The Billionaire's Deception (The Blank Check Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  “I may have gotten a bit vocal with John. Enough that he went to your father warning him about me. Of course he didn’t know my name. But your father thought I might be…well…a crazed stalker.”

  “A stalker? You really must’ve laid into John.”

  “I really wanted to find you. Thankfully Connor was a bit more helpful and understanding,” which still surprised him.

  “How did you convince my father you’re not crazy?”

  “I’m not sure he believes that, but I told him we’re dating. Well, I started off by saying we were friends, and then it moved up to dating.”

  “So you went to talk to my father about the Potters, and the only thing you did was talk about me. Sounds like I could’ve done a lot better than you,” she said sarcastically. “And by the way, I think it should’ve been me who told my father if we were dating.”

  “You’re right. I overstepped.”

  “Yes you did. And apparently, you wasted your time too.”

  “Not necessarily.”

  “You mean he agreed?” she asked, wide eyed.

  “He’s looking at his options.”

  “Oh. Which means he’s not changing his mind,” she stated.

  “I may have offered him something in exchange.”

  “My father can’t be bribed,” she said.

  “No. But as business men, he may have seen my point of view, and hopefully what I offered is of more value than the Potters.” If not, then we block the sale.

  “You’re talking in riddles Ethan. And honestly, I’m not in the mood for it.”

  “My company will honor pricing for him that he wouldn’t get otherwise.”

  “What company are you talking about Ethan?”

  “Lawson Steel.”

  “You’re that Lawson?” she asked.

  “I’m one of them. And don’t look at me like that.”

  “Like what?” she crossed her arms. “You mean like you did when you found out who I was? As though I wasn’t forthcoming? That I was…deceitful? Does any of this sound familiar Ethan? Because right now, you seem to be doing worse than what you accused me of.”

  “It’s not like that Kollette. I was trying to help.”

  “And I was doing my job,” she said firmly. “What was your reason?”

  He had thought he had a valid one. The look on her face said it wasn’t. “I did what I thought would save the Potters land.”

  “And sleeping with me? Is that part of the ‘doing what you need to’?” she said in a disgusted tone.

  “God no. Kollette, what we shared has nothing to do with the Potters,” he said firmly. “You have to believe me.”

  When he reached for her, she pulled away. “I’m not sure what I believe right now. You can say it has nothing to do with the Potters, but everything so far has. Our crossing paths, you meeting with my father, and you following me here. The only thing that connects it all…is the Potters.”

  “Kollette, what are you saying?”

  “That I think you should go,” she said, not looking at him.

  “You need to believe me. I’d never do anything to hurt you,” he said.

  She turned to him, her arms crossed, “But you did. Now if you don’t mind. I’d like to go and get dressed. I have something I need to do, and no, I don’t need your help.”

  Ethan wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until she forgave him. The problem was, she had every right to be pissed. He’d fucked up. He thought telling her when he returned would suffice. Not even close. Ethan crossed the line. Now he paid the price.

  Getting up off the bed, he walked to the door. Before opening it he turned back to her and said, “Kollette, I mean it. I never wanted to hurt you. Everything I did was for you.”

  He saw her eyes begin to water, and soon the tears would flow. As though she couldn’t even stand to see his face, she turned away and said, “No Ethan. Everything you did was for you.”

  He left her alone, and it was killing him. Kollette was a strong woman, and yet she was crying because of his actions. Ethan could come up with excuses to justify what he’d done, but that wouldn’t change the fact that he’d sworn not to hurt her, and yet he did.

  What was I thinking? She didn’t need me to take care of her. Just to love and support her. And instead, I tried to control the entire situation. Make decisions for her.

  As he walked out of the hotel, he knew what Charles had meant. Lawson men excel in getting in their own way. Kollette had been so open with him. None of this would’ve happened if he’d done the same. He deserved to lose her. That didn’t mean he wanted to.

  There was only one thing left he could do to show her how much he cared. Pulling out his cell phone he called Seth.

  “Get the contract ready. I’ll work on getting the Potters to sign it.”

  Kollette didn’t want to hear it. “Connor, I can’t believe you’re defending him. I’m your sister.”

  “Just because I’m not taking your side doesn’t mean I’m defending Ethan. What he did was wrong. He should’ve told you he was going to see your father. But I agreed with his reasoning behind it,” Connor said.

  “That’s because you men don’t think we women can take care of ourselves. We don’t always need your protection,” she snapped.

  Connor said in a calm tone, “You make it sound as though the Potters are your friends, and not his. If I’m correct, he’s known them for years. You’ve just met them.”

  “What does that have to do with anything? I still care very much what happens to them. I tried telling my father he should drop it. That the Potters should remain as it is. He wouldn’t listen to me. You know how he gets.”

  “Yes I do. His daughter can be just as stubborn. Kollette, Ethan wasn’t out to hurt you. He was out to save the Potters. And even though you don’t want to hear it, if you went with him, he never would’ve gotten in a word.”

  “That’s not true,” she said. But he was right. Because it was her father, she’d have felt as though she needed to fix this. This wasn’t about proving she was just a capable as Ethan was. This was supposed be about the Potters. I hate it when you’re right.

  “Kollette, you had your chance to convince your father and it failed. Give the guy credit for trying as well. Unfortunately, from what you’re saying, he got the same results.”

  “Still sounds to me that you’re taking his side,” she said.

  “No Kollette. What you’re not seeing is you’re both on the same side. The Potters side,” he said firmly.

  She had said some mean things to Ethan. At that time, it’s how she felt. But once he was gone, she regretted it. The only thing that was preventing her from reaching out was her damn pride. It was a trait she got from her father. It’s why her father wouldn’t let go of the plan for the Potters. It wasn’t easy to admit when you’re wrong.

  I have a lot more to lose than just land if I don’t.

  “Thanks for listening to me,” Kollette said. “I kind of miss having my big brother around.”

  “I’m always here Kollette. Just because my mother is not with us doesn’t mean we stop being family,” Connor said.

  “Good, then tell me, what’s going on in your life? Because every time I talk to you, it’s like you’re someplace new. Are you still in New York?”

  “Yes, for now,” he said.

  “Who are you working for now?” When he was with the DEA, he rarely would give her any information. Everything was so hush, hush.

  “A family out of Boston. But I don’t like to talk about work,” he said.

  “Which would leave your love life. Seeing anyone special?” she asked.

  “No. You’re not the only one who thinks about their career.”

  “Oh you mean the one I walked away from?” she grumbled. She really couldn’t believe she had done that.

  “So go back. Talk to him. Tell him you want your job back,” Connor said.

  She burst out laughing. “We’re talking about Ralph Sommers. Do y
ou know what he’ll say if I do that?”

  “No. But then again, neither do you. And you won’t unless you try. That’s the same thing with Ethan. Until you pick up that phone and call him, you’ll be doing just as you are right now.”

  “And what is that oh wise one?” she said sarcastically.

  “Beating yourself up. I guess I better let you go, because it seems like you have some things which you need to take care of. But Kollette, I meant it, I’m always here for you.”

  “Thank you Connor. I love you.”

  “Love you too sis.”

  When Connor ended the call, Kollette held her phone tightly unsure as to what to do next. Connor had given her some good advice, like he usually did, but that only pointed her in the direction. Making calls wasn’t going to resolve anything. She needed to do this in person and she knew exactly where she needed to start.

  Kollette picked up the hotel phone and called the lobby. “This is Kollette Sommers. Can you please have a limo ready to bring me to the airport?”

  “Of course, Ms. Sommers. Is there anything else I can assist you with?” he asked.

  “No. The rest I can handle myself.” She hung up the phone. Something I should’ve already done.

  There would be plenty of time on the plane to think about what to say. Right now, she needed to pack.

  Thankfully Kollette had taken something to help her sleep, otherwise that flight would’ve been hell. She had a way of over thinking and at a time like this, that wasn’t a good thing. Connor had set her straight and she had a plan. Now all she needed to do was see how it played out. Hopefully this ends better than the last time.

  “Hello Ms. Sommers. You’re looking well.”

  Sure. Just stressed and jet lag. Clara was always so polite and professional. “Thank you Clara. Is my father in?” She didn’t want to give him any advance warning on her visit. All he would’ve done was try to handle it over the phone.

  “He is and just got off the phone,” Clara replied.

  “Perfect. If you don’t mind, can you hold his calls? I have something important to discuss and you know how he can get.”

  “Oh, I don’t think he’d be happy if I held his calls.”

  “If he says anything, just tell him I insisted.” Kollette said, and then opened the door to her father’s office.

  “Kollette, what are you doing here?” he asked, looking surprised.

  “I thought maybe we could have lunch.”

  “You should know I don’t eat lunch unless I have a business meeting,” he replied.

  “Good thing I want to talk business,” she smiled.

  He leaned back in his high back leather chair. “Please don’t tell me you’re here to talk about that property in West Virginia. I’ve made up my mind and you know I don’t change it for anyone.”

  I know that all too well. “That’s not why I’m here.”

  “Well then, sit. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  Kollette took the seat opposite from him. She couldn’t believe she was about to do this. What did she have to lose?

  “Dad, you know that I’m a lot like you,” she said.

  “You are. You’re driven and focused. When you want something, nothing stands in your way,” he smiled. “I’m very proud of the woman you have grown up to be.”

  “And I’m here Dad, because I want my job back,” she said firmly. Her father hadn’t seen that one coming. His mouth gapped open and she continued. “I had earned that position, and I’m the best person for it.”

  Her father sat up and said, “That position is filled.”

  “I’m not saying John isn’t capable of managing a hotel, just not that one. Not one of yours.”

  “Then he needs training,” he said.

  “Dad, he will never be as good as me, and you know it,” she said confidently.

  He nodded. “I know he won’t. Because you’re a Sommers, and this business is in our blood.”

  That was all good to hear, but the one thing she missed, was him saying she had her job back. Was he really going to be that stubborn? “Since we are in agreement, does this mean”

  “No. I’m keeping John as the manager.”

  Damn it. She wasn’t going to beg for the job. It’s just one of those things. A regret I’ll have to learn to live with.

  “Then I guess there’s no need for us to have lunch.”

  “Actually I think there is,” he said. “I am still expanding the business.”

  “So you have said. But I’m not interested in running the lodge on the Potters place.”

  “Good, because I wasn’t offering it to you. What I need from you will require a lot of dedication and time. It won’t happen overnight, but I think you’re the right person for the job.”

  “What job is that, Dad?” she asked.

  “One day Kollette, all this will be yours. I think it’s time you start running it with me.”

  If she wasn’t already sitting, she might have found herself on the floor. “You’re…serious? You want me to…to…”

  “Learn everything I know. Be my shadow. We think alike, and yet also differently. I need someone who isn’t afraid to challenge my decisions, and yet bring forth resolutions.”

  “I…don’t know what to say?” For Kollette, speechless wasn’t something she usually suffered from.

  “Yes. And maybe come give your father a hug,” he said as he got up.

  Kollette rushed around his desk and wrapped her arms around him. “Dad, thank you.”

  “I should’ve done this a long time ago,” he said.

  “I’m not talking about the job. I’m talking about…the hug. It’s been too long,” she said. “I’ve missed being…your daughter.”

  He squeezed her tighter. “I’m sorry sweetheart. I shouldn’t have shut you out when I shut out the rest of the world. I…I was afraid that if I broke down, I might not ever get back up.”

  She looked up at her father and said, “Of course you would’ve.”

  “Because I’m a Sommers?”

  “No. Because you got me, just like I got you,” she said.

  When he released her he said, “Kollette, I’m glad you came to see me today. Because there’s something I wanted to talk to you about as well.”

  “The Potters?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “No. I was thinking that maybe we could have dinner Sunday night.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “And maybe you can bring that boyfriend of yours too,” he suggested.

  Ethan? “I’ll see what I can do. But right now, how about that lunch?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Oh Dad, do you mind if I start my new job next week? I have a few things I need to take care of first.”

  “It’s here whenever you’re ready.”

  Ethan was her next stop, but meeting with her father seemed easy compared to seeing Ethan again. With her father, she was just fighting for a job, but with Ethan, she was trying to save her heart from being ripped apart. And I’m the one who did it.

  11

  “Ethan, I wasn’t expecting to see you back so soon,” Mabel said. “Roy is in town getting a few things. Why don’t you come in and I’ll make you some hot coffee. You look like you could use it.”

  He could use something a lot stronger. Ethan had no clue how this was going to go. There was so much he needed to tell them, and yet, not one bit of it was good. This place was his safe haven, the place he went to relax. Right now, he was stressed to the max.

  “Coffee sounds good.”

  “Why don’t you put your bags in your room while I get it ready,” she suggested.

  “I can’t stay. I’m just here to…talk to you both about something.”

  Mabel’s eyes widened. “Is it about Kollette? Are you and her…”

  “No. This isn’t about Kollette,” he said quickly. The last thing he needed was to think about her. He’d fucked up so badly with her, and God, he regretted it. Fixing that was going to b
e even more challenging than saving the Potters land.

  How do I earn back her trust? And why should she even give me the chance to?

  “Ethan, are you okay? You don’t seem like yourself,” Mabel said.

  “I have a lot on my mind,” he said.

  “You usually do when you get here. Are you sure you don’t want to stay and maybe things won’t seem so…bad when you go?”

  “That’s what I need, but unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of time right now. What I’m working on is time sensitive.” If he didn’t get these papers signed and submitted quickly, then Ralph would be free to make his move and there wouldn’t be any stopping him.

  “Oh, Roy will be so disappointed. Since you and Kollette left, he seemed…sad. I don’t know why, but it was as though he thought he’d never see either of you again. You being here is going to brighten his day. I know it did mine,” she said. “Now let me get that coffee.”

  Ethan couldn’t just sit there waiting. It would mean Mabel would be back and she’d want to talk some more. Usually that was a good thing, but right now he was trying to concentrate on everything he needed to tell them. So he opted to make himself useful and headed out to the woodshed. When he got there, he noticed it hadn’t been replenished like usual.

  It wasn’t bitterly cold today so he took off his coat and grabbed the axe. Chopping wouldn’t just help Roy, it was also perfect for relieving some of his built up frustration. Of course he probably would need to cut a few cords of wood to even begin to take the edge off.

  He had no idea how long he’d been out there when he saw Roy’s truck pulling up and park next to the cabin.

  Roy called out, “Ethan, when did you get here? Is Kollette with you?”

  Not you too.

  “No. It’s just me.” Sorry to disappoint everyone.

  “Well it’s good to see you. But you didn’t need to do my work. I was going to get to that,” he said.

  “I needed the exercise. Roy, I can’t stay long, and I needed to talk to you and Mabel. Do you think we can go inside?”

  Roy shot him a worried look. “This sounds serious.”

  “It is,” he replied.