Millionaire Daddy

by Piper Stone

  And something she would never have.

  Camie walked out of the French doors, humming. “There you are. I was ready to get Mark to come after you and he wouldn’t have taken no for an answer.” In one hand she had two wineglasses. In the other a bottle of wine.

  “Do you have any idea how tough this is for me today?” Jenna asked as her bestie walked by, swishing her hips and placing the glasses just so on the middle of one of the tables. There was even a candle waiting to be lit. How freaking romantic.

  “I know, sweetie but you can’t stop living. You’re a fighter and you’re going to keep doing that.” She readjusted the glasses again and took a step back, nodding her head as if in satisfaction. Then she proceeded to pour the wine, taking her time.

  “Easy for you to say.” She glanced around the perimeter of the pool. None of the other tables were decorated in any manner nor did they have refreshments ready and waiting. “You read the article. You know what was said.”

  “Mmm-hmmm… My favorite part was calling you a black widow. Talk about creative.” Camie laughed and finally turned to face her. “I heard the reporter is no longer doing any freelance work for the rag. Lots of changes at the Observer in fact.”

  “As if I care.” A series of electric sensations rushed down her spine to her legs.

  “In fact, there’s a new owner there and he’s not taking any shit. All because of you, my dear.” She strutted by Jenna, grabbing Jenna’s purse out of her hands and replacing it with a glass of wine. “Go ahead and have a sip of wine.”

  What in the world did that mean? Jenna cocked her head, turning so she could watch Camie walking back toward the house. “Is the party inside or am I just insanely early?”

  “Neither. Let me turn on the music.” She flipped her hair before walking inside.

  Something was going on. If there was some kind of surprise party, she’d kick Camie’s ass. At least there were no presents lying around. After a few seconds and given no one jumped out of the bushes or other hiding places to scream ‘happy birthday,’ she walked toward the table, savoring a sip of wine. She noticed the label on the bottle and couldn’t help but smile. The wine was expensive. How sweet.

  As the sound of jazz music floated through the various outdoor speakers, she was almost glad she’d decided to come. Almost.

  Camie walked back out of the house, lightness in her step. “Okay. There are a few rules I need to tell you about. You like rules. Right? Of course you do.”

  Why was there a distinct snarky look on her BFF’s face? “What are you up to?”

  “It wouldn’t be a birthday party without rules and presents. Right? Sit down.”

  Jenna shook her head.

  “Sit or I’ll toss you in the pool, and you know I can do it.”

  Giving Camie a haughty look, she did as she was told, huffing as she did so. “I repeat. What are you up to?”

  “Just shut up. I have a present, but I know you. You’ll peek.” She held out a blindfold.

  “What the hell?”

  “Go with me on this. Okay?”

  She grunted and rolled her eyes. “This better be good.”

  “Oh, it’s better than good.”

  As the blindfold was placed around her eyes, she was thrown into a moment, imagining Master Dominick blindfolding her, tying her to his bed, her nipples and cunt lips clamped. She shuddered and shoved the dazzling vision straight where it belonged—the dark pits of hell.

  “There you go. I’ll be right back. Be a good girl or you won’t get your present. And remember, I have your keys. So you’re staying put.”

  “Careful, best friend of mine. I do have claws.” Jenna concentrated on the sound of Camie’s sandals clipping against the concrete decking as she walked away. A chill remained but it had nothing to do with the light breeze. She still missed him. After everything he’d put her through, she wanted to talk to him, to taste his lips, to share the passion. And God help her, she craved a spanking.

  Nothing would ever allow her to trust him, or any man in the manner for the rest of her natural life. Nope. She was prepared to remain celibate for a long time. She took a sip of her wine then another and another, trying to boost her confidence. It was her birthday. Twenty-seven going on old. Perfect. The music continued to be soothing, the Spanish guitar one of her favorites. This was a romantic setting. Perfect music. Incredible wine. And all she needed was—

  “Hello, Jenna.”

  A hand cupped her neck, fingers caressing. She froze as the velvety baritone sent a rush of tingles throughout her body. His voice. Her master. The man who’d betrayed her. What was this? A setup? She fumbled to yank off the blindfold. She’d been set up by her best friend in the world, but why? Why would Camie do this? “What is this?” She struggled to get to her feet as the words stuck in her throat. She could see Camie standing several feet away. “What in God’s name is going on? I don’t want to see you, either of you!”

  “Don’t be angry with Camie. She and I have had several long talks,” Dominick said.

  “Listen to him, honey. Please. He didn’t do all those awful things. I swear to you.” Camie walked closer, her face pensive. “I was angry, furious. I confronted him, showing him the article, blasting him for everything and I was wrong.”

  “I…” Swallowing hard, Jenna looked from one to the other. “No. Whatever he told you is a lie.”

  “I had no idea about the article that was written, either one of them. Catherine played me for a fool, which I fell into. Ugly truth. Her father invested in my company before we were married, but there was a prenuptial that, combined with a new divorce agreement, she believed she could take everything from me,” Dominick half whispered. “I had no idea she was that vindictive.”

  “So what?” Jenna hissed.

  “Listen to him, Jenna!” Camie demanded.

  “You worked for Willowsby Manufacturing,” Dominick said and held up his hand before Jenna could rebut. “The company is owned by Catherine’s father.”

  Jenna shrank back, almost toppling into the table. “What?”

  “Absolute coincidence but as soon as Catherine found out about you, the rest of her plan fell into place. And how she did was my fault with the nondisclosure. She was given your name by someone I trusted.” Dominick inched closer. “Information was leaked to the Observer, including pictures. The pictures you saw of the vacation? The reporter actually believed that he was talking to me on the phone, authorizing the first article. The second was merely the moment of pulling out the rug. A win in her mind.”

  She could no longer breathe or feel her legs as she looked from Camie back to Dominick.

  “All true,” Camie said.

  There was such pain in Dominick’s voice, the tone so haunting. “I want to believe you but…” Breathe and think. Breathe and think. She could do neither.

  “What Catherine managed to do with her conniving scheme almost cost me my business, but I don’t care about it any longer.” He took a decided step closer. “If I can’t have you then nothing in my life matters. Do you understand?”

  “Dominick. I can’t process this,” Jenna murmured, lights flashing in front of her eyes.

  “He purchased the Observer,” Camie chuckled. “That’s how pissed he’s been. The article was retracted, replaced with a lovely piece that you refuse to read.”

  “Won’t do any good for my job.” Jenna inhaled and the scent of him alone created wetness between her legs. She was so out of sorts, wanting nothing more than to believe every word.

  “I’m sorry about your job, but you can get a better one. Your skills are exemplary. What you need to know is that your boss was pressured to fire you and believe it or not, that had been in the works from the day Catherine found out about you. I had a long discussion with Mr. Jeffries on the day he turned in his notice. He could no longer look himself in the mirror.” Dominick reached out, taking her hand into his, his thumb moving aimlessly back and forth.

  “Oh… Wow. This is…” Tin
gles shot up and down her arms, prickles popping along every inch of naked skin. “Why does Catherine hate you so much? Why would she do this?”

  “Simply to destroy me. I should have ended the relationship years ago, but I allowed complacency to set in. She couldn’t have the one thing she wanted, control over me. Never again will I ignore my feelings or my gut. Please say you at least believe me, Jenna. At least having you know that I never wanted to see you hurt is very important.” Pulling her hand to his mouth, he kissed her fingers, moving his lips back and forth.

  Quivering, she counted to ten, putting the pieces together. “Dominick, I want to believe every word, but I’m so hurt, so lost.”

  “Believe him, Jenna. I’ve checked out every ounce of his story and so has Mark. If he was lying about anything, he wouldn’t be here. He’d also have a broken nose and two black eyes.” Camie’s words were brusque.

  Jenna chuckled. “That’s my best friend. A bull in a china shop.”

  “You’re lucky to have a friend like that. She’s been very supportive these last few days, as well as conniving.” Dominick’s eyes twinkled.

  “Conniving? Hmm… I see I’m not needed here any longer.” Camie smiled, giving them both a look of approval. “Follow your heart, Jenna. I was wrong before. You found everything that you’ve always wanted. Happy birthday, Jenna. I hope this is the start to an amazing life and a new family.”

  Family. Love. Domination. Could she move past this?

  Camie walked toward the door, leaving them alone.

  “Dominick, this is so hard to believe. The extent that Catherine went to is incredible.”

  “There’s more to the story, but that’s something I need to take care of and I will.” He exhaled and squeezed her hand. “I’ll also tell you every detail and share with you what both my personal attorney as well as my corporate attorney discovered, but first, it is your birthday.” He grinned. “I have something I want to show you. My gift.”

  “You gave me the truth. That’s the best gift I could ask for. I choose to believe you.” Peace floated through her.

  Tears formed in his eyes. “I love you, Jenna Parker. I love the way you smile, your laugh, and the way you nibble on your bottom lip when you’re nervous. I also love the woman unafraid of facing her own fears, so strong, so amazing. You are the absolute love of my life.”

  Heat rose on her face and she felt lightheaded as he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. “I love you, Dominick.”

  “That’s Master Dominick to you.” Lowering his head, he captured her mouth and fisted her hair. Sliding his tongue inside, he held her tightly against him as the passion increased.

  Her emotions riding high, she knew in her heart what he was telling her was the truth. And he loved her. As the kiss continued, she clung to him, exploring his mouth, tasting the man she hadn’t been able to get out of her mind. He was her Prince Charming, her white knight, and the man who would keep her safe and protected. He was her family.

  When he broke the kiss, he breathed a swath of hot air across her face. “I can’t wait to have you in my arms, but first the gift.”

  “Okay, but I hate surprises.”

  He took a step back, holding out his hand. “Hopefully you’ll like this one. You’ll have to come with me, baby girl. We’ll worry about your birthday spanking later.”

  Jenna gazed down at his hand, debating for only a brief second. “Yes, Sir.” After he settled her into his Porsche, having hidden the convertible in Camie’s garage, she placed her hand on his thigh. Maybe for once in her life she could risk being truly happy.

  Dominick kept a heavy foot on the pedal as he drove north, swerving around the traffic as he zoomed on the interstate, heading out of town.

  She didn’t ask any questions, nor did he provide any details. She simply enjoyed the ride. When they were about twenty minutes outside of Richmond, he exited the interstate. From what little she knew of the area, it was rural, with farms and pastures, a few lakes and streams. She had to admit, her curiosity was piqued. Where in the world was he taking her?

  Darting a glance, he grinned and grabbed her hand, fingering her palm. He had a smile on his face and even though she wasn’t able to see his eyes behind his dark shades, she knew they were shimmering with mischief.

  The drive lasted only a few additional minutes and when he turned down a gravel road, she sat up in the seat. There were no buildings that she could see of any kind. Massive trees lined the road, their limbs hanging low, an incredible backdrop.

  Dominick slowed the car, the smile remaining on his face. He drove through to a clearing, pulling under another group of smaller trees, killing the engine.

  Wildflowers were everywhere, their delicate petals flowing in the breeze and she could see vines growing over various trellises. A vineyard? Here? She eased onto her knees, peering over the visor. “Wow.”

  “What do you think?”

  “This is beautiful. What is it?”

  He eased out of the car, moving to the other side and opening her door. “This, my dear, is land that I purchased. Take a short walk with me.”

  “You purchased this? You’re going to put commercial buildings here? In the middle of nowhere? You can’t build over this.”

  “That’s not the plan in any regard. Come on.” Intertwining their fingers, he kept his pace brisk as he walked through a patch of flowers.

  “Are these grapes?”

  “Yes, they are. Unfortunately, they haven’t been tended to on a regular basis.”

  She couldn’t believe how beautiful everything was. After a few minutes, he walked them through another patch of trees. When they reached the other side, she was stunned. “Oh, my God.” Even from where she stood, she could see horses roaming the fields, beautiful cabin-style buildings highlighted by the glistening sun. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to destroy all of this?”

  Dominick kissed her hand. “Not a chance, lady. Besides, the owner wouldn’t have sold the property if the small winery and horse farm was destroyed. He was adamant about the usage agreement. Tough old bird.”

  An odd chill passed through her. She’d mentioned how much she loved both. “A winery? Horses?”

  “Yes. I have a confession to make.”

  Blinking, she took a few steps away from him, trying to take everything in. “There’s more? You really bought this?”

  “I negotiated the sale. This property doesn’t belong to me.” He flanked her side, clasping their hands together. “It belongs to you.”

  Jenna shook her head. “What did you say?”

  “All of this will belong to you. All you have to do is sign the papers. Happy birthday, baby girl. Now, you can have a business of your own. I’ve taken care of everything.”

  Stunned, she jerked her hand out of his, turning to face him. Everything was quiet around her, time standing still as the information settled in. And she followed her first instinct, the one that had never been wrong.

  She slapped him across the face.

  “How. Dare. You.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I’m not certain I understand what the problem is.” Camie gave Jenna a dirty look.

  “The problem is that he knew the one thing I wanted to do was make my own life. I have to find a way to make money my way. My dreams. I need to be the one in charge.”

  “But from what you’ve told me, and granted, it’s limited since you smacked him across the face, that is the plan. Right?”

  Jenna shrugged, wincing as the image of his shocked face pushed into her mind’s eye. She kicked her toe against the tile. “He mentioned that I would have to do all the work. Making certain that the contractors knew what they were doing, getting the right marketing people, figuring out advertising. The entire concept is mine—make or break it.”

  “So, let me get this straight. You have a man, a gorgeous hunk of a man I might add, who purchased a very expensive piece of property complete with horses, which you love, and a small establishe
d winery. Am I correct so far?”

  She could only nod like a bobble-head doll.

  “Okay,” Camie said as she paced the kitchen. “This land is in the perfect location to bring in people from several cities, tourists as well as locals, but in order for it to be a success, you’re the one who’s going to have to do all the legwork, all the planning, and all the supervision. Am I missing anything here? Oh, yes, and you don’t have to put a dime into it.”

  “That’s about it.”

  “Girlfriend, I’m going to say something to you and I don’t frankly give a damn whether you like it or not. You’re fucking nuts!”

  Jenna groaned and dropped her head. “I should have allowed him to explain everything.”

  “Yep. That’s about it. I also wouldn’t have smacked the shit out of him either. He was trying to do something amazing for the woman he loves. And he does love you even after all the doubting.” Camie grabbed her drink, lifting her glass. “Here’s to the dumbest girl I know. Give me that opportunity and I’ll divorce Mark so fast his head will spin.”

  “You wouldn’t!”

  “Depends on the day.” Winking, she took a sip of her vodka tonic.

  “What is wrong with me?”

  “You’re scared to trust, and I understand that. A hell of a lot has happened in four weeks, but you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He changed his entire company structure because of you. Granted, if he has a company in a few days. Bitch.” Camie snarled. “If I could get my hands on that woman.”

  Jenna had never felt so guilty. “He really does care about me, doesn’t he?”

  “With everything in his heart. I know he’s wealthy but from what I’ve heard, he could lose his hold on Asbury Associates at the upcoming board of directors meeting. I don’t know if he has a grand scheme, but if he doesn’t, my guess is he’ll be booted out of the company. The company’s stock is already way down. Shame since he’s going to build beautiful communities.”