In Deep

by Lulu Pratt

  Thank you for reading In Deep, I hope you enjoyed it!

  Keep reading for two more great, never before published stories!

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  Lulu <3 <3

  His Prize:

  A Second Chance

  Billionaire Romance

  CHAPTER ONE

  OLIVIA KING

  I can’t wait to bury my toes in warm white sand.

  Peering out the window, I watch as the clouds buoy the private jet in its journey across the sky.

  Sighing, I tear my eyes away from the peaceful view and marvel at my luck.

  The last two weeks flash through my mind as I take in the opulence of the plane that is transporting me from little old Tennessee to Turks and Caicos.

  Spacious leather seating, wood-grain trimmings and a gracious stewardess to cater to my every need.

  Everything is at my fingertips all because I randomly entered a contest on a social media app that Winnie couldn’t stop raving about.

  After downloading the Discover Travel app, I entered the contest by answering a simple question: How has traveling changed your life?

  Sticking to the truth, I instead shared how the absence of travel had shaped my life. All the flights I never booked. All the adventures I’d never had. As well as how much I wanted to change that.

  Now, it’s happening.

  I could kiss Winnie on the forehead for her pesky insistence.

  As if she can sense that I’m thinking about her, my phone vibrates as a new message comes through. Thanks to the complimentary WiFi on the flight, I’m still able to utilize my phone’s cloud messaging feature.

  Don’t forget about my shout out!

  When I land, I’m set to meet the creator of the app, Bash Something-or-other. What kind of name is that? Cameras will be present to capture him giving me my prize of one-million dollars, as well as the keys to the private house I’ll be staying in for the duration of my one-week stay on the southernmost island of Turks and Caicos.

  I have dinner tonight with the creator of the app as part of the contest, then the rest of the week is mine to fill with whatever I want to do.

  The meet and greet is set to stream live on the app as well as Good Morning America. The thought of so many eyes on me is nerve-racking but at least I’ll be fashionable while I’m sweating bullets.

  With Winnie’s help, I went shopping earlier this week and nearly maxed out the one credit card I had.

  Grinning, I tap out a reply to my best friend.

  Couldn’t forget it for the world. I’m so freaking excited!!

  I followed the exclamatory text with a string of emojis to further convey my excitement.

  I’m excited for you, sweetie.

  I type out another message.

  I wish you were here with me.

  The original plan was for Winnie to act as my plus one for the duration of the trip. However, her boss overturned his approval for her vacation request at the last minute when a big project came up.

  So I’m flying solo. Literally.

  I’ll make it up to you, doll. Just relax and soak it in. You deserve this break more than anyone I know. Enjoy every second.

  My heart squeezes at her sweet words.

  Thanks, hon. See ya in a week! Kisses

  Seconds later, my phone buzzes in my lap. I laugh looking down at the screen.

  And don’t forget to tell me all about your island fling. I want to hear every detail.

  Snickering, I return my gaze back to the window and get lost in my thoughts.

  For some reason, Winnie is convinced that I’m going to find a handsome stranger and engage in all sorts of lewd acts during my short stay. She claims I can use the “release” and an island fling is the perfect way to get my feet wet again after such a dry spell.

  I haven’t dated anyone seriously in years.

  Not since my ex, Jordan, who failed to mention he’d been planning his wedding the whole time we were involved. One morning, I’d logged into my Facebook account during a break at the nursing home and nearly lost my breakfast.

  Posted for all our friends to see were photos of Jordan from the previous night, dressed in a tux and looking lovingly at a woman who was not me as he exchanged his wedding vows.

  To say I was heartbroken would be an understatement. Shattered was more like it.

  Of all the shitty things in my life, I had considered Jordan to be my bright spot. But apparently, I’d only been a distraction from his true love.

  The whole ordeal devastated me for months. I’d been so humiliated that I shut down, emotionally and physically.

  I’d ended up quitting my job and sleeping on Winnie’s couch for a month. Her tough love had brought me back to life and given me the boost I needed to get back on my feet.

  She told me that I was welcome to stay with her as long as I needed, but I had to at least try. She wouldn’t stand by and watch me deteriorate into nothingness.

  She was the only person rooting for me and I couldn’t let her down.

  So I’d gone out and landed my current job as a live-in caregiver for my eighty-year-old patient, Arnold.

  His son, Gavin, hired me because his aging father has dementia and requires around-the-clock care.

  The only catch is that I had to move in to the home and make myself available twenty-four seven.

  Since I wasn’t dating and led a pretty boring life anyway, I jumped at the opportunity not realizing the physical and mental toll that the long hours and demanding work would take on my body.

  I can’t remember the last day I’ve had free time to do more than grab a quick coffee with Winnie, let alone escape my hometown for a week-long vacation.

  I’m counting on this trip to revive me in more ways than one. This is the first time I’ve ever left the country and I can’t wait for the adventure ahead.

  It seems the universe is finally working in my favor.

  A ding sounds and the stewardess appears near my seat seconds later, wearing an easy smile.

  “We’ll be landing soon, dear. Is there anything I can get you before our descent?”

  “No, thanks,” I answer with a smile of my own.

  As we descend, I check my face in my compact and make sure I’m camera ready.

  As ready as I’ll ever be.

  Moments later, we’re on the ground and I expel a shaky breath.

  This is it.

  Gathering my purse, I stand and make my way to the door near the front of the plane.

  My steps nearly falter when I see the man waiting for me to join him on the tarmac.

  Sebastian Downs.

  CHAPTER TWO

  SEBASTIAN DOWNS

  The airplane stairs open and I shove my hands in my pockets, waiting for the winner to be revealed.

  A petite figure appears and the cameramen move quickly to capture her every move.

  Patiently, I wait as the woman grabs the side rail. I admire her subtle curves in the white dress that stops above her knees.

  She’s a tiny little thing but her body is pure perfection.

  As she nears, it dawns on me that she looks familiar. Like I’ve seen her face before.

  My brain begins working overtime to place her face and when it happens, I’m nearly floored.

  Olivia fucking King!

  My high school crush and the girl who turned me down for prom a decade ago.

  Carefully, I watch her face for any signs of recognition but she only smiles while tossing furtive glances at the cameras surrounding us.

  Holy shit.

  She looks good.

  Exhausted, but good.

  Still a dainty little thing, her hair is darker than I remember and her eyes don’t hold the same light they once did, but not much else has changed.

  The next few moments pass me by
in a blur.

  We are cued by people on the sidelines to shake hands and smile for camera two. Then a distant voice instructs me to present her with the prize money and pose with the obnoxious, oversized check.

  Olivia goes through the motions, smiling but not making eye contact and I know without a doubt that she recognizes who the fuck I am.

  When I present her with the keys to my private compound for the week, our fingers brush and a shock jolts my entire body.

  What the hell?

  Following her lead, I maintain my cool for the cameras and smile charmingly as she accepts the grand prize and proclaims her love for someone named Winnie.

  It all passes me in a haze of activity as I’m transported back to Prairie View High School ten years earlier.

  The halls were crowded as I made my way through the mass of people to get to my next class.

  Only one thing was on my mind at the moment and that was asking my longtime crush, Olivia King, to the senior prom.

  I’d liked her since I had laid eyes on her earlier this school year, and I’d harbored this crush secretly, all the way to prom season.

  But today was the day.

  I was going to bite the bullet and just go for it.

  I’d never wanted to go to prom before. It wasn’t really my scene.

  As a self-proclaimed tech nerd, my circle was pretty small and I stuck with them for the most part.

  But something about Olivia had called to me and made me eager to learn more about her.

  From our limited interactions in art class, I knew that she was sweet and soft spoken. She always slid me an easy smile and engaged in small talk as we worked on our projects in the studio.

  I was a terrible artist but it was the elective I looked forward to most.

  I arrived in the art studio and dropped my backpack near the door before pulling on my smock. I collected the tools I’d need to complete my project and went to sit down to wait for Olivia’s arrival.

  She didn’t keep me waiting long and walked in wearing a pretty yellow sundress and sandals. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled up and secured by a white ribbon.

  She was perfection.

  Her usual easy smile was missing and replaced with a serious, contemplative expression.

  But she still greeted me sweetly after putting on her smock.

  “Hi, Sebastian.”

  Butterflies swarmed in my stomach.

  “Hi, Olivia. How’s it going?”

  She tilted her and appeared to think about her answer before settling on, “I’m really happy it’s Friday. I don’t think I could take another day here.”

  “I hear you. Any plans this weekend?”

  Shaking her head, she frowned.

  “What about you?” she asked, selecting a pencil to start her new sketch.

  “Not much. Probably just helping my dad out at the shop and then I may go see a movie.”

  Olivia made a noncommittal sound and just nodded before diving into her art work.

  We worked in silence for a few minutes before I gathered up the nerve to speak again.

  At that moment, I was thrilled that our workstation was near the back of the gallery, not exactly in earshot of the other students or the art teacher for that matter.

  “Olivia, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

  Distracted, she looked up.

  “What’s up?”

  “Would you like to go to prom with me?”

  After what seemed like hours, Olivia found her voice.

  Though her next words made me wish she’d just remained mute.

  “Sebastian, I’m sorry.”

  I cleared my throat and tried to pretend that the words didn’t sting as much as they did.

  “It’s not you, trust me.”

  If I wasn’t so crushed, I’d probably roll my eyes at her weak attempt to console me.

  “This is just not a good time for me. I don’t even know what’s happening anymore. I wouldn’t be good company anyway. But it was really sweet of you to ask.”

  Unable to speak, I just gazed at her and only nodded, letting her know that I understood.

  Even if it was the furthest thing from the truth.

  This is why I never put myself out there.

  No matter how good my chances seemed, I just wasn’t cut out for this shit.

  A sad smile claimed her face before she went back to work as if she hadn’t just crushed my teenage dreams.

  Jolted back to the present by a hand on my shoulder, I allow myself to be escorted to the awaiting limo.

  Olivia slides in before me and I follow close behind her.

  This should be fun.

  CHAPTER THREE

  OLIVIA KING

  This is insane!

  I’m sitting in the back of a limo with Sebastian Downs.

  And he’s a billionaire now?

  Oh, my God.

  Seated across from me, he is the picture of calm and collected while I freak out internally.

  Does he recognize me?

  Had he set up this whole thing when he saw my pathetic submission?

  What the hell is going on?

  The car accelerates, smoothly covering ground and I continue to stare at him in shock.

  I don’t remember him being this gorgeous in high school.

  But he is panty-dropping fine these days.

  Currently, he’s looking down at his phone tapping away at the screen, so I take the opportunity to admire him in all his glory.

  A strong square jaw accentuates the other beautiful features on his tanned face and the glasses he once wore are gone, giving me a clear view of his dazzling blue eyes.

  His well-muscled body is a glorious testament to the hours he must spend in the gym every week. I can’t help but appreciate the resulting powerful physique.

  He’s donned in a simple button up, slacks and loafers but I can just tell from looking at him that the getup probably cost more than two months of my pitiful salary.

  And don’t get me started on his cologne.

  The scent is musky and masculine. Purely intoxicating and making it nearly impossible to focus on anything but him.

  I’d expected to be a sweaty mess in front of the cameras, but what I hadn’t expected was for the source of my frazzled nerves to be my old classmate.

  “Are you just going to keep staring or are you going to speak, Olivia?” he asks darkly, catching me off guard.

  A startled gasp escapes me before I can help myself. I still can’t pull my eyes away from him though.

  The muscle at the base of his jaw is ticking as he takes the opportunity to ogle me in return.

  “H-Hi,” I stammer shyly.

  His eyes darken at the sound of my voice and his intense gaze takes its time roaming over my attire, pausing briefly on my legs and finally my pedicured feet.

  “I can’t believe it’s you,” he says pensively, meeting my eyes.

  “I can’t believe it’s you, either,” I return.

  His large hand reaches up to massage his chin as he stares at me silently.

  “Still perfect little Olivia, I see.”

  My hearts rattles against my chest at his assessment of me. I don’t understand why I’m so thrown off by his words.

  Sebastian continues peering at me from across the car. Suddenly, he tears his gaze away from me and turns to the mini bar.

  “Would you like a drink?” he asks, gruffly.

  “No, thanks,” my voice is small but it’s all I can manage at the moment.

  He grunts and pours himself a whiskey straight. After the first sip, his huge shoulders visibly relax and he returns his gaze to me.

  I make him tense?

  For some strange reason, that thought is gratifying. My nerves have been on high alert since I came down those stairs so it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one affected.

  “What have you been doing with yourself these days, Olivia?”

  Clearly the wrong things. There
’s one billionaire in this backseat and it sure as hell isn’t me.

  “Just working,” I admit because it’s the truth.

  My life is as drab as it comes.

  “What has it been? Ten years?” he asks with a frown before downing the rest of his drink.

  “Yeah, something like that,” I say nodding and wishing I had accepted his offer for a drink.

  My mouth is suddenly dry now that his attention is focused solely on me.

  “Are you still in Tennessee?” he wants to know.

  “Yep, I never left.”

  “Wow.” He seems stunned. “Well, I bet you’re the best nurse in the state.”

  Again, my heart rattles at his words.

  I can’t believe he remembers my ramblings from art class. I’d practically talked his ear off three times a week while we worked on our assignments.

  He’s smiling at me and I know the same memories are whirling through his mind.

  “Not quite,” I say, a little ashamed. “I’m a home health aid worker for the elderly at the moment.”

  Sebastian is visibly taken aback by this revelation.

  “Oh,” is all he says.

  “Things didn’t exactly work out the way I planned,” I offer as explanation. “But my job is very rewarding. I love what I do.”

  I don’t know why I feel the need to explain myself. My career choice is none of his business. But the last time he saw me, I thought I had it all figured out.

  My father’s betrayal had destroyed everything.

  Before Sebastian can say anything else, the car comes to a stop in front of the most breathtaking house I’ve ever seen.

  The word house doesn’t do the place just.

  It’s a palace. And I haven’t even gone inside yet.

  Sebastian studies my reaction with an unreadable expression before announcing, “We’re here.”

  *****

  Inside, I can’t stop gushing over the place.

  Pride aside, I roam the halls of the mansion with a huge grin on my face. Sebastian can barely keep up with my eager pace.

  “Oh, my God!” I exclaim as I reach what appears to be a solarium.

  I know right away that I’ll be spending my mornings here doing yoga for the next week.

  The entire compound is simply gorgeous.

  I really wish Winnie were here to see this. Pictures simply won’t do it justice.