Humbling the Spoiled Billionaire

by Stephanie Street

  “Come on, Kade, buddy. These ladies are a bad influence. Let’s go hang out with the men.” Carter held out his hand for his nephew.

  “What’s a bad influence, Uncle Carter?” Kaden stayed snuggled against Harley’s side.

  Carter pointed to Cam. “That’s a bad influence, right there.”

  Cam stuck out her tongue. “You can’t turn him against me, Carter. I was in the room when he was born. Seriously, though, what’s up? Oakley says you’re a fighter now.”

  Before answering, Carter shot a glance at Harley, the first since he’d entered the kitchen and she felt it all the way to her toes. “I’m hardly a fighter. I’ve had four fights.”

  Despite herself, Harley’s brows rose. Four fights. “How many does it take to qualify you as a fighter?” she asked.

  Carter’s gaze settled on her more firmly and Harley, thankful for the excuse to study his face, did just that. Goodness, he was handsome, she thought to herself, taking note of the subtle changes in him since she’d seen him last year. His face was lean, his features chiseled. But there was something else, too. An edge, a kind of fearlessness that took ‘handsome’ to ‘so attractive it hurt’. A lot of men were good looking, but not all of them had that pull, that thing that made you almost desperate to be with them.

  She’d been attracted to Carter before, but the way he pulled her in now was next level.

  “I don’t know. I fight for fun, for exercise. It isn’t my job. It’s just a way to let off some steam.” Carter’s eyes never wavered and Harley feared he could see straight through her.

  “Yeah, his employees started complaining. Said he was a real jerk, so they got him a gym membership so he could let off some steam.”

  Carter’s lip twitched as he turned toward Cam. “That’s not exactly how it happened.”

  “Uncle Carter’s not a jerk,” Kaden chirped from Harley’s lap.

  “Dude! Finally, someone on my team!” Carter held out his hand for a fist bump. Cam had the good grace to at least appear contrite. Harley caught her mouthing a silent apology to Carter who brushed her off with a smirk.

  “What do you say, bud? Should we go check on the guys?” Carter held out his hand again. Kaden jumped from Harley’s lap and went to follow his uncle out onto the back patio.

  Cam walked over to Oakley and wrapped her arms around her friend’s shoulders. “Sorry, Oak. I know I get carried away. Carter just seems to bring it out in me.”

  Oakley patted Cam’s forearm. “It’s okay. Carter can be a jerk sometimes.”

  “No, it’s not okay. I shouldn’t talk like that in front of Kaden, although, Carter did call me a bad influence. But Carter’s a good uncle and he loves Kade a lot. It’s not fair for me to dress him down that way in front of a child even if I was just kidding. I’ll make sure to talk to Kaden about it and apologize to Carter later.”

  Oakley smiled and hugged Cam. “That sounds good. Let’s not worry about it anymore right now, though. We need to get this food outside.”

  “Wait.” Harley rose from her chair at the table and walked over to the other two. “What did you mean about Carter’s employees?”

  Oakley snickered as she pulled a plastic wrapped bowl from the fridge. “Employee. Singular.”

  Harley frowned, not understanding.

  Cam continued, more than willing to fill in the gaps. “I guess Carter had been in a perpetual bad mood and his assistant, Claire, couldn’t take it anymore. Her brother runs the MMA gym where Carter works out, she was the one who recommended it. Or the one who told him if he didn’t start going to the gym, she would quit. After lighting his office on fire.” Cam’s eyes turned dreamy. “Claire’s my kind of gal. We should hang out with her more.”

  “She’s always working.” Oakley’s lips pinched as she rubbed at a spot in her lower back.

  Harley sprang into action. “Tell me what to do. You should go sit down.” She looked to Cam. “What are we doing? We’re supposed to be helping!”

  “Right! Oak, park it. Harley and I got this.” Cam opened the fridge again and began pulling out condiments and more salad bowls.

  “What can I do?” Harley asked, glancing around the kitchen hoping something would pop out at her.

  “Can you get the paper plates and cups out of the pantry?” Oakley asked as she sank down onto a stool at the kitchen island.

  Harley opened the door where Oakley pointed and began searching the shelves for paper goods.

  “Can you get the napkins, too? I think they’re by the boxes of cereal.”

  Harley quickly found the plates, cups, and napkins and set them on the island. “Should I just carry these outside?”

  Cam shook her head. “No, I made sure Oakley bought a cart. It’s by the wall over there. Wanna roll it this way?”

  On the other side of the kitchen, Harley spotted a stainless steel rolling cart like you’d find in a restaurant. Grabbing it by the handle, she walked it over to where Cam had made a considerable pile of stuff to take outside.

  Harley’s eyes widened. “Do we really need all this? Are more people coming?”

  Oakley rubbed her forehead. “I guess Carter invited his friend, Deacon. I invited my parents and Lucy, but they couldn’t make it. Rafe is on call with the fire department, so he didn’t want to go too far away.”

  “Is your brother a volunteer?” Harley asked. She’d only met Rafe once, the same night she met Carter. He’d been the one to recommend the house Chris remodeled for a friend of his, Anna Dawson, whose husband, Blake, died in combat. He traveled with Anna and stood by her side as she received the deed to the house. Harley kept wondering if she would hear about something going on between Rafe and Anna, she’d even asked Oakley about it once, but the two were just good friends.

  “Yeah.”

  Before Oakley could elaborate, Cam jumped in again with more questions for Harley. “Wait. We haven’t heard what’s going on with Harley and the hottie out back.” Two sets of expectant eyes settled on Harley making her skin prickle.

  “What hottie out back? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Harley busied herself loading up the cart with all the fixings for the barbecue.

  “Ooh. Good question. Which hottie are we talking about? Carter? Or Brent?” Cam pumped her brows up and down.

  “Neither.” Harley had no desire to discuss her situation with either man. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. She would love to spill her guts about the pickle her mother had gotten her into with Brent, she just dreaded seeing the judgement in their eyes.

  “No way. You aren’t getting out of this that easily. What gives? Are you and your co-star dating?” Relentless. Cam’s middle name should be ‘relentless’. “Not that I would blame you. He’s really good looking.”

  Harley heard the undertones. Brent didn’t have a spotless reputation. He’d been in the tabloids on numerous occasions for being a jerk. Drinking. Disorderly conduct. Harley thought he might even have gotten a DUI.

  “It’s new. We’re just kind of seeing how things go.” She hated lying to her friends. What she said was as close to the truth as she could get.

  For a moment, both women quietly studied her. Harley knew she hadn’t sounded convincing. For all her experience as an actor, she was a horrible liar.

  “Well, I think it’s great.” Oakley moved around the island to hug Harley. “I’m happy for you. I don’t think I’ve heard of you dating anyone. Ever.” Her brows pinched as she thought. “At least not seriously. I’m glad you found someone.”

  Harley forced her lips into a smile. Like most happily married people, Oakley wanted everyone around her to be just as happy.

  Harley needed to get the focus off herself.

  “What about you, Cam? Are you seeing anyone?”

  Harley watched with fascination as a blush stole across the tiny blonde’s cheeks.

  “Um-” she began, but Oakley beat her to it.

  “Cam has been seeing someone, as a matter of fact.”

  Harley li
fted her brows, surprised. Not that Cam had found someone. She was fun and adorable, any guy would be lucky to be with her. But Harley had kind of gotten the impression Cam was a bit of a man hater. Not that she didn’t like men, any time Cam came around, she commented on hot guys, much like she’d teased Carter, but that was just it, it was always a joke.

  “Do tell.” Harley leaned her elbows on the marble countertop, anxious to hear all about Cam’s new boyfriend. Especially if it meant taking the heat off herself.

  “It’s not really new. I’ve known him for a long time.” Cam’s blush deepened and Harley grinned. What a hoot seeing Cam so flustered!

  Oakley pounced again. “His name is Patrick Burton and we went to high school together. He was a total nerd back then, but now he’s some hot shot CEO for this software company he started in college.”

  “We reconnected when I did a lunch for his company, Anchor Software Solutions. We talked afterward and he asked me to dinner,” Cam shrugged. “We’ve been seeing each other for a couple of months now.”

  “Wow. That’s great, Cam. I’m really happy for you.” Harley gave the other woman a side hug and realized she meant what she said. Somehow, these two had welcomed her into their small group and she could say without reservation, they’d already become the best friends she’d ever had. It was kind of sad, really, but also incredible, too.

  “Thanks.” Cam shrugged. “We’ll see how it goes. We don’t have a lot in common. He’s really into sports and computers and I don’t know anything about either of those things, but it’s been kind of fun figuring it out.”

  She took hold of the cart’s handle and started toward the door. “Harley, can you get the door? Let’s get this barbecue going. I’m starving!”

  As she opened the door, catching sight of Carter and Brent eyeing each other with open animosity, she wished she could say the same for herself. At this point, she’d be lucky if she didn’t lose the Greek yogurt and toast she ate for breakfast.

  Chapter Eight

  It was official. Carter hated Brent James. The guy was a complete tool. Carter had spent enough time around celebrities to realize they were all a bit full of themselves, heck, Carter wasn’t much better himself, but Brent James took it to a whole new level. What a poser.

  Brent’s inability to keep his hands off Harley didn’t help the situation any. Especially, when anyone could see he made her uncomfortable. It took all of Carter’s restraint and several hundred warning glances from his brother to keep him from jumping over Oakley’s fancy patio furniture and teaching the man a little respect.

  But that wasn’t even the worst of it, because really, he had no right to be so put out over the public displays of affection. Harley said the two of them were a couple. He had to respect that, even though it ate at his insides like battery acid, and he was trying.

  No, the nail in Brent James’s coffin was the way he treated Carter’s favorite little dude in the whole world. Kaden.

  At first, Carter tried to cut the guy some slack. Not everyone liked kids. But this was a family party and things had gotten to the point, it had become a competition to see who could keep from snuffing the life out of the stuffed shirt, because apparently, if one wanted to be murdered by the Bragg brothers, hurting Kaden’s feelings was a sure fire way to make it happen. Oakley had practically burned a hole through Chris’s head in attempt to keep him from getting arrested for maiming Harley’s date.

  As for Harley, well, she was clearly mortified. Carter could tell she knew Kaden, had a relationship with him, and cared for him a great deal. At that exact moment, Kaden played with a set of custom handmade wooden blocks she’d given him earlier.

  He’d been stacking the blocks over and over again after knocking them down on the glass-topped coffee table long enough even Carter was annoyed. But each time the blocks fell, Brent’s cringe etched deeper and deeper into his face.

  Carter had watched Oakley twitch in her son’s direction twenty times in as many minutes, ready to pluck up Kaden or the blocks, Carter wasn’t sure, and take them away, but Chris’s frown every time she moved kept her in place. Carter knew exactly what his brother was thinking.

  My house. My son. If you don’t like it, you leave.

  “So, how was the move?” Cam, bless her, and that’s how bad things had become, Carter was thankful Cam had opened her mouth, asked the two actors who’d just arrived in Denver.

  Harley shifted in her seat as she cleared her throat. Carter felt bad for her, but then again, she’d created this situation by bringing the jerk into their midst. “Not too bad. Although, we’re all in hotels until we can figure something else out. We’re going to be here for almost a year. I’m hoping to find something to rent as soon as possible. I tried looking before we arrived but I couldn’t find what I was looking for.” She glanced at Carter. “You wouldn’t happen to know of a place, would you?”

  Brent snorted. “What a dumb question. Why would you ask him?”

  For a moment, no one said anything. From the corner of his eye, Carter saw Oakley’s jaw drop and Chris’s hands tighten on the arms of his chair. Cam’s brow creased, her features etched with concern.

  Harley’s jaw tightened and Carter wanted to go to her. He’d never hated anyone more than Brent James.

  “He knows real estate in Denver,” Harley defended what she’d said.

  Brent rolled his eyes. “Corporate real estate. It’s different. It’s not like he’s selling houses and listing apartments for rent. Jeez, Harley.”

  Carter hated the rigid set to Harley’s shoulders as she took what Brent dealt her.

  “Actually, I do sell houses and I am aware of some apartments for rent.” Not entirely true, but he’d lie through his teeth if it meant proving Harley right in front of Brent. And he did know of one apartment for rent, but he sure as heck wasn’t going to bring it up in front of her jerk boyfriend. If he said anything at all to Harley about it, and he needed time to decide if he should, it would be in private.

  Brent eyed Carter speculatively. “You sell houses? I thought Bragg Enterprises only worked in high rises and industrial parks.”

  “That’s true, Bragg Enterprises does.”

  Brent waited. Carter didn’t elaborate. Instead, an awkward silence engulfed the group. Harley’s cheeks flushed making Carter want to go to her even more, but it wasn’t his place. That right belonged to the man who’d brought her pain.

  “Look what I made!” Kaden jumped to his feet, throwing his hands wide.

  “Kade!” Oakley cried, rising from her seat, but it was too late. Kaden’s arm swept Brent’s glass of red wine over the actor’s knees, the red liquid dripping down his pant legs.

  Brent sprang to his feet, face blotchy and red with anger as he surveyed the damage. “You stupid kid! Look what you did!”

  The backyard went deathly silent. Even the birds knew better than to make a noise. Beside Brent, Harley’s face blanched white and her mouth hung open. Carter fought every sinew as his muscles strained to run to Kaden, get him as far away from Brent James as possible, and then teach some manners to a certain ill-bred someone. But he wouldn’t do that…yet. The house belonged to Chris and so did Kaden.

  Carter watched as Chris slowly rose from his chair and had to admire his brother’s restraint.

  “Kade.” Chris’s voice was soft and low and full of love.

  Kaden, who stood stock still except for his trembling chin, let his eyes find those of his adoptive father.

  “Come here, son.”

  Kaden didn’t need any more convincing. Tears ran down his cheeks as he raced into Chris’s arms. Carter’s heart tore in half as Chris caught the boy and hauled him up close to whisper fiercely in Kaden’s ear. Carter couldn’t hear the exchange, but he knew his brother reassured his son all was well.

  Chris pulled back. “Okay?”

  Kaden nodded and Chris set him back on his feet. Oakley, who stood beside her men, held out her hand for Kaden. He took it. Cam quickly rose to her feet a
nd rushed to Kaden’s other side. The two women led the boy into the house as everyone on the patio watched.

  Chris turned his gaze to Carter. There would be no mayhem tonight. Carter sighed, but agreed with his brother. Out of respect for their relationship with Harley, Brent would live another day. But he would never, ever be welcome again.

  “Harley, it’s always a pleasure seeing you. Oakley enjoys your friendship immensely.” Chris went to her side and brushed his lips over her temple. Her shoulders sagged with obvious relief at the kindness he extended.

  As for Brent, he hadn’t moved a muscle since the evil words spilled forth from his mouth.

  “I’m going to leave you here with Carter for a moment while Brent and I sort out your ride back to your hotel.”

  “Chris, I-” Harley placed her hand on Chris’s arm, sincere devastation plain in her expression and in her voice as she spoke.

  “Shhh. We’ll talk later.” Chris squeezed her hand gently before turning his icy glare on Brent who’s face was tight with both anger and chagrin. “After you, James.”

  Brent hesitated to give Chris his back in the only smart move he’d made all day. Chris’s clenched fists at his sides finally got the other man moving.

  Neither Carter nor Harley moved until the two men disappeared around the edge of the house.

  “What is he going to do?” Harley asked, her voice small.

  “Do you care?” What on earth was she doing with that man?

  “I should go.” She turned to pick up her bag, but Carter stopped her from going after her boyfriend with his hands on her shoulders.

  “Chris wanted you to wait here for a minute.” Harley quaked in his grasp.

  “Brent will press charges if Chris lays a hand on him. Not that I think it would do him any good, but the press.” She let the implication dangle between them.

  “Let Chris worry about that.”

  Harley’s face crumpled. “Poor Kaden! I feel so awful. How could Brent be so horrible? It was an accident!”