Southern Charmed Billionaire

by Frasier, Kristin

  People were watching my reaction, so I decided to say yes. He pulled me close to him in firm, possessive manner. But I would not let his body play mind tricks on me.

  “Women do get weary…wearing that same drabby dress…” A male’s soft croony vocals dressed the scene to a slower tempo. A trumpet decorated the background. The ambience was so romantic, a part of me almost refused to be angry, to be anything but joyful in this magical happy night filled with music, delectable food, the finest of champagne and drinks for one of the kindest, wisest men on the planet.

  But damn it, I was a Scorpio and that just was not how we’re wired!

  “Kate, I’m really sorry about what my sister and Clarissa did. What they said.”

  He spun me around while he kept his grip firm on my side. He pulled me closer to him, so close my face had to be pressed against his face and I could feel stubble teasing against my flesh. My naughty mind could not help but flash back to that secret elusive room where our bodies crashed into each other and we were not two lovers, but two animals in one hungry need for each other. To the night where the same face was between my legs causing me to see stars, galaxies, and other dimensions.

  Even in my anger, another emotion won with rivaling intensity—desire. Lust. It wrestled with logic and lost.

  Smelling his signature scent as it engulfed me, making its claim on me, was sweet. fucking. torture.. I cleared my throat, fighting against the struggle. Fighting against the scenes that were seared for eternity in my heart and mind.

  “Are you now? Because funny, I really couldn’t tell that.” I shrugged my shoulders despite feeling fiery anger inside.

  His voice penetrated my ear, deep, low, and pleading; he purposely wanted to plead his case while wetting my panties.

  “I tried to get you to stay. I promise I did. But I had to stay at the country home Sunday night. I couldn’t miss my recording session for my EP that I’m…” He trailed off, then rerouted his words. “I called you a thousand times but you wouldn’t answer. You knew I couldn’t fly over in the ‘copter. It was too dangerous. The roads were barely drivable. I had a session in the studio and Michael drove all the way just for me to get this take in time, and that’s after flying all the way from LA. And I also had to track my guitar takes on Monday so Jackson could pull me a huge favor to edit and mix everything in like twenty hours. But I seriously called you every hour on the hour.”

  I thought about what he just said and the craziness of it all.

  I had to stay at the country home. I couldn’t take my copter.

  I’d never grow accustomed to this world and its ludicrous ways. Well, regardless of the world I did not understand, I did understand music being with my cousin’s band the last three years. I understood sessions and important producers. And with him thinking Granddaddy was dying, I knew of the importance of tracking it in time.

  I really did.

  “And even if I had the time, Granddaddy took our driver to an urgent doctor’s appointment in Charleston yesterday. The rest of the staff had Monday off in honor of Easter weekend.”

  My stomach tightened thinking about poor Granddaddy Atticus, traveling like that in the icy weathers and snow storm just to invite me to his birthday party. And then my heart melted at the thought.

  “But as soon as I finished tracking, I did drive the three and a half hours back to Charleston on those icy roads just to see you, to check on you. But you weren’t home. In fact, you never came home.”

  He pulled me closer, as if that were even possible. But now I couldn’t see his face as our bodies melted into each other. His hand slid down my waist just a little lower than safe levels. He was melting my ice. The heat of his hands made my body feel things no on else had ever made me feel before.

  “Where were you?”

  “I was out. You know the whole world thinks I’m an escort. My dream book was published like it was a child’s joke. Yeah, you better believe I went out. And we did come home eventually.”

  My anger escalated a bit and I sounded bitchy and snappy, but I didn’t care.

  “We?”

  I shrugged my shoulders hoping to make him jealous of someone else.

  “Thank you for coming, in spite of everything. Granddaddy is really fond of you.”

  “Just your grandfather?”

  He spun me around and allowed a small fraction of a distance between us to allow me to look into his eyes. God, those piercing eyes made me weak in my knees.

  “Look, Kate. There’s a lot I want to say to you. I just can’t at this moment right now.”

  “Why? Really? Because two nights ago standing there exposed like that in the kitchen, when you had plenty of time to say something, anything! You sure seemed like you were as quiet as a church mouse.”

  “Why are you so mad? Tell me? What is it really?”

  “What is it really? Everything. I don’t belong here. I don’t know how to act right. I don’t have the right manners, apparently. Those are not taught in one month; those are inbred.” I threw out some examples, counting them off with my fingers. “I slouch. I interrupt people. I’m too loud. My voice doesn’t sound like honey.”

  “It’s not a good idea,” I continued. “And then, you made me feel things I’ve never felt before. How’s that for honesty? We’re not a good idea.” My head shook no fast.

  “Why don’t you let me be the judge of what is right for me.”

  “Well, then. What is right for you? Aside from how you appear to the press. The entire world. I’m just like an accessory to you,” I retorted. “I thought I could handle it, handle lying. But I look at your grandfather, and I really like him. I just can’t lie anymore.”

  In my intensity I had failed to notice the music had stopped and there was a bit of reprieve from the magic.

  “Look, hold that thought. Please. I have a toast to make now. Don’t leave this spot. Please.”

  “Hi,” the bitch’s voice ricocheted off the grand ballroom like nails on a chalkboard. “It’s me, Granddaddy’s favorite granddaughter.”

  It was the bitch of all bitches, Brittany.

  There were a few chuckles sounding in the room. I’m sure those chuckles were saying, “Yeah right, as if!”

  “But I really am, y’all. Anyway, I love my Granddaddy dearly, and I know he loves all of you. Here is to love. Here is to Granddaddy.” Her words slurred together and Atticus quickly stepped on the stage as if to save her from embarrassing herself and Granddaddy.

  “Grandfather is eighty. He taught me to play the piano and guitar. Tonight in his honor I release a personal record, one that I hope he’ll cherish now until Heaven.”

  My stomach turned at the cruel joke but important lesson poor ole Atticus was pulling on his spoiled grandkids.

  The acoustic picking was beautiful and reminded me of a fresh spring day; hopeful, promising. I waited with great interest after all. I’d never heard him perform before.

  Scars from hearts

  Torn apart

  The Brooklyn Bridge

  Just a kid

  Now a wom’n

  Livin’ in the midst

  Of runnin’ from the pain

  Of yesterday

  To tomorrow’s hope

  Ohhhhh

  Penny’s for noodles

  Heat it just right

  I’ll make it better

  Taste beef alright

  Scars that tore

  She went out the door

  Into another’s arms

  Safe, secure

  She’ll fight through

  It’s what you do

  Around the corner

  Her name in lines

  Another one please

  Her talent surprise

  Just a woman, yet still a kid

  Her bank was rid

  Dreams crumble down again

  Away she fled

  To warmer flights

  To warm her shoulder

  From the frigid nights

  Cause the
second chapter

  Of your life

  But when you’re mine

  Together we’ll fly

  No deny’n

  Healed wounded souls

  Battle scars

  To dress the night

  Battle wounds

  To mend our lives

  Kissing you

  Makes it better

  Loving you

  Makes me tender

  Loving you makes me remember

  Love lost from a boy

  Long ago

  Skeleton key

  Lock the door

  Now there’s you

  Cause of you

  My Brooklyn star

  Scars you bore

  Scars we bore

  Kiss the night

  Fly for life

  Kiss the night

  Fly for life

  Scars that tie us together

  The scars that tie us together

  “Fuck. What the fuck. Seriously?” I hissed. My anger and venom surged to the surface, back and ready to play.

  My jaw dropped and I wanted to be anywhere but here. But it was so crowded I searched for an exit. Where was the exit?

  But my things? My cupcake stands etc. I’d just have to have Ashley bring it to my house. I would text or call her. I had her number now.

  I couldn’t be here exposed like this.

  I had to get out of here.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Atticus

  I did it.

  I performed in front of those who’ve known me since a baby.

  I performed the greatest song I’d ever written and sung with more heart than my entire life.

  For Granddaddy, inspired by her.

  And I knew what I needed to do to make everything right. To make my baby right. To make my life right.

  They called love a drug for a reason.

  It was the height of heights.

  “Happy birthday Granddaddy. You’ve lived through eight decades.” I stopped for a moment to compose myself because I felt the emotion-filled lump in my throat, one building to face the unbearable fact that a man whom I loved like a dad, was soon to leave this Earth. I didn’t understand the concept of death. I still struggled with the fact my parents weren’t here. And now he was leaving.

  But everyone was looking at me smiling raising their champagne flutes, waiting with earnest interest what I would say next.

  “Eight decades. You loved grandmother with your whole heart. You’ve taught us all how to build an empire with your bare hands. You’re hardworking; you’re kind. You’re the man I hope I can be half of with my life.”

  “Oh you will be son. You already are.” He called back to me from the crowd as they all chuckled.

  “I just wanted you to know, Granddaddy, how much you mean to all of us. We love you. There’s no one like you.” My voice boomed into the grand hall as many cooed and awed at my speech, many wiping away tears. “In honor of you, and to honor your life, Granddaddy, I recorded and finished my EP for you. And as of this morning, it’s up on ITunes.”

  The crowd applauded and cheered in pleasant kindness. I had waited years to say this. Years. And if it wasn’t for her, I knew I wouldn’t have found the inspiration.

  And on that note, it was time. I scanned the sea of faces. If they were excited now, just wait one more beat.

  I leaned into the microphone, the metal pressed up against my lips as I pursed them together for a dramatic pause.

  “The song I wrote was inspired by someone who is extremely special to me. Who has a big heart, too. Who’s come to mean a great deal to me. Kate Longhouse, love knows love in an instant. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”

  Surprised gasps filled the room and I could feel the excitement in a tangible way. The electricity from the guests fueled my confidence.

  “Kate Longhouse, there is and will be no other woman for me but you. Will you marry me?”

  The question rang out as curious guests looked around to Kate.

  “She’s the one responsible for the yummy cupcakes, which are gluten free and paleo by the way. Kate?”

  I looked around and couldn’t find her. She was gone.

  “Looks like your girlfriend has left the ball afraid of becoming a pumpkin like she is.” Brittany called out. I ignored her smiling at the guests.

  “Looks like she might be in the ladies. Well, I have a woman who is in need of a ring on her finger. Excuse me, you all. To Granddaddy. Here, here.”

  The festive jazz music immediately played on cue as I continued to look for her. I made a mad dash to her cupcake tables all the while hugging guests and shaking hands. Finally I found the table. Ashley, a frequently-used stylist in my family stood in front of the tables.

  “You helped Kate, right?”

  “I did. Um, she didn’t look too happy about that song you sang.”

  My fists clenched and balled up by my sides. I just couldn’t leave the party right now. I needed every ounce of time with Granddaddy while he was still here. I’d regret it forever if I left his party early and only mere months from his death. I’d just have to track Kate down after the party.

  Or better yet plan something grand tomorrow. I had looked up all the attributes of Scorpio women. Sometimes they just needed pure time to sleep things off. When their minds were made up, they were made up. Time to turn the tables. This nonsense and pretending needed to go away.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Kate

  A knock at the door revealed man in a suit. “Are you Kate Longhouse?”

  “I am….” This better not be a reporter.

  “Please sign here. This is for you. Thank you, miss.” The young man said and nodded as he handed me a sealed envelope with the stamp across: CONFIDENTIAL. He was a mail carrier. I’d always heard of them; people who privately delivered letters and parcels by hand. So this was how it was done.

  Once inside, I tore open the envelope, curious and eager.

  Dear Kate,

  Thank you for attending my birthday party and for your delicious cupcakes. The world needs more joy and good things to behold.

  Please allow me to invest into your company. It would be an honor to bring the Charleston people a bakery for the entire family, one that not only tastes good, but is actually good for you.

  Please allow me to do this for you. Consider it a loan you can pay back at your own pace.

  Your Friend,

  Atticus Branch I

  P.S. I think you need a store, Kate. One that can serve families rain or shine, cold or heat. A place that’s a treat, where dates come and people experience their first kiss. A place where children stop by after school or after a ball game. Think about it.

  A check floated out of the card.

  Pay the Order of Kate Longhouse $100,000

  Behind the check was a sticky note with another note. I know you made these in the townhome kitchen. Please stay there as my personal guest as long as you like. I know you made them in love, and you like the kitchen. Please.

  I stared at the check shaking my head as my hands shook. What was going on?

  “Who does this?” I cried out, tears spilling as I shook my head at the turn of events in bewilderment. As much as I was bewildered, I knew destiny was calling. I knew this was a gift I couldn’t ignore. I knew I had to take it. After all, there would be no more pregnancy faking. No more fake assistant.

  Feeling weak in my legs, I collapsed into a chair crying, feeling overwhelmed in gratitude, shock, and fatigue. Sobbing happy tears, grateful tears, confused tears.

  I wanted to start over. Here was my chance. Even after I told this man the very truth, he still believed in me. He still wanted to help me.

  My heavy heart flooded out of my eyes and found its release past my throat as I sobbed grateful tears. I was just a girl from Brooklyn, a girl who ate ramen noodles and just needed to make it to next month.

  Even after others had a field day with the rumor mill, this man still bel
ieved in me. And I couldn’t understand it one bit, except that this had to be destiny.

  I hadn’t even looked to see if anyone had written any reviews of my cupcakes from his birthday party last night, or if there was any new gossip floating about me. But I didn’t dare to look. It was hard enough reading awful accusations of being a high-end escort. Last night had been so confusing and intense. I had turned off my phone until now.

  My cell phone buzzed.

  Atticus Branch, Granddaddy

  Hi Kate, good afternoon. I have a meeting set up for us to discuss plans. Please be ready by 2pm. Bentley will arrive and take you.

  I showered, dressed comfortably yet appropriately. I had a brand to represent. My brand.

  Gosh, I couldn’t believe it. My thoughts were spinning with possibility as I considered all of the different directions I could take this bakery: the French look, the French country look, white hardwood floors… the minimalist look and then it struck: the design would be very similar to the townhome I was in.

  But even in my excitement, I felt a pang of nervousness in my stomach. I still hadn’t heard from him.

  He had to have known I was angry. I stormed out, leaving my cupcake stand and everything behind. Perhaps he had been so into his performance he hadn’t seen or heard the doors open with me leaving with the vengeance of a witch.

  My life, as well as this situation, had grown very messy and complicated. I still couldn’t believe he had used my personal struggle in his song. Ugh. I had more important things to think about; like the direction of the bakery for starters.

  I shook my head, dislodging my thoughts, and went back to a new sketchbook. My old one was just tainted with bad memories from the scandal. With my thoughts scribbling away and my piping hot tea, I went to work until the doorbell rang.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Kate

  “Hello, Kate. Are you ready?”

  “Hi, Bentley. Yes, thank you very much.”

  I was quiet in the back of the car, very much locked in my zone with my earphones on. I still had not Googled, checked Instagram or any other social media outlets. I needed a social detox, and after this meeting with Atticus, and with the earned income from a few of the events Atticus the Third had paid me for, a vacation was in order. A beach one. Somewhere tropical. A warm paradise where I could escape. I needed it. Badly.