Текст книги "The Billionaire's Temptation: Alpha Billionaire Romance"

Автор книги: L. N. Pearl

Соавторы: S. K. Lee
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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 3 страниц)

3 – Kendra

After spending the day working on the website, I knew it was completely useless. I needed help far beyond what my own capabilities were. That help would demand to be paid, so being without any other options, I called Hunter and accepted the interview.

I figured it would be a few days until the father wanted to meet with me, but I had been wrong. It was a theme as of late. The man seemed to be in desperate need and wanted to meet that evening. Seeing as though I had nothing else to do... I agreed.

I pilfered through the dresses in my closet, trying to imagine what a nanny might look like. I had never applied to be a nanny, but wearing something comely seemed more fitting than anything that might make me look young and hungry for success.

Still... I was young and ready to succeed at life. Weren’t nannies older women with long black dresses and curly white hair?

“You’re being an idiot,” I muttered to myself and released my prejudices.

Tugging my favorite black and blue dress from the hanger, I held it up and turned to face the mirror. The color scheme was perfect for bringing out the blue in my eyes. I could wear my hair in a bun and add flats instead of heels to pull away from the attractiveness of the outfit. Besides, the best advertising was to actually wear the things I created.

I finished getting dressed and walked back into the living room as Brian turned the TV off. He glanced up and smiled.

“Don’t you look beautiful. Professional and sexy all in the same space.”

“Really?” I turned and smiled, enjoying the soft cotton and silk material I’d chosen for the pattern. “Think it’s nanny enough?”

“Nanny? That’s not your style and no, it’s not at all nanny. You look like a tiger in a casual business suit. Own it.”

“A tiger? Damn. I was going for a focused, nerdy look.”

“Then wear your glasses and braid your hair. That bun says you have power and want more.”

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my purse from the table. “I don’t care what it says. I’m watching some rich guy’s kid. He just wants to make sure I’m not a villain and that I know a thing or two about children.”

“Are you really thinking about taking the job?” Brian moved to the door and opened it for me.

“I guess. Nothing better had come up and not only do I need rent money, but that security pack I want for the website is over a thousand dollars. That’s not happening without a job.” I shrugged and moved past him.

He tugged me into a warm hug. “Well, good luck. I know you’ll kick ass.”

“It’s a baby. I’m not kicking anything.”

“Yes. Don’t kick the baby. That would not win you any favors.”

I shook my head and laughed before walking to the elevator. The sign on the front said it was out of service, which wasn’t at all out of the norm for the day I was having. I made a sharp turn for the stairs and took a deep breath.

Good thing I wore flats.

***

I couldn’t help but pick at my nails as I repeated the address over and over. The guy next to me on the subway turned and growled softly, his expression letting me know that silence was expected.

“Sorry,” I muttered and sat back, trying to picture the tall high rise buildings that littered the lots near Carrington Park. The interview would be interesting enough seeing that the man I was interviewing with had more money than God. Everyone who lived in that area did.

My phone buzzed and I pulled it from my purse that was tightly gripped under my arm. It was Hunter with a quick message that the salary for the job was two grand a week.

“Two thousand a week?” I yelled and glanced up as another grunt resounded close to me. “Sorry. I’m easily excitable.”

The older guy rolled his eyes and scoffed. “Clearly.”

Who would pay a nanny two thousand dollars a week? That was eight thousand a month. He had to be wrong. There was absolutely no way his figures were right. Maybe he meant two hundred a week. That was more reasonable. Sad, but reasonable.

The subway pulled into the station and I bounded up, checking my watch. I had plenty of time, and yet I couldn’t stand the thought of not being fifteen minutes early. First impressions were the only impressions. After that first greeting, the rest were nothing more than perfunctory interactions. People judged immediately and based their understanding of you on that one moment.

“Make this one good,” I mumbled to myself and pressed into the large crowd who tried to squeeze through the door as one. Someone tugged on my purse and I jerked my shoulder, making sure to keep it with me. It was probably a small child reaching for something to take hold of, but it shook me up a little nevertheless. After slipping out into the busy platform, I half jogged up the stairs as I peered around.

The large glass and steel building sat in front of me, the structure the tallest in the ritzy area of down town for sure. I walked toward the opening as a bellman glanced up from his phone and smiled.

“Evening, madam. Enjoying this beautiful night we’re having?”

“I am. Early springtime is always my favorite.” I smiled and moved into the building before making my way to the receptionist area. Some part of me had to wonder what the residents in such an extravagant complex did for a living. My first inclination was inheritance, but that couldn’t be the case. Most millionaires were self-made from all I had studied. It was one of the reasons I believed myself capable of rising above and making something out of my design talent.

“Evening, miss. How can I assist you?” A young guy in a perfectly pressed suit glanced up.

“I’m here for an interview with Jax Wilder.”

“Ah yes. He told us he would be having someone stop by.” The guy pointed just behind me and I turned as he continued with his instructions. “Just take the elevator to the forty-fifth floor and when you get off, you’ll see a door. Just knock there and Mr. Wilder should answer it.”

Only one door?

“Sounds good. Thank you.” I turned and walked to the elevator, not too concerned with the interview. I would get the job or I wouldn’t. Needing money as badly as I did, I’d resolved sometime during the day to follow Brian’s advice and find some form of employment. “Here goes nothing.”

I yelped as a small older man turned and greeted me. He must have been leaning against the inside of the elevator. “Hi, miss.”

“Hi. I’m going to the forty-fifth floor, please.”

“The penthouse. You got it.” He winked and pressed the button.

I pulled out my phone and texted Brian that I was headed for the interview and to send good thoughts my way. I turned the phone on silent about the time the door opened and nodded to the bellman who’d been chatting since I got into the steal box.

“Best of luck on your interview.” The man smiled and nodded toward the door. “Knock loud. I can hear the baby crying from out here.”

I chuckled and walked to the door, knocking loudly and leaning in as the sound of a small child who was coming unglued filled my senses. Hopefully it was an easy fix and the dad just didn’t have a clue what to do. If not, I wasn’t sure I could withstand hours with a crying child.

The door opened and my breath caught in my chest. The last thing I expected was the handsome man before me. My eyes moved to the screaming baby in his hands as my lips lifted into a tight smile.

“I’m Kendra Valentina. I’m here for the interview.”

He moved back and I walked in, turning to look up at him. He was a good head taller than me. His dark brown hair a mess and green eyes telling of adventures that most women would pay good money for. The regalia of his features, straight nose, high cheek bones and beautifully powerful jawline left me with no doubt of his need to find help that wasn’t after his wallet or his affection.

How many women’s hearts have you broken?

“I’m Jax. Come on in, Kendra. It’s nice to meet you. Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

“Of course.” I reached toward the small boy who was shattering the moment with his cries. “May I?”

“Heavens yes.” Jax handed me the baby and moved back as I cuddled him to my chest and began to bounce.

“Have you fed him?”

“Three times in the last hour.” The handsome devil shrugged and licked at his mouth. He was dangerous and would have to be avoided at all costs.

“Changed his diaper?”

“Yes. I’m going through a pack a day, which is fine, but usually the diapers aren’t wet. I just see no point in putting them back on him.” He ran his hand through his hair, leaving it messier than it was before. He was insanely adorable, but he seemed like the kind of man who was quite aware of his looks.

“Burped him?” I asked and walked to the large wall of windows that peered out on the city.

“Did what?” His voice filled with confusion.

I glanced over my shoulder. “Burped him. You have to burp a baby after every few ounces of milk.”

“No one told me that. How do you burp him? I can’t get him to stop crying, so surely he isn’t going to respond when I tell him to burp.”

I chuckled, unable to help myself. Picking up the cloth on the side of the chair nearest me, I tucked it over my shoulder and repositioned the sweet little guy. A few minutes of patting him on the back and he let out a string of burps. As if a miracle had fallen from the sky, his crying stopped and his little head lulled to the side as I pressed my lips to his forehead.

“Much better, right, little one?”

“Wow.” Jax moved to stand beside me. “Burping him... interesting.”

“What’s his name?”

“Tyson. His name is Tyson.” Sadness rolled across the handsome man’s features in front of me and I couldn’t help but wonder what the rest of his story was. A bachelor with a six-month-old baby and no one had taught him to burp the boy?

Tragic.

4 – Jax

Incredible. The baby wasn’t crying and for the first time in a long time, I genuinely wanted to hug him. It had been a long few weeks, trying to get over Alice’s death and figure out what was wrong with Tyson. I was almost at the edge of taking him to the doctor for an additional checkup. Something had to give.

And then you showed up.

I walked to the couch and plopped down with this newfound information. Burping him was the key. Who knew it?

All it took was a pretty girl with a great smile and fantastic rack to come in and tell me. I turned my attention back to her, half expecting her to be staring down at me. She wasn’t. She was whispering something soft and low to Tyson as she rocked him back and forth. I was almost jealous for her attention, which was surprisingly out of character for me.

“Tell me how you did that.”

“I told you.” She glanced up, the innocence in her gaze causing my stomach to tighten. “You just have to burp him. His tummy was upset.”

“Yeah, but how did you know to do that?” I patted the couch beside me. “Come take off a load and let’s talk a little. It’s supposed to be an interview, so consider that my first question.”

“I don’t know. I’ve helped with other kids before and worked in a family clinic for a while before moving to a convalescent home. I just know how to take care of people. Maybe it’s inherent for women.” She shrugged and sat down gracefully beside me.

The scent of her body filled my senses and I stifled a groan. Strawberry soap and coconut shampoo. The girl was a treat to the eyes and the palate.

Her blond hair was pulled up into a tight bun, but I could tell it was long and appeared silky. Sinking my fingers into it became a quick lived fantasy in my head. I jerked a ‘looking-at’ pillow from beside me and pulled it into my lap as my libido sprung to life. It had been a few days since I’d taken a woman to my bed. Far too long in my book.

Her outfit was tight where it should be and yet flowed beautifully over her tanned shapely legs. The material slipped off the side of her thighs and gave me a great view. She had to have been in athletics of some sort. She was too fit and lithe not to be. My eyes moved up the length of her body, resting for a moment on the swell of her breasts. How nice it would be to strip her out of her pretty outfit and spend the evening teasing her.

She might stop Tyson from whimpering, but I’d love to see if I could make her do a bit of her own.

“Tell me about your background, Kendra. Why do you think you’d make a good nanny for Tyson?” I forced myself to lock onto her face, though I was once again pleasantly surprised. Her sea-blue eyes pulled me in fast and I couldn’t help but imagine the look of ecstasy that might roll over her girl-next-door features when I made to come. She was breathtaking, but in a way I hadn’t paid attention to before.

The other women in my life were loud and boisterous, needy for attention and their attire and make-up made that quite apparent. Kendra had on nothing more than a soft golden eye shadow, mascara and pink lip gloss. She reminded me of the sexy nerdy girl at school who had so much more to offer than most men would get the chance to see.

Fuck. I wanted her. Keeping my own desires at bay for the greater good was going to be a struggle. The fact that she had Tyson asleep within minutes left me with the resolve to at least try.

Women were deceiving by nature. She was probably looking to score a sugar daddy and I was the next chump in line for the job.

No. Hunter wouldn’t have suggested her. You know that.

“Well, like I mentioned a few minutes ago. I was a nurse’s assistant and have babysat several of my friend’s little ones. I tutored when I was younger and I work regularly for the shelter in town to feed the homeless.” She reached up and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “You’d be amazed at the number of women who have kids on the streets. I usually let the other volunteers feed the crowd and I snuggle babies or play games with the toddlers.”

“I like it. Shows that you have empathy and that you’re loving.” I turned to face her a little, my knee brushing by hers. She subtly shifted her position to ensure we weren’t touching anymore. I let it go, but her actions weren’t lost on me.

One point for you, sexy girl.

“So tell me more about your attire.”

She glanced down at herself as her cheeks colored a little. “My dress? Is it too much?”

I laughed softly and reached toward her, brushing the back of my fingers over Tyson’s back. I wanted to touch her so bad my fingers tingled, but I held back.

“I like it a lot. It’s elegant, powerful and innocent all in the same moment. It doesn’t fit the style of your humanitarian background or your willingness to interview for a nanny position. It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Her shyness melted as a large smile slid across her pretty features. I had to force myself not to lean in to get closer to her. She was intriguing and the look on her face told me that she had made the outfit. That was why the card Hunter had given me earlier in the day was for a seamstress. The card was all wrong and didn’t at all speak to her abilities, but I let my business advice die down as I tried to remain present in the moment with her.

“It’s mine. I mean... I made it. I’ve always been drawn to patterns and creating new things, so a few years back, I decided to pick up sewing and this was the result.” She glanced down the length of her body before turning her attention back to the small boy sleeping soundly against her. “I think Tyson likes it. No?”

I smiled in response to her expression. “It’s incredible. What an awesome talent. Is it made of silk or cotton? I can’t tell.”

“It’s a blended material.” She tugged at a long strand of the material that had dropped from the side of her leg, and extended it toward me. I took it and ran my fingers over it, glancing up and enjoying the mere fact that she was studying me.

Is she as intrigued as I am? I certainly hope so.

“Do you want to lay him down?” I stood and offered her my hand.

She took it and I hoisted her up, sliding my free hand over her back to make sure she didn’t fall. She smiled shyly at me and nodded toward the small spray of stairs. “This has two levels?”

“Yes. His bedroom is at the top of the hall on the right. Do you want me to take him?”

“No. I’ll put him down and then we can wrap up the interview. I’m sure you have plenty of things to do tonight.”

“You’re my only thing to do.” I winked and turned, a smirk lifting my lips but hidden from the girl. If she was half as clever as she was benevolent, my comment would hit home perfectly.

Stop it. You need a nanny. Sex is available everywhere. Don’t fuck this up.

I waited until I heard her descending the stairs to turn. She looked like something out of a magazine. She had to have a boyfriend or a husband.

“I have a few more questions.” I nodded to the kitchen. “Let me show you around while we talk.”

“Sure.” She clasped her hands in front of her and walked to the kitchen with me.

“Do you have a business set up for your designs?”

She seemed a little surprised by my inquiry. “Um, yeah. My website was hit by hackers this morning, but I had one.”

“That’s not good. You need an IT support team to clean that up.”

“I’m working on it.” She shrugged and moved to lean against the counter in front of me. Her position gave me access to the thick, creamy tops of her breasts.

My cock jerked in my pants and I shifted a little, making sure my hips were hidden behind the breakfast nook. “Are you married, dating or single?”

“Single. Is that a job requirement?” Her eyebrow lifted and she laughed.

“Not necessarily. I’m just looking for someone to invest heavily in Tyson. A husband or fiancé would cause that to be a difficulty for you.” I shrugged while internally smiling. She was single.

“My turn.” She tapped her hand on the breakfast bar and glanced up at me. “If I get the job, how often do I need to be here?”

“Only at night. So you would come at five in the afternoon and could leave at five in the morning. You’d have Saturday nights off.”

“Oh. I thought it was a day job.” She straightened up and tilted her head to the side. A long strand of golden hair danced around her pretty face and I had to slip my hands in my slacks to keep from tucking it behind her ear for her.

“I have him in an on-site daycare during the day.” I shrugged. “I’m good with that for now.”

“The pay is really high. I don’t think I can accept something that steep to be honest with you.” She crossed her arms over her chest as if she were willing to fight it out with me.

Was she putting on a show? Who would refuse money for a job that was all night and honestly exhausting? Gold diggers were a dime a dozen and they had grown stealthy in their attacks. Was this girl one? Would she treat Tyson the same when I’m not around as she would when I’m here? Will she teach me to take care of him? Help me to grow into this? Is she willing to do it for me until I come to terms with it?

“The pay is what it is. I assume you want the job still?”

“I do, but the pay is up for discussion.” She lifted her eyebrow. The pretty little tart was willing to challenge me.

“No it’s not, but I’d like to hire you.”

“Good. When do I start?”

“Now.”

5 – Kendra

“Tonight?” The idea of starting so soon surprised me. Had I known he was in such a hurry, I would have eaten something and brought a change of clothes. Hanging out all night in my dress wasn’t going to be much fun.

“Yeah. Is it okay or do you need to start on Sunday?” The look on his face said that he expected me to simply agree. For the amount of money he was offering, I honestly couldn’t force myself to refuse him.

“Tonight is good.” I smiled and nodded to the refrigerator. “Do you have a glass that I can use for some water?”

“There are bottles of water in the fridge. Poke around and help yourself to anything you like.” He finished speaking over his shoulder and walked from the kitchen, leaving me there a little confused.

“Okay.” I took a deep breath and moved around the kitchen, opening various cabinets, all the while anticipating the soft cry of the baby. I found myself wanting to go back into his room and just hover a little bit. His poor tummy was tight and cramped when I arrived. How long had he been suffering from gas bubbles. I felt horrible for Jax for not knowing.

He walked back into the kitchen as I closed the fridge and twisted the top on my water. His shirt was tucked into his slacks, the tight black garment only working to accentuate the sexy ridges of his chest and abs. There must be a gym in the complex.

“I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” He winked and picked up his keys.

“Oh.” I paused just before pressing the water bottle to my lips.

“Oh? You’re surprised that I’m going out?”

“A little. We just interviewed, but if you’re comfortable with it, then I’m good.” I smiled and turned from him as a frown settled on my mouth. Maybe he wasn’t at all worried with Tyson’s stomach. He was willing to leave the boy with me after just meeting me, which didn’t at all speak much to his character.

“I’m comfortable, but you don’t seem to be.” Jax moved toward me, stopping a few feet as I sat down and glanced up at him.

“I’m fine. Just surprised. Leave me your cell phone number and let me know where you’re going in case I need you?”

“Give me your phone and I’ll plug in the number.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’m going to hang out with a few friends for a little while and relax. It’s been a long ass week and Friday night means it’s time to let the liquor flow.”

“Okay.” I got up and walked back to the living room, not quite sure what to think. I handed the phone to Jax as a text rolled in from Brian. A picture of him popped up on the screen and Jax smirked.

“No boyfriend, huh? Who’s this guy?” He lifted the phone.

“A friend. Put your number in there and the closest pizza place. I didn’t know I was staying tonight or I would have eaten.” My stomach growled as if on standby for validation.

Jax typed in the number and looked up at me. “You haven’t eaten?”

“No. It’s eight. I usually eat around seven, but it took me that long to get to you.” I smiled kindly and sat down on the couch, crossing my legs and working to not notice the large bulge at the front of his slacks. He was packing a punch and I almost felt sorry for the poor unsuspecting female who might have to accommodate him later that night.

Not my problem.

“I’ll just stay here tonight. We can chat a little and if the baby wakes up, you can give me a few more tips and tricks. You definitely seem to know what you’re doing.” His eyes moved across me and I stifled a shiver.

“How do you not know how to take care of your son? I mean no harm in asking, but I’m baffled by it.” I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth and focused on him. There’s no way his wife had divorced him and left the kid with him. He was clueless.

“Do you not know who I am?” His voice held no accusation, but almost a level of sarcasm that left me feeling like I was missing out on a cosmic joke of sorts.

“Should I?” I ran my hand down my thigh, trying to get the dress to sit properly.

“Never mind.” He chuckled and walked to a desk that sat at the far end of the room. “Let’s order in since little man is sleeping. What do you like?”

“I’m good with anything. You don’t have to stay here with me. There’s a horror show marathon on HBO tonight. I’ll be perfectly fine. Honestly.” I tried to keep my voice light and friendly. Something about his response to me not knowing him caused me to worry. I would Google him when I got home, but for now... him leaving sounded like the more comfortable option.

“Thai food good?” He called over his shoulder, ignoring my last string of comments.

“Yep.” I shrugged and reached for the TV remote. I had no idea what type of food Thai food was, but if it was anything like Americanized Chinese... I was good to go.

He milled around the house for the next twenty minutes, his actions making me think he was working to avoid me for some odd reason. Maybe not recognizing him was a really big deal. I worked to focus on the show playing in front of me, and didn’t look up until he had paid the delivery guy and turned to face me.

“Dinner’s here. I wasn’t sure what to order, so I just ordered a lot.” He chuckled and I stood, walking toward him and breathing in deeply.

I wasn’t sure if the smell of the food or the dark scent of his cologne turned me on more. Not having many boyfriends and not caring about the lack of them, I conceded that it was the food. I helped him unpack everything as he hummed something softly under his breath. I wanted to ask about his wife and their situation, but he seemed rather withdrawn from such a conversation.

We made small talk during dinner, the food far more spicy than I was used to. I downed my bottle of water and two more while he simply nursed one beer, barely drinking any of it.

He glanced up after giving me a few thoughts on my business cards that would prove helpful. “Kendra. Your face is flushed. Are you okay?”

I reached up and wiped my forehead, the light sheen of sweat covering me less than surprising. “Yeah. It’s the heat of the food.”

The soft cry of the baby was a welcomed sound. I stood up and nodded toward the living room. “Tyson’s up. I’ll grab him and change his diaper.”

“Okay. I’ll fix him a bottle.” He moved from the table, reaching out and grabbing my wrist as I stood and took a shallow breath. “Hey. You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.” I tugged my arm away and walked toward the stairs, wiping at my face as I started to feel faint. By the time I made it to the little guy’s room, I was drenched in sweat. The chili they used in Chinese food must have been completely different from what the Thai people used. I was on fire.

I picked him up and pressed him to my chest, almost feeling sorry for the baby. I was drenched and now had to head back down for my sexy new boss to catch a glance of me at my worst.

“So damn embarrassing.” I lifted the little guy up and smiled at him. “You won’t judge me, will you?”

He cooed a little before wiggling as if he weren’t feeling too good. He started to cry, and I moved out of the darkness of his room and walked down the stairs. Jax lifted the bottle toward me as he stood at the base of the staircase. His smile faded as his eyes moved down the length of me.

“Shit, Kendra. You’re sweating horribly. Are you allergic to certain foods?” Panic rolled over his features and he turned, jogging back to the kitchen.

“I need that bottle.” I moved toward the kitchen as I tried to keep my senses about me. There was no point in trying to impress my boss. The job was mine and we weren’t going to be anything other than friends, if even that. He was a playboy and I wasn’t interested in getting played—ever.

He turned and handed me the bottle. “Actually, give him to me. You need to get a bottle of water and sit under the fan.”

“No. I’m fine. It’ll stop soon.” I let out a soft growl and tugged the bottle from him.

Jax picked up a hand towel on the table beside him and wiped it across my forehead, his actions far more intimate than I would have normally allowed. “Give him to me.”

I relented and handed the baby over. He cried out loudly as I shifted him from my arms into Jax’s. “I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. I’ve never gotten this overheated.”

The scent of his cologne lifted again as he moved to me and pressed his fingers to the front of my head. “You’re burning up. Go get in the shower and turn the water on cold.”

“What? No. I’m fine.”

“Yes. Go do it now. I’ll wash your clothes and you’ll be good to go.”

“You can’t wash these.” I glanced down at them before turning a heavy stare onto him.

“Go. Now.”