A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six

by Jeannette Winters

  That made the letter from the lawyer confusing. Anything necessary should have been said long ago. He didn’t need a lawyer to read some formal document telling him Earl had left his business and assets—i.e. everything—to Candi. He’d done fine all those years without any assistance from him, and Doug felt it almost hypocritical to want anything from Earl now that he was dead.

  Doug scanned the document again before crumpling the paper and tossing it across the room onto the floor. Whatever you sent that lawyer to tell me can go to the grave with you. I’m not interested in hearing it now. I fucking stopped caring years ago.

  Emptying the glass of whiskey a second time, he reached to put the glass on the coffee table, missed, and it crashed to the floor. His head was pounding, and he didn’t want to think of his father anymore. Fuck. I should’ve had room service send up two bottles. He rubbed the stubble on his unshaven face and closed his eyes. He didn’t care which came first, sleep or passing out. All he wanted was the next twenty-four hours to be over with. Hell, make it next week. ’Cause I’m not looking forward to that wedding any more than meeting with the lawyer.

  Rose Davis stared at her phone. I don’t believe it. He’s backing out at the last minute? No explanation.

  She slipped the phone back into the pocket of her nursing scrubs and pulled out the keys to her car. Rose never checked her messages while on duty. Tonight she wished she had. Coming off a double shift in the emergency room was bad enough. Finding out you were being stood up was just the icing on the cake. It wouldn’t bother her so much except she’d only taken the double shift so she and Toby could spend an extra day on vacation after KJ and Drew’s wedding. Now I’m not only exhausted, but I don’t have a date either. What the hell?

  The invitation list wasn’t huge, and she knew most everyone attending. Going alone wasn’t the problem. It was the cold text message to cancel.

  She’d been dating Toby for six months. Not the most motivated guy she knew, and he sure wasn’t the love of her life, but he was fun to be with. The last time they’d spoken, Toby seemed excited about attending the wedding with her. Rose got in the car, closed her eyes, and rested her head on the steering wheel. Who am I kidding? He just wanted an all-expenses paid vacation.

  That made his sudden change of heart all the more confusing. Who wouldn’t want a week of beach, sun, and fun with the additional bonus to leave the cool spring temperatures in West Virginia? She started the car and was about to put it in drive when she felt her phone vibrate in her back pocket. Quickly she unbuckled and pulled it out from underneath her.

  Rose didn’t want to speak to him right now, but ignoring his call was never a wise choice.

  “Hi, Beckett.” She tried to sound cheery, but he could always see right through her. Even through the phone you’re a force to be reckoned with. I’m not sure I’ve got it in me to pull this off.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m exhausted. Just pulled a double. All I want to do is go home and go to bed.” It wasn’t a lie. There’d been a multi-car crash, and they’d lost two of the passengers. She could hold herself together in the heat of the moment, but now, sitting alone in the car, she felt her emotions on the brink of breaking and needed to hide away for a bit. She didn’t want to talk about it with anyone. Burying the pain was a poor coping mechanism, yet she couldn’t seem to stop herself from doing it either. That’s why I need a no-stress vacation. Now I’ll have to answer all the questions as to why Toby didn’t come. I’m not sure if that’s worse than the questions about bringing him. I can’t win either way.

  Beckett, unfortunately, was at the top of the list of people to avoid talking with about Toby. Over the past few months, things had become tense between them. Beckett didn’t hold his tongue when it came to his opinion of Toby. Even though he’d never said exactly what he didn’t like about him, the glaring looks said plenty. Rose was tempted to tell Beckett she found his behavior absolutely ridiculous. He was acting as though she was a teenager and Toby was her first boyfriend. Overprotective and overbearing didn’t even begin to describe his behavior lately. Talking to you now isn’t going to help my mood any. I have enough to process tonight without you adding to it.

  “Hope you’re already packed because Gunny is picking you up first thing in the morning.”

  She looked at her watch. Not one to procrastinate, Rose had packed a week ago. However, what was in her suitcases no longer fit the trip. Besides the dress for the wedding, she’d picked up a cute new bikini and fun sundresses for her and Toby’s getaway. For the last few months she’d been working a lot. She couldn’t explain why she jumped at every open shift, but she didn’t want to be sitting home staring at the four walls. Now she was burnt out, and a week away was exactly what she needed to rejuvenate.

  Going alone was not part of my plan. All she wanted to do was go to the wedding and have Gunny fly her right back to West Virginia. If she weren’t so darn tired, she’d repack the bare minimum and do just that. I can tell them I couldn’t get the time off work. Rose fought back the sarcastic laughter as she knew her brother Trent would make one phone call to the hospital and she’d have a month off, with pay, never mind a week, which was what she had now.

  Conceding to her limited options in finding a replacement for Toby at such short notice, she reluctantly replied, “I’ll be ready.”

  “I’ll meet you at the dock tomorrow.”

  Beckett sounded almost . . . smug. I’ll meet you at the dock tomorrow. Was she missing something? All she did was agree, so why did it sound as though there was something more to it? Interesting he didn’t ask about Toby. Weird. She was tempted to ask him, but Beckett was too good at the game of answering a question with a question, and she was in no mood to play it. “Good night, Beckett.”

  She disconnected the call and tossed the phone on the passenger’s seat. It was almost midnight, and first thing in the morning meant sunrise when it came to people like Beckett and Gunny. What kind of vacation is this that I can’t even sleep late one day?

  With her car still in park, she scrolled to Toby’s text message and read it again.

  Can’t make the trip. Something’s come up.

  Like what? A better offer? She was so angry. He never even said sorry. Brief without emotion or feeling. Their connection might not be earth-shattering, but common courtesy would’ve been nice. If not deserved.

  So many replies were flying through her mind. She could blast him, calling him for not having the balls to tell her in person. It wouldn’t be a stretch to tell him he wasn’t who she wanted to be with anyway. However, no matter what she said, it wasn’t going to change the fact that she was stuck attending the wedding alone. The one thing she didn’t want to do. Being the only family member still unattached is like wearing a target on my back.

  She texted Toby: Have fun! then blocked his number so he couldn’t contact her. Whoever or whatever had come up could have him.

  There is no way in hell I’m staying on that island a week. How can I get out of this? What would be a believable excuse? That was the problem. This family seemed to have eyes everywhere. If she lied, she’d need to make it a good one, or she’d never leave that island.

  There was only one way on and off the island—through transportation Beckett arranged. Once there, she lost all control of when she left. Then I’m left with no other choice.

  I think I’ve just come down with influenza and need to stay home and in bed for a week or two. Sorry.

  Rose felt as though a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. She felt bad about missing KJ and Drew’s wedding, but they were really Trent’s and Beckett’s friends. Her absence really wouldn’t ruin the wedding.

  Her plan was perfect. Everyone else was already on the island. If it hadn’t been for work, she would’ve been as well. Even her parents were there and unable to confirm or deny her excuse. Brilliant if I say so myself.

  Putting the car in drive, she smiled to herself. She’d need to wait a few hours before cal
ling Beckett back because she’d sounded too healthy a few minutes ago. Her terrible cough wouldn’t come on that quickly. A few hours should do it. Just long enough to make it believable.

  Instead of heading right home, she stopped at an all-night diner to grab a burger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake to go. They’d been so busy in the ER, she hadn’t had time to eat. When she finally arrived at her apartment, she ate so quickly she wasn’t sure she tasted the food. That was probably a good thing because, about thirty minutes later, her stomach was upset. Greasy food was something she normally avoided. Now she remembered why.

  Rose popped several antacids and lay on the couch. Only two hours had gone by, but she wanted to go to bed and sleep this feeling off.

  Picking up her cell phone, she called Beckett. His voice was filled with concern when he answered. “What’s wrong?”

  Here we go. “I’m not feeling well. I think I picked up a nasty bug from work.” She tried to make her voice sound raspy and forced a cough.

  “You didn’t sound sick earlier.”

  “That’s the problem with the flu, Beckett. It comes on quick and kicks your butt. I’m not going to be able to make the wedding.” Forcing more coughs, she continued, “I don’t want to pass it on to Danielle, either, so I better stay home.” Oh, that’s good. He’ll do anything to protect his wife.

  “You sound horrible. I’ll tell everyone you won’t be there.”

  If her stomach wasn’t hurting so much, she’d feel elated. Instead, she was still trying not to vomit for real. “Thanks, Beckett.”

  “I’ll have Gunny stop in later to check on you.”

  “No.” Her answer felt too quick and her voice sounded too high. “I don’t want him to catch it either. I have everything I need. All I want to do is stay in bed and sleep this off.”

  “Rose, I—”

  “Beckett. I’m an RN. I know how to take care of myself. If I need anything at all, I’ll have them bring it to me from the hospital.” She was pretending to cough so hard that it actually started hurting.

  “Call me if you need anything, Rose,” Beckett said firmly.

  “I will. Tell everyone I love them.”

  “Will do. Love you too.”

  She ended the call and laughed softly to herself. I never thought I could pull one over on Beckett. First time for everything.

  Rose got up and headed to the bedroom with her hand on her stomach. She made a quick detour and raced for the bathroom making it to the toilet just in time. It was supposed to be a lie. It didn’t feel like the flu. She hoped it wasn’t food poisoning. Please let this be nerves and lack of sleep getting to me. Lying was something out of character and doing it to family only made it more difficult. Her hands had been trembling the entire time she spoke to Beckett this time. If it were any other situation, she would’ve told him the truth.

  A wave of nausea hit her again as she bent over the toilet. Once her stomach finally calmed down, she stripped off her uniform and took a long, desperately needed hot shower. Her body ached all over from being on her feet sixteen hours.

  She towel-dried her long chestnut hair and headed to her bedroom. The sunrise was already starting to peek in through the curtain. Closing the blinds the best she could, she climbed into bed and pulled the blankets over her head. What she needed most of all was some serious sleep.

  Rose didn’t even brush her hair, and sleeping with it wet was going to make it look like a rat’s nest when she got up. Since everyone she cared about was on the island, she didn’t need to think about her appearance. She rolled over and snuggled up against her long body pillow.

  Thoughts of Toby crept into her mind. Was he lying alone in bed regretting his text message? Probably not. Although the timing was bad, she was glad. With all the weddings happening around her, she was starting to yearn for something more, something real. Toby could never have given her that, nor did she want it with him. Things between them were over. She wasn’t about to let anyone else know her desire to settle down or they’d never let up on her. It’s bad enough already. I’m very capable of finding my Mr. Right by myself. Aren’t I?

  Rose reached her hand out from beneath the blankets and grabbed her cell phone off the nightstand. She put it on silent. If all she did for the next seven days was sleep, it was okay with her. Putting the phone back on the nightstand, she closed her eyes.

  God, this vacation’s going to suck.

  Chapter Two

  “Doug Atwood to see Mr. Handa.”

  An older lady who looked as though she should’ve retired a few years back, with curly graying hair framing her round face, smiled at him and said, “Good morning. I’m Bertha, Mr. Handa’s secretary. He should be with you shortly. We’re just waiting on the other party to arrive. May I get you a coffee while you wait?”

  He knew exactly who that other party was, and he wasn’t looking forward to seeing her. If it wasn’t bad enough to have to meet with a lawyer at a time like this, he had to hear his father’s last wishes with a woman he couldn’t stand. “I’m all set.”

  There was a stack of magazines on the table. Not that he was in the mood for reading, but he picked one up off the top just for the distraction.

  He flipped through the first magazine and then the second. The meeting was scheduled to start thirty minutes ago, and Candi still hadn’t arrived. He wasn’t sure if it was his years in the Marines or not, but he couldn’t stand someone being late. She’s probably stalling long enough to make a grand entrance. He could only imagine what today was going to bring. Candi dressed in black pretending her heart was shattered at her loss. Hopefully, this meeting will be quick, and I can get the hell out of here.

  As he flipped through a third magazine, he could hear the high-pitched squeaky voice approaching. Candi was laughing with someone on the phone as she made her way to Bertha’s desk. Doug never lifted his head, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of her. That is not a grieving woman.

  Candi was dressed in a short, skin-tight red dress with matching stiletto heels. Her boobs barely bounced with each step, but he thought they might pop out at any time. She looked more like she was entering a nightclub than meeting with a lawyer to hear the last will and testament of her late husband.

  “Baby, I’ll call you right after this . . . whatever it is . . . is done. Get those suitcases ready. I need some fun in the sun.” Candi blew a kiss into the phone before she hung up.

  Doug almost lost it. She was the most irritating, disrespectful person he’d ever met. He was tempted to get up and walk out of the office. The thought of having to sit through this meeting with her already had him pissed off. One second with that cold-hearted, greedy bitch is more than I can stand.

  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Keeping his mouth shut wasn’t going to be easy.

  Candi stood at Bertha’s desk and said, “Can you tell Mr. whatever his name is that Mrs. LaPrade is waiting?”

  Doug put the magazine down and watched Bertha lift the phone and announce Candi’s arrival. Then she turned to her and said, “Please have a seat. Mr. Handa will be with you shortly.”

  “I have someplace to be. I hope he doesn’t keep me waiting all day.”

  Before Candi sat, a man in his late sixties, with white hair and glasses perched on his nose, opened the office door and greeted her. “Mrs. LaPrade, I’m glad you were able to join us today.” His sarcasm wasn’t hidden. Then he turned to Doug and said, “My apologies, Mr. Atwood, for keeping you waiting so long. Will you both join me in my office so we can get started?”

  Candi grunted under her breath and strode past them, taking a seat in front of the large mahogany desk. Doug nodded to Mr. Handa as he passed him. He grabbed the arm of the empty chair that was next to Candi and moved it two additional feet away from her. Being in the same room was one thing, up close was going to be impossible.

  Candi turned to Doug and then the lawyer and asked, “What is he doing here?”

  Mr. Handa took a seat behind t
he desk and said, “Thank you for coming this morning. Mr. LaPrade wanted you both here for the reading of the will.”

  “I just lost my husband, and I don’t want this . . . stranger here.” Candi crinkled her nose as if she were disgusted with his jeans and T-shirt.

  Doug ignored her. “Mr. Handa, if you don’t mind, can we begin?”

  “Of course. As you know, I’ve been retained by Mr. LaPrade to oversee his estate. He put some of his wishes on video which I’ll play. The remainder is on paper, and I’ll read those after the video.” Mr. Handa pointed to a flat-screen television on the wall behind him. “If you both will watch the monitor, we can start.”

  “About time,” Candi snorted.

  The screen lit up, and there was his father. Although it’d only been two years, they’d obviously been rough ones as he’d aged considerably. They were all silent as his father began to speak.

  “This is Earl Douglas LaPrade, and being of sound mind and body, I’m recording my last will and testament.”

  Douglas? I was named after my father? Why didn’t I know this before now? It was just another question added to a list that would never be answered.

  “If you’re watching this now, then I’m not around to tell you this in person. First, let me address my dear, lovely wife, Candi.” Doug watched her as she sat smugly in her seat. “What can I say? You’re beautiful, sexy, and the biggest lying, thieving bitch I’ve ever met. I leave you the clothes and jewelry I bought you. Hell, you can even keep those breast implants, fake ass, and lips.” Earl’s voice rose as he barked on the TV. “I’ll even throw in that pool boy you’ve been screwing since day one. Did you really think I was so blinded by your looks that I couldn’t see that the two of you were trying to pull a con? Sweetheart, you can’t con a con man. I’ve been at it a lot longer than you’ve been alive. And before you start thinking about hocking those jewels, Candi, they aren’t any more real than you. Now get your fake ass out of this office. I’m leaving you with exactly what you came in with, nothing. Mr. Handa, please pause this video until that bitch is out of the room.”