Only a Date with a Billionaire (The Only Us Billionaire Romance Series Book 5)

by Ellie Hall

  “Well, I hope you enjoy it because once back at the farm, I imagine we’ll return to the quiet life.”

  Sophie knew a thing or two about the quiet life and understood what Margaret meant. Moving to New York City had opened up a new world of possibilities and potential within her, particularly one that she’d all but dismissed.

  Being with Teagh ignited something in her she’d never felt before except every second that they were together. It was that spark and it was growing stronger by the moment.

  “We ought to head back to our hotel,” Clyde said. “It was lovely meeting you, Sophie.”

  “Likewise,” she replied.

  “Teagh, are you still worried about that broken mirror?” Margaret winked and then they whisked into the night.

  “Well, that was exciting.” Sophie mounted the stairs.

  “I was thinking more like intense.” He walked beside her toward the elevator.

  “That too.” She chuckled.

  “My parents are one of a kind. I’m sorry if my mother was pushy.”

  “She’s sweet...and fierce.”

  “I’ve never seen her quite so animated. Well, except during the divorce—” He cut himself off and shook his head. “Never mind. They really like you.”

  Sophie bit her lip. She didn’t want to push him to talk about anything he wasn’t ready to share. Heck, they weren’t even an actual couple. Just neighbors. Although, the idea of attending a wedding with him, seeing him the next day, meeting him in the alley, and of being more than neighbors and acquaintances excited her in a way that was entirely unexpected.

  The elevator doors opened and they got in. “Floor?” he asked.

  “Eighth.”

  He pushed that button and the one for the eleventh.

  “Well, goodnight,” she said when they arrived at her floor.

  He nodded. “G’night.”

  She started walking away and then asked, “What did your mother mean about a broken mirror?”

  Teagh gripped the back of his neck and the faintest smile shone on his lips. He was several years older than her, but he looked suddenly boyish with a smirk on his lips. It was directed at Sophie and her insides swam in the warmth of the way it made her feel.

  Chapter 8

  Teagh

  Teagh flopped on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He’d trained with the top coaches in the world. He’d boxed with the best in the business. He was a fighter, resilient, and tough, but the previous twenty-four hours left him feeling like he’d been run over by a truck.

  First, he was starting a new business and all the stress and expectation that came along with that. The grand opening was in a week.

  Second, there was the adrenalin spike when he’d met the attacker in the alley—along with the unexpectedly strong feelings of protectiveness over Sophie.

  Third, his ex-wife showed up in his new city, in his building, with the guy she cheated on him with, and claimed to be moving in.

  Fourth, his parents were visiting, earlier than expected, and had all the energy of two high schoolers in the big city for the first time.

  Fifth, he had a family wedding to go and while those were always fun, it couldn’t have been at a worse time, considering he had tons to get on top of before the gym made its debut.

  What was more, the feeling of protectiveness over Sophie went in a surprisingly deep direction.

  Being around her was confusing. He felt things, stirrings he hadn’t felt in a long time and never as powerfully. In fact, he had the urge to drop everything and whisk her away to a land of sweets where she could bake all day and he could get to know her, admiring her pretty face, and...just be with her.

  Teagh considered himself a balanced, centered, and sensible person. He had the martial arts training to thank for that, but in all the time he’d spent with Sophie, he felt grounded and like the possibilities were endless. It was like he was perfectly aligned with the earth and the sky, day and night, sun and rain.

  And yet they were opposites in nearly every way. It didn’t make sense. He sighed as the cat that had adopted him the day after he’d moved to the city hopped onto the bed and rubbed his head against Teagh’s arm, asking for a pet.

  “Nick, what am I going to do?” he said absently.

  The cat just purred.

  “I mean, we hardly know each other, my parents think we’re dating and practically forced her into accompanying me to the wedding, and Teresa is out for her blood.”

  The cat’s purr grew louder.

  “Yeah, you’re right. I have to just go with the flow. My coach used to always say be like water and go with the flow.” Resisting and tensing up only led to agitation and injury.

  The purring stopped.

  “And here I am talking to the cat.” Teagh patted the animal on its head, rolled over, and went to sleep.

  He woke up the next day without the heaviness that had sent him to bed. He was energized and ready to get to work. He made it through the foyer of the building without encountering Teresa. When he passed the Honey and Lavender bakery the line reached the door, which meant Sophie was busy and distracted. He needed to do the same. He needed to stop thinking about her. He needed to get to work.

  Thankfully, his parents were busy sightseeing and it wasn’t until late afternoon that they called him to check-in. More accurately, they video-called him to give him a full recount of their day.

  They also couldn’t seem to figure out how to both remain in the cell phone’s camera frame and he got a good view up his father’s nose (hairy), of the digital billboards in Times Square (blurry), and then the sidewalk when they dropped the thing (clumsy).

  “Will we be able to meet with you and Sophie for dinner?” his mother asked as she retrieved the device. “Oh good, it’s not broken. Good thing you got us that special case.”

  “I’d love to meet you for dinner, but because I wasn’t planning for you guys to get here for a couple more days, I have some work to catch up on then the calendar is clear for us to spend time together. My apologies.”

  “Don’t worry about it, son. We can keep ourselves entertained.”

  At that, he heard his mother talking to someone.

  “Margaret is already making friends.” His father adjusted the phone so Teagh got a glimpse of his mom posing with a nearly naked cowboy on one side and Mickey Mouse on the other. He was vaguely aware that some of the characters in Times Square posed for photo opps for a fee. He didn’t want to see anyone take advantage of his parents.

  Teagh held back a laugh. “Well, make sure you leave with whatever you had when you arrived.”

  “Not to worry, we will, maybe except a few dollars.”

  At that, they hung up. Teagh worried about his parents, but despite calling themselves country mice, they’d raised five kids, ran a farm, and had somehow survived trying times. They were resourceful and not likely to lose their shirts in the big city.

  He tried to turn back to assessing a few documents, including a final review of contracts and release of liability but couldn’t concentrate. The scent of something sweet filtered from next door. The soundproofing would get installed but could the workers also apply something to keep the delicious smell of food baking from teasing him, taunting him, and forcing him to his feet?

  As he walked through the gym to go to the bakery, he told himself he was just getting a tea to pep himself up. Scaffolding was set up around the front of the entryway and workers were hanging the sign so he couldn’t exit unless he went out the back door. He couldn’t very well knock on the bakery door in the alley and order a tea. He returned to the office and just as he sat down, his phone rang. Without looking at the caller ID, he answered it. “Uppercut Boxing Club.”

  “Hi, Teagh.”

  His muscles clenched. “What do you want, Teresa?” He’d recognize her voice anywhere, including his nightmares, which he imagined she was trying to create in his daily life.

  “Listen, I know we’ve had our differences, but wha
t I want you to understand is that some people aren’t meant for marriage. They get along better without the pressure of a legally binding document.”

  “No, marriage is a sacred vow.”

  “Oh, you and your devotion. Doesn’t it get tiring? Look, we’re both here, in the city. Why don’t we put the past behind us, get together, and have some fun? It’ll be like old times.”

  “Why did you move into my building?”

  “Actually, that didn’t work out exactly as planned. Darren and I were hoping to get a place together, but it seems he’s in a bit of a tough spot financially. In fact, he had to head back to the UK to deal with something at his office. It had to do with misallocated funds, I guess. That ship is sinking. But I’m still here and I’d love for you to show me around and show me a good time. You up for it?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  The line was quiet a beat.

  “So that’s how it’s going to be?” she asked.

  He could practically see the gears turning in her nefarious mind. She went to New York to rub her new relationship in his face. Then she saw Teagh with Sophie and got jealous. On top of that, she learned Darren was broke, and without a sugar daddy, she was too. So she tried to claw her way back into Teagh’s life. However, he knew her well enough that once the claws were out, she’d be relentless. She’d try to ruin him again. But what could he do?

  “Teresa, you are to stay away from me, my gym, and out of my life. I don’t want anything to do with you. Do not call again.” He hoped being firm would do the trick.

  She hung up with a cackle. He was sure that was the sound of her planning to torment him.

  At last, the workers had packed up and the sun was setting. He surveyed the gym. Progress had been made, despite the distractions—namely the pretty baker next door.

  As he reviewed his to-do list for the next day, he half expected Sophie to summon him to accompany her to the alley. He rather liked the idea of a rendezvous—though anywhere other than the alley would be preferred.

  As he locked up, the scent of cinnamon apples wafted in the cool air. Well into the fall months, the days were getting shorter.

  Sophie stood outside the bakery, balancing a box of baked goods in one hand, had a few bags over her shoulder, and a folder.

  “Hi,” she said, turning to him. “How are things coming?”

  “Almost ready to officially open the doors. There are a few last-minute things and with my parents here and the wedding, it’s a real time crunch.”

  She went on to tell him about her soft opening and how they didn’t have any cups for cold drinks—somehow there was a mistake on her bulk order and she was sent double the cups for hot drinks. “Also the power went out for about thirty minutes because of a thunderstorm and someone brought their dog in and it peed on a table leg.” She laughed. He could listen to that sound all day and night. “Good thing I love dogs and cats and basically anything with fur.”

  Without either of them indicating as much, they walked side by side toward their building as the street lights blinked on and night descended.

  “I know your grand opening will be a great success. You’ve been working so hard. It’s bound to pay off.”

  A little zing lifted inside of him at the idea of her paying attention to what he was doing. “Your bakery seems to be the toast of the town so I know who to go to for business advice.”

  “Or a cup of sugar, tea, or...” She trailed off.

  “Or?” he asked. “A date to a wedding.”

  They stopped at a crossing and their eyes met. Hers were so soft, friendly, and inviting. The glow of the lights illuminated her features. The jolt from earlier returned.

  The crossing changed with a beep, reminding him where he was.

  “Speaking of weddings, I want to apologize again for my ex. She’s was out of line and what she said about an ugly duckling was just plain ugly. For the record, you are not an ugly duckling. Quite the opposite. Teresa is not a nice person and is trying to mess with me.” Their conversation from earlier returned.

  “Thank you for saying as much, but it would take a lot more than a nasty comment from a stranger to knock me off-kilter. I’ve learned that people who say things like that are missing something and are looking outside themselves to find it. I’ve met people like her. Maybe even I was once like her. I mean, not quite that bad, but thinking back I wasn’t always as kind and compassionate as I could have been.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I guess we all make mistakes, right? We get it wrong. We crave something that nothing can fill so...we try to bring others to our level. The only thing we need to seek is Jesus. There’s only one truth and it’s in His teachings.”

  He tilted his head, surprised at her confidence and wisdom. He couldn’t agree more.

  “Speaking of being off-kilter... Um, I didn’t get around to asking you, but I made my mother a promise.”

  Teagh braced himself. He’d gleaned that her mother was overbearing and anxious from the few things she’d mentioned.

  They were nearly at the building so maybe he wasn’t only tensing because of whatever Sophie was going to ask. He wasn’t as superstitious as some of his siblings, but he worried talking about Teresa would cause her to materialize.

  Mr. Spinigotti opened the wide glass door, greeting them both. Mercifully, without news that he had any visitors, neither unexpected nor unwelcome.

  She passed him the box. “As requested.”

  “The guys at my domino game were jealous of my biscotti.”

  “I’m glad they approved.”

  “Angelo said they tasted just like his Nonna used to make. That’s high praise because he’s a grump.” Mr. Spinigotti smiled.

  “I’m glad he thinks so. I’m actually looking for new recipes so I can offer a variety. They sell like hotcakes. Er, like hot biscotti?”

  Mr. Spinigotti laughed.

  Teagh was eager to get clear of the foyer in case Teresa appeared, but he wanted to know what Sophie wanted to ask.

  After the doorman crowed about winning the latest game of dominos that he played with several other Italian old-timers and said goodnight, they climbed the wrought iron stairs. Thankfully, there was no sign of Teresa.

  As they got on the elevator, his stomach grumbled or was it Sophie’s? After practically being barricaded in the gym all day he was starved.

  “Oh, I never told you what I promised my mother. I accidentally called her and like the snoop she is, she listened in. She overheard me telling Jonathan and Keisha about the near-attack. Anyway, I promised her I would take a class from you and since you’d offered...”

  “Yes, absolutely. The offer still stands.”

  “It’s just that I’ve been swamped with stuff at the bakery.”

  “Me too, but at the gym.”

  “Also, it’s not officially opened yet or anything, but when it is—”

  He did not like the idea of her delaying the class because of his schedule. Her safety was his priority. “Well, I could show you a few things now.”

  “Now?”

  “Now. Well, after some dinner because I think we’re both hungry.”

  She shrugged. “As a baker, you might not expect my cupboards to be bare, but my dinner tonight was going to consist of a freezer meal so if you can do better than that, I’m in.”

  “Before my parents went sightseeing today, they went to a farmer’s market and stocked my pantry. Well, that was after my mother called me, hollering about how it was a shame to the Coyle name that I didn’t have any food in the flat.”

  “From the way they were talking last night, they’re culinary wizards so if they were involved, I trust that whatever we eat will be delish.”

  “But I’ve never cooked for you.”

  “If all else fails, we can split my frozen meal or I can beg Mr. Spinigotti for the biscotti back.”

  Teagh laughed softly, let them into his place, and turned on the lights.

  The cat slinked out fr
om under the table and rubbed their legs.

  “Who’s this?” Sophie asked, bending over to pet the calico cat.

  “That’s Nick Furry.”

  “Like Nick Fury, the character from the Avengers movies?”

  He nodded as he hung up their jackets.

  “Those are my favorite superhero movies.”

  They chatted about the film franchise for a moment.

  “Are your parents staying here?” Sophie asked when they went into the kitchen.

  “No, my father is allergic to cats and I treated them to a suite at the Four Seasons. They never took a honeymoon and their fiftieth wedding anniversary is coming up so it was kind of like an anniversary gift. They must’ve added a few nights since they came early. I ought to make sure my card gets charged and not theirs.”

  Sophie followed him to the kitchen and Nick wandered in after them. He fed the cat and then assessed the pantry. It was overflowing with potatoes, grains, and all manner of foods to cook meals from scratch. The refrigerator was equally full.

  “Are you allergic to anything?” he asked.

  “Luckily, no. Not cats or foods.”

  “Any extreme dislikes?”

  She squished up her face. “Papaya. It’s kind of slimy.”

  “Good thing it’s not in season, but in that case, I’d never make you suffer through papaya.” He clapped his hands together, making a game plan. “Alright, I know what I’m going to make.”

  Thirty minutes later, he presented two bowls of fresh pasta topped with a rustic fresh tomato sauce.

  “It smells and looks divine. I guess I’m glad I didn’t bring dessert because I’m going to be full after this. Thanks for cooking.”

  “The sauce is a late-season specialty at the farm. Take all the tomatoes that are getting on, add some garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Grind up some salt and pepper, roast the whole lot in the oven. Then you mush it all up.”

  Sophie took a bite. Around a smile and a mouthful, she said, “This is the best mushy pasta I’ve ever had.”