The Billionaire and the Waitress

by Lacy Andersen

  But why did it seem so hollow now?

  “I’m not saying I accept,” she told him, tucking the envelope in her tan leather shoulder bag and turning toward the door. “Only that I’ll think about it. For your sake.”

  “Rach,” Michael called before she got to the door. She froze and looked at him over her shoulder. “I’m not sure what happened between you and Logan, but I feel the need to set some things straight.” Michael sat on the edge of the desk and rubbed his scruffy chin. “Logan’s my best friend. Has been since school. You know that. And not once has he ever chosen money above friendship. He’s not that kind of guy.”

  “But you heard what he said.” Despair entered her eyes as she turned toward him. “About why he built his restaurant.”

  Logan’s words had been firmly implanted in her memory. She’d gone over them a million times last night, looking for some clue that might absolve him of his guilt. So far, she’d come up empty-handed.

  Michael nodded firmly. “Yes, I did. He wants to feel like he belongs. But that doesn’t mean he’s like our father. The Logan Madison I grew up with knows the value of love and family. He’s a stand-up guy. He’d never give that up.”

  Rachel felt a cold shudder wash over her. Her eyes widened. “Are you saying I made a mistake?”

  He grimaced and rubbed a hand over his chest. “Well, I’m not a big fan of my baby sister going around behind my back, but yeah, I believe so. Logan cares deeply for you. I’ve never seen him so unraveled as I did last night. I think you need to talk this through with him.”

  Her legs felt like noodles. She grabbed the nearest chair for support.

  Michael was the kind of man who worked with logic and facts, thought things completely through, and didn’t verbalize his opinions until every avenue had been explored. And he was telling her that her accusations had been false. She’d been so angry, it had blinded her to the truth.

  Oh, the terrible things she’d said to Logan.

  The last look he’d given her at the gala flashed through her mind. Confusion, hurt, and betrayal. She wanted to dissolve into the floor. How could he ever forgive her? She’d acted like a crazy woman. He’d never want to see her again.

  “I doubt that’s he’s ever going to want to talk to me again.” She rubbed her arms and approached the large glass windows, looking down at the tiny people walking along the sidewalk. “I was horrible to him. If he’s smart, he’ll run as fast as he can in the opposite direction until there’s half a world between us. Or, maybe I’ll make it easier on him and I’ll fly to Paris.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Michael said, leaning back on his desk with a cocky smile. “I think you might just be surprised.”

  Rachel tilted her head to one side. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Remember that call you so rudely interrupted?” He smirked. “Turns out, you’re not my only unscheduled guest this afternoon.”

  At that moment, the door to Michael’s office burst open and Logan came through, his suit jacket buttoned wrong and his tie loose. He ran a hand over his disheveled blond hair and fixed Michael with a desperate stare. “Michael, I know you’re angry with me, but you’re going to listen.”

  He crossed his arms and arched his eyebrows at the sudden intruder. “I don’t think so.”

  Logan’s chest swelled and he brought himself to his full height. “And why is that? After more than twenty years of friendship, don’t I at least deserve a minute of your time?”

  Michael chuckled and nodded his head toward the window where Rachel stood in shock, watching the exchange. “Not with me. I believe there’s someone more important you need to talk to first.”

  Rachel’s cheeks warmed as she felt Logan’s gaze trail up her body and to her face. A muscle in his jaw twitched, but otherwise, he stood completely frozen. It was as if the oxygen had been sucked from the room.

  “I’ve got a meeting on the third floor,” Michael added, hiding his grin. He strode toward the open door and gave them one last look. “Take as long as you’d like.”

  And then he was gone, leaving her to stare at the man she thought she’d never see again.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The silence between them was deafening. Rachel stared at Logan, feeling regret hit her hard in the gut. If what her brother had said was true, she’d jumped the gun on accusing Logan of his motives. He was a good guy and she’d gone and messed things up before they’d even gotten started.

  That plane ticket in her purse sounded awfully good at this point. Get out of the country and start again. Figure out exactly why she was so screwed up. She didn’t deserve Logan Madison. And he deserved better than a scarred woman who lacked the ability to trust.

  “Logan, I just have to say...” she began.

  “Don’t.” He gave a sharp shake of his head and took a step closer. “Please, Rachel, let me explain. I know why things went wrong last night. I bumped into Darren before leaving the party. He said some things...”

  “Yes.” Her frown deepened. “He said some things to me as well. He’s a real piece of work.”

  “He’s got problems. Please don’t hold it against him. He came from a poor family and he hasn’t been very responsible with his money, so there’s some bitterness there. When he drinks, it gets worse.” Logan sighed. “I had a rambling apology from him on my voice mail late last night. I think he’s realized how bad he messed up.”

  Rachel cocked her head to one side, feeling a rush of emotion. Even after all the nastiness from Darren, Logan didn’t seem to hate his friend. He really was the kind man she had thought he was. How could she have been convinced otherwise?

  “Listen, I know we had a miscommunication last night,” Logan said, taking another step toward her, slowly, as if she were a cornered wild animal. “And I want to set the record straight. I would never put money above my friends and family.”

  She licked her lips and nodded. Michael had said the same thing.

  “And most importantly, I would never put it above you.” He was close enough now that she could smell the comforting scent of his cologne. Reaching out tentatively, he took her hand in his and cupped it between his palms. “Rachel, I know you’ve been hurt in the past. But I’m not your father and I will never be like him.”

  She fought back against the tears in the corners of her eyes and pressed her free hand to her throat. Why had she let her insecurities rule her last night? Anyone with eyes could see that Logan was perfect.

  “Look,” he whispered, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. “I have an idea. It might be crazy, but I think it’ll show you that I’m the real deal. Do you trust me enough to let me show you something?”

  He didn’t need to prove anything to her. It was obvious she’d misread him. He was one of the good ones. She’d been crazy to think she could have someone like him. Flashbacks of her childhood went rushing through her head. Images of a cold and distant father who only trusted his own grit and ability to expand his wealth. It had affected her even deeper than she could’ve imagined.

  She couldn’t be with Logan. Not like this. He deserved better.

  She wanted to tell him that it was over between them, but the hopeful way he was looking at her seemed to nail her tongue to the roof of her mouth. Licking her lips, she grimaced and released a heavy breath. Maybe, she didn’t need to tell him goodbye just yet. She could wait just a little longer. Hold off on the pain and let him take her to wherever he had planned.

  She nodded her head, her hands shaking.

  “Come with me,” he said, a slight smile curling his lips. “I think you’re going to like this.”

  “IF YOU WOULD’VE TOLD me we were going on your jet, I would’ve brought something to knock you out,” Rachel said, glancing at Logan with concern.

  He grimaced, gripping the armrests and doing his best to remain cool. Now was not the time to lose his head. He had convinced Rachel to follow him this far. Obviously, there was still some glimmer of hope for
them. She was wrestling with a lifetime of insecurities and struggles. This was the only way he could think of to convince her that he was for real.

  “I’ll be fine as soon as we’re in the air,” he said in a low voice.

  Rachel watched out the window as the jet sped down the runway. He wished she’d grab his hand like she had last time, but there was still a wall between them.

  He had marched into Michael’s office, totally prepared to debate his way back into Michael’s good graces and a meeting with his sister. Seeing her standing there had sent a shock right through him, bursting the speech he’d planned on the way over there into a million pieces. He wouldn’t waste this moment. Not when he had so much to prove to her.

  “What about your restaurant?” she asked, turning toward him. “Are you sure we can leave on such short notice?”

  “My managers can handle it without me for now.” He was grateful for her concern. He knew how hard she’d worked to make sure everything ran smoothly. “I’ve been working nonstop for the last few months and I deserve a break. The initial rush of opening is over. They’ll be fine. And besides, this is more important.”

  “Well, can you at least tell me where we’re going?” she asked, her frown growing deeper.

  “Hmmm.” He shook his head, an ornery smile on his face. “That’ll ruin the surprise. But I can tell you where we’re not going. No white sandy beaches in our near future, I’m afraid.”

  “How sad,” she said, her eyes lighting up with the first hint of a smile he’d seen all day. “I could’ve used a soak in the sun. And a drink, with one of those tiny little umbrellas.”

  Logan felt a warmth come over him as he imagined Rachel in a stunning one piece suit, her long hair braided under a wide-brimmed hat. A satisfied smile on her face while she sipped her drink. Her long legs crossed as she reclined on a beach chair. He made a note to take her to a beach the next time they got a chance to run away together.

  If they got another chance.

  “Logan, listen...” Rachel began.

  She had that steely look in her eyes. It was the same one her brother got when he was about to close a deal. Logan held up a finger to her lips.

  “Don’t say anything more about last night,” he begged. They’d come this far. He didn’t want to ruin it. There was so much he needed to show her. “Let’s table the conversation for now. Please. For me.”

  Sadness washed over her face as she searched his eyes. With a reluctant sigh, she bit her bottom lip and nodded. “All right, if that’s what you want.”

  “That’s what I want.” He swallowed, glad he’d avoided that disaster. If Rachel had told him that she didn’t want to be with him anymore, he was pretty sure his insides would turn to ash. He couldn’t let her go, yet. Not without showing her exactly who he was.

  “Do you mind if I close my eyes for a minute?” Rachel asked as the plane leveled out in the air. “I’m afraid I didn’t sleep very well last night.”

  “Sure,” he said, his eyes searching her face for some hint of what was going on inside of her. She hadn’t said much since they’d left Michael’s office. This wasn’t the Rachel he was used to. She was normally so forthcoming with all her opinions. He hoped to see that Rachel again. Soon.

  “Thank you.” She settled down in the white leather chair, closing her eyes and resting her head on the back.

  Logan watched the lines smooth from her forehead and her breathing relax. Her lips parted slightly and she fell quickly into a deep sleep. He couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty, inside and out. There was something so profound, so innate that attracted him to her. He wished he could hold her against his chest while she slept, whispering reassurances into her ear. She was a beautiful soul. It wasn’t her fault she’d been hurt.

  Ten minutes into the flight, her head fell on his shoulder and she moaned in her sleep. Logan adjusted his height to make her more comfortable. She muttered her thanks and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment.

  At long last, they began their descent toward the airport. Rachel didn’t wake up until the wheels hit the ground. Her eyes fluttered open and for one wonderful moment, she smiled groggily up at him.

  “Are we here?”

  “Yes. We made good time.”

  She blinked and then everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours seemed to hit her at once. She sat up with a gasp, dropping her hands from his arm and giving him a guilty look.

  “Sorry about that,” she whispered.

  He wanted to tell her he didn’t mind. In fact, he loved having her near, but it still wasn’t the time for that. Instead, he sat in silence as she looked out the window and scanned the small tarmac.

  “Where are we?” she asked, her forehead wrinkling.

  He grinned. “Somewhere I love.”

  The plane rolled to a stop and the flight attendant lowered the staircase. Logan offered Rachel his hand and helped her down the stairs. As they placed their feet on solid ground, a rusty old blue pickup rolled up. It beeped its horn three times and then came to a squeaky stop. The driver’s side door popped open and out stepped a man with grizzled salt and pepper hair, gray scruff covering his weathered chin, and intense blue eyes that beamed with happiness.

  “Welcome to Colorado,” he yelled holding out his arms.

  A dog hopped out of the cab behind him and bayed its excitement. It rushed toward them, its wagging tail whipping them both around their legs. Rachel shot Logan a puzzled look and then bent down to pet the slobbering dog sniffing at her yellow heels.

  “Oh, don’t mind old Red. He’s just a bucket of slobber and fleas we picked up from the shelter five years ago,” the man from the pickup said as he approached them. He held out a hand toward Logan. “It’s good to see you again, son.”

  Logan grinned, feeling warmth spread throughout his chest. He was home.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rachel rode in the front of the tiny rusted out Toyota, squished between Logan and his father. She kept mostly silent and listened to them catch up. Logan’s father had introduced himself as Ned Madison. He was easy-going and quick to smile. It was clear to see Logan had gotten a lot of his good looks and charm from his father.

  “And this, young lady, is our home,” Ned announced, pulling off the road onto a gravel drive and shooting her a smile.

  The road curved sharply to the left between a grove of tall pine trees. Rachel leaned toward the windshield, eager to get a look at the home Logan had purchased for his parents. When it finally came into view, it took her breath away.

  A pristine glassy lake reflected the vivid blue sky above and the mountains in the distance. Thick forest lined the entire shore, except for a small patch where a majestic looking A-frame log home stood with an evergreen tin roof and a wraparound porch. Rachel had never seen anything so fabulous. It was like looking at a picture in a magazine. She could only imagine how much money he’d dropped on it.

  A plump blonde woman in a cream chunky sweater stood waving at them from the door. She beamed as they pulled up, running to meet them.

  “My little boy,” she said, pulling Logan into a hug. He towered over her, but that didn’t stop her from squeezing him tight. “I’m so glad you could visit.”

  “Mom, I’m thirty-four.” He shook his head and grinned. “How old do I have to be to no longer be your little boy?”

  “You’ll always be my little boy,” she said with a sniff, releasing him. “And don’t you forget it.”

  He smiled fondly down at her and turned toward Rachel. “Mom, I want you to meet Rachel Knight.”

  She turned her hazel eyes toward Rachel and gasped. “Michael’s little sister?”

  “The one and only, I’m afraid,” Rachel said, extending her hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Madison.”

  “Well, aren’t you just a doll?” She tugged her into a bone crushing hug.

  With her head pressed to the side of the sweater, Rachel got a st
rong whiff of coffee and vanilla. She inhaled deeply, loving the comforting scents. This was what coming home was supposed to feel like. At least, in her imagination.

  “Call me Nancy,” Logan’s mom said when she finally released her. “It’s so nice of Logan to finally bring a girl home. I was beginning to lose hope for him.”

  “Mom!” Logan’s ears turned red and he shot her a pleading look.

  “Oh, don’t be shy, sweetheart.” She turned back to Rachel. “I really shouldn’t be surprised, though. He was a late bloomer, after all. It took twelve years to convince him to give up his blankie and teddy bear. I’m pretty sure he was twenty before he had his first date. Thank goodness potty training didn’t take that long.”

  “Mom, is that the telephone I hear ringing?” Logan asked, swiftly stepping between the ladies.

  “Oh, it might be,” she said with a sharp inhale. “I’ve been waiting on a call from your aunt all day. I’d better run and catch it.”

  She shuffled toward the house and Rachel couldn’t help but giggle. Colorado was the last place she’d expected to end up today and she certainly hadn’t been expecting to meet Logan’s parents. But already she loved everything about this place. The cool air, the heavy scent of pine needles, the lake, and most of all, Logan’s family. They were easy to love. Just like their son.

  “Come with me,” Logan whispered to her as his father pulled the pickup into the matching log garage tucked behind the house. He took her hand in his, interlacing their fingers. “I’ve got something to show you.”

  She nodded reservedly, wondering what exactly he could have in mind. This whole trip had been a puzzle to her. She’d wanted to apologize to Logan a million times, but he wouldn’t let her. Not yet. So she allowed him to bring her on this crazy trip, knowing that soon their time would be over.

  He led her to the house and through the side screen door. Nancy was chatting on the phone somewhere very close. He put a finger to his lips and they snuck past the kitchen into a grand living room with a vaulted ceiling covered in gorgeous timber that came to a peak under giant wooden beams. A massive stone fireplace stood silent on one end, surrounded by comfortable looking recliners and a matching sofa. Logan held her hand tight and pulled her toward a wall covered in framed photos.