He stood up and put the ring on my finger, pulling me in tightly and kissing me lovingly. I didn't need anything else, and had been blessed far beyond anything I might imagine possible.
"You know that our arrangement still stands, right?" He looked down at me as people crowded around us. "My money, my time, my interest, and my investment..."
"My body and my heart?"
"Exactly. Pay up, Princess. Let's start with that first part." He growled softly and ignored everyone else in the room but me, which was exactly the way it would always be.
They were there, unless he was.
Then... it was just us - forever.
The End
Author Note: Just YES! For all those that dream of a Billionaire to drool over...Your wish is my comand!!
All the Right Words
by
Ali Parker
Chapter 1
Darek
I’d always hated hospitals. Now, after being forced to stay in a rehab hospital for two weeks, I not only hated them more, but I was losing my mind.
My first time inside a hospital, aside from my birth, was when my mother had accidentally fallen in the shower. I wasn’t sure how she’d gotten a black eye and a broken rib from something like a little stumble, but apparently, it could happen. It wasn’t until I was older I’d found out the real cause.
My mother hid the abuse from me for years, but right around my tenth birthday, my father no longer cared if I was a witness; or a victim, for that matter. Mother had protected me as long as she could, but the older I got, I learned the ugly truth about my parents’ relationship, and that my father, who was one of the top car dealers in Atlanta, was also an abusive beast.
The old man was a penny-pinching tyrant who could have sold ice to Eskimos, and even though we might have been considered rich in some circles, I was raised lower middle-class at best.
One night on the way home from a dinner party, my father, who’d had way too much to drink, ran the family car off the road killing himself and my mother. I was fifteen at the time, and since I wasn’t old enough to be on my own, even though I was only weeks away from my sixteenth birthday, I was sent to live with my mother’s sister.
Aunt Paige was a party girl, and aside from having the same parents, my mother had been nothing like her. I had always thought she was pretty and fun, but after seeing the parade of men she had lining up, some who took my trust fund allowance, along with whatever else she had in the house, I took off. It was just before my seventeenth birthday, and with the help of my attorney, who was a good friend of my mother’s and, as I’d find out many years later, an old boyfriend of hers who never stopped loving her, I got access to my trust to set up my own apartment.
Living alone was tough, especially since I didn’t have plans to go to college, and not enough skills to really make it. All I had going for me was my father’s ability to save money, his ability to make a pitch, and my mother’s genes which gave me my unusual blue eyes and dark brown hair that had become almost a trademark.
My thoughts of the past were interrupted by a soft knock at my door which only came a few seconds before the nurse barged in. “Mr. Dillon, you have a few visitors.”
Behind her was Maya Benton, my sweet upstairs neighbor at The Avalon, and her billionaire fiancé, James Thomas, the cause of my injury.
“Hey, sweetie, I hope it’s not a bad time.” Maya approached my bed and gave me a hug. Over her shoulder, I spotted James as he rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his pocket. The two of us had never been the best of friends, but because of Maya, we’d given it a try.
“No, it’s good. I’m going out of my fucking mind in this place. I don’t know why I allowed this to happen. This is what I get for being friends with my doctor.”
“You said he thought this was for the best, and with your busy lifestyle and the fact that you live alone, I tend to agree with him.” My doctor had suggested I stay in the rehab facility, not only for my privacy but so I didn’t overdo it.
“I didn’t think it would be so bad. There’s nothing to do, the TV has limited cable access, and I can’t get a decent cup of coffee to save my life.”
“Would you like James to go down to the corner?” Maya turned and took James by the hand and tugged him closer.
“Yeah, man, if you want some coffee, I’ll go down and grab you something, no problem.”
“As a matter of fact, yes, I’d like you to go.”
“Right now?” James shrugged. “I thought maybe on the way out?”
“Go now, honey, it’s just up the block.” Maya gave him a sideward glance.
“Yeah, it’s the least you could do considering you’re the one who put me here.” I flashed a wink to Maya and grinned. I loved to make James feel guilty, which he tried to play it off.
“You were standing in my backswing, man. Who the fuck does that? Besides, this was an old injury from what your pal, Dr. Johansen said.”
“Yeah, an old injury.” My aunt’s boyfriend had banged my knee up pretty badly when I’d tried to get him off of her, and I’d been so worried about getting away from that mess, I didn’t give my knee proper healing. The years since had caught up with me, and come to a head when James knee-capped me with his nine-iron.
I could almost see the guilt in his expression, and finally, the guy headed for the door. “Fine, but don’t hit on my girl while I’m gone.”
“No promises, buddy.”
“Asshole.” He shook his head and disappeared around the corner.
“I can’t believe you’re going to marry that guy. I’m not sure I approve after all.”
“You do approve, or you’d have never helped him stop me from going back to New Orleans.”
“I guess so. He just looked so pathetic.”
She giggled, and it was the most refreshing sound I’d heard in two weeks. The door opened, and Dr. Joshua Johansen came in. “Well, you didn’t tell me you had such a gorgeous girlfriend. She’s too pretty for you.”
“She’s too good for me too. But unfortunately, I couldn’t get so lucky. This is Maya, my upstairs neighbor. Maya, this is Dr. Joshua Johansen.”
“Good to meet you, Doctor.” Maya held out her hand, and he took it, giving it a kiss which, by her smile, she seemed impressed with.
“Watch it, Josh, her fiancé, is the brute who put me in here. He’s got a mean backswing.” We shared a laugh, and Josh cleared his throat.
“I heard you’re ready to leave us. I’m not sure it’s a good idea with your complications and the fact that you don’t have any help at home. I can send you some equipment, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to get yourself on and off of it without help.”
“I’ll hire a maid. Someone who can help me and do all of my chores and shopping and my manager is already canceling dates. I’m trying to be a good patient.” I glanced to Maya. “I’m a motivational speaker, but I can’t seem to motivate this guy to let me out of this place.”
Maya giggled. “Sounds like you’re losing your touch.”
Johansen laughed at my expense; then he stroked his chin. “If you’ll hire help, and if this beautiful lady promises to be a good neighbor and check in on you to make sure you’re behaving, I’ll allow it.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
We shook hands, and then he gave Maya a wink. “Make sure he hires a good nurse and not just a pretty one.” He walked to the door and nearly ran over James as he walked back in. “You must be the man with the wicked swing?”
“That’d be me. I don’t think he’s ever going to let me forget it either.” He approached the bed and handed me a plain Styrofoam cup with a lid.
“No, he’s not.” With that, Johansen turned and left.
“I’m also not going to let you live this down.” I held up the cup and gave him a dirty look.
“Hey, it’s great coffee, and it was a lot closer.”
“Only one way to find out.” I turned the cup up and took a sip. “Not bad. You’re forgiven.”
<
br /> “So, what did I miss?” James gestured to the door where Johansen had made his escape.
“I can leave as long as I hire an assistant, and Maya has offered to come down and check in on me.”
He pulled his woman close to his side and kissed her face. “Get your own assistant.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “I’ll come down and help when I can, and James will too, of course. We’re taking cooking courses, and I wanted to bake you something.”
My mother used to love baking. “You, lucky bastard; your woman bakes.”
“Hey, I’m taking that course too. Maybe I’ll bake something.”
“I used to love homemade brownies. My mom and I would fight over the edges. They were always the best.” I could taste those brownies just thinking about them.
“I guess I’ll have to make some calls and do a couple of interviews. Too bad the best assistant already got away.” I gave Maya a wink, and James laughed.
“Yeah, too bad. I’m surprised you didn’t already have an assistant working for you.”
“Nah, the last time I tried that George caught her stealing my shit when I wasn’t home. She’d carted off three lamps and two vases before he was onto her. Not to mention, I’d already felt bad about some family tragedy she’d lied about and given her a couple of grand.”
“I’ll come down and check her out. Just do as your doctor said and hire someone fit for the job, not just easy on the eyes.” She gave me a scolding look.
“Yes, ma’am. Maybe I’ll be lucky and find one who’s both.” It could happen.
James huffed. “Don’t hold your breath.”
Chapter 2
Sadie
My phone rang as I cleared the dishes from our morning breakfast. My mother had always cooked breakfast every morning except for Sundays since I was a child. It had been my job to clear the table ever since I could reach it.
“It’s awful early to be calling. I hope it’s a man.” My mother was never going to let me rest when it came to me finding another man. “Let’s hope he’s a decent one this time.” The last one had left me at the altar and ran off with his ex at his bachelor party. My mother hadn’t liked him anyway, not since he talked me into quitting my job to shack up with him.
I walked to the counter and checked my phone. “I think it’s about the job.” I hurried to answer as my nerves went into overdrive. I’d quit my job as a medical assistant to move away for my marriage, and when that fell through, not only was I jobless, but I’d been forced to move back home with my mother. “Good morning, this is Sadie.”
“Hello, I’m calling about the assistant position.” The man’s voice was clear and strong, and he sounded like he could have a career in broadcasting if he wanted. “I was hoping you’d be able to come in for an interview. I need to hire someone immediately.”
“Sure, what time would you like me to come by?” I was suddenly nervous by the haste, but with this being an assistant with medical assistant experience, I knew the situation might be time sensitive.
“How about ten a.m.?”
“That’s just an hour. Where am I going?”
“Fifth Avenue, The Avalon, sixtieth floor.”
“Okay, I’ll be cutting it close, but I’ll be there.” The more I listened, there was something about his voice that sounded familiar. I wondered if he was a celebrity or just another one of those rich pricks living at The Avalon. Regardless, the man might be able to help me make some great connections.
I said my farewells and hung up the phone on the way to my room. I didn’t have time for a shower, so I dressed in my nicest pair of scrubs and pulled my long brown hair up into a sleek ponytail. The man wanted a personal assistant with medical assistant training, so I wouldn’t need to fancy up too much, and besides, there wasn’t much time.
I called for a car and hurried out to meet it knowing I didn’t have a lot of time for my commute but turned out, the car showed up quickly and I got to the Avalon in enough time to slow down on the way inside, which was a good thing, since the doorman stopped me. “I’m Sadie Simpson; I’m here to see—
I realized I didn’t know who I was seeing, and my mind went blank as I tried to remember the floor.
“The sixtieth.” The older man smiled, and I let loose a sigh of relief realizing whoever the man was, he’d called down. I should have known he would. This was the famous Avalon.
My palms grew sweaty as I walked inside and went to the elevator. The heavy doors opened, and a gorgeous man in a tailored suit stepped out. He had a gorgeous woman on his arm, and she was draped in silk and jewels. They offered me a smile, but I felt grossly underdressed to be in the plush building.
The doors closed and I chose the sixtieth floor and held onto the rail as the elevator took off. I was thankful it didn’t make any other stops along the way, and when the door opened, I was surprised to find a small lobby with one bench and a door. The man must own the entire floor.
I walked up to the door, and it opened before my fist could make contact.
A handsome man greeted me, and before he could speak, I recognized him. “Hello, you must be Sadie Simpson?” He offered his hand.
“And you’re Darek Dillon.” I looked down to see that his leg was in a brace. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I wasn’t expecting to see someone I knew.”
“But we’ve never met.” He waved me in and hobbled across the floor.
“Sir, please. Let me help you.” I stepped up and took his arm. “You shouldn’t be up like this. What’s the nature of your injury?”
“Golf swing. Backswing to be more specific.”
“I beg your pardon?” His cologne hit my nose, and the scent was so fresh and clean with a hint of leather and fresh, crisp apples dipped in spice; I didn’t know whether I should eat him or ride him. My cheeks flared. Perhaps both.
“Sorry. I had knee surgery two weeks ago, and then a few complications after that. The doctor, who is a friend of mine, wanted me to do the whole rehab center thing, but the place was awful.” The doctor had probably hoped by him staying there and seeing how awful it was, that he’d make a contribution to improving the facility.
“You should have a walker or a cane for support, but I have to discourage you hopping around like that.”
“Wow, you go right to work, don’t you? It’s impressive, especially considering I haven’t officially hired you yet.” He let loose of a soft chuckle as I helped him into his chair.
“You’re right; I guess it just comes naturally.”
“Have a seat, and we’ll get this interview started, although, you’re already making a damned good impression.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“First, let’s get the formalities out of the way. Please, call me Darek, Sadie. I prefer to be on a first-name basis. What I need is someone who can keep up with things for me like laundry, cleaning, and even a bit of light cooking. There’s also this machine for my rehabilitation; I have another week on it. Then, of course, I’ll need help getting around a bit and taking my medications.”
“You’re still on medications? You must have had some bad complications.”
“Yes, I had an infection. I’m all better and healing wonderfully, but things were messy for a while.”
“I can imagine. It all sounds perfectly doable. What time would I need to come in and leave?”
He winced. “I thought I explained it would be a twenty-four-seven type of deal. I mean, you’ll still have time to take care of any of your business in your downtime, and I don’t mind you leaving for short periods of time if you need to, but this would be round the clock. I’ve needed a new assistant for some time and thanks to this injury; I’ve had to bite the bullet. Here’s the list with your level of pay.”
I would get to work and live in The Avalon. I tried not to react too desperately from the amount, but with that kind of pay, I might not need my degree. I snapped my fingers remembering.
“I have a couple of online business courses I take during the wee
k, and so I’d mostly be studying in my downtime. I also have several tests I need to take.” I hoped that wouldn’t be a deal breaker.
“That’s wonderful. You’re more than welcome to use my home computer and tablet, whatever you need. Is there anything else?”
I hated to ask but knew my mother would give me hell if I didn’t. “I’d need Sunday mornings off, if at all possible; just until around two.”
“Do you go to church?”
“No, I don’t. But my mother makes Sunday dinner and she’d rather me miss a sermon than a meal.”
He got a faraway look for a moment, and then he smiled. “Sounds like you’re a lucky lady, and it’s your lucky day. I’d like for you to start immediately unless you have a problem with any of the terms.”
“I feel like I already have.” I shrugged, giving him a warm smile as he chuckled.
“That you have. I’ll arrange a car to take you back home and get a few things.”
“That sounds good. Thank you for the opportunity, Sir. I appreciate it. I’ve been trying to get back out on my own to be away from my mother’s house, so this works.”
“Do you mind me asking why you had to move back home?” He leaned forward in his chair.
“I was working for a home health provider and doing quite well, but I met a man, and we were going to get married. He had a bachelor party, ran into an old girlfriend, and didn’t show up the next day at the altar.”
“Damn, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry. So, you’re not seeing anyone?”
“No, I’m focused on my career and work. No time for men.” I wanted to add unless you’re available to that sentence, but I knew I had to keep things professional. This was a dream job, and I knew I’d never get another opportunity like it.
I thanked him again and brought him his walker, which he grimaced at. I promised I wouldn’t be gone more than two hours to get my things, but he said there was no rush. My mother was going to freak out. Me shacking up with another man. I’d have to break the news to her gently and assure her it was strictly professional.
My One and Only: A Bad Boy Secret Baby Second Chance Romance Page 124