Her Big Fat Foxy Billionaire Best Friend

by Victorine E. Lieske

  “Your wrap helped a lot. Thanks again.”

  He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “No problem.” He took a sip of his coffee and his gaze shifted.

  They ate the rest of their breakfast, a tension between them. Miranda hoped if they both ignored the weirdness from yesterday, things would settle and they’d go back to being comfortable with each other.

  Drew sat back in his chair and looked at her, his mug clutched in his hands. “What are your plans today? Did you want to go to the music show they have this afternoon?”

  She shook her head. “I’m not really into seventies rock. I thought maybe we could spend some time on the tranquility deck.” No children were allowed on that part of the ship, and she thought maybe they could talk and reconnect a little. Get rid of the awkwardness.

  Drew shrugged. “Whatever you want.”

  She stood. “I think it could be nice to just spend some time relaxing.”

  His chair scraped the deck as he stood. “Sounds good to me. Do you want to head there now?”

  “No, I want to go back to my room and change into my swimsuit. There’s a hot tub on the tranquility deck that’s calling my name.”

  Drew hooked his thumbs in his pockets. “Perfect. My back could use that.”

  By the time they’d gotten changed and walked down to the lower deck, the air between them wasn’t as strained. Miranda took off her swimsuit coverup and draped it across a lounge chair. “Remember when we were kids and we snuck out after our moms went to bed?”

  Drew took his shirt off and climbed up on the hot tub deck, chuckling. “We thought if someone saw us, we’d be arrested, so we hid in the bushes each time a car drove by.”

  Miranda laughed and stuck her foot in the water. The hot water felt so good that she almost sighed. “Why did we decide to sneak out, anyway?”

  Drew got in the hot tub with her. “I think we were going to TP Mrs. Peppernell’s house, but we chickened out.”

  “Oh my gosh, I haven’t thought about her in a long time. She was the crabbiest teacher.”

  He found a jet, leaned his head back, and stretched his arms out on the sides. “I think her house got egged every Halloween.”

  “Did you know she still lives in that house?”

  He made a face. “How could anyone live in a house where two people were murdered?”

  “I don’t know. I guess Mrs. Peppernell’s not afraid of ghosts.” Miranda scooted in next to Drew where the jet was.

  “The ghosts are probably afraid of Mrs. Peppernell.”

  She laughed, thinking about the teacher’s hook nose and nasty sneer. “You’re right. She’s scarier than any ghost.”

  “Right?” Drew didn’t open his eyes.

  Miranda leaned back as well; because Drew’s arms were stretched out on the tub, she ended up leaning on him. She froze, wondering if he’d pull his arm away, but he didn’t, so she settled in.

  “Who was your favorite teacher?” Drew asked.

  That was an easy question. “Mr. Yorkshire, for sure. He was funny, and he made math fun.”

  Drew glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. “Did you have a crush on him?”

  She snorted, trying to hide her embarrassment. “No.”

  Drew grinned. “Oh, you totally did. Look at you. You’re turning red.”

  “It’s hot in here.”

  “Your face isn’t under the water. You totally were hot for teacher.”

  She whacked him in the chest and he grunted. “You’re terrible.”

  Drew laughed and leaned his head back again. “Whatever.”

  “You’re one to talk. You totally had a crush on Hilary Duff. You made me watch Lizzy McGuire until my eyeballs wanted to fall out.”

  “Hey, you liked that show.”

  “Totally did not. I only watched it because of you.”

  A couple of women entered the deck and chose lounge chairs. After taking off their sandals, they joined them in the hot tub. Miranda snuggled up against Drew. Maybe if it looked like they were a couple, the women would leave Drew alone.

  Was that horrible of her to want him to herself for the last day on the cruise? A little bit of guilt bubbled up, but she suppressed it. He was here with her, after all. And she didn’t want to see another woman like Angelica come into the picture.

  ***

  Drew was starting to get uncomfortably warm, but he didn’t want to move. The feeling of Miranda pressed close to him was too sweet. And after tomorrow, he’d never see her again.

  Just thinking of it tore his heart in half, but he knew it was for the best. If she could kiss him like that and not feel a thing, there was no hope for a romantic relationship with her. Staying friends was out of the question. It hurt too much.

  But they still had one last day on the ship, and he was going to make the most of it. Why not? If they were going to part ways tomorrow anyway, there was no reason not to enjoy his time with her. He allowed his fingers to brush over the skin on her shoulder. He leaned close to her ear. “Are you getting hot?”

  She jerked away from him. “What? Why would you ask that?”

  “The water is getting a little too hot for me. I’m getting out.”

  “Oh. Right. Me too.” She jumped out of the spa and pulled a towel around her middle. He climbed out after her.

  She sat down on the lounge chair and pulled out a container of sunscreen. “Will you do my shoulders?”

  “Sure.” He took the bottle from her and squeezed some out on his hand. Then he sat behind her on the lounge chair and rubbed the cream onto her skin, avoiding the scar that disappeared behind her swimsuit.

  Looking at her scar made him think of his own father, and he frowned. He’d been so young when his father left, he hadn’t remembered much, just his mother crying as she tried to pay the bills. There had been some fights, he remembered the yelling, but even then, he’d been devastated after his father left.

  Miranda turned around and took the bottle from him. “Thanks.”

  Without asking, she sat behind him and rubbed the cream on his back. He reveled in the feeling of her hands on his skin. What he wouldn’t do to make her feel the same way about him. The thought made his stomach sour and he stood. “I think you got it.”

  He laid down on his lounge chair and closed his eyes.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  Drew glanced at Miranda. “Just thinking about my father.”

  Miranda pressed her lips together and drew her knees up to her chin. “Do you remember much about him? From when you were young?”

  He shook his head. “Not really. I mean, I remember one time when I was little, he took me trick-or-treating. I was dressed up as a ninja, and he laughed every time I did my ninja moves.”

  Miranda smiled. “I can just picture that. You, with your little nerd glasses, trying to look cool.”

  Drew laughed, but then sobered. “Is that how you see me? As a nerd?”

  She looked away. “Not anymore,” she said under her breath. She slipped on a pair of sunglasses and stretched out on her lounge chair. “The sun feels good.”

  “Enjoy it. You’ll be back in Kansas tomorrow. I think it’s supposed to snow on Halloween.”

  She moaned. “Great.”

  Chapter 24

  Miranda’s phone chimed and she jumped, startled. Had she fallen asleep? The lounge chair had been so comfortable. Luckily, she’d put on sunscreen and didn’t look burned. She scrambled to pull her phone out of her backpack.

  Drew looked over at her. “Who is it?”

  Miranda stared at the screen, her heart racing.

  Your father goes before the parole board today. Just thought you should know. I didn’t want to tell you because of all the excitement from the wedding. I hope you’re enjoying your cruise. Say hi to Drew for me.

  “What’s the matter?”

  She hadn’t noticed Drew next to her until his words brought her out of her shock. She wiped at her face. “Nothing.”

  “Somet
hing. Tell me.” He put his hand on her back. “You’re upset.”

  She swallowed, trying to breathe normally. “My father is up for parole. I . . . I didn’t know.”

  “Wow.” Drew pulled her into a side-hug. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Her heart pounded and flashbacks of that night forced their way into her mind. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around her knees. They couldn’t let him out, could they?

  “Miranda, are you okay?”

  She shook her head.

  Drew pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her and tucking her head under his chin. “Listen. You’ll be all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  The pain, the nightmares . . . everything crushed her at once. She struggled to breathe. How could this happen?

  “Where is your father?”

  “In Hutchinson. What if they let him out?” A sob escaped her and Drew tightened his hold on her.

  “Hush. We don’t even know if they will.”

  She placed her hand on Drew’s bare chest. His warm embrace made her feel a little better. Safe. Like he always did. She swallowed and took in a breath. It would be okay. As Drew said, he might not get out. When she’d calmed down, she chuckled and said, “Maybe I should take you up on your offer.”

  “What offer?”

  She pulled back to look at him. “To work for you. In New York.”

  His eyes widened and his mouth dropped. “Uh, sure.”

  She whacked him in the chest. “Geesh, don’t look so freaked out. I was only kidding. Sort of.”

  Drew cleared his throat. “No, of course. You can come to New York if you want. If that would make you feel safer.”

  The thought of putting that many miles between her and her father was appealing. “If he gets out, maybe I will.”

  Drew slowly nodded. “Yeah. Well, we should see what happens. Maybe they’ll deny his parole.”

  She squinted at him. “Do you not want me to go to New York? Because you’re not acting like you love the idea. Were you just kidding when you said I should work for you?”

  He smiled, but it looked forced. “I wasn’t kidding when I said it.”

  “But now you don’t think it’s a good idea?”

  “You’re putting words into my mouth.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “And you’re not answering my question.”

  He sobered. “I’d do anything for you. You know that.”

  She bit her lip and looked away. Yes, she did. “Let’s go get ready for the party tonight. That should take my mind off things.”

  “Okay.” Drew stood and started gathering up his things. Miranda stuffed her sunscreen in her bag and wondered what was wrong with her. No matter what she did, she seemed to be putting a wedge between them.

  Two hours later, Miranda took in the scene at the last cast party, but her spirit wasn’t into it. The blaring music made her head hurt. She and Drew were dressed in their Galactic Union uniforms, sitting at one of the tall tables. Drew didn’t seem to be having too much fun either. He wore a somber expression.

  The cast members were working the room, and Miranda saw Zachary turn to avoid her a couple of times. She smirked. At least he was embarrassed enough to stay away from her.

  Drew leaned over. “Heard anything from your mom yet?”

  Miranda pulled out her phone and checked it again. “No.”

  “They’ve probably made their decision, right?”

  “I’m sure they have. Maybe she’s driving back from Hutchinson now.”

  He nodded. “Maybe.” Suddenly, he hopped off his stool. “Let’s do something to take your mind off it. Come dance with me.”

  She stood. “Okay.”

  He led her out onto the dance floor. The fast song ended, and a slow song started up. He pulled her close and took her hand. Her gaze met his, and her stomach dropped. Why did she have to get all schoolgirl stupid around him now? Why had she messed everything up?

  Her phone vibrated and she jerked away from him. He looked hurt until she pulled her phone from her back pocket. He put his arm around her while she read the message.

  Your father was denied parole.

  Relief flooded over her as she wrapped her arms around Drew. “He’s not getting out,” she shouted over the loud music.

  He returned her hug, crushing her to his chest. “I’m so glad.”

  A fast song started up and Miranda pulled back and pocketed her phone. “Let’s dance.”

  Drew smiled and joined her. They danced, drank Diet Coke, and talked to all the cast members except for Zachary, who avoided them.

  Angelica approached them on the dance floor. She glared at Miranda. “I see you’ve finally become a couple.”

  Drew coughed and pounded his fist on his chest. Miranda shook her head. “No, Angelica. Like I said, we’re just friends.”

  Angelica tossed her head back and laughed. “Oh, you poor thing.” She patted Drew on the back. “You should have taken me up on my offer.”

  Drew turned twelve shades of red. “Leave us alone, Angelica.”

  “Right. I’ll leave you two alone.” She sneered and disappeared into the crowd.

  Miranda watched her go. “What was that about?”

  Drew shook his head. “Beats me.”

  Right. Drew knew what Angelica was talking about, but if he didn’t want to say anything, who was she to pry? Miranda shrugged it off. “I’m hot. Let’s go outside and look at the stars.”

  Drew put his hand on the small of her back. “Sounds good to me.”

  They pushed through the crowds to the doors that led to the deck. After walking the length of the ship to the bow, Miranda leaned against the railing and smiled at Drew. “It’s much quieter here.”

  He grabbed the railing. “Everyone must be packed into that club.”

  She looked up at the stars. A streak of light shot across the sky. “Hey, I just saw a meteor.”

  Drew peered up. “I missed it.”

  “Keep watching. Maybe we’ll see another one.”

  A light breeze blew, and Miranda was grateful for the cool air. She was thankful for a lot of things. Mostly that her father wouldn’t be let out of prison.

  Drew made a whistling noise. “There are so many stars visible tonight.”

  “That’s right. You’re from New York. I bet you can’t see the stars in the big city.”

  “Not really.”

  “That’s one nice thing about living in Kansas. You can see the stars stretching out each night. And the stench from the cows doesn’t even bother you so much after living there thirty years.”

  Drew chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest. “It is more peaceful than New York, that’s for sure.”

  “True.”

  They stood silently for a few moments before Drew spoke again. “I’m glad your father isn’t getting out.”

  “Me too. For a while there I thought I’d really have to move to New York with you. Wouldn’t that have been a disaster?” She grinned, but Drew didn’t smile back. He worked his jaw muscles.

  “I was kidding,” she said, hitting him on the arm.

  He nodded, then forced a smile. “I think I’d better call it a night.”

  “What? Why? It’s only nine o’clock.”

  He shrugged. “I’m tired. We dock in the morning.”

  “Are you sure I didn’t upset you?”

  He stared at her a moment. “You can’t change who you are.” He reached up and gently touched her face with the back of his fingers, a small smile on his lips.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I need to say goodbye.”

  “You mean goodnight.”

  His smile faded. “Right.”

  He left her standing on the bow. She watched him walk down the deck to the stairs and vanish from sight. Why did she feel like he was trying to tell her something just now? And why did her stomach feel all tied up in knots?

  Chapter 25

  Drew tighte
ned his hold on his suitcase. Miranda stood ahead of him in line, waiting to disembark. She must feel the same strain he did, because she hardly said anything during breakfast. Drew just wanted to get back to New York and forget about this whole trip. Forget about Miranda.

  They slowly inched forward until the bottleneck opened up and they were able to walk normally. Miranda glanced at him. “Is your pilot already on your jet?”

  “Probably.”

  They reached the end of the walkway and started down the stairs. “It will be good to get back home. To sleep in my own bed.”

  “I always feel that way after traveling.”

  The conversation stalled, and no one spoke again until they arrived at the airport. Drew checked in the car rental, and then they headed for the hangar where his plane sat.

  Once they were on board, Miranda grinned at him. “Must be nice, having your own jet. You can go anywhere you want.”

  He nodded, not feeling the playful mood she was trying to pull out of him. He could go anywhere, except where he really wanted to be, and that was in Miranda’s heart. He leaned back his leather seat and buckled himself in.

  “What did I do? Whatever it is, I’m sorry.”

  He didn’t want to talk about it now. They still had a one-hour flight before he could tell her he wasn’t going to see her again. “It’s not you. It’s me.”

  “Sounds like you’re breaking up with me.” She laughed, but when he didn’t respond in kind, her smile faded. “What’s wrong?”

  His chest felt hollow and his throat tightened. “Nothing. I’ll talk to you about it when we land.”

  Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion. “What is it? Tell me now.”

  He shook his head. Why had he started this? He didn’t want to sit beside her for an hour while she tried to convince him he was wrong, and that their friendship meant too much to her, or whatever she was going to say. “I’m just in a bad mood. That’s all.”

  She frowned and put her hand on his. “You can talk to me about it. That’s what friends are for.”