Her Big Fat Hunky Billionaire Boss

by Victorine Lieske

  “Seriously,” he said, his face sobering. “I’m sorry.” He let her go and took a step back.

  Kat just stood there gripping the silverware in one hand, her heart pumping so fast she got light headed. Words. She needed to say words. “Um, that’s okay. I overreacted.”

  Now she felt foolish. She set the silverware in place and went to get napkins. Why was she having such trouble around him? She was losing her mind.

  As she sat across from him at the table she realized what it was. It was that stupid kiss at the top of the Farris wheel. Dumb. She lost her head over it and hadn’t quite grounded herself from it. He didn’t mean it as a real kiss. Why was she going all stupid over it?

  Damian’s gaze connected with hers across the table. “So, your sister cooks. What about you?” He sawed into the chicken on his plate.

  Kat shrugged then shot him a cheesy grin. “I know all the good takeout places.”

  Damian raised his eyebrow. “Both of them?”

  “Ha, ha. Funny.” Kat didn’t want to admit there were only three fast food chains in Pleasant Hollow. “I cook too. I just don’t enjoy it as much as Hilary.”

  “Yeah,” he said, turning to her sister. “I heard you want to go to culinary school.”

  “I’d love to.” Hilary smiled. “But that’s just a dream.” She looked down at her plate and stabbed at a green bean. Kat’s heart went out to her. There’s nothing more her sister would love to do. If only she was making more at work, she could help her sister realize her dream. But even if she made reporter, there wouldn’t be enough to pay all the bills, keep her mother in the facility, and pay for culinary school.

  “A dream that you could make happen.” Damian ate a bite of the chicken and made a face like he was eating a piece of heaven. “And you’d be very successful. This is delicious.”

  Hilary blushed. “Thanks.” She didn’t lift her gaze.

  Kat grew annoyed at Damian. He didn’t know their situation. She’d tried to tell him about their mother, but he didn’t understand the money it drained from both of them. And his solution would be to move to a big city to get a higher paying job, but they couldn’t leave their mother sitting in a room in Pleasant Hollow Senior Center, like a forgotten piece of furniture. She was their flesh and blood, even if she didn’t remember it anymore.

  Kat cleared her throat, ready to change the subject. “Where did you go to school, Damian?”

  “Stanford.”

  “Business?”

  Damian looked like he was trying to figure her out as if he wasn’t sure why she was suddenly asking about his schooling. “Yes.”

  “Did you always know you were going to take over Warren Industries?”

  “It’s been the plan ever since I was born.”

  Kat picked up her water glass. “And you enjoy it?”

  He stared at her, his gaze boring into her. “Of course.”

  “You never tire of it? Seems like a boring life, just working all the time.”

  He flinched a little before Hilary interrupted. “I’m sure he does other things with his time, Kat.”

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “He told me last night he likes to concentrate on work, at the office, and at home.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt guilty. Why was she badgering him like that?

  “What time does the fundraiser start?” Damian continued to stare at Kat, even though the question was directed at Hilary.

  “Two o’clock,” Hilary said, her gaze ping-ponging back and forth between them.

  “We’d best hurry, then.” Damian finally broke his gaze, digging into his lunch.

  Kat welcomed the silence as they ate. She had no idea why she was sparing with him. She needed to stop acting like a stupid teenager. After they cleaned up, Damian helped her and Hilary bring all the baked goods to the car. They traveled to the facility in silence.

  When they got to the Pleasant Hollow Senior Center, Kat brought in four plates of cookies while Damian held the door for her. She and Damian helped set up the tables for the baked goods. When everything was set up Damian folded his arms and studied her. “Can I meet your mother?”

  Conflicting feelings surged in Kat. She loved her mother, but it was always difficult to visit her, and she wasn’t sure what kind of a day she was having. And why did Damian care, anyway? After considering it, she decided it would be okay to take him down there for a minute, so she nodded. “All right.”

  Kat walked down the hallway to room #132, Damian beside her. She knocked lightly on the door before letting herself in. “Mom?”

  Her mother sat in her floral chair by the window. She turned to look at Kat. “Who are you looking for, Dear? I’m afraid it’s just me in here.”

  Kat’s heart sank. The days when her mother would recognize her were growing farther apart. “Mom, I want you to meet someone. This is Damian Warren. He owns the newspaper. Damian, this is my mother, Anabella Fox.”

  Damian stepped forward and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Fox.”

  Her mother’s eyes lit up as she shook his hand. “Oh, aren’t you handsome.”

  Kat wanted to crawl under the bed. “Mom!”

  Damian just chuckled. “You look lovely today, Mrs. Fox.”

  Her mother patted the back of her hair. Besides a few stray grey strands, it was still dark brown, making her mother look young. “Thank you. Are you here to fix the sink? It’s been acting up today.”

  Damian glanced toward the bathroom. “Um, no. I’m afraid not.”

  “Her sink is fine,” Kat whispered. Aloud, she said, “Damian’s here to help with the fundraiser.”

  “Oh, the fundraiser,” her mother said, obviously not knowing what that meant. Her gaze traveled around the room. “I forgot about that.”

  “It’s okay, Mom. They’ll have games later today. I know you like the games.”

  “I do.” She smoothed out her house dress. “Who are you again?”

  “I’m Kat, Mom.” Her voice betrayed her emotion as it cracked. “How was breakfast?”

  “It was nice. I ate a cinnamon roll. I always like those.”

  “Yes, I know you do.” Kat swallowed the lump in her throat.

  Her mother smiled, an empty look in her eyes. “Who did you say you were looking for again? I’m afraid she’s not here right now.”

  Unwanted tears swelled in Kat’s eyes. She blinked them back. “That’s okay. I have to go now.” Kat leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “See you next week.”

  As she walked out, she wiped at her tear, hoping Damian hadn’t noticed. He didn’t say anything, but he did put his hand on her shoulder. It was a comforting gesture.

  Chapter 14

  Damian’s heart swelled for Kat as they left her mother’s room. It was hard on her, seeing her mother unable to remember her, that much was obvious. And Kat’s mother was so young, which had to hurt even worse.

  Kat swiped at her cheek, her eyes forward, her jaw clenched. Damian leaned closer. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Kat shook her head. “Not really.”

  “Then let’s go bid on some dessert.” He squeezed her shoulder and dropped his hand. If there was one thing he knew how to do, it was attending a fundraiser. His world was full of them.

  They entered the large room and walked by the plates of delicious items. It looked like a good turnout, the room was crowded and more people were coming in. Half the town must have shown up.

  Kat pointed. “The deserts on this table are set up for a silent auction. The rest they’ll auction off live in a few minutes.”

  Damian spied a plate of Hilary’s dark chocolate cookies and headed toward them. “Perfect. I’ll bid on these.” He leaned over and wrote a figure on the paper.

  Kat gasped. “A thousand dollars?” she whispered. “Are you crazy?”

  “I want to make sure I win them.”

  “Well, a hundred would have done it.”

  “I’m sure they can use the money.” Damian slid hi
s hands into his pockets.

  Kat seemed to appraise him with her gaze. “You’re right. Thanks for giving to the center.”

  He bid on a few more items before they chose two empty chairs to sit on and wait for the auction to start. Damian found himself thinking about Kat as people filed into the room. She was a strong woman, but yet there was a part of her that was tender. He could see it in her eyes. She cared about others. He liked that about her.

  She was also spunky, and witty. She liked to have fun. And surprisingly, he enjoyed being with her. Before thinking about it he reached over and patted her leg. The gesture felt intimate, and he grew self-conscious. He shouldn’t be connecting with her like that. He withdrew his hand.

  Kat leaned over to him. “That’s Gerry. He’s the center’s director.” She gestured toward an older gentleman. His white looked like he’d tried to tame it, but it rebelled and stuck up anyway. He had a plump figure and his smile was wide and genuine.

  Gerry picked up a microphone and tapped on it. “I’d like to welcome you all to our auction today. Like a cow walking through tall grass, I’m udderly tickled to be here.”

  Damian chuckled as the crowd responded with laughter. He liked this guy.

  “First of all, let’s give a hand to everyone who brought in such wonderful desserts.” Gerry motioned to the crowd, as most people attending had brought something in.

  The room erupted in applause. When the noise died down, Gerry pointed to the first item. “First up for auction is a lovely pineapple upside down cake made by my wife, Sarah. If you’ve never eaten anything made by Sarah, you’re missing out. A man doesn’t get to be my size by accident, you know.” He patted his belly.

  Damian waited until Hilary’s plate of cupcakes were up for auction before bidding. She’d frosted them to look like snowmen. He raised his hand to start it at five dollars. A woman across the room bid six. It went back and forth a few times, the woman giving him stares over the glasses perched on her nose as he jumped the price up a few times.

  Kat poked him. “That’s Mrs. Bowing,” she whispered. “She’s the mayor’s wife. Let her have them.”

  “They look good. I want them.”

  Kat let out a scoff. “You’re so stubborn. Just let her have them.”

  A tiny twitch on her lips told him she was enjoying the back and forth. He grinned. “No.”

  Mrs. Bowing raised her hand. “Fifty dollars.”

  Gerry’s smile widened. “Well, it looks like this plate will go to—”

  “One hundred dollars,” Damian said. He couldn’t help himself.

  The crowd took in a collective breath. Mrs. Bowing postured. She adjusted her fur hat. “Two hundred dollars.”

  Several people made oohing noises and everyone’s eyes rested on him. Damian was up for the challenge. “Two thousand dollars.”

  Kat sunk into her chair and put her hand up to shield her face. “You had to do that, didn’t you?” she mumbled.

  Mrs. Bowing smiled, although a little tightly. “You may have them, Mr. Warren.”

  Gerry seemed frozen at the front of the room. At Mrs. Bowing’s statement, he held up the plate. “Well, thank you, Mr. Warren. Looks like you bought yourself these delicious treats. And your contribution will help fund many wonderful activities here at the center. Let’s give Mr. Warren a round of applause.”

  The room filled with noise as people clapped and whistled. Kat seemed to want to disappear into the floor. When they went on to another item he leaned toward her. “Sorry if I embarrassed you.”

  “Seems to be a regular occurrence around you,” she said under her breath. She poked him in the side and he wasn’t expecting it, so he let out a yelp.

  “A five-dollar bid from Mr. Warren,” Gerry said. “Do I hear six?”

  Kat dissolved into a fit of giggles and sunk lower in her chair.

  “You get any lower and you’ll have to sit on the floor,” he whispered.

  She stuck out her tongue at him. He chuckled and went back to paying attention to Gerry.

  After the auction, he went to the front of the room to pay for his goods. The total came to three thousand six hundred dollars. Gerry shook his hand enthusiastically. “Thank you for coming today, Mr. Warren. The residents here will really enjoy this upcoming year. You’ve done a great thing.”

  Mrs. Bowing tossed her nose in the air. Damian held out the plate of cupcakes to her. “Mrs. Bowing. I bought these for you.”

  Mrs. Bowing’s mouth dropped. “Well. Thank you, Mr. Warren.” She took the plate before walking out the door.

  Kat helped him get the rest of the desserts into the car. Hilary joined them. “I can’t believe you big so much on those cupcakes.”

  “It’s going to a good cause.”

  Kat tossed him a look. “I think you were just showing off.”

  Hilary climbed into the back seat and but didn’t shut the door. “I’m honored that my cupcakes were fought over so viciously.”

  Damian climbed into the front seat and Kat drove everyone home. After getting the deserts inside and onto the kitchen counter, Hilary turned to them. “Well, I’m beat. I’m going to take a nap.” She and Kat exchanged a look, and he wasn’t sure what it meant.

  After she left, he asked, “What was that all about?”

  Kat leaned on the counter. “Nothing. It’s stupid.”

  “What?” He tried to lift the wrap so he could steal one of the cookies.

  Kat swatted at his hand. “Seriously? It’s almost dinner time. No sneaking cookies.”

  “You’re deflecting,” he said, his gaze capturing hers.

  She blushed and looked down at the counter. “My sister thinks you like me.”

  He wanted to laugh it off, but something made him stay serious. He was curious about her. He wanted to know how Kat felt about him. “I do like you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Not like. She thinks you like-like me.” She shook her head. “Now I sound like I’m in sixth grade. Just ignore Hilary. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

  He played with the edge of the plastic wrap. “Maybe I do like-like you.” He lifted the wrapping and stole a cookie. He had it half-way to his mouth before Kat realized it.

  “Hey!” She started after him, but he anticipated it and ran into the living room. He was taller than her, and he held the cookie up high so she couldn’t reach it.

  “Give me that,” she said as she jumped to try to get the cookie from him. She managed to snatch it away from him and he grabbed her around the middle, pulling her close so she couldn’t take off with it.

  She squirmed and but his hold on her was too tight. “Let me go,” she said, her smile betraying her.

  “Unlikely.”

  “Fine. Then suffer the consequences.” She stuffed the cookie into her mouth.

  “What happened to ‘it’s almost dinner time?’” he said, trying but failing to hold back a laugh.

  She chewed for a second before swallowing. “It was instinct. Sorry.” She gave him a wide grin.

  He suddenly became aware of how close she was. Her face was inches from his. He could feel her cookie-stealing breath on his cheek. She felt good in his arms like she belonged there. His thumb grazed across her side where her sweater had exposed a tiny slice of skin, and his heart pounded.

  She sobered, and he gazed into her eyes. They looked like the surface of the ocean on a calm day. “Did you mean it?” she said quietly.

  And that’s when he realized what he’d said. What he was doing. He couldn’t flirt with Kat. He couldn’t like-like her either. Things between them would never work, for so many reasons. He couldn’t tell her he was beginning to have growing feelings for her. He was there to do one thing, close the newspaper down. And if he did, she would hate him.

  He released her and took a step back. He had to get out of this without hurting her feelings. “What’s not to like?” he said, forcing his voice back to being lighthearted. He punched her shoulder like a buddy would do, then h
e walked back into the kitchen to steal another cookie.

  Kat didn’t follow him.

  Chapter 15

  Kat stood in the living room, her heart pounding. What had just happened? Damian had flirted with her. He’d almost come out and said he liked her as more than just a friend, but then he’d cooled and shut down. Why?

  She didn’t understand, but her emotions couldn’t handle any more Damian today. She took a deep breath and steeled herself, then she walked into the kitchen. “We should put your desserts in your car so you can take them to your hotel. I’m sure you have things to do.”

  Damian looked at her, his gaze intense for a moment before he broke the connection and stepped toward his coat. He picked it up and slipped it on. “You keep them.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He eyeballed the cheesecake. “Maybe I’ll take this one.” He picked it up, a small smile on his face.

  “Okay.” She tried not to look at him, but her body wouldn’t cooperate with her, and his dark gaze met hers.

  Neither one of them spoke for a moment, but the mood in the kitchen shifted. Deepened. He swallowed. She could see the indecision on his face. And then he steeled himself and she knew what was coming. “Kat I—”

  “Don’t.” She turned from him. “You don’t have to say anything. I understand.” She was plain coffee, and she knew it.

  He stood there for another moment before turning and walking out the door.

  Her hands trembled as she stood there, waiting to hear his car pull away. Why was she going all school-girl crazy for him? He was not available. Not really. He was leaving and not coming back. And her life was here, in Pleasant Hollow.

  She stood there for a long time, listening to the clock ticking on the wall. Her sister walked in and stopped short. “Did Damian leave?”

  “Yes.”

  A perplexed look crossed her face. “Why?”

  “Because I’m plain coffee and we both know it.” In a spontaneous move, she grabbed her car keys. “I’ve got something I’ve got to do. I’ll see you later.”