The Protective Billionaire

by Christine Kersey

  “Yeah,” Aubree said as they pulled away from the curb. “It’s not mine though, remember.”

  Her mom laughed. “Oh, I remember.” She looked out the window, then turned to Aubree. “So, tell me more about your husband.” Her eyebrows rose on that last word.

  Aware that the security detail could hear every word, not to mention that she actually thought Cameron was wonderful, she smiled at her mother and said, “He’s a truly amazing man. Kind and thoughtful. And he has my best interests at heart.” Her smile grew. “I couldn’t ask for a better husband.”

  Her mom glanced at the men in the front seat. “Guess I’ll judge for myself soon enough.”

  Glad her mom seemed to have caught on that she had a role to play too, Aubree turned the conversation in another direction, talking about her upcoming movie role.

  “How are you feeling about working with Jason Evanson?” her mom asked, her voice showing how totally cool she thought it was.

  Truthfully, Aubree hadn’t thought about Jason much at all. She’d had way too much else on her mind. And if any man held her attention, it was Cameron. “He seemed really nice at the audition, so I’m sure working with him will be fun.”

  They chatted about this and that, and eventually they reached Cameron’s house.

  As they pulled into the driveway, Aubree noticed her mom taking in the beautiful surroundings.

  “Oh, Aubree. This place is gorgeous.”

  “I think so too.”

  And when the car stopped and they climbed out, Cameron walked out the front door to meet them. He wore dark jeans and a blue button up shirt that brought out the color in his eyes. Aubree couldn’t tear her gaze from him, and as he approached them, he held his hand out to her mom with a disarming smile.

  “Welcome,” he said. “I hope your flight was comfortable.”

  “Yes. Thank you so much for upgrading me to first class.” Her mom went all fluttery under his attention and Aubree knew she was well on her way to being charmed.

  “Glad to.” Cameron stepped closer to Aubree and slid his arm around her waist.

  Though she knew they didn’t need to pretend in front of her mother, she could appreciate that they didn’t know if anyone—particularly the paparazzi—was watching from outside the gates. Besides, she liked the way it felt to have him touching her. Liked it a lot.

  “What a lovely home,” her mom said as her gaze swept the area.

  “Thank you. Why don’t we go inside?”

  With that, the three of them went into the house while the security team stayed outside.

  They settled on couches in the family room, and after Cameron brought them cool drinks, he turned to her mother and said, “I hope you understand why Aubree’s doing this.”

  Her mom seemed to have recovered from Cameron’s initial charm offensive. “I understand why Aubree’s doing it. But I don’t know your reasons.”

  Cameron’s gaze flicked to Aubree before going back to her mother. “I have to be honest with you, Mrs. Nichols.”

  “Please. Call me Melinda.”

  “Okay. Melinda. To tell you the truth, I’ve developed some strong feelings for your daughter and I…” He looked at Aubree with an intense gaze that made her heart flip. “The thought of something happening to her…” He looked back at her mother. “I can’t allow anything to happen to her.”

  “Well,” her mother said as she leaned back against the couch cushions, “I certainly appreciate all you’re doing for her.”

  “It’s the least I can do.”

  The way they were talking about her, Aubree almost felt like she wasn’t in the room, but she let it go on. She wanted her mother to approve of Cameron. It had become more important than ever.

  Her mom nodded. “What happens next? I mean, once Aubree’s stalker fades away.” She frowned. “Assuming he does.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping for,” Aubree chimed in. She thought about the message she’d received from him that morning. That she would get hers. She decided not to share that with her mother. No need to worry her.

  Her mom looked at her, then back at Cameron. “How long do you think this charade will go on?” Her lips lifted in a small smile as she shook her head. “I mean, come on. It can’t go on forever. You’ll both need to get on with your lives at some point. Regardless of the stalker.”

  The stark reminder of reality wasn’t what Aubree wanted to hear. Not now. Not right when she was beginning to acknowledge her feelings for Cameron. Not right when she was about to take the job of her life. She didn’t need to add more complications.

  Which was why she’d been resisting her attraction to Cameron in the first place.

  Holding back a sigh, she waited to hear what Cameron would say.

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he finally said.

  “I’ve found that being prepared is always the best way to go,” her mom said. “What I mean is, you should make a plan for when it’s time to go your separate ways.”

  Why was her mom doing this? Why was she trying to tear them apart?

  Oh yeah. They weren’t actually together. Aubree had forgotten that for a moment. But when she looked at Cameron, she thought she saw a bit of panic in his eyes.

  Was he thinking the same thing? That they were in no hurry to go their separate ways?

  “Again, Mrs.…I mean, Melinda. Aubree and I will figure it out when the time comes.”

  “Mom, I don’t want to talk about this right now. Okay?” She hoped that would be enough to get her mom off that line of questioning.

  Her mom sighed and crossed one leg over the other. “Fine. I’m just trying to help.”

  Aubree placed her hand on her mom’s shoulder. “I know, and thank you. But…” She shook her head. “I just can’t think that far ahead.” Softly chuckling, she added, “One day at a time, all right?”

  Her mom nodded. “If that’s what you both are comfortable with.”

  Aubree looked at Cameron for confirmation, and he nodded, then said, “Sounds like a plan to me.” He stood. “Now, why don’t you let me show you where your room is, and then I’ll get out of your hair so you and Aubree can catch up.”

  Aubree and her mom stood, and after Cameron took them to the room next to Aubree’s, setting her mom’s luggage inside, he left them alone.

  “What do you think?” Aubree asked the moment she heard Cameron start down the stairs.

  “About what?” her mom said with wide eyes. Then she laughed. “Kidding, honey.” She smiled. “I think I like him. From what little I’ve seen.” Her mom’s lips turned up. “And I think he likes you.”

  “He does. He told me last night.” The memory warmed her. Then she placed a hand on her hip. “Why were you pushing so hard on the end of our ‘marriage’?” She did air quotes.

  “I just wanted to see what he’d say.”

  “And?”

  She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows. “He didn’t say much, did he? He gave no clue as to what he’s really thinking.”

  “You just met the man. Do you really expect him to spill his guts to you?”

  She laughed. “Of course not.” Then she sobered. “But has he spilled his guts to you?” She pointed her finger at her to emphasize her point.

  “Mom. This is only the first full day of our marriage. Give us a break.” Aubree was now rethinking how much she wanted her mom to come for a visit. It had added another layer of complication.

  “I’m sorry, baby.” Her mom tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll give it a rest. Besides, I’m really here so I can spend time with you. It’s been, what? Six months?”

  “At least.” She paused. “How long will you be staying?”

  Her mom’s eyebrows went up. “Why? Want to get rid of me already?”

  Kind of. “No. I’ve missed you.”

  “Hmm. I have to work on Monday, so I’m flying home tomorrow.”

  Aubree realized she really did miss her mom. “That’s a quic
k trip.”

  “I know. But I needed to make sure you were safe.”

  Aubree had never felt safer in her life. “I really am.”

  Her mom smiled. “I think so too.” She sat in a plush chair, then tapped the arm of the chair beside her. “Sit. Let’s get caught up.”

  Aubree smiled and did as her mother asked.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  That night for dinner Cameron had another fabulous meal brought in—grilled salmon, rice, and steamed vegetables—and again they sat out back to eat. The evening was perfect and the view of the valley below was stunning.

  Aubree could tell her mother was beyond impressed, and to be honest, she was pretty impressed herself.

  “Thank you for a lovely dinner,” her mom said as she sliced a perfectly round cherry tomato in half.

  “My pleasure,” Cameron said.

  A fresh bouquet of purple and yellow flowers adorned the center of the table and Aubree had to suppress the urge to sniff the petals. Then she wondered why she was holding back. With a tiny smirk, she half-stood from her seat, leaned forward until the flowers were close to her nose, then closed her eyes and breathed in their scent.

  “What are you doing?” her mom asked with a tone that was a mix of embarrassment and laughter.

  “There’s no scent,” Aubree said as she sat back in her seat and looked at Cameron.

  He was grinning, evidently amused by her behavior. “Not all flowers have a scent.”

  “I know that.” She didn’t know that. “What kind of flowers are these?”

  “Dahlias. They’re from my garden.”

  “They’re beautiful.”

  “Thanks to my gardener,” he said, then he chuckled. “My thumbs are more brown than green.”

  They talked about plants and yards and Cameron promised to take them on a tour of his two-acre spread. And after they’d eaten dessert—cream puffs with chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries on the side—Cameron asked if they were ready for their garden tour.

  “If you don’t mind,” her mom said. “I’m a bit tired.” She glanced at Aubree. “You two go without me.”

  Was her mom trying to give her and Cameron alone time? Kind of glad, Aubree said, “Okay. I’ll check in with you later.”

  Her mom stood and Cameron stood as well. “Is there anything you need?”

  Her mom shook her head. “No. I think this wonderful dinner has made me drowsy.” She smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Then she smiled at Aubree before walking into the house and leaving them alone.

  Things are going well, Cameron thought as he sat down. He couldn’t have been more pleased. And as much as he enjoyed chatting with Aubree’s mother, he wasn’t disappointed that she’d excused herself and that he and Aubree could be by themselves. They were supposed to be on their honeymoon, after all.

  He nearly laughed at the idea.

  “What’s so funny?” Aubree asked.

  Shaking his head, he said, “Just thinking that we’re supposed to be on our honeymoon.”

  “Oh.” A gentle blush rose on her cheeks, which he found charming. Then she smiled. “Kind of awkward to have the mother-in-law along. I wonder what the media would think of that?”

  He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “We won’t tell them she’s here, although the ones camped outside the gate probably saw her in the car when she arrived.”

  Aubree’s lips pursed, then she shook her head. “I’m not going to worry about what I can’t control.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way, because once filming starts on Monday, you’re sure to be under the spotlight even more. I mean, since you’re co-starring with Jason Evanson.”

  She shuddered slightly. “Ugh. I’ve been trying to forget about that.”

  “Goes with the territory.”

  Her eyebrows tugged together. “What about you? I mean, how much attention from the media do you have to deal with?”

  “I get my share.” In fact, the media hadn’t paid much attention to him at all until he’d made his first billion. Then they were suddenly fascinated by what they termed the hot eligible bachelor. That’s when he started finding himself mentioned in glossy magazines from time to time. And now that he was “married” to Aubree, he was certain he’d be mentioned even more. Not something he relished, although it was a sacrifice he was willing to make if it meant protecting her.

  His gaze went to her face. She was looking off into the distance, deep in thought, and as he watched her, he felt his heart expanding with emotion.

  She turned to look at him. “What?”

  “You’re a very beautiful woman,” he said.

  She ducked her head and smiled, then she met his gaze. “Thank you.”

  “Ready for that tour?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  He stood, then went to her and pulled her chair out as she stood, then he held his bent elbow to her and she hooked her arm through his.

  With her arm curled through his, they set off down some stone steps and toward a beautiful flower garden. A riot of color spread out before them, and as they drew closer, the sweet scent of roses filled the air.

  “Now,” Cameron said with a smile in his voice, “these flowers have a scent.”

  “Yes,” she said. “I smell them.” Her gaze swept across the red, pink, yellow, and white flowers. “I love roses. I think they’re my favorite.”

  He stopped and looked at her as he released her arm. “You’re not sure?”

  She laughed. “I love all flowers, but I really love the scent of roses.”

  “Noted.”

  What did that mean? She really didn’t care though. Instead, she laughed. “What about you? What’s your favorite flower?”

  “The ones that are still alive.”

  That brought on another chuckle. “Okay. I get it. You’re not really into flowers.”

  “I enjoy looking at them. I just don’t know what to do with them.”

  She smirked. “You could always paint them.” Then she smiled. “I love capturing their vivid colors and unique shapes.”

  He laughed. “I’m no artist.”

  “In a way you are though. I mean, you create gaming apps, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “From thin air.”

  He grinned. “Yeah.”

  She tilted her head. “There you go then.”

  He nodded, like he’d never thought of himself that way before. Pleased that she’d enlightened him, she smiled.

  They continued on, and after they began walking through the flower garden, Cameron said, “Is it okay if I take your hand? I mean, in case the paparazzi are watching us through their telephoto lenses.”

  The idea that they were being observed in the privacy of his yard startled her and she slipped her hand into his. And then she forgot about the paparazzi as the electricity that zinged through her body didn’t allow thoughts of anyone or anything but Cameron.

  The touch of her hand in his sent a bolt of emotion to Cameron’s heart and it took all his self-control not to drag her into his arms and kiss her. Then he thought maybe he should. In case photographers were watching.

  He stopped and faced her, their fingers still entwined, then he took her other hand and said, “I’m going to kiss you now.”

  Her eyes widened but she didn’t object.

  “Is that all right?” He didn’t want to do anything she didn’t want to.

  It was as if someone had placed a cork in Aubree’s throat. No words would come out and it was even hard to breathe. She admitted that she’d thought about their kiss the day before more than she’d meant to. How could she not when it kept popping into her mind? And now, with Cameron flat-out telling her that he was going to kiss her? That woke a swarm of butterflies in her belly.

  “Yes,” she finally managed to whisper. She wanted him to kiss her, this pretend-husband of hers.

  His lips curved into a sexy smile and his blue eyes were focused solely on her. And then he closed the distance
between them before releasing her hands and sliding one arm around her waist, while at the same time he lifted her chin with a finger, forcing her eyes to meet his.

  “Is this okay?” he asked as his eyes burned into hers.

  “Yes,” she whispered, suddenly dying to have his lips on hers.

  He smiled and she noticed a fan of fine lines in the corners of his eyes—eyes that drew her in and wouldn’t let her go.

  Then his mouth slowly moved toward hers and her lips parted in anticipation. Then finally, finally, his lips pressed against hers and his hand moved from her chin to the back of her neck and her arms curled around his neck. Savoring this connection she felt with him, she realized that this was their first real kiss. The other, as amazing as it had been, had been for show. This was personal, private, intimate. This was theirs.

  After several moments they drew apart.

  “One day I’m going to make you my wife for real,” he murmured as his gaze bored into hers.

  At his pronouncement, Aubree found she couldn’t breathe, didn’t want to breathe unless he was standing beside her. And she finally admitted that she was falling for him.

  Had he really just said that out loud? Cameron wanted to take it back—what if he scared her away? But at the look in her eyes—going from shock to uncertainty to something that lit a spark within him—he was glad he’d said it.

  Going bold. That’s what had gotten him where he was in life. No reason to change things up now.

  He waited for her reaction.

  “I…I don’t know what to say.”

  At least she hadn’t bolted. “That’s okay. That wasn’t a formal marriage proposal.”

  She smiled her dazzling smile and his heart was swept away. “Let me know when it is.”

  His eyebrows shot up. What was she saying? “What are you saying?”

  She slowly shook her head. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m falling for you, Cameron.”