him feel. “No.”

  “Then what harm is being done? You’re doing good things for your employees, your mother, for the homeless now, apparently. And from what I’ve heard, that girl’s situation has improved dramatically. You helped her.” Charles gave him a brief, affectionate smile. “I’m not so sure she hasn’t done some good for you as well. Can I convince you to continue doing what you’re doing for just a little longer?”

  Devon looked up at Charles’s pleading face. Charles had always been there for him in a way his father never had. He’d even secretly found a connection for Devon in Europe, so he could study there. He was the only one Devon had dared tell about his plans at the time.

  Devon sighed.

  “I knew I could count on you.” Charles beamed, clapping him on the shoulder. He walked away, but paused in the doorway, turning. “Peyton just stopped by to consult with me on a few things. I think she wanted to see you.”

  Devon grabbed his suit coat from the back of his chair, hoping to slip out before Peyton caught him. He paused for just a moment, looking out on the city lights one more time, tracing the streets out toward the edge of the city.

  He turned quickly at the sound of a female voice, silky and smooth. “Thinking about going out for a night on the town?”

  Devon turned quickly, kicking himself for not hurrying faster. Peyton had one hand wrapped around the door frame, and she was smiling her usual suggestive smile. He was never sure what, exactly, she was suggesting, but that’s how he would describe it all the same.

  “Thinking about painting it red,” he said, smiling as he thought of Jenna.

  “I hear there’s a fabulous new restaurant called Alastaire’s. I know the owner. I bet I can get her to let us in this late.”

  Devon smiled again, remembering how he’d made reservations there the other night. Had he really thought a woman like Jenna would be impressed by that? He wondered if the soup kitchen needed a hand again. Probably not at this hour.

  “That’s all right,” he said, grabbing his suit coat from his office chair. “It’s been a long day. Can I walk you out?”

  “Sure,” she said, leading the way.

  They stepped into the elevator and Devon tapped the ground floor button just as Peyton turned to him. “So,” she said, laying her hand on his arm, “how’s the new woman in your life?” Her lips turned up in a mocking way.

  Devon frowned.

  “I’m not sure I should have asked you to use your charms against some poor, defenseless woman.”

  He couldn’t help the sharp laugh that escaped. Defenseless? “Hardly.”

  “I wouldn’t underestimate your abilities.”

  “Is that so?” Devon glanced at the red numbers, counting down the floors.

  Peyton shrugged coyly. “Seeing the world agreed with you, Devy. You left a boy and came back a man, all weathered and sun-kissed. You must have spent some time on those European beaches.” Her finger traced his jawline, and he squirmed, backing up.

  She laughed, her smile mocking again. “I saw her picture. So sweet. She doesn’t stand a chance.”

  Devon felt something in his chest harden. The whole arrangement sounded even worse coming from Peyton’s lips. And hearing her talk about Jenna was nearly unbearable.

  “Don’t worry, this is all on the down low.” She patted his suit as the elevator chimed, and they stepped out. “Thanks for being a good sport. We might be surprised what a few dates with Little Miss Malcontent will do for the company.”

  Devon reached for his phone. Peyton’s flippant comment had given him an idea. If all went well, a few dates with Jenna really might work wonders for the company, just not in the way Charles and Peyton expected.

  He gave Peyton a quick nod and hurried out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened, then pulled up Jenna’s number as he walked away. Charles was right about one thing. Devon did
need a little more time with Jenna, but not for some stupid PR stunt. He could find other ways to improve public opinion of the company. Like actually making improvements. Jenna could help him with that.

  He tried to ignore the way his heart raced faster with every ring. He tried to convince himself that his urgency to speak to her wasn’t because he wanted to see her face again, or feel the way he did every time she threw him off kilter with a new idea or experience. She was his charitable donations advisor. That was all. He only hoped she’d meant it when she’d told him she’d help.

  Chapter 11

  Jenna

  Jenna held her phone against her ear with her shoulder as she buttoned her blouse, then stood in front of the mirror, frowning. “I don’t know if this looks okay. Can’t you leave work and help me get dressed?”

  Tali laughed. “I thought you didn’t care what he thought of you.”

  “I don’t care,” Jenna spat. “But this is a professional meeting, at a prestigious, jerk-faced, billion dollar company. My thrift shop attire might not give quite the right impression.”

  “I think you could walk in there naked and Devon Ward would be plenty impressed.”

  “Shut up, Tali!” Jenna slipped on her shoes, the ones that said I-want-to-look-nice-but-I-also-want-to-be-comfortable, and also, I-can’t-afford-new-shoes. “This is important to me.”

  “I still can’t believe you’re going to work with them. You know you can’t trust that company. You’d be better off chaining yourself to the front door and chanting. Also that would be more entertaining for me.”

  Jenna sighed. How could she explain the connection she’d felt with Devon that night at the soup kitchen? He’d cared about those people. She knew it! And yet nothing had been done about the thousands of unrightfully denied claims. Tali was right. She shouldn’t trust Devon Ward. Either he had his head buried in the sand or he was lying about those claims.

  “I know,” she said, grabbing her purse. “Nothing’s changed. But if I have a chance to get TrueLife to make more charitable donations, I’ll take it.” Then, maybe when I have a good in, I can do more. I’ll be like a Trojan horse or something.”