Without Warning: A Billionaire Romance (Playboys of New York Book 5)

by JA Low

  No. I’m not telling her because she’s going to google him, and I don’t need my sisters all in my business. “I’m not telling you.”

  “Why not?”

  “Just leave it, okay?” Throwing the covers off my bed, I step out of it. “Rhys and I are over, and that’s it.” Walking toward the bathroom, I don’t look back.

  “Then why do you have so many missed calls and messages from him?”

  I still. Slowly turning around to see Camila waving my phone in the air. I stomp over and try to get it back from her. “Give me my phone.”

  “No.” She shoves it down her top, and my jaw falls open at her reaction. Are we like twelve or something?

  “Camila, give it back.” I’m fast losing my patience with my sister.

  “No,” she screams at me.

  Then I launch myself at her, and the room fills with curses and squeals as I try to get my phone back while she tries to defend herself.

  “What the hell is going on in here?” Maya asks, looking at the two of us with a disappointed scowl.

  “Camila stole my phone and won’t give it back.” I moan.

  Maya glares at our sister.

  “Fine.” She huffs and hands me back my phone. I give her a triumphant smile, to which she pokes her tongue out at me.

  “What’s going on?” Maya looks between us both.

  “Ariana isn’t giving Rhys a second chance because she doesn’t believe his ex-wife drama. Plus, she won’t tell me his surname so I can cyberstalk him.” Camila glares at me.

  “That’s her business, Cami,” Maya scolds our sister. “She’s old enough to make her own decisions.”

  “But she’s stubborn,” Camila adds. “She’s ignoring his calls and texts.”

  Maya looks over at me.

  “His divorce has gotten complicated, and he’s trying to protect me from it. You know some bullshit excuse,” I explain to Maya.

  “You think it’s an excuse?”

  “Yes. It’s what men do,” I tell her.

  “Not all men are dicks,” Camila adds.

  Maybe not the ones she dates because she can have anyone in Hollywood, but for women in the real world, that’s exactly what happens.

  “He ghosted me for a month.”

  Why does my sister not understand this fact?

  “But he sent nice flowers,” Maya adds. Not her too. Feeling really frustrated by this conversation, I let out a huff and storm off into the bathroom with my phone and slam the door behind me.

  “You feel better now,” Maya asks as I walk into the kitchen and see the beautiful spread of food on the dining table.

  “I do. Thank you,” I answer, being snarky. “Did you guys organize this?”

  “No. We thought you organized it?” Maya states.

  “There’s a note.” Camila waves it in her hand with a sly grin on her face.

  “What does it say?” I ask, losing my patience with my youngest sister.

  Camila opens it then clears her throat. “Dear Ariana, I’m sorry how we left things last night. I wanted to apologize because the last thing I ever wanted was for you to feel as if what we had didn’t mean anything to me.”

  “Stop!” Snatching the note away from Camila, who has a large smile on her face, I scrunch up the note and throw it in the trash can.

  “Hey.” I hear Camila behind me as I storm out of the dining room.

  Fuck him. He doesn’t get to do nice things like that for me.

  “Ari…” Maya comes after me. “You okay?” She gives me a concerned look.

  “He doesn’t get to be all… you know…” I wave my hands toward the dining room.

  “What? Nice? Caring? Thoughtful?” Maya tries to finish my sentence.

  “Urgh. Yes. Any of those fucking things.”

  “Why are you so upset?” Maya asks.

  “I don’t know. I just am. He hurt me. I thought there was something between us.”

  “Looks like there still is,” Maya adds.

  “On his terms, Maya. Where was he a month ago? Now he’s had some time to think, he thinks he can just come back into my life and pick things up. Well, no. That’s not how this works,” I tell her angrily.

  “I get it.” Maya reaches out and tries to comfort me. “Sounds like his life is complicated from the bits Camila has filled me in on. Maybe he didn’t want to burden you with it. Sounds like he was trying to be selfless and give you some time to build your future. That maybe he thought he might be a distraction for you and kept away.” Dammit! Maya has some valid points. “Don’t be stubborn. If you like him… like him. If you don’t… don’t,” she tells me simply.

  Is it really that simple?

  20

  Ariana

  It was difficult saying goodbye to my sisters when they finally had to leave. It’s been so good having them around again, just like old times. I’m jealous they have each other out in LA, but I have my girls, and they are pretty damn good.

  Stella, EJ, and I are headed to Montana today to look around the land for their dream ranch. I’m incredibly happy to be getting out of the city and having a couple of days in the middle of nowhere.

  After Stella and I spent hours going over the Pinterest boards, finding out what they want and need for the ranch, scribbling down notes in my trusty folder, we land. I’m so grateful for Stella and EJ giving me the opportunity to build their dream home. I mean, they’re putting a lot of faith and trust in me to create something spectacular for them. But I’m most definitely up for the challenge.

  As we land the private plane in the middle of someone’s paddock, we see Stella’s older brother, Jesse, waiting for us in his beat-up red truck. The man is a real-life cowboy. Sexiness oozes from his pores, especially the way his well-worn Wranglers mold to his ass. His perfect ass. His flannel shirt is pulled tight across his muscular chest, and his blond hair is mostly hidden under his cowboy hat.

  I met Jesse for the first time when Chloe surprised Stella’s family while she was recuperating in The Hamptons. I was having a summer fling with Grey, Stella’s PT, but I may have also had a little fun with Jesse. The man gives off that silent, mysterious vibe that makes women go crazy.

  Me—I was that woman.

  We had fun. Both of us never wanting anything more from the other except for orgasms.

  Stella rushes to her brother and wraps her arms around him as he swings her around. It’s so nice seeing Stella looking so comfortable around her family after all these years. EJ shakes Jesse’s hand before loading our bags into the back of the truck and jumping in with Stella.

  “Hey.” Jesse tips his hat at me.

  “Good to see you again.” The flirtation is still there, and it’s nice having his attention thrust upon me once again. As I head toward the truck, he gives my ass a little slap before helping me up into the cab.

  I see where this is going.

  We head on out the long road toward Stella’s family ranch. We’re staying in her sister’s glamping tents while we are here because it was easier. I stare out the window watching the orange glow of the sun setting across the golden rolling hills. It’s beautiful out here. Desolate but beautiful.

  We drop EJ and Stella at her dad’s place first for a family reunion. Then Jesse takes me in a comfortable silence to where the glamping tents are located. I’m exhausted. Plus, I have some ideas that I’m itching to get down on paper.

  It doesn’t take us long until we are pulling up to my tent. Apparently, Stella and EJ’s tent is over a little, a two-minute walk away, but in the darkness, it will be an eternity if I need them. I check my phone, and I still have reception, so that’s a good thing. Not that I scare easily, but I do remember EJ telling us very animatedly about the sounds of nature on the ranch.

  Jesse helps me out of the truck, his strong fingers wrapping around my waist as he places me on the ground. “Head on in. I’ll grab your bags,” Jesse tells me.

  I walk up the wooden stairs to the deck that shoots off from the canvas tent
. Pulling open the tent door, the deck continues through the entire space. Thank goodness. I do not want to have to worry about critters when I sleep. There is a large boho-style rug on the floor and an enormous king-size bed with a reclaimed wood headboard. There is a desk and two chairs on one side that looks out a plastic window to the fields and mountains around us. Behind the bed is my en-suite, which has a proper shower, toilet, and vanity. I don’t think I could have coped with digging a hole in the middle of the night. There is also a small closet for clothing as well as a kitchenette which has the basics of a hot plate, fridge, and coffee maker. There’s a gourmet food basket that is filled with fresh sourdough bread, jams, and fruit.

  “Here you go.” Jesse places my bags on the bed. “You’re all set.” He grins, those blue eyes looking me over hungrily.

  Then before I even have a chance to respond, he stalks over to me, grabs my face, and kisses me.

  I’m surprised.

  Shocked, actually.

  And a little turned on.

  I let the kiss go on for a little longer than I should before I gently push his chest, pulling us apart.

  “Wow. That was unexpected.”

  “I had fun last time… I thought we might have fun again?” He gives me a wink, and my panties practically liquify.

  “We did have fun,” I agree with him.

  “Sounds like there’s a but…” He gives me a grin.

  Not sure why I feel bad about kissing Jesse because I’m a single woman, but what’s happening between Rhys and me has complicated my mind a little. “There’s a complication back in Manhattan, that’s all,” I tell him honestly.

  His brow rises. “I had no idea you were seeing someone.” And I can see instantly he’s remorseful about kissing me.

  “No. No, I’m not. Technically I’m single. It’s just…” I have no idea what the hell I’m saying. I think exhaustion is catching up with me. “I had something with someone, and for some reason, I’m still thinking about him.” I’m an idiot for turning down Jesse because, if I’m honest, I wouldn’t mind riding him like the wannabe cowgirl I think I am.

  “Completely understand.” Jesse smiles, tips his hat in my direction, and makes a hasty retreat into the darkness.

  Urgh. I flop myself onto the white linen-covered bed. What is going on with me?

  I need to concentrate on work. Definitely not cowboys with cute asses or billionaires who look delicious in a suit.

  I’m here for one reason—to create Stella and EJ’s dream home.

  21

  Rhys

  I’ve been sending texts to Ariana all week, and I still haven’t heard from her. Is this how she felt when I never replied to her? I get it now. I miss her.

  It’s been a shitty week, and we’re still no closer to unwrapping the lies surrounding my divorce. I’m sick of this paranoia I have all the time, like I can’t trust anyone. This divorce is really fucking with me, and I don’t like it. I’ve had to lock down my office, put extra cameras around too. I told Stirling as well. Explained to him everything Madison had told me. We scoured through hundreds of hours of video surveillance around the office, looking for any little thing. We even scoured the apartment cameras as well to see if Madison brought anyone home. Unfortunately, the building deletes most of the footage on a weekly basis, unless something is on there that’s concerning. Of course, I want to keep Ariana away from this mess. Divorces are hard enough, but throw in some dramatic corporate espionage, and you have a recipe for disaster.

  Ariana deserves more.

  I want to give her more, but I have to unravel this mess first.

  “Hey, sweetie.” Mom gives me a kiss on the cheek as I arrive at the apartment. “How are you doing?” she asks. “You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.” She walks us into the living room, where we take a seat. I’ve always been close with my mom, and the divorce brought us even closer. “How’s work? How’s that beautiful girl I saw you with at the fundraiser? How is that going?” she questions me.

  “Audrey and I are heading to Connecticut so I can try and get her back. I messed up,” I confess to my mother. She raises a brow in my direction, urging me to continue, “I didn’t cheat or anything,” I reassure. “Just have a complicated life at the moment.”

  “She made you smile,” Mom explains. “First time in a long time that I’ve seen you smile like you did.” She smiles at me. “You seemed lighter around her.”

  “Ariana is a good woman. Someone I don’t deserve, but someone I can’t seem to stop thinking about,” I confess.

  “I was worried that this divorce might change you when it came to dating. That you would choose superficial surface relationships because you never wanted to get hurt again.”

  She’s not wrong with that statement.

  “I did. I was chasing that type of relationship, but then in walked Ariana, and somehow, she quickly crept inside me. Now I can’t seem to get her out of my mind.”

  “Oh my, sweetheart,” Mom coos. “She is someone special.”

  “Yes. But how can I give her my all when I have this shit show of a divorce happening.” I told Mom not long after Madison confessed to everything, and she was genuinely shocked over the entire situation. “She used to work for Dad,” I tell her.

  “Do you not trust her because of that?” Mom asks.

  “No. Because she hated working there. But still, I hate that there is a niggle about it. I mean… look at what Madison did to me, and so damn easily. She convinced me to give her the world, and I did.” Raking my hand through my hair, I state, “Now, I have trust issues.”

  “Of course, you would, sweetheart. What Madison did to you was cruel. Worse than cruel.” Her face softens. “I don’t know how one gets over something like that. But you have to try. You have to realize not everyone is out to get you.”

  I let out a heavy sigh. I know Mom is right, but still, it’s hard when I know the level of deceit that’s been going on around my life.

  “I’m ready,” Audrey walks into the living room and announces. She’s dressed in a white sweater and jeans. Her blonde hair is pulled into a high ponytail. She looks young and carefree. I’ve settled on jeans and a button-down blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

  “Have fun, sweetheart.” Mom stands and gives Audrey a hug, then does the same with me. We say our goodbyes and head on out the door.

  We chat on the elevator ride down to the foyer where our car is waiting for us.

  Audrey pulls her phone from her purse and begins taking selfies.

  “You trying to impress someone.”

  Audrey stills, pulling her face out of her phone and looks at me. “Why would I be doing all this for a guy?” She raises a brow at me. “Taking photos of myself because I think I look good today has nothing to do with some guy. I do not need a man to tell me if I’m pretty or not. I can decide that by myself.”

  Okay, so I’ve struck some kind of nerve.

  She turns back and does a series of duck face moves. My sister has millions of followers on her social media pages. I guess she’s some kind of influencer. She’s sent designer clothes, holidays, jewelry—I mean, I get it, but it’s weird because she’s my little sister. I guess this is what her marketing degree is for.

  “When are you moving out of Mom’s?” I ask, knowing I am poking the bear because it’s something I always tease her about. I mean, why would you leave when you have a full-time chef, cleaners, and no bills to pay.

  Maybe I should move back in, I chuckle to myself.

  “Actually…” she puts her phone down to raise a smug smile in my direction, “… Stirling has been helping me find an apartment.”

  I still.

  “Stirling?” I question.

  Audrey’s smile drops. “Yes,” she replies hesitantly. “What’s wrong with that?”

  “Why are you hanging out with my best friend all of a sudden?” Audrey frowns as my voice is riddled with tension.

  “Because I didn’t want t
o bother you,” she explains. “You have enough on your plate at the moment. And I can hardly go to Stanford.” She rolls her eyes at the mere mention of our brother’s name. “There isn’t anyone else I trust to be honest with me. And Stirling is good at investments and stuff. Isn’t that what you pay him to do?” She’s right on all accounts.

  “Yes. I just—”

  “Nothing’s going on,” she tells me.

  Maybe I’m being a crazy big brother. But my sister is a beautiful girl, no woman, and I know Stirling likes blondes.

  “I think you forget how old you guys are.”

  Oh, that hurts, I’m only thirty-four. Ten years older than Audrey, but I’m by no means ancient. “Hey, I’m not that old.”

  “Please, you’re closer to forty than twenty.”

  Ouch.

  “Stirling is like a surrogate brother. He helps out when I know you’re too busy.”

  I frown at her comment. “You know I’ll always make time for you.”

  “I know. I hate to ask, especially at the moment. You have so much on your plate, I don’t need to pile on my insignificant stuff.” She shrugs.

  “Whatever’s going on in your life isn’t insignificant to me. I want to know.”

  “Fine.” She rolls her eyes and gives me a wide smile. “Next appointment with the real estate agent I will call you to come and check it out.”

  “Deal,” I reply.

  “So, you think Ariana is going to be excited to see you tonight?” Audrey changes the subject.

  “Probably not.” All of a sudden, I’m not as confident as I was in the city. “I hurt her when I got self-absorbed in my own shit.”

  “Does she know exactly what happened?” Audrey asks.

  I shake my head.

  “Well, duh, of course, she isn’t going to understand any of your reasons for why you have kept away. You have to tell her exactly why,” Audrey urges me.

  “I can’t dump all this on her.”

  “If she’s the one for you, then she will stand by your side and give you the strength to fight on.”