by Erica Penrod
His Beautiful Billionaire Distraction
Erica Penrod
Copyright © 2019 by Erica Penrod
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Contents
His Beautiful Billionaire Distraction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
Also by Erica Penrod
About the Author
His Beautiful Billionaire Distraction
Billionaire Bachelor Cove
Two people who never meant to find love, stumble upon it. Will they grab hold or let it slip away?
Welcome to The Cove
With heavy iron gates, two security stations, and a groundskeeper's cottage, The Cove has everything a billionaire could ask for in a home. Dubbed Billionaire Bachelor Cove because of the residents' single status and income portfolios, The Cove is the perfect place to hide away from the world. But, as the residents soon find out, they can't hide from love.
His Beautiful Billionaire Distraction
Waylon West needs redemption. Ready to rise above the addiction that plagued him for years, Seattle will be his salvation, a place of restitution and a chance to repair a damaged relationship with his brother. Routine strengthens his defenses against the dark demons of addiction, one second, one minute, and one day at a time— until everything changes because of one woman’s stunning smile.
Billionaire Tayla Mills doesn’t plan to stay in Washington for long. When she arrived in Seattle, she was pleased to find that her house in the renowned neighborhood, The Cove, is more of a vacation destination rather than a home. She unpacked, completely unaware that a gift from a friend is about to change everything.
A rescue mission and a case of mistaken identity bring Waylon and Tayla together long enough to tear them apart. In the name of recovery, Tayla spends time with Waylon, never intending to fall in love with an addict. Waylon doesn’t want Tayla’s pity, but soon discovers he wants her heart.
Both haunted by irrevocable consequences of the past, Tayla and Waylon’s future is uncertain. Can love heal what’s been broken and is it enough to keep Waylon clean, even when the unthinkable happens?
One
Seattle’s overcast disposition made Tayla Mills feel right at home. She preferred sunshine, though; for most of her childhood, she’d felt trapped beneath a fog of false pretenses. Over time, the grey cocoon concealing her family’s truth from the world—wrong for so many reasons, but right because it was all she knew—had become difficult to step away from.
Tayla cast aside the thought, something she’d become quite proficient at over the last ten years.
“We’re almost there, miss,” Tom, the driver, called over his shoulder.
“I’ll have to take your word for it.” She rolled down the window and stuck her hand out, allowing the light mist to collect along her skin. “I can’t see anything.”
Tom chuckled. “Welcome to Seattle.”
Tayla inhaled the rain’s scent, filling her lungs to capacity. As she released the air, her muscles relaxed, and a smile eased across her face. Rain was renewal, a chance to begin again, and essential for things to grow. She would look for the rainbow.
Slowly, thick brown trunks emerged along the edge of the road. With each passing second, the fog gave way to the green landscape. Trees dressed in moss crowded the hillside. Ferns and other vegetation vying for patches of sunlight skirted along the bottom. “It’s certainly beautiful.”
“Is this your first time here?” Pride echoed in Tom’s voice.
“No, I’ve flown in a couple times but didn’t venture much past downtown. This is the first time I’ve really got to see some of the landscape.”
“The Cove is one of the most beautiful and unique gated communities in Seattle.” Tom signaled right as the car slowed down. “I’ve enjoyed working for them.”
“That’s what I’ve been told. My agent said some of the most magnificent homes she’s ever seen are there, and each on twenty-plus acres of property.” Tayla drew back her hand. “I’ve been assured that the house I purchased is exquisite.”
Tom cocked a brow as he gazed at her through the rearview mirror. “I can’t imagine buying a house without having seen it in person.”
Tayla shrugged her shoulders. “What can I say? I trust my agent.” Her thoughts drifted to Saige, her childhood friend turned real estate agent. The girl had grown up down the road from Tayla and was the one person who could see right through her, no matter what look Tayla painted on her face. “And this isn’t my full-time residence, anyway.” She bit her lip. In reality, the house in The Cove was the third home she’d purchased in the last couple of years, but she didn’t want to sound pretentious. Which obviously was a moot point; she’d already admitted to Tom that she’d bought a house sight unseen in one of the most celebrated neighborhoods for the wealthy. Tayla had researched the place online once Saige gave the suggestion. She’d then gotten in touch with Adam Moreau, the developer, and after a lengthy discussion, she’d decided The Cove was just what she was looking for: privacy and a piece of ground to explore. “I’ve opened a business in Seattle, and I’ll be spending quite a bit of time here for now.”
“What kind of business, if you don’t mind me asking?” Tom slowed the car as they approached a large iron gate.
“I don’t mind at all.” Tayla smoothed the wrinkle from her skirt. “I own recovery centers for people with addictions.”
He hesitated before looking in the mirror again. “Like a drug rehab?”
“Yes.” She anticipated his response. She was used to the awkward moments of silence and darting glances. People’s reactions to her business were one of the main reasons she’d gone into rehabilitation. She wanted to break the negative stereotyping of addicts, especially those in recovery. “I want to help as many people as I can.”
Tom nodded, but Tayla didn’t end the conversation there. “Everyone suffers from addictions in one form or another; some are just more visible than others.” Tayla smiled to herself when she saw Tom’s shoulders lower. Compassion was easier to come by when a person related to the subject.
“I wish you great success.” A genuine smile reflected at her from the rearview mirror.
Tom stopped in front of the gate and rolled down his window, where they were met by a man in a uniform. He and Tom exchanged greetings.
“I’m here with Ms. Tayla Mills.”
“Right on schedule.” The security guard peered back at Tayla. “Welcome to The Cove, Ms. Mills. Someone from Bravo will meet with you at your convenience to go over all the security precautions and systems in place. You should’ve received an email with the contact information.”
“Yes, thank you.” Tayla smiled. The Bravo Security team was another reason The Cove appealed to her. She liked to close her eyes at night knowing she was well protected. Memories dressed as monsters liked to haunt her dreams, and they were more than enough for her to contend wit
h. Wealth had its advantages—Tayla had inherited her family’s potato farm, and unbeknownst to her, her father’s ranch was worth millions. The financial success she’d achieved through her business operations was like a bull’s-eye tattooed on her forehead. She was a prime target for crazies and men more interested in her bank account than in a woman with a sharp mind.
The security man stepped back, and a second later, the large gate swung open. Tom eased up the road. Tayla leaned her head out the window, wanting a clear image of the place she would now call home, at least for the next couple of months. “Tom, do you know where to go from here?” Tayla picked up her phone, ready to pull up the map Saige had sent her.
“Yes, I do. Your home is across from Koven Kent’s.”
“I’ve never met him.” Tayla had been referred to Mr. Kent’s accounting firm by several business associates. “I hear he’s a genius at managing and investments.”
“I’ve also heard good things about him, but I’ve never met him. However, I’ve driven for Mr. West, who lives just to the north of the Kent residence, on several occasions.”
“Oh, good.” Tayla’s belly bubbled with anticipation as they wound up the road. “I’ve looked forward to meeting Mr. West. We’ve talked on the phone and emailed, but I’ve never met him in person.” She glanced up and saw the caretakers’ home Saige mentioned to her.
“Mr. West is a good guy.” Tom turned and headed north. “He’s quite the character.”
“I’ve gathered that from our conversations.” Tayla grinned. “Of course, anyone with a Texan drawl sounds entertaining to me.” She’d always been drawn to the idea of Texas and the tall tales of bigger and better. Tayla had purchased ground in the Lone Star State and found she agreed with the rumors. Once the Dallas facility was up and running, she’d received a call from Jamon West, a man who’d invented an injection for horses and become a billionaire. He’d wondered if she was interested in a Seattle location, and after a little research, she’d agreed.
They continued to drive and Tayla saw several homes, each with their own unique appearance. Of course, not all the houses were visible, since many owners preferred privacy and had built away from the road. Her house, she was told, was visible from the streetway but sat back far enough to be somewhat private. Mr. Moreau’s elite neighborhood allowed residents to purchase property and build a custom home, or there was the option of buying a nearly completed home, where color schemes and finishing preferences were all that was needed. Tayla’s home was in the second category.
“Here we are.” Tom turned onto a circular driveway made from brick pavers.
The car stopped, and Tayla leaned farther out the window. “Oh, wow.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I think Saige knows me better than I know myself.”
“It’s beautiful.” Tom shifted the car in park.
Tayla took in the three-story home, with the light grey shaker shingles, pale yellow hardy board siding, and a turret to the right with a wraparound porch. The house was huge but inviting. “I’ll have to call and thank her.”
Tom got out and was around to open the door by the time Tayla put up the window. He offered her a hand and helped her from the car. “I’ll bring your luggage in.”
“Thank you, Tom.” Tayla shook her head and grinned, still amazed at the house. She’d known she was right to trust Saige, but Tayla hadn’t known she was this right. She stepped onto the front walk, admiring the massive ferns in gorgeous pots on either side of the front door. Everything about the house whispered to Tayla, Welcome home, I’ve been waiting for you. Tayla adjusted the purse on her shoulder as the door swung open.
“Hello, you must be Miss Mills.” A young woman with pink hair, the same color as Tayla’s high school prom dress, held open the door. “I’m Misty.” She offered her hand. Tayla smiled, noticing the stacks of rings on her fingers that coordinated nicely with the ring in her nose. “I’m thrilled to be working for you.” She pumped Tayla’s hand with an infectious zeal.
Tayla chuckled. “I’m happy to meet you too.” Her personal assistant, Brooke, had arranged to have a housekeeper and chef awaiting Tayla’s arrival. “The house is beautiful.” She stepped into the entryway.
“I’m so excited for you to see the place.” Misty’s dark eyes danced beneath her short-cropped bangs.
“Me too.” She craned her neck to see the crystal chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling.
“You are going to love it.” Misty sang the last couple words. “But first, your friend, um …” She raised one of her penciled brows. “Saige?”
Tayla nodded.
“Yes, Saige called, and I’m to give you your housewarming gift before I do anything else. If you wouldn’t mind waiting right here, just for the surprise factor …” Misty’s heels bounced up and down.
“Okay?” Tayla wasn’t sure what to expect. Maybe a plant?
Misty left, and Tayla noticed the empty sitting area to her right. She was scheduled to meet with the interior decorator tomorrow to discuss her taste and style. As long as the king-sized mattress waited for her in the master suite, she wasn’t too worried about the other furnishings.
Tom came up beside her with a suitcase in each hand. He raised a brow as if to ask why she was waiting in the entryway of her own house, which she’d begun to wonder herself—until she heard a sound that sent her heart pounding. Misty came in with her hands full of brown-and-white fluff.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Tayla gave Misty a slighted glance. “This cannot be my housewarming gift.” She shook her head as she took a tiny puppy from Misty’s outstretched arms. Saige knew Tayla didn’t have time for a puppy in her life. Two eyes the color of melted chocolate stared up at her, and her resolve softened into a pile of mush. Oh, Saige, what have you done? Tayla cradled the pup against her chest. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“He’s a boy, and he’s a King Charles spaniel.” Misty’s red lips parted into a wide smile.
The little guy nestled into her chest and claimed a piece of her heart.
“And I’m supposed to give you this.” Misty reached into her back pocket and handed Tayla a piece of paper.
Tayla cuddled the pup in one arm as she took the letter from Saige.
Dear Tay,
I hope you enjoy my gift to you. My responsibility as your best friend is to look out for your well-being. I decided it was time for you to have someone special in your life. You’re so busy caring for others, you never slow down enough for your own needs. I know Charlie (that’s what I call him) may not be the man of your dreams, but he’ll definitely snuggle and give you kisses!
Hugs,
Saige
Tayla didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Her job took up her time, and what was the point of a pet if she wasn’t around to enjoy the animal? Charlie’s little bubble gum tongue licked her hand, and she smiled, compelling her to find a way. A puppy was a personal commitment, not another task for a member of her staff. That was why she’d never allowed herself one, but perhaps that was Saige’s point.
Her mind immediately kicked into plotting and planning. She’d research the breed, study books on house-training and discipline. Not to mention all the supplies she’d need. Tayla caught a glimpse of her watch, trying to estimate how she’d squeeze Charlie into her already hectic day, when he lifted his little head, yawned, and burrowed down again. At once, all she wanted was to sit down and hold her pup. Forget touring the house or checking on work. Within seconds, the warmth of this adorable creature already branded his spot in her life. Oh, wow, she was in trouble.
* * *
Waylon West had a difficult time forgetting the past. He pushed his hands into his front pockets as he walked along the sidewalk. A light drizzle of warm rain continued to fall, even though a bright sun parted the clouds. He’d worked hard the last three months and was proud of all he’d accomplished, but life in a rehab center was like dress rehearsal. Staying sober in the real world would be the performance of a lifetime.
He’d had to come here, to Seattle, to make amends with his brother and his brother’s fiancée, the two people he’d hurt more than anyone. This was the next step on his journey to recovery, but The Cove, where his billionaire brother Jamon lived, was where Waylon had crashed to the lowest point in his life. No matter the distance he’d covered since then, facing Jamon and Gemma was one of the most painful parts of the recovery process. Waylon had to find a way to forgive himself. If he couldn’t get past the image of himself holding Gemma at gunpoint, how did he ever expect Jamon and Gemma to?
A piece of landscape bark escaped the border of the mound that ran along the sidewalk lining his brother’s neighborhood. The dark, jagged piece of wood was in stark contrast against the light cement. Waylon reached down, scooped up the bark, and tossed it back into the landscape, where beautiful green shrubs and trees lined the road. Out of place was something he could relate to. His brother was born with a heart too big for his body and the ability to love anyone, able to fit in anywhere or not care when he didn’t, but Waylon seemed to have bounded out of the womb with a burden on his back, and belonging never came easy for him.
Jamon and Gemma had welcomed him when he’d told them he was coming to Seattle once he’d been discharged. It would’ve been easy to take Jamon up on his offer and live with him or allow his brother to buy him a nice condo overlooking the coast. The old Waylon would’ve been cool with that, and that was exactly why he’d refused Jamon’s help. Everything had to be different. He had to do this on his own, but loneliness sent him to a meeting at the rehab center at least once a day and sometimes more. Maybe he needed a dog. Someone waiting for him when he got home might help.
