Secret Billionaire (The Carolina Series Book 2)

by Jill Downey

  “Save it. I’ve been the biggest fuckin’ fool.”

  “Don’t you remember me saying I had something to talk about and you brushing me off? Don’t you see? I was embarrassed to admit it to you. I wanted you to get to know me, not as a Bennett, but for me. Can you please try to understand? I never intended to hurt you.”

  “Well guess what? You did. And you sure as hell didn’t try too hard to fill me in, now did you?” The disgust and anger made him sick to his stomach. The ache he felt in his heart was killing him.

  He pointed to the door. “Get out.”

  Sobbing, Faye begged, “Please, don’t do this. I’m falling in love with you.”

  “Falling in love? Tell me, which Faye is it that’s falling in love? Faye LeBlanc or Faye Bennett? I don’t even know who you are. It’s all been a lie. You actually had the nerve to call me out because I owned a successful construction company? While the whole time you were lying to me about your entire life. The level of hypocrisy that took is beyond my comprehension. I’m only going to say it one more time, get out… now!”

  Jesse couldn’t even look at her and he definitely wouldn’t watch her go. He stormed out the door, got on his bike and drove away.

  24

  Faye couldn’t believe how quickly her world had turned inside out. Maddy hovered over her like a mother hen. She knew she looked like hell—she hardly recognized herself and worst of all it took nothing for her to burst into tears.

  “Faye, just give it some time. I think he’ll come around.” Maddy said.

  She lifted her thin shoulder in a half shrug, eyes bright with unshed tears. “I fucked it up. You were right all along. I should have come clean from the get-go.”

  “So what? You’re not a criminal. It’s not like you committed a mass murder or slept around on him.”

  “I lied. Pure and simple. If you don’t have trust, you have nothing. I don’t blame him.”

  “He’ll cool off and realize what he’s lost. Mark my words if he’s even half the man I think he is, he’ll come back.”

  “Mads it’s over. It’s been almost a week with no word. I can’t drive myself crazy hoping for the impossible. Not only that, maybe it’s for the best. I need to focus on my business. Maybe I have some things to sort out within myself before I get into another relationship.”

  “You’re right. You have to focus on yourself and your business... but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone! I’ll do the hoping for the both of us. You’d better get it together enough to call in some people for interviews. You have to have more help.”

  “I know, I’ll work on that today. I’ll start scheduling interviews for next week.”

  “Good. If you need my help this weekend, I’m in.”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Okay. I’ve got to take off. Listen Faye, try to keep busy, take your mind off of things. Promise?”

  “I’ll try.”

  Maddy hugged her friend and left for work.

  Faye drug herself into the shower then threw on an old pair of cutoff jeans and a tank top. She stuck her hair up in a ponytail and rode her bike to the bar.

  Stepping inside, it felt like the life had been sucked out of the place. More accurately it had been sucked out of her. She blew out a breath. You don’t get sick days for a broken heart so get your ass moving. She raised her chin and put one foot in front of the other. Mindless cleaning was just what the doctor ordered. It was as good as therapy. She filled a bucket with soap and water and got down onto her hands and knees and began scrubbing.

  She was so focused she didn’t hear Ty come in. Surprised to see him there she glanced at her watch.

  “Noon already?”

  “Yep. I see you’re coming back to life.”

  She gave him a lopsided grin, “Don’t be too sure about that.”

  “Faye, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about last Saturday night and why I ran off like I did.”

  “Yeah, I wanted to ask you about that.”

  “I told you a little about my past…you know the dealing…”

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “Well I’d never want to set my bag of shit on your porch step…” he shifted uncomfortably.

  Faye plopped her brush in the bucket and stood up. “Let’s have a cool drink out on the deck. Sound good to you?” He didn’t meet her eyes but mumbled in agreement. She grabbed a couple bottles of sweet tea from the cooler and met him out on the deck.

  “Spill it.”

  “Well…when I came out from the back room, there was this guy from my past sitting at the bar. I don’t know if you noticed him. Older dude, scruffy gray beard, shark eyes.”

  Faye felt a chill go down her spine, “Yeah, his name’s Dave. Go on…”

  Ty’s eyes widened. “You know him?”

  “He’s been coming into the bar now and then. Not my favorite customer. How do you know him?”

  Ty shuffled his feet. “Um…when I got busted, he was my supplier. I dealt for him. When I went to juvie, I owed him some money, and since I was locked up there was nothing I could do about it. They had confiscated my stuff.”

  “Wait, so you’re telling me this guy is a drug dealer?”

  “Yes, he’s a bad dude. Bad mojo. When I saw him, I about shit myself. I’m not kidding he is evil. I don’t know how he found me here.”

  “Ty, I don’t think he was here because of you. I had a run in with him way before you started working for me.”

  He raised his thick brows. “Really?”

  “Really. He’s an asshole, but now that I know how he makes his living, I’m even more concerned about him hanging around my bar.”

  “Just be careful. He runs with some bad dudes.”

  “I’m worried about you.” She ruffled his hair. “I’m glad you told me.”

  He lifted a corner of his mouth, “I hope I’m not stepping in shit but what’s with you and Jesse?”

  “There is no me and Jesse anymore.”

  He leaned back in his chair and sized her up. “Is it because he found out who you really are?” She froze and stared at him with wide eyes. He said, “Faye, I was born at night but not last night. This is a small town. Did you really think he wouldn’t find out?”

  She put a hand to her throat and whispered, “Was it you then?”

  “Me what?”

  “That told him.”

  “Hell no! I’d never do that to you.”

  “Thank God. I don’t think I could have handled losing you too.”

  Ty tugged at his earring, looking thoughtful. “Do you mean what you just said?”

  “What did I say?”

  “About not wanting to lose me too.”

  “Yeah, I’ve grown quite fond of you, even if you’re a bit on the cocky side. I know you’re as soft as mush underneath all that.” She gave him a playful shove.

  He grinned, then looked down, “Faye, I’m guessing this secrecy thing must run in the family.”

  Her heart lurched. “Why’s that?”

  “Well, don’t freak out on me…promise?”

  “I promise, now spill it!”

  “I don’t know how else to say this…so I guess I’ll just say it…okay…um…Marcus is my dad.”

  Her face was a total blank. “Marcus?”

  “Marcus, your half-brother…you know…the one rotting in prison for blackmailing your family last year.”

  Her mouth dropped open, “Ty… I-I don’t know what to say.”

  “Please hear me out. Don’t judge me for the sins of my father. I didn’t even know him growing up. They had me when they were teenagers and he split the scene shortly after I was born. Mom told me all about what happened. I guess dad never knew he was a Bennett until his mom died and told him on her death bed. Then my mom saw all that drama play out on TV and she told me.”

  “Why did you come looking for me?”

  “I swear to you, I’m not after anything. I came to you because I was curious. It’s just been me and Mom my
whole life. We practically grew up together. She was only sixteen when she had me. I wanted to see who my family was. Remember when I told you about Mom and that fight? That was part of the reason we fought, and why she didn’t want me to take the job. I didn’t expect to like ya.”

  She burst out laughing. “Oh Ty, the tangled webs we weave. I’m glad you told me. And no, I don’t hold it against you. Why would I? I was heartbroken when I found out I had a brother and lost him before we even met. In defense of my father, he didn’t believe your dad was his until it was too late.”

  “Does that mean that I can keep my job?”

  Faye slung her arm across his shoulder, “Yes. But don’t think you get a free pass on work because you’ve got pull with me.”

  “Could we keep this between us for now?”

  Faye narrowed her eyes, “I’m not sure… I guess for now, but I’d like you to get to know the rest of the family.”

  “They’ll probably hate me.”

  “No, they won’t. When the time comes, I’ll be sure to break it to them gently. We’ll ease into it. But not until you’re ready. My father will be the last to know.”

  “Deal.”

  25

  “You better clean that plate young man,” Ruby said sternly, her tone belying the concern etched across her face. “Jesse, instead of moping around like a lonely bull moose, do something about it.”

  He pushed the plate aside, “I’m not hungry. Mom, best you leave sleeping dogs lie.”

  “You’re my son and I love you dearly, but you have a stubborn streak a mile wide. That poor little thing deserves better than what you’re giving her.”

  “Mom she lied. And it wasn’t a little lie…it was about her entire identity. How would I ever be able to trust her again?”

  “She lied because she didn’t want you to judge her. I’m sorry but I’ve always thought being rich from the time you was born would be a curse not a blessin.”

  “Mom, she’s had weeks to tell me. I repeat, weeks! What does that say about her opinion of me if she didn’t trust me or know me enough to come clean?” He folded his arms across his chest, jaw set.

  “Jesse, darlin’, can you imagine growing up not knowing whether someone liked you for who you were, or whether it was because of what you could do for them?”

  His gaze was fixed and his expression mutinous. “I don’t want to talk about it, okay? I know you mean well but I’m not going to go crawling back after being utterly humiliated. In front of my ex to boot. I’ve never felt so stupid in my entire life. And it was like pure crack for Kelsey. She practically rubbed her hands together in glee.”

  “Is that what this is about? Your pride? Oh Jesse, that is so disappointing. Didn’t I raise you better than that?”

  “No, it’s not just my pride. It’s her lack of faith in me. What did she think I was going to do just dump her because she’s worth billions?”

  “Believe it or not some guys couldn’t handle that. They’d want to have all the power. Fortunately, I know I raised you four boys better than that. Am I right about that Jesse Carlisle?” When he didn’t respond she put her hands on her hips and said, “Well, am I?”

  “It’s complicated. Kelsey’s right about one thing. Faye’s father would not take too kindly to his daughter being with some blue-collar guy.”

  “Do you hear yourself? You sound like a first-class snob.”

  “Mom you have to face facts. From her father’s perspective, I’m just a working-class guy. He’d never accept me in a million years.”

  Ruby folder her arms across her ample bosom. “Why Jesse Carlisle, you’ve just gone and proved her point.”

  “Mom, we’re talking billions, it’s no small thing. There’s a world of difference between us.”

  “You built our family business into one of the most sought after construction companies in this region. You have a stellar reputation; you make darn good money and you pay your workers well. A business to be envied if you were to ask me…which of course you haven’t.”

  Jesse scrubbed his hands over his face. “I don’t expect you to understand ma.”

  “Oh I understand plenty. If you were still small, I’d march your butt right on over to her bar and make you stand there until you apologized.”

  He sputtered, “Apologize! Me? What the hell did I do?”

  “It’s what you’re not doing that concerns me.”

  “I’m out of here. Thanks for supper. Love ya, Mom.”

  “I love you too, but I want you to think long and hard about what I just said. And I also want you to remember that she isn’t Kelsey. I never did like that girl. I knew she wasn’t the one for you the first time I met her. Now Faye, well, let’s just say I’ve never seen you so happy and at ease as you are with her. And it goes both ways. You spark each other. That doesn’t come along every day.”

  “Goodbye Ma.” He couldn’t get out of there fast enough. He loved his mom and normally found her counsel wise and comforting. Not today. He left feeling worse than he came. Me apologize? That’s just plain crazy!

  He decided to go for a long ride on his motorcycle. Blow off some cobwebs. He couldn’t think of anything but Faye. He saw her everywhere he went, she even followed him into his fucking dreams. He couldn’t get away. Fortunately, his crew didn’t pry or ask why he’d returned to the job site. But good thing they had a handle on everything because he was pretty much useless.

  Against his better judgement he took the short cut which took him by the bar. And there she was. Standing in the parking lot with Tyler, pointing up at something on the roof. God, seeing her was like being punched in the gut. He twisted the throttle and blew past them. Fuck me! How much more stupid can I get?

  “Why that son of a bitch…I ought to…”

  Faye interrupted Ty by holding up her hand. “How would he know we’d be out in the parking lot? It’s a small town. We won’t be able to avoid each other forever.”

  “You’re too kind. There’s plenty of roads around this place.”

  “Ty just drop it. Besides I thought you and Jesse were cool. You don’t have to choose sides you know.”

  “I’m just disappointed, I guess. I looked up to the dude. I didn’t take him for a tool.”

  Faye sputtered with laughter. “He’s not a tool. I hurt him. I did him wrong. That’s on me Ty, not Jesse.”

  “Whatever. He should be finishing what he started at the very least. Leaving you hanging with the remodeling only half-done sucks.”

  “Look, before he came along, I wasn’t planning on having the kitchen open before tourist season anyway. I thought it’d have to wait until winter when I could shut down for a few weeks. But jeez look what he’s already done! Amazing work. He’s a great carpenter and I was lucky to get what I did. Please be kind to him if you see him…for me, okay?”

  “You’re too good for him anyway. Any guy stupid enough to let you go is not worth your time. That’s all I’ve gotta say about it.”

  Faye wrapped her arms around Ty in a big bear hug. “Ty, I feel like I’ve known you forever, but I sure am sorry that I missed out on the first eighteen years.”

  His eyes were a little brighter than usual, but he flashed his cocky grin and said, “Thanks Aunt Faye.”

  26

  She had cancelled karaoke because she knew she wouldn’t be able to handle it without another bartender. Saturdays had become busy enough without the added draw. The front door opened, and she looked up to see a girl standing there with another vase filled with roses. Faye’s heart thudded in her chest.

  “Hi, are you Faye Bennett?”

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “Here ya go. Someone must really like you.”

  Faye took the vase out of her hands. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. You’ve done wonders with this place. Looks great.”

  “You’ll have to stop in sometime when you’re not working.”

  “I’ll do that. Bye now.”

  “Bye.” Faye’s
hands were shaking so hard she could barely open the card. Yours forever J. Just like before and she never had thanked him for them. She scrambled to find her cell phone then before her nerves could get the better of her, she punched in Jesse’s number.

  “Hello?”

  “Jess it’s me Faye.”

  “I know your number Faye.”

  She held her hand over her heart, almost overwhelmed from hearing his voice. “Um Jess, I’m just calling to thank you for the beautiful flowers and to say that I’m sorry I never got around to thanking you before.”

  “What flowers? I didn’t send flowers.”

  She whispered, “You didn’t?”

  “Why would I send you flowers? It wasn’t me.”

  “Oh God, I’m sorry to have bothered you, I’ve got to go.” Faye hung up the phone, her heart racing. If it wasn’t Jesse, then who? She got up and locked the door with trembling hands.

  “Faye wait!” It was too late she’d already hung up the phone.

  Jesse knew something wasn’t right. He needed to check on Faye. He jumped on his bike and pulled out onto the road full throttle. When he got to the bar, he tried the door. It was locked.

  Pounding he called out, “Faye, it’s me Jesse. Can you let me in?” He heard the dead bolt sliding and then, there she was. His throat tightened when he saw the dark circles under her eyes. He could tell she’d been crying.

  “Faye.” Jesse cupped her shoulders in his hands. She wouldn’t meet his eyes and that was like a kick in the gut. “Baby, what’s happening? Talk to me.”

  Her voice was shaky but subdued. “The flowers were the last straw. I think I’ve been trying so hard not to overreact to things that I went too far in the other direction. I’ve been burying my head in the sand.”

  “What other things are you talking about?”

  He could tell she was fighting back tears. “It’s possible the flowers came from Julian… which could mean that he’s behind the graffiti… which had a heart with J loves F right smack in the middle. I buried my concerns right under that paint roller. He could also have been the one to break in.” She buried her face in her hands. “I don’t know what to do…what to think.”