Lost In Paradise: A Billionaire Romance

by Erika Rose

  He put on his running gear, and ran the few blocks to the hotel where the reception was being held to try and clear his mind. By the time he reached the hotel his clothes were drenched from exertion. He had pushed himself harder than he ever had before, and yet his mind wasn’t any clearer.

  “Jason, oh my goodness. I trust you’ll be taking a shower before the ceremony?” The wedding planner looked at him appalled.

  “Yes, I will. What do you need me for?” Jason panted.

  She smiled wickedly. “Follow me.”

  As she opened the doors to the reception room, Jason’s breath caught and his heart skipped a couple of beats at least. Fuck. Shit. Damn! His father was right; this was going to be a damn circus. He walked past the wedding planner into the room. The golds and purples of last night were carried through with touched of red. There was draping hanging from the ceiling and what looked to be a royal table at the head of the room. The wedding planner all but gushed beside him, “It’s wonderful isn’t it?”

  Jason glared at her before turning to leave, “It’ll do.”

  He ran even harder and faster back to his apartment, all the way chastening himself that he didn’t end things sooner with Angelique. Like the first time she asked him to buy her a house. No, he couldn’t wish that away, then he never would’ve met Mia. But he should’ve seen her money-grabbing shallow ways sooner. He shook his head and pushed even harder. Now he was stuck, it was the day of the wedding… His thoughts trailed off and he thought of Angelique’s refusal to sign a prenup. That’s what bothered him. She knew he would eventually see the real her and divorce her. Of course. That was why she refused to sign it. This whole damn wedding was a circus for her to name drop and establish herself as wealthy. It wasn’t about him at all. He wanted to go to her right then and tell her it was off, but still he didn’t have it in him to embarrass her. He thought of all his legal options and decided to phone his lawyer when he got back to the apartment.

  As soon as he walked in he phoned his lawyer, and asked what the options were. The only option was to have it annulled or to have her sign a prenup today, before the wedding. Jason knew there were conditions to annulment, and also knew Angelique wouldn’t sign a prenup today. He thought about the annulment option that would be the only way. So he had to get through the next twenty four hours. He could do that. He could keep his chin up and smile for twenty four hours and tomorrow, tomorrow he would go see Mia and force her to admit what she felt for him. Satisfied with his plan, he looked at the watch. He had a couple of hours to dress and to get ready for the performance of his life.

  “Could you please stop doing that?”

  Mia looked at the older man sitting next to her. She was vigorously tapping her nails against the tray in front of her. Her flight had been delayed with an hour which gave her barely forty minutes to reach the church after they landed in San Francisco. Luckily Jason’s assistant had been true to her word and had a ticket waiting, business class no less. Her nerves were shot, and taking into account she hadn’t slept at all the previous night, and had way too much coffee, she was now jittery as well. “I’m sorry, it’s just we’re running late.”

  The man looked at her confused, “And you tapping through the serving tray is going to get us there on time?”

  “No, I’m sorry.” Mia folded her hands in her lap and kept watching the time on the screen.

  Jason would be getting dressed now.

  He was probably already on his way to the church.

  Angelique would be in her wedding gown, finalizing the touches on her hair and makeup.

  She let out a frustrated sigh, she had to think of something else or she was going to drive herself and the poor guy next to her crazy.

  She closed her eyes and started thinking back on the first time she met Jason Pike. His eyes roaming over her body. She smiled at the memory. The first time he kissed her, the way her knees had gone weak and desire had pooled low in her belly.

  The first time they had made love, it was slow and gentle and yet he had driven her close to madness.

  His eyes when they met hers, serious and fun loving at the same time. He could scold her with the same enthusiasm he had when he made love to her. She found it very appealing that she could fight and make love with one man and have fun doing both.

  The time he took her on the table, the raw lust, how quickly her blood had heated for him, the shattered crystal and noritake on the floor.

  The last time he had made love to her to Etta James’ At Last. His tender touch, his declaration of love and the sweetness of sleeping with him.

  She sighed contently as she finally admitted to herself how much he meant to her. He was the reason she survived the car crash the night her parents had passed away. He was that one person that was her person. The person she could share everything with, that she could argue with, that she could drive wild with passion just as he did her.

  When the captain announced their descent into San Francisco, Mia glanced at the clock again. She had thirty-five minutes to make it to the church and convince Jason that he was making the biggest mistake of his life. Thirty five minutes to convince herself she was worth his love, worth being loved and worth asking for another chance.

  She grabbed her brand new blue carry-on and all but ran out of the plane as soon as the doors opened.

  She jumped into the first taxi she saw and rambled off the church’s address.

  “Please hurry,” she pleaded as he pulled away from the curb.

  Jason walked along the cobbled pathway to the church from his car, like a man walking toward his own execution. He had scanned the lot for his parents’ car, but it wasn’t there. He should’ve known they wouldn’t change their minds. He had tried calling them several times, but they refused to answer his calls. He wanted to tell them about his plan for the annulment, by they had made it clear if he wanted to talk he could come to them, and walk out on his own wedding.

  He walked up the steps and saw a man waiting in a tux similar to his. “Jason?” The man smiled as he held out his hand. Jason could see he was muscled and had a Mediterranean tan. His accent was thick. This must be the French model Angelique had asked to be his best man. His brother had phoned late last night and came up with a lame excuse of a contagious stomach bug that would keep him from attending the wedding. Angelique had promised to take care of it, apparently she had.

  “Jean Carlo?” Jason asked.

  “Yes, yes, that is me.” He smiled at Jason like the cat that got the mouse.

  “Great to meet you, shall we go inside.”

  “Yes, good, lots of guests inside.”

  Jason wondered if his sister would be there. She was out of town last night and couldn’t attend the rehearsal dinner but maybe she would’ve made it for the wedding. That was if she hadn’t spoken to his parents since then.

  He walked down the aisle to the front of the church and stood by the altar waiting for his bride. Jean Carlo stood next to him enjoying all the attentive looks coming from the female guests. He briefly scanned the guests and found his sister sitting in the back, wearing black. The sight of her warmed his heart, but her dress didn’t. The choice remained the couples’, but if you didn’t agree with it you wore black. At least if the wedding couple had any sense they would notice it. Jason suddenly understood exactly why his sister had come. To show him her disapproval. Anger surged through him. His family was supposed to be there for him, not judge him and step out when it suited them. The wedding march started and he saw the bridesmaid start to walk down the aisle. He pushed the anger aside and watched for his bride. Angelique looked like an angel from heaven. She was layered in white satin and lace, her blonde hair blonder than ever, her skin beautifully tanned. Jason heard Jean Carlo’s breath hitch next to him, and he had to admit, she looked beautiful. He tried to meet her eyes, but she kept looking around smiling at everyone except her groom.

  Chapter 19

  Mia nearly fell out of the taxi, she was at the church and due t
o traffic and road work she was thirty minutes late. In her heart she knew she was too late. She had lost. But she had to see for herself. In her haste, she threw notes at the cabbie before grabbing her carry on and running towards the church. She took the stairs two by two, her carry-on thumping behind her. If she was right they were just about to get to the “I do’s”, so she could still stop it. She just hoped the preacher had a long breath and hadn’t gotten to that part yet. She threw open the church doors, knowing the time for subtlety was long gone and all but fell into the church. She waited for gasps and curious looks, but as she looked up she found the church empty. She was too late.

  Jason heard something slamming through the church doors where he was sitting in the front pew. He was still basking in the relief of calling off the wedding. Angelique had made a scene that would be remembered by her guests for the rest of her natural life, but he thought he had been an adult about it. He had simply explained to her that he didn’t love her and couldn’t go through with it. She had tried for tears, but he found no sadness in her eyes, only anger. Which meant he’d been right all along?

  Curious at the noise he stood up and walked towards the entrance. What he saw made his heart burst with joy.

  Mia was sitting on the floor, huddling her legs close and crying like she had just lost the love of her life. So she did feel something for him after all. Jason nearly skipped to her, but forced himself to slowly approach her.

  Mia felt a soft tap on her shoulder, knowing it was probably the preacher she smacked it away, she didn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy. “Please just go away.”

  “I will. I just wanted to give you a handkerchief.”

  At the sound of his voice Mia swung her head around. “Jason.”

  “It looks like you’re sad, like you lost something you loved?” Jason said softly.

  “What…” Mia’s voice trailed off as she watched him in awe.

  “I was actually just on my way to you.”

  Mia felt a grin spread over her face, he called off the wedding. “Why?”

  “It seems your manuscript found its way to one of the editors in my new publishing house and without any favors from me, they want to offer you a three book contract.”

  “What, Jason? You sent my manuscript to an editor?” Wanting to ask about the wedding but finding his news intriguing Mia stood up.

  “I did yes, and they loved it. They wanted to get in touch with you immediately, but I promised I’d get you to phone them if you’re interested.”

  Jason took Mia’s hands and helped her up. Together they walked out of the church and set down on the steps.

  “I’m interested in the book deal, Jason, but only if you didn’t pull any strings to make it happen.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “Where’s your wife?” Mia asked carefully watching him under lowered lashes.

  “I don’t have one.” He said carelessly.

  “What happened?”

  “I realized she loved my money more than she did me,” Jason started rubbing his thumb over the inside of her wrist, “and I realized I love you more than I liked her.”

  “Oh,” Mia recognized the slow burn of desire rekindling in her veins.

  “Why did you come to San Francisco?” Jason asked.

  “You forgot something in North Shore.” Mia said as she met the ice blue gaze she had fallen in love with.

  “What could that be?” Jason smiled.

  “My heart.” Mia said softly her eyes not leaving his gaze. “Oh, and the number of your new caretaker.”

  Jason bit back a smile, “So you do have feelings for me after all?”

  “I might,” Mia grinned, “I must say your assistant was very instrumental in getting me here on time.”

  “Oh was she?” Jason shook his head, he was right his assistant did have a good idea of what happened in Hawaii.

  “Yes, she also told me I didn’t have to worry. You wouldn’t be able to go through with it.”

  “Really?” Jason asked as he took Mia’s face in his hands, “Did you move out yet?”

  “Yes, I had to. Your new caretaker needed the cottage.”

  “Oh, so where are you staying?”

  Mia giggled, “Alana and Miku’s couch. I must say it’s quite absorbent, I’ve cried on it quite a lot since you left.”

  “We’ll get them a new one and take that one for us.”

  “Us?” Mia asked. Her heart was galloping a mile a minute, as she saw all her dreams realized in Jason’s gaze.

  “Yes. I think you should move in with me.” Jason brought her wrist to his lips and softly kissed it.

  Mia felt heat spread through her, but shook her head. “I’m not moving to San Francisco.”

  “Neither am I, I’m going home.”

  “North Shore?” Mia asked hopefully.

  “North Shore.” Jason said before he claimed her mouth.

  Their tongues reacquainted themselves, sweeping, stroking and tasting. Making up for lost time and promising a lifetime. As Jason’s hands pulled her closer Mia felt her heart go heavy, but this time it wasn’t pain, it was love. All the possibilities that love brought along with it. She felt Jason groan, and she kissed him even more fervently, she never wanted him to doubt her feelings for him again. What felt like hours later, but in reality was only minutes, Jason pulled away with the familiar naughty glint in his eyes. “My mom’s cooking roast chicken for dinner. Care to join us?”

  “They weren’t at the wedding?” Mia asked incredulously.

  “No, she said last night she wasn’t going to watch me be stupid.”

  Mia laughed, a happy sound reverberating through the church yard, “Well then let’s go,” as Jason took her hand and lead her to his car Mia smiled, “Oh and Jason, you’ll need to stop for flowers, I owe your mother some.”

  THE END

  SNEAK PEEK

  Book title

  By Erika Rose

  HERES A SNEAK PEEK AT THE NEXT UPCOMING ROMANCE NOVEL BY ERIKA ROSE

  Madison Turner, known by her friends as Maddy, sat down at the bar in the upscale hotel. The client function she had planned for her friend’s company was in full swing in a reception room a few doors down. After running around all day making sure everything was in order she felt she deserved a drink and some quiet for a job well done. She had slipped out when the awards were finished and made her way to the bar. The room smelt of lemon polish and expensive perfumes. The décor was as ostentatious as the clientele. Diamonds subtly sparkled, and conversations were hushed. She ordered a glass of wine and couldn’t help but think she was a long way from home. Even though Brooklyn was less than an hour away, Manhattan felt like a different galaxy. The woman looked more sophisticated, the men more handsome and you could almost smell the vast amounts of money being traded in the street.

  “Do you mind?”

  Maddy looked up to see one of the most handsome men she had ever seen asking her if the seat next to hers was taken. He was tall, if Maddy had to judge she’d only reach his shoulders if she stood next to him barefoot. His hair was as black as coal. His eyes were grey as steel. His bone structure was strong enough to compliment him without making his face appear harsh. She felt a curl of desire low in her belly. She briefly glanced down the bar and noticed it was the only open seat, glancing back to him she smiled. “Sure.”

  He sat down and his aftershave drifted over her. It was without a doubt some designer brand that cost more than the commission she had made from tonight’s function. After ordering a straight scotch from the barman, he looked her way again.

  “Waiting for someone?” Jackson Landon asked the small brunette beside him. Surely she was waiting for her husband or boyfriend. If she were his she wouldn’t be sitting alone in a bar on a Friday night. Her gaze met his and he felt an answering stirring in his groin. Her eyes were the strangest shade of green he had ever seen. They were a bold jade speckled with chocolate brown and butter yellow. Unable to take his eyes off hers, he took in the r
est of her through his peripheral vision. Her nose was slightly upturned in a stubborn way. A generous mouth was accentuated with a beauty spot an inch left of the corner of her mouth. Her skin was smooth and flawless.

  “No, actually I’m escaping.” Maddy smiled over the rim of the glass watching him.

  “Prison or a male admirer?” Jackson teased realizing he’d like to get to know her better. Between the sheets.

  Laughing, she held out her hand as she turned to him. “I’m…”

  Jackson held up his hand, knowing as soon as she realized who he was this exchange would go one of both ways. She’d either be fawning over him the rest of the night, or she’d smile and walk away. He’d gotten used to both. Some found the thought of wealth and power appealing. Other had enough of their own not to bother. He found neither option more appealing than sparring with a stranger. “No introductions.” When Maddy’s brow lifted in question it was his turn to smile. He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “What could be more fun that having a conversation with a perfect stranger and not knowing where it might lead?”

  Maddy felt his warm breath against her ear and the thrill of the mysterious race through her. Maybe tonight wasn’t going to be too bad after all. Eyeing him she gave a condition of her own. “All right, but then it can’t stop with no introductions. No personal details, no numbers, no questions.”