Billionaire's Secret Crush (Tempting Billionaires Book 4)

by Claire Angel

  “I’m sorry to wake you.”

  “It’s okay, I wasn’t asleep. What is it?”

  “I have to go home. Can you arrange the jet for me, please?”

  “Home? Why? Is it because of me?”

  “No,” I said quickly, “no, it’s not about us. My mother called. My father died.”

  His eyes were soft and caring again, the way they were when he made love to me. Why did he have to be so beautiful? I hoped that my indifference didn’t make him think less of me. But I was one of those people who carried her heart on her face. Happy, sad, pissed off, it was written across my mug for all to see.

  “Oh, Jayde. I’m so sorry. Of course. I’ll call the pilot immediately, and my driver will take you to the airport. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you, Aidan.”

  “No problem. I’ll ask Carl to fetch you on the other side. He’ll take you anywhere you need to go.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  I started to walk away, but he caught me by my arm.

  “Would you like me to come with you?”

  “No, thanks. This is something I have to do alone.”

  “Okay. Call me when you get home. I’ll be here if you need me.”

  I smiled at him, kissed him on the cheek, and left him to go pack. So much for a relaxing holiday. A final act of spite. Thanks, Dad, you did it again.

  I didn’t want to disturb Gilly and Dan, so I asked Aidan to tell them in the morning. He promised he would. When I was packed and ready, he accompanied the driver and me to the jet. When we arrived at the airport, the driver put my bags on the plane. Aidan walked me across the tarmac. He held my hand but said nothing.

  Before I boarded the jet, he turned to me, hugged me tightly, and said, “Are we okay?”

  “Absolutely.”

  I turned and left him standing there. He looked vulnerable, or so I thought. I watched him through the window of the plane as we took off. He stood there for a long time. Then he walked away.

  I suddenly had an unexpected tug inside my chest. Was it gratitude, or was I falling in love with Aidan? I chalked it up to the turmoil I felt inside because of the death of my father. It was natural to veer back to the familiar, and Aidan had become my ‘familiar’. I felt safe with him.

  The flight went by quickly, too quickly. Carl was waiting for me when we landed. He loaded my bags into the car and asked me where he could drop me. I wanted to go home. If I was going to face my mother, I needed to take a breather.

  “Please take me home. Carl.”

  “With pleasure, Miss Miller. Can I do anything for you?”

  “I’m okay, thanks, Carl.”

  It was early morning when he dropped me at home. The glow of the rising sun lit up my living room. I loved going home. There was nothing quite like it. No matter how grand the destination or how impressive the accommodations, home was where the heart was. It sounded like a corny line on a greeting card, but it was true.

  I called my mother.

  “Hi, Mom. I’m back home. Are you okay?” There was no point in kicking her while she was down.

  “Hi, Jayde. I’m okay. When will I see you?”

  “I’ll be there in an hour, Mom.”

  “Thanks, darling. See you soon.”

  After the call, I had a shower, sent Aidan a text to say I was home safely and went downstairs to my trusty Mustang.

  My phone rang while I was in the car park. It was Gilly.

  “Hi, Gilly.”

  “Jayde, I’m so sorry, my friend. Aidan told me about your dad. Are you okay?”

  Why did everybody ask me that? Didn’t I look okay? Was I supposed to bubble like a baby, like someone who lost a loving parent? I felt nothing. In fact, my father never entered my thoughts, ever. It was almost as if he had never really existed. Like he was a dream that faded over time. Even when I needed help, I never thought to ask him. As far as my mind and heart were concerned, he may as well have been a figment of my childhood imagination.

  “I’m fine, Gilly. I’m sorry I left so suddenly without saying goodbye.”

  “Don’t be silly. I understand completely. I would have done exactly the same. How’s your Mom?”

  “I’m on my way to her now. I’ll tell you when I call you later.”

  “Dan and I are coming home. We want to be there for you.”

  “No! I mean, please don’t. I’m fine. There’s no reason to cut your vacation short. You and Dan need the break. I’ll be fine. Enjoy Aspen for me. Show those slopes who’s boss.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course. I’ll call you later.”

  “Okay. Love you, Jayde.”

  “I love you too.”

  I started up the Mustang. My stomach was in a knot. I hated going back to my childhood home. Even though he wouldn’t be there, it still held awful memories. I hoped my mother didn’t expect me to cry. I wouldn't.

  Chapter 18

  AIDAN

  My heart ached as I watched Jayde fly off into the distance. I could only imagine how she must have felt, losing a parent. She never spoke about her parents, but not everyone was as close with their Mom and Dad as I was. Not all parents were as loving and protective as they should be. I assumed that she wasn’t particularly close to them. Her reaction to the news of her father’s death confirmed what I had thought for a while. He must have been a jerk.

  I thought about all that had happened between us since we arrived at the cabin. I hated not knowing how she felt after we made love. I planned on talking to her about it that morning. Jayde leaving so suddenly left me feeling empty and confused.

  Back at the cabin, I poured myself a brandy and sat staring into the flames of the fire, where just an hour or two ago Jayde and I made love. It was hands down the most exciting experience of my life. I thought that after dreaming about it for two years the reality wouldn’t be as amazing as reality. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Making love to Jayde was even better than I expected. Everything about her was perfect. The way she kissed me, the arch of her back while I pleasured her. The gasp that exploded from her when we had our orgasms together. Thinking about her made me hard.

  I went up to my room after a while and lay down on the bed. I must have drifted off because the text from her to say she was home safely woke me up. It was 3 am. Despite my racing mind, I fell asleep again and awoke at 10 am. I must have been exhausted—it wasn’t like me to sleep later than 7 am at the latest. I freshened up and made my way downstairs.

  The gang was up and about, and the smell of bacon and eggs welcomed me as I entered the dining room.

  “Look who’s finally up,” Marco said. “What the hell have you been up to?”

  “Where’s Jayde?” Gilly asked me. She looked a little concerned.

  “She’s gone home,” I started.

  “What? Why? Is she ill?”

  “No, she’s fine, but her dad died.”

  “Oh, shit. Is she okay?” Gilly asked.

  “She’s back home safely. She says she's fine. She’ll call us later.”

  “Poor thing,” Lola said. “Is there anything we can do for her?”

  “That’s very sweet, Lola. I told her that we’ll be here if she needs anything.”

  “Excuse me,” Gilly said and got up from the breakfast table.

  “Give her my best, my love,” Dan said as Gilly left the room.

  “And ours, please, Gilly,” Marco called after her.

  “Will do, thanks, guys.”

  “Well, this puts a damper on our trip,” Marco said.

  “Oh, for shit’s sake, Marco. That’s a selfish remark,” Lola scolded her husband.

  “Ah, come on. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “It’s okay, Lola. I’ve known this bum long enough to know when he’s being an ass and when he’s just Marco.” I smiled.

  “Thanks, bud. You saved me from a beating later.”

  “Did you know Jayde’s father was ill, Dan?” I asked.

&n
bsp; “No. She doesn’t ever talk about her family. Apparently, they’re not exactly the Brady Bunch. I’m sure Gilly knows much more than any of us, but I don’t pry.”

  “Family, hey—bloody minefield. Can’t live with them, can’t kill them.” Lola gave Marco another hairy eyeball as he spoke. He gave her a goofy smile, then looked down at his plate and shoveled a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

  “When is Joey arriving in all his splendor?” Dan asked.

  “He should be here later on today. If you need rest, get it now. There will be none of that once he’s here.”

  “Good advice. I’ll make sure my skis are at the ready for a quick getaway.” Dan chuckled.

  I finished my breakfast, then milled around the house. At around four o’clock, the front door flew open, and Joey, the whirlwind, spun into our day.

  “Hey, guys! It’s party time! Where you all hiding?”

  “Joe! How the hell have you been?” Marco gave him a bear hug and patted him on the back.

  “Careful, hulk, you're gonna snap me in two.”

  “Oh, man up, you crazy Aussie. I thought they made ‘em tough down under.” Marco laughed.

  “Tough, yes. Indestructible, not so much. So, what have I missed? You miserable lot leave me some booze?”

  “Always, bud!” I said as I entered the room.

  “Aidan! Hey, man. Good to see you. Boy, am I ready to kick back and have a good holiday. How are you all? Where’s the lovely Jayde? I refuse to start my holiday without giving that gorgeous creature a snuggle.”

  He looked around the room, then back to me.

  “She was here, but she went back home,” I started to explain.

  “Okay, what the fuck did you do, Aidan?”

  “Nothing, you fool. Her father died unexpectedly, so she went to be with her mom.”

  “Well, don’t I feel like a dick. Sorry, bro. Is she okay?”

  “She seems to be. She’ll call us later,” I said.

  “Please, give her my love,” he said.

  “Will do. Anyway, where’s the mystery girl?”

  He gave me a mischievous smile.

  “She’s outside making a quick call. She’ll be in in a minute.”

  “Is she normal, Joe?” Marco asked with a devilish grin.

  “She can’t be if she’s here with him,” I said.

  Just then she appeared at the door.

  “Casandra!” I said with a fair amount of surprise in my voice.

  “Hi, Aidan. Good to see you again.”

  “What the hell did this mongrel say to convince you to give him a shot at your heart?” I laughed.

  “Oi! I’m in the room, you know,” Joey smarted.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met,” said Dan.

  “Where are my manners? Cassandra, this is Dan, Marco, and his lovely wife Lola. Where’s Gilly?”

  “She will be downstairs in a minute. Welcome to my home, Casandra. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

  “Thank you. This is a fantastic cabin. Looks more like a boutique hotel. I feel like I should be greeting guests in the foyer.” She laughed.

  “No work for you this week, Cas. I’ll keep you plenty busy.” Joey smiled at Casandra, who blushed.

  I was amazed when I saw her standing in the doorway. She was honestly the last person I expected Joey to bring. She was so sweet, or that was my assessment of her anyway. I didn’t think that Joey would have cottoned onto the fact that she was hot for him. He was easily distracted by the shameless ones who threw themselves at him. Who knew he understood subtle? I loved him, but he was the perpetual hardon waiting for a place to happen.

  Gilly came into the room.

  “Did I hear the voice of an Australian lady killer?” she said.

  “You did indeed, little Sheila. Come over here and give me a hug, you sweet thing.”

  Gilly laughed and hugged him, happily.

  “Gilly, this is Cassandra. Cassandra, this is Gillian, a fine woman if ever there was one.”

  “My friends call me Gilly. That’s why he calls me Gillian. Nice to meet you, Cassandra.”

  “Hi, Gilly,” she said, laughing at Joey holding his heart as if he was mortally wounded.

  “Where’s your petite fireball?” Joey asked Marco, “out killing our dinner?”

  “Sounds a little scary,” Cassandra said.

  “Oh, don’t listen to him. Lola is the sweetest thing on two legs.”

  Just then Lola yelled from the lounge.

  “My ears are burning! Is that Joey ‘Corkhat’ Taylor I hear, or is Crocodile Dundee in the house?”

  “There she is. How are you my little brood of vipers?”

  “Marvellous. And who’s this then?” she asked, smiling brightly at Cassandra.

  “This is Cassandra. Cassandra, this is Lola. Don’t let her small frame or sweet smile fool you. The woman is an assassin.”

  “Oh, shut up, you fool. Cassandra, it’s great to meet you. If you need to get away from him for a spell, you come to find me. I’ll weave you a garland of garlic or give you a vial of holy water.”

  “Okay, okay. That’s enough in the way of pleasantries,” Marco interrupted, “it's ski slope time. Get your kit on people. Let’s ski!”

  The afternoon was a hoot. Dan and I crisscrossed the slopes like pros. Marco and Joey tried to out-ski each other, both of them eating more snow than skiing across it, and the girls had a ball, watching their juvenile delinquents flailing about. Turns out the ladies were much more successful at staying upright.

  After an hour in the snow, we took the ski lift back to the top and made ourselves at home in the pub. The ski lodge was bustling with holidaymakers, all taking on the slopes of Aspen.

  “You two are gonna be begging for anti-inflammatories tomorrow, after all that leaping about on the snow.” Gilly laughed.

  “Lola, explain to this silly girl how tough your man is,” Marco said, rolling his eyes.

  “Way ahead of you, Gilly. I packed enough anti-inflammatories and painkillers to knock out a rhino,” Cassandra said.

  “You’re gonna fit right in with this group, girl.”

  “I was looking forward to meeting Jayde. Sorry to hear about her father’s death,” Cassandra said, looking at me.

  “Yeah, you’d like her, “I said.

  “Joey says she’s lovely.”

  “Joey’s right.”

  I wondered what she was doing. I missed her already.

  Chapter 19

  JAYDE

  The house looked the same, yet smaller. Strange how everything looked so big and imposing to a child. The paint outside was chipped, the gutter on the front of the house was hanging loose, the tiles on the roof were black with muck, and the garden was overgrown. I felt sick to my stomach as I walked along the path leading up to the front door.

  I knocked. It wasn’t ever home to me, so I didn’t feel right to just walk in uninvited. Mom opened the door, and I could see her eyes were red from crying. She stood cemented to the spot inside.

  “Hello, Mom.”

  “Jayde, my love. You look well. Please come in.”

  I heard voices from the kitchen. I recognized the one as my mother’s sister, Aunt Becky, and another voice I didn’t know.

  “Is that Jayde, Hannah?” I heard Becky calling.

  “Yes. She’s here.”

  Aunt Becky shuffled through to the living room and gave me a bone-crushing hug. She was a large woman—loved her cakes—but even so, she had a beautiful face. She had the trademark Stanley Girls’ green eyes and dark hair. It amazed me that she didn’t have one grey hair, not one! I guessed it was because she never married or had children.

  “Hi, Aunt Becky,” I said through my depressed rib cage. “How are you?”

  “Always well, my sweet. And what is this I hear? Why haven’t you been around to see your mother?” She never did pussyfoot around.

  “Now, Becky, don’t start. Our Jayde is a busy girl,” my mother interjected.

  “O
h rubbish! Never too busy for family, I always say.”

  I could have listed one of the thousands of reasons I thought were more than legitimate, but I just smiled wryly. For some crazy reason, I didn’t want to embarrass my mother.

  “Would you like a cup of tea, my darling?” my mother asked.

  It irritated the living shit out of me when she insisted on calling me pet names. When did I become her ‘anything cutesy’ anyway? After I left home and got out from under her feet, so she could focus on her husband?

  “No thanks, I’m fine.” You can keep your bloody tea.

  “Come on, you can’t stand there at the door the whole afternoon. Come in,” Aunt Becky said in her boisterous manner.

  I followed my mother to the kitchen where she introduced me to Carol, a neighbor from down the street.

  “It’s good to meet you, Jayde. Your mom talks about you all the time. She’s very proud of you,” Carol said as if I was some sort of brain surgeon or something.

  “Nice to meet you, Carol.”

  “The girls are here to cluck over me,” Mom said. “I don’t know why they think I can’t take care of myself.”

  “Don’t be a martyr, Hannah. Now go sit down and I’ll bring some tea.”

  Tea, the magic elixir that fixed everything. Mom and I sat down in the living room. I had absolutely no idea what to say.

  “Will you stay here now that my father is gone?” I asked. I figured it was as good a place to start.

  “This is my home, so yes.”

  “Do you have the means to live without his money, Mom?”

  “He had a small insurance policy. I’ll be fine.”

  Aunt Becky thundered in with a tray filled with cookies and tea. She put it down on the coffee table.

  “There you go, ladies. You two have a good chat. Carol and I have everything under control.”

  “Thanks, Becky,” Mom said.

  “When’s the funeral?” I asked matter of factly.

  “Next week. His family is traveling from far away. We’re having it at the Catholic church down the road.”

  “Church?” I couldn’t help myself. “He never went to church.”

  My mother just sat there and said nothing.

  “Can I help with money?”

  I was well aware of how callous that sounded. But try as I might, I couldn’t think of one good thing to say about my father.