Billionaire's Unexpected Bride (Slade Brothers Book 1)
Page 1
Billionaire’s Unexpected Bride
Slade Brothers-Book 1
Alexis Winter
A NOVEL
By
Alexis Winter
Arrogant, rude, hated by everyone in town...
And 100% NOT my type.
How the hell am I supposed to fix everything wrong with Drake Slade?
* * *
Lord give me strength because the moment I meet him,
The only thing I want to do is kiss that smug look off his cocky face.
Yeah okay, so that’s not the ONLY thing I want to do to him.
* * *
The day my perfect LA life was uprooted to move to middle-of-frickin-nowhere Colorado,
Was the day I was convinced my life was over.
Raise and promotion be damned,
What good is it if the only place in town is a dollar store?
* * *
But here I am, wearing a jean skirt and cowboy boots,
Rootin and scootin my way around town,
And square dancing my way right into Drake’s bed.
* * *
Don’t worry, I have a plan.
It’s just a little rough and dirty fun to make my time here pass,
Get the town to love him and move my ass back to LA.
* * *
I will NOT lust after my new billionaire client.
I will NOT fantasize about all the naughty things I wish he’d do to me,
And I will ABSOLUTELY not fall in love!
Now I just need to convince my heart...
Copyright © 2020 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.
* * *
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
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* * *
It’s no secret I’ve always had a crush on Damon Strickland.
My best friend’s older brother and the center of every single one of my fantasies.
* * *
He’s a walking, talking temptation.
* * *
That cocky grin and those broad, athletic shoulders.
You know what they say about a man with big hands right?
* * *
Growing up, we always tormented one another.
I was the nagging, annoying little girl he hated
And he was the man-whoring, douchebag I couldn’t seem to get over.
* * *
Now as adults he actually came through and helped me land a job at my dream company.
* * *
How the hell am I supposed to focus when all I can think about is tearing that tight suit from his tempting body!
* * *
What’s even worse?
He forgot to mention, he’s my boss.
* * *
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Contents
1. Celeste
2. Drake
3. Celeste
4. Drake
5. Celeste
6. Drake
7. Celeste
8. Drake
9. Celeste
10. Drake
11. Celeste
12. Drake
13. Celeste
14. Drake
15. Celeste
16. Drake
Epilogue
Off Limits Daddy SNEAK PEEK
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
READ THE REST OF THE SLADE BROTHERS SERIES
Also by Alexis Winter
About the Author
1
Celeste
“WHITE chocolate mocha with an extra shot?” the barista asks with a pleasant smile the moment I step up to the counter.
I smile and nod. “You know me so well, June,” I say as I pull the card out of my purse, passing it over.
She quickly swipes it and hands it back before getting to work on my coffee. As I wait, I check the time on my phone and begin going through some emails. I click on one from my friend, Jenny. The subject line reads: Rumor Has It . . .
Guess what I’ve heard being passed around the office? You’re moving from Los Angeles to Colorado! They’re giving you a promotion and you’ll be running the firm out there, being handed the largest client on the books for that office! Congrats, hon! P.S. Try to act surprised. I just couldn’t hold it in any longer. Love ya.
Upon reading those words, my mouth drops open. Where did she hear this? Is it true? Am I getting the Colorado account? If I am, when will I be leaving? Are they going to tell me today?
“Celeste?” I hear it like a whisper that creeps into my head, snaking its way through all my spinning thoughts. “Ma’am, your coffee,” the barista finally says, causing my eyes to jump up to her as she holds out my coffee.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I say in a rush as I reach out and take the paper cup. “I was lost in this sea of work emails.”
She offers up a small smile, but I’m sure she thinks I’m some kind of space cadet by the faraway look on my face.
“Have a great day,” she says in her sweet voice.
“You too.” I smile as I drop some cash into her tip jar and walk toward the door with a little extra pep in my step. Suddenly, I can’t wait to get to work. I can’t wait to find out if the rumor is true. If it is, I can’t wait to shove it down Jeremy’s throat. Jeremy has been my rival since college. We fought neck and neck for valedictorian, and I only beat him by a few points. I thought I was done with him and our competition, only to be surprised on orientation day. I walked into that board room thinking I had the world at my fingertips. I stopped dead in my tracks when my eyes landed on him, and his mouth dropped open when he looked up and saw me.
We can’t stand each other and we do our best to avoid crossing paths at all costs. However, that’s close to impossible when you work in the same office. He likes to brag about his accomplishments whenever I’m within earshot, and even though I have accomplishments of my own, his bragging always makes me feel inferior to him. But this tidbit of news is something he can’t beat, and I know when he hears my name come out of our boss’ mouth, he’s going to be more angry than the time I beat him for valedictorian. Just knowing this makes me giggle as I walk down the crowded sidewalk toward the firm.
As I finish my walk to the office, I can’t help but think about the move. Colorado? I never dreamed of living outside the city. I’m not a fall in love, get married, and start reproducing as fast as possible kind of girl. I never daydreamed about small towns and kids running around the yard, nor do I tear up at the sight of a tiny sock. I’ve always preferred the busy hustle and bustle of city life. I like spending my days walking through endless stores. I love chance encounters with a celebrities or YouTube personalities when the girls and I go out for brunch. I love that I have at least 10 different options for coffee every morning. Could a small town even offer anything close to that?
My mind is an endless sea of questions as I walk into the lobby of the Mason, Lawrence, and Howe Law Firm. The lobby is packed with staff, clients, and outside workers: mailmen, couriers, and independent contractors. They’re all busy talking or checking their packages or phones. I pass by them in a blur on my way to the elevator. I reach out to push the button, but someone beats me to it. I lo
ok up to find Gavin smiling at me.
“You looked a little dazed. Figured I’d help you out,” he shrugs as his smile widens and his face reddens.
“Thank you,” I breathe out, embarrassment washing over me.
He runs his hand through his neat, dark hair and his eyes dart around like he’s searching for something to say. “So, how have you been?” He slides his hands into the pants pockets of his perfectly pressed suit.
I nod as I tighten my grip on my purse strap, needing something to keep me grounded. Gavin is young, rich, and handsome. I could easily slip into a daydream picturing us together. “Good. And yourself?” I manage to get out.
“Same old, I guess.” He looks at his feet as he moves his weight from one to the other.
“How’s the new puppy?” Gavin and I have always had a connection that neither of us has ever acted on. Actually, I don’t know if he feels it like I do, but I refuse to act on it. We work together, which means we can’t screw things up by acting on our feelings. So small talk is all we’ve ever done. Awkward small talk while waiting in line for the elevator.
“Really good,” he replies, pulling out his phone and showing me a picture of a golden lab on his lock screen. The little puppy has a red bandana around his neck, and his long tongue is hanging out as he sits in the grass next to a rubber ball.
“Aww, he’s adorable. Did you ever settle on a name?”
He snorts and rolls his eyes as he slides the phone back into his pocket. “Scout. I didn’t name him; my mom did. She puppy-sits for me while I’m at work. I left work one day and went to pick him up, only to find she’d named him. He was responding when she called him, so I didn’t have the heart to change it.”
“That’s sweet, and it’s a good name,” I say, managing to keep my voice even, despite my nerves.
The elevator opens just as Gavin starts to reply, cutting him off. We both step inside and he pushes the button for our floor.
I turn to resume our conversation, but he beats me to the punch.
“I don’t mean to be forward, but would you like to go out with me sometime? It seems like we’ve been dancing around it for years and I just figured, why not ask?” He looks hopeful with his wide eyes and raised brows.
“Oh, um . . .” I don’t know what to say as I bounce from foot to foot. “Sure?” I answer, but it comes out like a question.
His smile breaks free as a long breath leaves his lips. He’s relieved. “Really? I thought for sure you’d say no. Can I pick you up tonight? Are you free?” His words come out in a nervous rush.
A giggle slips between my lips, something that happens when I’m under pressure. “Yeah. Yes, I’m free.”
He claps his hands together. “I’ll pick you up around eight. Text me your address?” The elevator door opens but he’s blocking my exit.
I force a smile and nod. “Mm-hmm.”
He backs out of the elevator and holds out his arm so the door doesn’t close as I step out. I turn to face him, unsure of what just happened. Why did I agree to that date? Maybe it’s the chance I need to explain why this isn’t a good idea. Or maybe the date will be bad and we’ll decide we’re not meant to be. Then all of this worry will have been for nothing.
“I’ll pick you up later?” he asks one more time.
I nod my head with a smile in place, watching as he turns and walks away. When he’s no longer in sight, a deep breath leaves my lips. Today has brought me all kinds of surprises. I shake off the worry and nervousness and push myself forward, toward my office. I walk past my assistant and she follows me in just like she always does. As I begin putting my things away, she reads off my messages. Most of them are about returning calls or emails, but then she says it: “Mr. Mason would like to see you in his office as soon as possible.”
I can hear the fear in her voice. She’s afraid for me. No one gets invited into Mr. Mason’s office unless they’re being fired. I was hoping this announcement would be a public one, so I could watch the emotions change on Jeremy’s face. I know. I’m petty.
“Okay, thank you, Mary.”
She nods and rushes out the door, closing it behind her.
Now that the room is empty and I’m alone, I take a few minutes to get myself prepared. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling a sense of calm settle over me as I do so. I close my eyes and repeat the process. I can feel my heart slow to a steady rate as my breathing evens out. My eyes pop open and I begin straightening my gray slacks and matching blazer. I turn to face the mirror, fluffing my blonde hair that’s curled to perfection. My green eyes are wide with fear, but sparkling with excitement. Lastly, I pull out my tube of MAC lipstick and apply a fresh layer. I want to make sure I look my best when I accept my new position.
As I’m walking out the door, a feeling of doom settles over me. What if I’m not getting a promotion? What if I’m actually getting fired? I shake my head and roll my eyes at myself. No way am I getting fired. I’ve always met and exceeded the goals and expectations set for me by the company. I’ve never lost a case for the firm.
I come to a stop at the elevator and push the button, waiting for the car to return. I look around and find Jeremy standing behind the window in his office. His dark eyes are trained on me and he’s scowling. Maybe he’s heard the same rumor about my promotion. That would definitely cause him to look at me with annoyance and disgust.
The elevator dings and the doors open, giving me little to no time to think about Jeremy and his dirty looks. Instead, I step in and hit the button for the top floor. Riding up, my hands begin to shake and my heart rate spikes again. The calm, quiet moment from my office has worn off. As the elevator comes to a stop, I’m hit with nausea. I’ve been so excited about the possible promotion that I didn’t stop to think about what this could mean. Moving east. Surrounding myself with nothing but dirt, manure, and mountain ranges. No more mid-morning shopping at Gucci. Bye-bye 10 different coffee shops. I feel like I’ll be trading in my Louis Vuittons and fancy dinners for boots and mud wrestling competitions.
The doors in front of me open, leaving me frozen in fear as I lock eyes with the administrative assistant sitting in wait. All I can hear is the pounding of my heart in my ears. I can literally hear the blood rushing my body. I can feel my hair growing and my scalp tingling as each passing second ticks away as a reminder of how long I’ve been standing here. This poor woman probably thinks I’m having a stroke. I hear her clear her throat, but even that doesn’t break me free from this fierce panic attack. The elevator dings and the doors begin to close with me still inside.
Finally, I react. I hold my hand out, causing the doors to open as I force myself to step out. As I walk toward her desk, she watches me like someone would look at a flight-risk bride on the day of her wedding. I tell myself that just because I’m being offered this position doesn’t mean I have to take it. I can turn it down. I tell myself to just go in there and see what Mr. Mason has to say. This finally settles my nerves enough that I can speak when I come to a stop at her desk.
“My assistant told me that Mr. Mason was asking for me,” I manage to stutter out.
“Ms. Teller, I presume?” she replies with a lift of one arched eyebrow.
I nod and swallow down the excess saliva in my mouth. “Yes.”
“Please have a seat and I’ll let him know you’ve arrived.” She motions toward a line of chairs pushed against the wall. I turn and have a seat as I hear her talking softly behind me. When I sit and am facing her again, I see her hang up the phone as her eyes lock on mine.
“You know, he really isn’t as scary as most people believe,” she says, trying to reassure me.
I offer a weak smile. “It’s that obvious, huh?”
She peers over the glasses sliding halfway down her nose. “Only a little.”
I want to ask for some tips, but the office door opens and Mr. Mason comes into view. “Thank you, Stella. Ms. Teller?” He motions me toward his office.
I stand and quickly walk
across the floor. His cologne washes over me as I step past him. It’s thick and heavy and soothing in a weird way.
He closes the door behind us. “Please, have a seat.” He moves around me to take his place behind his desk. His dark hair is combed back perfectly, and his blue eyes are shining bright. He’s wearing a slight smile, making me a little more certain that I’m not being fired. I mean, what kind of psycho smiles when they’re about to fire someone?
“I’m sorry we’re only just now getting around to having a sit-down meeting, Ms. Teller. I usually like to have monthly one-on-ones with our top lawyers long before this, but I’ve been extremely busy these last few months.”
I smile politely. “No worries, Mr. Mason. I completely understand.” I surprise myself with how even and controlled my voice sounds. I’m usually not a nervous person, but today, everything feels off.
“Let’s get straight to the point, yes?” he asks, clasping his hands together on top of his desk.