Next Door to the Billionaire

by Remi Carrington

  A slight smile was her only response to his compliment. She swiped at her face again, leaving more flour than she wiped off. “Have a seat. What can I get you to drink?”

  “You don’t have to wait on me. I’ll get it. What do you want?”

  “Surprise me.”

  Tanner barely tempered the urge to surprise her with a kiss. “Oh. Hang on a second. I’ll be right back.” He rushed out of the house and back to his place. The roses sat on the counter right where he’d left the vase. In such a hurry to see Livvy, he’d walked off without them.

  He called out as he pushed open the door at Nellie’s. “It’s me.”

  She poked her head out of the kitchen. “Where’d you—” Her eyes went wide, and her kissable lips curved into a smile.

  “Surprise.”

  “Thank you.” She brushed her hand on the petals. “You’re the only person that’s ever given me roses.”

  He stepped up behind her and slipped his arms around her. “You’re the only person that’s ever made me feel this way.”

  She leaned back into him before pulling away. “I don’t want to burn dinner.”

  Chapter 26

  Anticipating his reaction, when they’d finished dinner, Livvy pulled out the Oreo Ice Box cake.

  Tanner’s jaw hung open. “You made this the day Nellie and Coop came over, didn’t you?”

  “Yes. I knew you’d like it.” She served up two slices.

  He grabbed clean forks. “Have you talked to your mom this week?”

  “Finally. I’ve called every day, but she didn’t call me back until today.”

  “And?”

  “She says she’s fine. Doesn’t need my money.” Livvy still wasn’t sure what to make of the sudden change.

  “That’s good, right?”

  “It means I can afford classes next semester and replace my car, but I’m concerned about what she’s done to get the money. Mom’s choices aren’t always logical or safe, but I don’t even want to think about that possibility.”

  “There are charities around. Maybe she got help from something like that.” Tanner took a bite of the dessert. “This is so good.”

  “I hope it’s something like that. The day she called me, when we went over there, she was out getting her nails done. It’s stuff like that I worry about. She’s crying because she can’t make rent, then she gets her nails done and goes out to dinner.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said any of that.”

  Painting the warped and dysfunctional picture of what life had been like since her dad died wasn’t smart. It would only push Tanner away.

  “Livvy, look at me.” He turned to face her. “I’m here to listen, to help when I can, but I’m here for you—whatever you need from me.”

  “Why?” In that moment, nothing was more important to her than the answer to that question.

  He leaned in close, his lips almost touching hers. “I care about you, Livvy.”

  She pushed him back. “I need to tell you something.”

  “Okay?”

  Livvy focused on the table. “Angela is wearing an engagement ring that looks like yours—you know, the one you bought—that I gave back to you.” She glanced up. “She waved it in my face yesterday.”

  Fear and concern filled his eyes. “Livvy, please believe me when I say that I’m not seeing Angela. She’s called many times, but I just let it roll to voicemail. I think I’ve talked to her once since the night at my parents.” His chair scraped the floor as he jumped up from the table. “I don’t know what she’s trying to do. I would never—you believe me, don’t you?”

  Cheating wasn’t in his nature. The fear clouding her judgment cleared, and Livvy saw the truth. He did care for her, and she wanted more than friendship. She wanted him.

  She sprang out of her chair and threw her arms around him, catching his lips with hers. After a second of surprise, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back.

  She broke away long enough to take a breath. “I believe you.”

  He lifted her off the floor and onto the counter. Cradling her face in his hands, he brushed his lips against hers, teasing of a deeper kiss to come. “This is why.”

  She giggled, trailing her fingers through his hair. “Because of how I kiss?”

  “Because you trust me.” He kissed her again. “Let’s have dessert.”

  “Tanner.” I love you. She couldn’t say that. Pressing her cheek to his, she whispered in his ear. “I like you more than Oreos.”

  “And it is definitely time for dessert.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

  Back at the table, after devouring his first piece, Tanner served himself another. “You were really going to give your school money to your mom?”

  She didn’t want to wade through that conversation, but honesty seemed required. “I didn’t want to, which makes me a horrible daughter, but I would have.”

  “Why, Livvy?” Did he really need her to explain it to him?

  “She’s my mom.”

  “You love her?”

  “Duh.” She rolled her eyes to make her point.

  “But you won’t let me help you?”

  Breath caught in her throat. She met his gaze but couldn’t offer an answer that made sense, at least not one she was brave enough to say out loud.

  “Even if you never do, I’ll still be here, as long as you’ll let me hang around.” He brushed a finger down her cheek.

  She leaned into him.

  He held her, and they stayed that way for several minutes.

  A knock startled Livvy. “I’m not sure who it could be.”

  “I’ll get it.” He hurried to the front door. “Mom, hey, come on in. Nellie isn’t here.”

  “Is Livvy here?” Ruthie walked into the kitchen.

  “I am.” Livvy felt her cheeks burn.

  Could Ruthie sense what had been going on? A warm grin lit up her face. “Just the person I wanted to see. Are you busy?”

  He stepped up next to Livvy. “We just finished eating.”

  Ruthie glanced from Livvy to Tanner, a recognizable twinkle in her eye. “Did I interrupt anything?”

  “What do you need, Mom?” He tucked his hands in his pockets.

  “I came to take Livvy shopping, if she wanted to go.” Ruthie checked the time. “Stores are open for at least another two hours. We could go tomorrow if that’s better.”

  “I’d be happy to shop with you. What are we shopping for?”

  She waved her hand, and Livvy expected singing mice to create a dress before her eyes.

  “The wedding is two weeks from tomorrow. I want to buy you a dress. Is that okay?”

  Livvy nodded. “Sure.” She didn’t want to be rude, and telling Ruthie no seemed to fall in that category.

  “I’ll clean up. Y’all have fun.” Tanner hugged his mom and gave Livvy a quick peck on the lips.

  Ruthie squealed, not loudly, but audibly.

  The entire family wanted Livvy and Tanner together.

  Livvy forced herself not to look at the price tags.

  Ruthie pulled dress after dress off the rack, holding them up to Livvy. “Do you like any of these? Let’s pick out a few for you to try on.”

  “You don’t have to go to all this trouble on my account, Mrs. Davis.”

  “Ruthie, remember. And I know I don’t have to. I want to. I’d do it even if my son wasn’t head over heels for you.”

  Livvy accepted the armload of dresses. “I’ll start with these.” Once she’d closed herself in the changing room, she texted Nellie: Your mom has me out shopping. Was this your doing?

  Moi? I hope you and Tanner had a very nice evening, and I hope Mom interrupted something. Nellie followed her text with a laughing emoji.

  You’re incorrigible. And thanks. Livvy tucked the phone back in her purse and tried on the first dress.

  A second later her phone beeped. Nellie had sent another message. He kissed you???

  Livvy tapped out a reply: It was
the Oreo dessert.

  Panic set in as she saw how excited Tanner and his family were about the relationship. Maybe she’d let off the brakes too soon.

  She stepped out of the changing room to let Ruthie see the dress. Livvy didn’t care for the way it fit, but the color was nice.

  Ruthie cocked her head and pursed her lips. “What do you think?”

  “I think I should try on the next one.”

  “I agree. That color is lovely on you, though.” She checked her phone, probably reading a message from Nellie. “Tanner’s tie and cummerbund are a deep blue.”

  Dress after dress, Livvy walked out, and Ruthie wrinkled her nose or shook her head.

  As Livvy tried on the last dress, Ruthie knocked. “I chose a few more for you to try if we don’t like this one.”

  “Okay.” Livvy slid the zipper up on the side and smoothed the fabric. When she saw her reflection, she smiled.

  It was the perfect dress.

  She opened the door, and Ruthie clapped, trying not to drop the other dresses.

  “That’s the one. It’s even the perfect color.” She handed off the other dresses to the attendant. “Spin around for me. You look beautiful.”

  “All I need now are some glass slippers.”

  Before walking into the house, Livvy waved. She almost felt guilty for liking his family so much. She loved her mom, but his family was different.

  Livvy wandered into the kitchen and laughed.

  Nellie waved her fork. “You cannot make this again until after the wedding. I need to fit into my dress.”

  Livvy heaped a portion onto a plate. “I need another piece.”

  “Find a dress?”

  She nodded, her mouth full of cookies and cream. “Blue, fitted, perfect. Your mom is kind of amazing.”

  “I’m partial to her.”

  Tanner texted: Have fun? I enjoyed tonight.

  Livvy turned so that Nellie couldn’t see the phone. Our shopping trip was a success. I like your mom.

  But you like me more? Tanner flirted even over text.

  Maybe.

  “You’re texting my brother, aren’t you?” Nellie rinsed her dishes and tucked them in the dishwasher. “And the roses are nice.”

  “He brought me flowers. We had a nice dinner. He kissed me. We had dessert. Your mom showed up.” Livvy still wanted to pinch herself when she thought about Tanner kissing her.

  There was so much implied in his comments, but the interruption saved her from discussing them. She wanted to, but not yet.

  “I’m going to tell you something that I think you need to know.” Nellie sat down across the table. “No one—not me or Coop or my parents—goes to the cabin. It has always been Tanner’s private getaway. He bought it after going to work for my grandfather. With the pressure of that job, he needed a place to escape.”

  “I showed up unannounced—in a storm. He wasn’t exactly going to turn me away.”

  “That’s not what I mean.” She shook her head. “You spent the day with him out there painting. You helped him pick out furniture. He liked having you out there, I think.”

  Excitement bubbled in Livvy’s chest.

  “I can see that you care for my brother. I want you to see how much he cares for you.”

  Livvy nodded, afraid that if she opened her mouth, nonsense would pour out.

  “I’m not sure what held you back, why you kept away from him. Maybe it was the money, but my gut says it was something else.”

  “What did Coop say when your grandfather fired you?”

  “That’s a story for another time.”

  Livvy sucked in a deep breath, hoping the air would impart courage. “Honestly—and please don’t repeat this—I don’t want to be this year’s project. You know how some people will adopt a family each Christmas. I don’t want to be this year’s charity case.”

  Nellie blinked away tears. “You aren’t my project. You’re my friend. Initially, I hired you to keep you close. I knew Tanner was interested, and I hoped that you’d change your mind. I conveniently didn’t mention that he lived next door.” She leveled her gaze at Livvy. “Now, you’re like a sister to me.”

  “Your grandfather wouldn’t have liked me.”

  Nellie pulled Livvy into a hug. “Which is why the rest of the family loves you.”

  Chapter 27

  Tanner messaged Livvy early, hoping she was awake: I need to walk off that dessert and would love your company. Want to hit the trails with me?

  Sounds fun. I can be ready in fifteen minutes.

  He tossed water and snacks in a backpack before pulling on his shoes. Monday, he’d be back in the office, swamped with work and wouldn’t have as much time to see her. Spending every waking minute with her was his plan for the weekend.

  As he walked out the front door, his phone rang. Why hadn’t he blocked Angela’s number already? Given what he’d learned last night, he decided to answer.

  “Hello.”

  “Tanner baby, hi. I’ve missed you.”

  “What do you want, Angela?”

  “You scheduled an appointment with Daddy, so I assumed you’d come to your senses.”

  “Your father wanted to discuss business. It has nothing to do with us.”

  “Oh, but that’s where you are so very wrong.” Her words iced over. “I saw that little waitress the other day.”

  Before he thought better of it, he said, “She mentioned it.”

  The silence on the other end of the line made him wish he’d kept his mouth shut. He’d just painted a target on Livvy.

  “Tanner, listen to me carefully.” Angela didn’t hide her anger. “You will marry me. Get over this infatuation quickly and keep it out of the papers.”

  “Bye, Angela.” He hung up before he said something he’d regret.

  Livvy waved as she walked outside. “Hey. I’m glad you called. It’s such a gorgeous day.”

  He dropped the backpack and opened his arms.

  Her smile lit up the world as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Everything okay?”

  “Not sure. This whole thing with Angela has me concerned. She just called.”

  Livvy tensed, but the smile didn’t leave her face. “We’ll figure it out.”

  “If you bump into her again or if she tries to contact you, call me. Okay?” His worry was more about what Angela would do or say to Livvy.

  Her cool fingers touched his face. “I will.”

  In the truck, conversation flowed as naturally as it did every night on the phone.

  “You found a dress?”

  “I did.” Her grin let him know she wasn’t going to say more about it.

  That didn’t stop him from asking. “When can I see it?”

  “At the wedding. I will tell you this. It will not clash with your tux.”

  Walking along the trail, they chatted about what classes she’d be taking and how his transition to boss was going.

  After a couple miles, they stopped at a high spot on the trail near a big bridge and stared out at the scenic view.

  Livvy perched on a large rock and sipped water. “Truth or Dare?”

  “Truth” Tanner would happily tell her anything she wanted to know.

  “How long did you know I was living next door before you came over and talked to me?”

  “You over-estimate my level of self-control. When I saw you, I almost ran. I only took it slow, so I could surprise you. Coop and Nellie hadn’t mentioned anything.”

  “I made them promise. Your turn.”

  “Truth or Dare?”

  “Dare.”

  Daring her to marry him probably wasn’t the most romantic thing to do, but the temptation wasn’t easily dismissed. “Let me take you and your mom to dinner.”

  Livvy’s smile fell away. “I’m worried if she ever found out you had money, she’d—she’s not a bad person.” She turned away. “I’ll text her. When?”

  “I’m free tonight, but we can wait until you’re
ready.”

  “It’s not because I’m ashamed of you. You know that, right?”

  “I know.” He shouldn’t have pushed her so soon. “Come here.”

  “I’m all sweaty.”

  “I don’t care.” He pulled her close. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s a fair question. But how about we start with this.” She pulled out her phone and held it out, snapping a photo of the two of them.

  “What are you going to do with that?”

  She tapped away on her screen. “This.” She showed him what she’d typed. “Mind if I post it?”

  “Tag me.”

  She’d posted the photo on social media with a caption that read: Fabulous weather. Amazing guy. Perfect Saturday.

  “Dare.”

  Livvy pushed away and climbed up on the rock. “Give me a piggyback ride across the bridge.”

  “You’ll have to wear the backpack.”

  After slipping on the pack, she hopped on his back. Arms around his neck, she whispered in his ear as he strolled across the long bridge, making him not inclined to hurry.

  “You grew up to be even better looking than I imagined. When I was eleven, I thought you were the best-looking guy I’d ever seen.” She kissed his cheek. “I wasn’t wrong.”

  At the far end of the bridge, he lingered an extra few seconds before crossing back onto the trail. “Truth or dare?”

  “Truth.”

  “How long did you know I was next door before I discovered you hiding right under my nose?”

  “A while. I knew your schedule well-enough that I thought I’d be fine working outside until later in the afternoon.”

  “But I left work early.”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “After the weekend at the cabin, I was interested. Very interested.” He strapped on the backpack. “And I messed up with what I said to Coop. I’m still embarrassed about it. Being engaged didn’t help either. But, when you disappeared, that only ramped up my thoughts about you.”

  “I hear the words come out of your mouth, but they don’t sound real.” A quick kiss ended their game. “Ready to head back?”