Reckless Billionaire

by Cheryl Phipps

“Shall we try out that theory?” His voice was pleasant, but he had an ominous gleam in his eyes as he took a step forward, his hand reaching for the chain.

  “Look, I’m not interested and you’re bugging me. Please leave.” Thank goodness for bravado.

  “Yes Ma’am, right away.” Andy pulled the door behind him.

  Aimee sucked in a lung full of air, then leaned on the door, making sure it was shut properly, and locked it.

  Her heart was still beating fast, as her mind tried to assimilate what had just happened. It was all so bizarre. She shook her head, willing her heart beat to steady. She may as well have some breakfast since she didn’t have a hope of getting back to sleep after that rude awakening.

  She was adding milk to her cereal when the door smashed open, swinging crazily from one hinge. Aimee screamed for the second time, and scattered her cereal halfway across the room. Milk poured out of the upturned carton and ran down the cupboards to pool on the floor. “What the hell?”

  Andy stepped inside and shrugged. “Sorry, ma’am, just proving a point.”

  Maybe she should have been scared, but she was plain angry. “You broke my door to prove a point? Look at this mess.” She pointed at her spilled breakfast.

  “My timing was clearly off.”

  Was he laughing at her? Aimee was so furious; her hands shook as she pointed at him. “You! Get out of here, before I call the police.”

  He stood his ground, not threatening, but very self-assured. “The job is looking after Matthew Knight for a period of six months, at triple your normal salary for a full year, and a bonus if he behaves himself in that time.”

  Aimee’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Did he say triple her salary? For a year? To look after a patient for six months? She sat down on her rickety kitchen chair. That kind of money would pay off her mother’s debts. She could start over.

  Andy had picked up the door and was cleaning off splinters with a wicked looking knife. This was the stuff of mafia, or an overactive imagination. Yet, there he was large as life not twenty feet from her, looking as innocent as a man that size possibly could. This was actually happening. To her.

  So, what should she do? The way she figured, trusting the giant and the Knights could change her life. Or she could plod along as she was, working eighty hours a week which was killing her. But, it wasn’t right that the Knight’s be allowed to harass her. Especially, in her own home.

  “And, if I say no?”

  “I’ll fix your door, and leave. Which would be a terrible shame for you and Mr. Knight. If you could find a way to accept, Mrs. Knight would appreciate it. In fact, the whole family would. Matt’s not been doing so well lately.”

  She hadn’t expected that. “I don’t understand. His injuries were healing nicely when I left him yesterday.”

  “It’s not my place to tell you more, unless you agree to the job.”

  She couldn’t help but conjure up those bright blue eyes. Even bruised and broken, Matt was a very handsome man. He had a family who cared, and was obviously well-off. What could he possibly have wrong with him—aside from broken bones—that needed a minder for six months?

  She went back to the idea of not working so many hours. If the conditions stated that, she’d be a fool not to at least consider the offer. And, if she viewed it as something like a vacation which she hadn’t had in years, it became even more attractive.

  “What does Mr. Knight think about it?”

  “He’s delighted. He couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather have looking after him.”

  “He’s not sick, otherwise? Just injured?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Andy didn’t look at her, as he straightened the hinge that still held the top of the door, with his bare hands. He was omitting something. She’d have to look into the Knights— Matthew in particular.

  “I want to talk to my boss first. I’ll get back to you when I’ve done that.”

  “I could take you to the hospital now and wait.”

  “No. I won’t be bullied any more. Go home. I’ll call you when I have an answer.”

  Andy hesitated, then handed her his card. “I expect to hear from you later today.”

  She hesitated, but took it since she couldn’t contact him otherwise. “I expect you to fix my door properly.”

  “I’ll finish doing that as soon as I get a new hinge. It should hold until I get back.”

  “It better.”

  He tipped his hat as he left and Aimee fumed as she marched across the small room, locking the bathroom door after her. The hot water cascading over her tired body began to sooth her ruffled feathers and allowed her to see the possibilities that she’d relegated to the back of her mind.

  Not having to worry about money would be fantastic. Having a life that didn’t revolve solely around work would be amazing, and was something she hadn’t allowed herself to dream of. How hard could it be to look after Matthew Knight? He was funny, nice looking, and sexy to boot. Forget that part, she wasn’t interested in men right now.

  She dressed in jeans and a shirt, not missing the uniform at all. She thought of not having to wear it for six months and her heart felt lighter. If things worked out, she might let herself think of a future, where the things she’d wanted to do before her mother got so sick could be a reality.

  She took a deep breath. There was no point in putting the horse before the cart. Her boss had to agree on paper then she could think about other things. Once she actually had the job.

  Chapter Six

  Matt was sitting on the fountain ledge when Aimee arrived in an old blue Toyota. The paint was faded and rust had staked a claim in several spots. He would have liked to open the door for her, which wouldn’t have been easy, but she was out in seconds to look around in wonder.

  “This is crazy,” she finally said to him.

  He nodded to Andy, who’d appeared as he often did when needed, to take her luggage inside. “I know. I’m sorry if you felt you had no choice.”

  “So, it wasn’t your idea?”

  “Are you kidding me? I don’t need a nurse.”

  She frowned. “I could go?”

  “Don’t do that. It was my mother who suggested I needed a little help getting around, and I guess it couldn’t hurt.”

  “She didn’t have to send her heavy to break down my door and frighten the bejesus out of me.”

  She sure had a way with words. “I admit Andy could’ve been more diplomatic. It never occurred to me that I needed you until I was home. Would you have said yes?”

  “No.”

  He grinned. “Alright then. Let’s continue with this brutal honesty going forward, shall we?”

  “That’s what works best for me.” She came closer to hand him his crutch. “Let’s see how mobile you are.”

  “Slave driver. I got out here okay.”

  “You look shattered.”

  “I never said it was easy.” Matt did as she asked which was damn hard since the gravel on the driveway shifted under his feet with each step. The crutch did not like it one bit and kept slipping. She walked beside him, watching every ugly movement.

  The stairs into the entranceway took a bit of negotiating and he was sweating freely by the time they entered the large foyer. It was a relief to be in the cool interior and he led her past the grand staircase to use the small lift.

  “You’re doing fine,” she praised him as they walked along the hallway.

  “At least I got further than the bathroom today, which is novel. Mom’s waiting in the room ahead, to your left.”

  They entered the pastel colored private sitting room.

  “Aimee. So lovely to see you again. Thanks for agreeing to look after my son.”

  “Hello Mrs. Knight. After breaking my door down, your Texan made me an offer I couldn’t possibly refuse,” she said, wryly.

  “You make it sound like Andy’s connected. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  Matthew snorted, as he collapse
d into a chair. His mother rewarded him with the look. She could point out all her children’s flaws, but her back went up like a porcupine’s, if anyone else dared to do the same.

  His mother gestured for Aimee to sit beside her. “Andy has a job that means sometimes he has to be firm, but I’ve never heard of him hurting someone who didn’t deserve it.”

  Aimee, in turn, looked mutinous. “I don’t think anyone deserves physical violence.”

  “Really? I should have thought working in the hospital, especially the emergency department you would have seen what people can do to each other. To stop that sometimes requires a show of strength that may look like violence to others.”

  “That’s true, but so is the fact that sometimes the people who hurt others are damaged in some other way, and perhaps can’t help what they do.”

  “Touché. I understand that there are those who simply use their strength to hurt others intentionally. Andy is not one of those.”

  “I don’t know Andy very well, so I’ll wait a while before I make up my mind—if you don’t mind?”

  The air was rife with animosity. His mother seemed to be having second thoughts about Aimee’s suitability, while she looked ready to bolt. Matt didn’t want that to happen. He stood, leaning heavily on the crutch. “Would you like to see your room?”

  Bristling with annoyance, she hesitated for a heart-stopping moment before turning her attention to him. “Yes, please.”

  His mother, who was usually so adept at putting people at ease, had missed her mark this time. He’d never seen that happen before. It was a little disconcerting.

  He hobbled down the hall with Aimee clutching her purse to her chest. Judging by the pinched look around her mouth, she was decidedly unhappy. He hoped that if she were having second thoughts, he could find a way to nullify them. Down the end of the west wing, he leaned against the wall with his bad arm, so he could open the door.

  “Wow!” She practically ran past him.

  It was a relief to see her delight. “You like it a little?” he teased.

  She did a twirl. “Are you kidding me? What’s not to like? This room is gorgeous. Who’s is it?”

  “It was my eldest sister’s. Sarah has a new home and a new baby.”

  She touched a finger to her lip. “I think I saw her in the hospital. Isn’t she Doctor Christian Grayson’s fiancé?”

  “That’s right.”

  Aimee took a seat on the king-sized bed and bounced a little while he leaned against the wall.

  “So, she’s not going to want it back in a hurry?”

  “The room is yours for as long as you want it,” he assured her

  “Speaking of which; six months seems a long time to convalesce.”

  He nodded. “I think so, too. Look, if things change dramatically we can talk about shortening that time with my mom.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-six. You?”

  Aimee looked astounded. “I’m almost the same age. So, your mom still calls the shots?”

  He could feel the heat of embarrassment in his cheeks. “I’d like to say no, but it would be a lie, although it doesn’t happen very often. Right now, she’s got this idea in her head that I’m trying to do myself harm.” There, he’d said what everyone else, apart from his mother, were tip-toeing around.

  She got up from the bed and came close to him, her face unreadable. “Are you?”

  He laughed to break the tension. “No! I enjoy life. I always have. I do like extreme sports and confess that I’ve injured myself in their pursuit, but it’s hardly a death wish.”

  “Why do you do that kind of stuff?”

  “I like it. It makes my heart pump and I feel really alive.”

  “Life in general isn’t enough for you?”

  “I guess I don’t think of it in those terms. I have a great life. A great family. Sometimes I need more.”

  “I bet you’ve done a lot of things that most of the population have never experienced because all those things are horrendously expensive.”

  “Precisely, so why wouldn’t I since I can afford to?”

  She’d opened the suitcase Andy had placed on the bed and began to put her clothes away.

  It felt odd to be in Sarah’s room, and odder still to be there with Aimee.

  “Would you like me to leave while you get settled?”

  “Not especially. I’d like to hear about my job, your family, and the things you’ve done.”

  This could take some time, so Matt sat in one of the matching soft, pink chairs. “In which order?”

  “I’m easy. Go.”

  “There’s five children plus Andy. I believe you’ve met them all, except Evan.”

  She nodded. “I think so.”

  He put his leg on the low table, dropping the crutch to the floor. “Benjamin’s the eldest and thinks he’s the boss.”

  “He’s not? Who is then?” she grinned.

  “Stop teasing. You know it’s Mom, especially now that you’ve spoken to her one-on-one.”

  “Mmmmm. Go on.”

  “Next is Sarah.” He sighed. “She’s got the cutest baby boy called William.”

  “Her fiancé is rather cute too.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I hadn’t noticed.” It was getting hard to concentrate while she was putting small, silky looking things in drawers.

  She laughed, but wasn’t done yet. “And?”

  “Evan and I are twins. He’s out on the East Coast, and runs his own marina with a woman he’s living with and her father. He still works for us in a minor role. The youngest is Caris. She’s the real brains of the family. She’s studying to be a doctor.”

  “What about your Texan?”

  “Like I said, Andy’s our foster brother. He’s lived with us for a long time, although he has his own place now, and a security business which he owns with Ben.”

  “That explains his way with doors and locks.”

  “He’s pretty good with his hands,” he said, sheepishly.

  She laughed again, a very pleasant sound. “That’s an understatement. Okay, is that the family done?”

  He laughed at the very idea. “The immediate family, and really, there’s too many of us to go any further in one day. You’d never remember, and it would be boring for both of us.”

  She smiled. “Fair enough. So, regardless of what anyone else has in mind, what is it you expect me to do for you?”

  He’d been thinking of nothing else, and some of his suggestions were undoubtedly not up for negotiation. In fact, she’d run a mile if she knew just where his thoughts about the pretty nurse had been taking him. “Drive me around. Take me to appointments. That sort of thing.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “I’m a nurse, not a taxi driver.”

  He waved a hand over himself. “I do have broken limbs, plus other injuries.”

  She wasn’t amused. “It seems to me that you’re doing just fine without me.”

  He threw his hands in the air, there was no point in beating about the bush. “Look, you asked for the truth, but I think you already know why my mother thinks I need you.”

  “I’m not a psychiatrist either.”

  That rankled, but he kept his cool. “No, you’re not, and I don’t need one. She’s just being over-protective.”

  “I feel like I’m here under false pretenses.”

  “That’s not your fault, and it’s not mine. Can you please think of it as a vacation?”

  Her eyes widened. “A vacation with strangers?”

  “Would you try? Very few vacations pay you instead of the other way around.”

  She tilted her head. “I confess, that does have some appeal and is part of the reason I agreed. I could do with a few extra hours of sleep where I know I won’t have to do double shifts, be on call, or get asked to stay back because of an emergency.”

  “Like mine?”

  She nodded emphatically. “Just like that.”

  “Way to make me feel gui
lty.”

  “Good. You shouldn’t have been driving if you were tired. You could have killed someone.”

  Nurse Parker was a softie, no matter how hard she was pretending to be, and his feelings for her ramped up another notch. “Ouch. Kick me while I’m down. You do know it was the truck driver’s fault? He came around the corner on the wrong side of the road.”

  “So I heard, but it still applies. Okay, if I’m staying which clearly I am,” she pointed to her empty suitcase. “Then you should tell me everything I can expect to have to stop you from doing.”

  If she was staying then he was one happy Knight.

  “I like to fly gliders, deep-sea dive, ride horses, and motorcycles. I’ve done parasailing and paragliding. I’ve parachuted and base jumped. I ski and surf. I think that’s it.”

  With a thump, she sat back down on the edge of the bed, her eyes wide. “All that? No way.”

  ‘All that’ is what kept him functioning. “If you could afford it, wouldn’t you want to try some of those things?”

  “Hell no. I’m a coward. I hate heights.”

  “What about flying?” he suggested.

  “Nope. I’ve never flown.”

  He was astounded. “Never?”

  She shook her head empahtically. “Never wanted to.”

  “But wouldn’t you like to see other places?”

  “Sure. If I ever had the time and could catch a train or a bus, or drive there, I’d be happy to travel.”

  This was so far in the extreme to Matt’s life. Even when the family couldn’t afford big holidays, they’d traveled miles to see family. “Where’s the furthest you’ve been?”

  “When I was in college, I did a road trip with a friend. We got to New York and back in one piece.”

  This was more like it. “That’s quite a few miles.”

  “It meant we saw lots more of the real America. Stuff you can’t see from a plane.”

  “There is truth in that, but if you fly you can see the place you’re going to for as long as you like once you’re there, and in a fraction of the time.”

  She eyes him warily. “It’s not going to happen.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting we do it.”

  A delicate eyebrow shot up. “Weren’t you?”