Seduced by a Billionaire (The Carolina Series Book 1)

by Jill Downey

  In his own defense, he had made a very generous offer. One that most would jump at. Ella was not like most people. It seemed as if money had no leverage with her. She was stubborn. And right now, she was being ridiculous damn it! He vacillated between admiration and frustration. He wasn’t accustomed to the word no. He didn’t like it. She should be thanking him for the opportunity instead of making him feel like a loathsome excuse of a human.

  Underneath all the layers, it was new and refreshing to find someone who couldn’t be influenced by his fortune. Ella had gotten under his skin in a big way. His defenses were falling flat even in his own mind. He was surprised to discover that he still had a conscience. He had been convinced his cynicism reflected reality, which over time had dulled his ability to feel much of anything. He felt most people were opportunists and greedy, but maybe there were some exceptions.

  He told himself that the ache he felt in his chest was just part of the healing process from his accident—in fact, he was sure of it. Damn that woman. He wasn’t comfortable with self-reflection and she was bringing long-buried emotions to the surface. Was there any way for him to salvage this and get what he wanted?

  8

  “Slow down and start from the beginning,” Deb said. They were sitting on the beach, the sand warm and soft between their toes. It was high tide and the crashing waves matched Ella’s current emotional state. Deb had responded immediately to her urgent voicemail. Ella wasn’t prone to being overly dramatic.

  Ella had propped her knees up and was sifting sand through her fingertips as the ocean breeze loosened tendrils of her hair from its clasp. She stared at the horizon in deep thought before she began talking again and, once unleashed, left nothing out.

  Deb listened to her friend vent. “He wasn’t even apologetic?”

  “No! He didn’t think he had done anything wrong. He was doing us both a favor, he said. The fucking nerve of that man.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “The way I see it, I have two choices, quit or go work for a tyrant.”

  “Let’s frame this a little differently. What if you were to go work for him, take advantage of what he’s offering. Tell him you’ll say yes, but only if he quadruples the amount. Then make him pay. You take the upper hand. You decide the conditions.”

  “Keep talking,” Ella said warming up to the idea.

  “Your terms, your rules, you win.”

  “How will I be able to tolerate working for him?”

  “Just be your professional self. You liked him just fine before he played God with your career.”

  “Did I? That’s history now.”

  “Look at it this way, you’ll make tons of money, you’ll get out of that dreary hospital and you’ll get a break from Deplorable Deloris.”

  “Maybe you’re right.”

  “Of course I’m right. Mr. Bennett may have just met his match. He has no idea who he is messing with. I’d place my bet on you that he is about to get more than he ever bargained for.”

  Her eyes gleaming, Ella said, “I like the way you think my friend.”

  Ella kept going over the last conversation with Kyle, when she’d laid out her demand that he quadruple her salary. His lips had twisted with cynicism, but he had agreed to her terms. She had felt a twinge of regret upon seeing his contempt, but quickly squelched it considering he had been the one who had put her in this position in the first place.

  The day had arrived, and her pulse was racing as she approached the arched wrought iron security gate mounted to imposing stone columns. The gates began to open automatically as she pulled up and she drove through without having to get out of her jeep. She followed the long curving drive through a tree-lined lawn, perfectly manicured and lavishly landscaped. There were several workers trimming the shrubs and weeding the colorful perennial beds loaded with ornamental and fountain grasses.

  She almost gasped when the house, which could only be described as a palace, came into view. She was going to have to reconsider her initial judgement, scratching wealthy attorney…substituting it with stinkin’ filthy rich attorney which was much more on point. Oh my my, so this is how the one percent actually lived. She had never stepped foot… not even close, to anything this opulent in her entire thirty years on the planet.

  Rather than making her feel inferior, it actually had the opposite effect. Instead she felt prickly and annoyed that there was such disparity between the rich and the poor. Hell, she herself made a decent salary, but this was ridiculous. Nothing anyone did could be this valuable. She wound around the circular drive and parked in front of the entrance.

  She could hear the chimes echoing through the screens of the double French doors as she pressed the doorbell.

  A man approached from the interior of the grand foyer. “You must be Mr. Bennett’s nurse, Ms. Palmer as I recall? Mr. Bennett is expecting you.” He stepped back from the door motioning with a sweep of his arm for Ella to enter. She picked up her cat carrier with Daisy inside and entered.

  “Hello,” she said extending her hand for a shake.

  He bowed slightly then took her hand in his for a brief salutation.

  “I’m the house manager, Richard Drake, or in old school terms, the butler. A pleasure to meet you. Come this way,” he said motioning for her to follow. “I’ll have someone on staff bring in your luggage. After I take you to see Mr. Bennett, I will show you to your quarters so you can settle in. Just leave the cat there for now. We’ll be right back.” He leaned down to stick his finger through the front gate and let Daisy sniff him.

  “And who do we have here?”

  “This is Daisy.”

  “She is a beauty.”

  “Thank you,” Peering into the crate she said, “I’ll be right back Miss Daisy.” A frightened pair of green eyes stared back at her. “Don’t worry, mama will get you out of there.”

  After hiking up the marble spiral staircase to the second level, they walked down a wide corridor, looking more like an art gallery than someone’s home. It was lined with oil paintings, the occasional settee, wing chairs and antique credenzas. They continued toward the end of the wing. Kyle was on the phone listening to someone when Ella entered his bedroom. He watched her approach, eyeing her like she was his next meal. There was an intensity to his gaze that made Ella feel like he had stripped off her clothing and laid her bare.

  “I’ve got to go, my nurse just arrived,” he said, hanging up abruptly.

  “Hello again,” Ella said coolly.

  He glanced pointedly at his watch, “You’ve finally made it.”

  Ella felt her hackles rise on her hackles, “What time were you expecting me?”

  “I assumed you’d be here to help me settle in when I got home from the hospital. Wasn’t that our agreement?”

  “I must have missed that memo. I had no idea I was expected to be here prior to your arrival.”

  “I don’t think it was presumptuous of me to assume the person I’d hired to take care of me, one whom I’m paying out the ass for, be here when I arrived home. You’re here now so we can move on. Rich will get you settled in and set you up with a two-way radio. That way I’ll be able to get your attention whenever I need it.”

  “This just keeps getting better,” she mumbled under her breath.

  “Pardon me?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Ella I’m in pain. I needed my meds an hour ago!”

  “Right. I picked up your prescription on my way in.” She held up a white pharmacy bag. “I’ll give you your meds then go get settled in my room.”

  “I have to admit I’m still surprised you accepted the position. Who’d have thought that even the principled Ella Palmer could be bribed. I had thought you were different from the others. I guess money really can buy anything.”

  Stinging from his rebuke, she said, “I guess so and I’m not cheap.” She forced herself not to be on the defensive. He was the one in the wrong here not her!

  “Apparently not. I’
ll have to make sure I get my money’s worth.”

  “I’m sure you will.” She held out a tiny cup with his pills in it and shook it into his open palm.

  “We’ll see,” he said. He grabbed a glass of water from the bedside table and swallowed his medication. “At last. Thanks.”

  “That’s my job.”

  “You’re free to go get settled in. I think you’ll be very comfortable in the guest suite. It’s at the other end, right down the hall. My son’s room is right next to mine. He won’t be joining us until the end of the week. We thought it best to give me a few days to gain some strength.”

  “I think that’s wise,” Ella said. “Your place is magnificent.”

  “Yes, I suppose it is.”

  Ella shook her head in wonderment that anyone could take this opulence for granted. Most homes she had lived in growing up were about the size of his bedroom.

  Mr. Drake stepped in and said, “I’ll show Ms. Palmer to her quarters. She needs to get her cat acquainted with the new surroundings.”

  “After I get Daisy settled in, I’ll do my assessment.”

  “I’ll be here no doubt,” he said, the dark circles under his eyes were the tell that he was exhausted from the trek home from the hospital. Sometimes a patient didn’t realize how impaired they really were until their reentry into their old life. Then it could be quite shocking to realize their limitations.

  “Make yourself at home. All the amenities are available to you. Rich will give you the grand tour. No formalities, no dress-code I want you to feel like you’re at home. The fridge is fully stocked. I have a chef that will prepare our evening meals but we’re on our own for breakfast and lunch…unless that’s a problem? Rich is here Monday through Friday nine to five and has his own private cottage on the grounds. He is basically always on call, right Rich?” he said, smiling sheepishly.

  “It is one of my great fortunes to be working for you, Mr. Bennett.”

  “Stop. I’m sure Ella thinks I paid you to say that. Her opinion of me is only slightly higher than a pile of cow dung.”

  “You flatter yourself,” she replied.

  He chuckled as she haughtily marched out of the room behind Richard.

  “Here you are,” Mr. Drake said, opening the door to her temporary residence.

  “Holy shit!” slipped out before she could stop it. Embarrassed she quickly covered her mouth with her hand saying, “I’m so sorry, please excuse me.”

  Mr. Drake just smiled, “I understand Ms. Palmer. It is grand indeed by anyone’s standards.”

  “You can say that again.” She sucked in her breath as she took in her surroundings. There were vases of beautiful cut flowers filling the room. A large gift box wrapped in gold foil with a bow sat on her bed.

  “I’ll leave you alone. I thought perhaps the litter box could be placed in the walk-in closet over there,” he said pointing to the west corner of the room. “The floors are tiled so there is no need to worry about damage.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Drake.”

  “My pleasure. Feel free to make use of the pool and spa while you’re here. There is a sauna and steam room off the gym. I’ll give you a tour after you get unpacked.”

  “That would be great.”

  “Please call me Richard or Rich,” he said smiling kindly.

  “Okay. Let’s start with Richard. How long have you worked for Kyle?”

  “I’ve been working for the Bennett family for over thirty-five years. Since before Kyle was born.”

  “Wow!”

  “Yes, you can say that again. I’m not at all sure where that time has gone. Should I return, say in twenty minutes, for the tour?”

  “Make it thirty,” she said smiling. “Thank you.”

  “Consider it done.” He bowed slightly at the waist and backed out of the doorway leaving her and Daisy alone in the massive apartment-sized guest quarters. There was even a small kitchenette with a coffee maker and dorm fridge for God’s sake. She walked to the double French doors and looked out, admiring the view of the pool. It was massive.

  She spied another vase filled with the most exquisite roses she had ever seen. Walking over to investigate she bent down to sniff, taking delight at the light rose fragrance. The outer petals of the rosettes were a soft peach blending to an apricot center. She pulled out the card and opened it. Ella, My sincerest gratitude that you accepted my offer. Your help in my time of need is appreciated. Yours, Kyle

  Oh really? How convenient. Practically calls me a mercenary, completely disrupts my life, puts a serious dent in my already tarnished reputation, then thinks a couple dozen roses are going to make it okay. It was going to take a whole lot more mea culpa from him for her to even consider letting him off the hook he was currently dangling from. She reached for the fancy box and lifted the lid. Her hands automatically stroked the fine silk lingerie in a pale shade of aquamarine. She pulled out a matching lightweight dressing gown and rubbed it against her cheek. Sumptuous.

  Whoever had brought her luggage had also deposited the newly purchased litter box and litter in the closet. She took the time to set that up and made sure Daisy knew where it was. She put out the cat dish in the galley kitchen and heaped Daisy’s favorite dried food in one side and water in the other. “I know you’re freaked out now but in a few days we’ll both be adjusted. I promise.” She scratched her behind the ears. Deciding to take Kyle at his word, she changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top.

  She opened her French doors and stepped out onto the balcony. A gentle breeze stirred her hair. Inhaling the floral scent in the air, she spied magnificent magnolias in full bloom dotting the landscape. There were white and pink dogwoods as well. The poolside was ablaze with color from the perennial beds surrounding the area and the potted urns filled with bright annuals. An arbor next to the pool house had twisted vines climbing and weaving around the cedar beams, the purple blooms of wisteria dangling like clusters of grapes.

  An hour later, Ella’s head was reeling after the grand tour. Geesh! A game room, a home theater, a library for God’s sake! Family kitchen, formal dining room, butler pantry, wine cellar, a study, personal gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, indoor and outdoor pools, sunroom, grand room, and even a music room with the requisite baby grand piano…it blew her away.

  Ending her tour, Richard deposited her back at Kyle’s bedroom door after she’d picked up her medical bag. He was asleep so she allowed herself a few moments to just stare.

  “Like what you see?” Kyle said lazily.

  Bristling she said, “I was just looking over my patient’s bruises. They’re fading fast.” Fake it til you make it.

  He returned the favor as his eyes slowly raked over her body from the top of her head all the way to her sandaled feet then back up again. He obviously liked what he saw as his eyes glittered with desire. “Glad to get your professional analysis,” he said. “You in those shorts? Damn! Looking like a goddess and all, those thighs are about to give me a heart attack.”

  “I guess you’re feeling a little more rested?”

  “Most of me, but I wouldn’t say certain parts of me feel rested at the moment.”

  Eyes rolling, she said, “Spare me. Maybe now is as good a time as any to have that discussion about the rules.”

  “Rules, what rules?”

  “The one’s I alluded to when I agreed to accept this job.”

  “I’m all ears, but can I have a drink first?”

  “Of course.” She sat her satchel with her medical paraphernalia on the floor next to his bed then walked over to a side table to get the small pitcher of ice water someone had left there.

  Kyle was content to enjoy the view of her delicious ass. Rules be damned. He intended to enjoy every minute of this and get his damn money’s worth. Hey, if it led to a little dalliance, he could handle that. She had brought it on herself when she decided to take advantage of his wealth and need. It had been far too long since he had felt this level of desire for anyone.

&nb
sp; After refilling his cup, Ella pulled up a chair and sat facing Kyle, who continued to stare at her with impenetrable eyes.

  “First, this is to remain strictly professional,” she said. When he stayed silent, she continued, “I call the shots. I’m your nurse and nothing more. No more comments about my legs or any other part of my anatomy. Keep your hands and your eyeballs to yourself.”

  His eyes glittered, but he held his tongue.

  “Aren’t you going to respond?”

  “I’m listening, please go on, this is most intriguing.”

  “Furthermore, you will treat me with respect, or I walk. Do we understand one another Mr. Bennett?”

  “One hundred percent Ms. Palmer. Shouldn’t be a problem. I’m really not that into you anyway. Opportunists bore me. I’ve had enough to last several lifetimes. Anything else?”

  Ella blushed beet red at the insult but kept her cool. “Let’s do that assessment now.”

  As Kyle watched her wrap the blood pressure cuff around his arm, he felt a pang of remorse at lashing out at her so harshly. He had to remind himself that she had brought it on by becoming greedy. Priding himself on his ability to read a person, he had been stunned by Ella’s reversal. When she had demanded two times over his original proposal, which was overly generous to begin with, he had told himself it was better to know now who he was dealing with. He had pushed aside his disappointment and hurt; to be blindsided further along into the relationship would have been worse.

  She grabbed his wrist to take his pulse while the cuff squeezed his bicep. Her touch electrified him. He watched her as she noted the blood pressure results in a log, then ran a thermometer across his forehead. “How is your pain level today from one to ten?”

  “Six after the meds…was a nine before you got here.”

  She placed her stethoscope against his bare chest and said, “Take a couple of deep breaths for me.” Kyle was hyperaware of the warmth of her hand and felt an instantaneous response. “Lean forward so I can reach your back… now a couple more breaths. Sounds good, lungs are clear, blood pressure and temperature normal. Now I’ll check your surgical site and change the dressing.”