Beach Bum Billion-Heiress (The Beach Squad Series Book 4)

by Marika Ray

  When Sage stumbled back a bit at this guy's approach, I decided enough was enough. I ran back inside, grabbed a shirt and shoved my feet in my favorite pair of beat up Vans before racing down the stairs. I was all for Sage handling her business on her own two feet, but it couldn't hurt to pay a quick visit and say goodbye before I left for work. If I happened to flex a few muscles and give a few dirty looks to a certain someone before I left, then so be it.

  "I made a few changes."

  Sage took a step closer to douchebag, the look on her face one I never wanted to see directed at me. "You did WHAT?"

  "Calm down, Sage. I made a few changes that'll make this place better. Why don't you let me talk to the crew and you can go over the interior design stuff?"

  I was at Sage's side at this point, but I don't think she even saw me. If this were a cartoon, there'd be steam coming out her ears and she would have already popped the guy in the face with her fist. Instead, she ripped the papers out of his hand and threw them to the ground, stomping on them for good measure. I was now also close enough to see that the suit was actually Drew, the pansy that was in her father's suite when I paid Mr. Vanderman a visit a few months back.

  "I say what goes on at this worksite, Drew. Not you. Not my father. And I'm the only one who speaks to my crew. Can you get that through your thick skull?"

  "Now just wait a minute, Sage. Your father asked me to check on you. I did and I saw we could streamline a few of your designs to save a bit on the bottom line. I'm doing you a favor, the least you could do is not yell in my face." Drew's hands were flying in the air as his voice got louder.

  Time to break this up. "Hey Drew, how's it going?" I thrust my hand out, cutting him off from stepping even closer to Sage in his 'I'm a tough guy' bullying tactics.

  They both startled, turning to me like they hadn't noticed anyone was out here witnessing their disagreement.

  “Jax." Sage grabbed my elbow, a tense smile helping to smooth out her face.

  Drew looked irritated to see another male join in, especially when recognition lit in his eyes. He left my hand hanging between us for longer than necessary before finally shaking it and then turning back to Sage, effectively dismissing me from the conversation.

  "The new plans, that you just stomped on, are solid. Take a look at them and you'll see."

  Sage crossed her arms over her chest. "I had a specific reason for leaving those walls where they were. I'm not interested in seeing your plans. You've cost me time and money telling my crew to demo those walls. You'll fix this by turning around and leaving right now. I'll forward the bill for replacing the walls, and I expect you to pay it."

  Drew glared at her. Sage glared back. I glared at Drew. The crew stared at all three of us. It was a staring contest with too many participants and nothing to win.

  After a tense few minutes, where Drew must have seen something in Sage's eyes that didn't bode well for him, he spun on his expensive heel and made his way back to his car. Before he climbed in, he tossed over his shoulder, "Your father will hear about this, you know that, right?"

  "Oh, I know he will, Drew. I'm counting on it." Sage's expression turned positively evil, like she couldn't wait to be the one to spill to her father what an idiot Drew was.

  Drew rolled his eyes and slammed the door shut before driving off in a cloud of dust.

  "What a fucking greaser," Sage said before bending over, hands on her knees, and whooping out a loud laugh. She kept laughing, not caring that everyone was still watching her.

  I was concerned that the stress of this building project had finally gotten to her. Her hatred of Drew was a topic we'd discussed before. Bent over laughing was hardly what I expected as her reaction to his surprise visit. I laid my hand on her back, gliding over her spine before tweaking the pile of hair on top of her head and tugging gently to get her attention.

  "You okay, baby?"

  She straightened fully, her eyes sparking with mischief. "I'll be fine once that asshole puts my walls back up." Her grin grew. "And I send him a bill for the most expensive fix-it job you've ever seen."

  I couldn't help myself. I grabbed her face and pulled her to me, planting a wet kiss on that mouth of hers. The combo of her smile and her brain was flooding my body with feel-good endorphins that should be illegal at such high doses.

  "I'm glad you're taking his interference in stride." I kissed her again and then pulled away, though it was the last thing I wanted to do. "I gotta get to work. Dinner tonight?"

  "For sure. I want to talk to you about putting in additional space in The Surf Shack for merchandise. I think selling high end one-of-a-kind apparel and home decor would sell great once the restaurant is in and we're drawing in more tourists." Her eyes were doing that sparkling thing, business ideas running amok in that brain of hers.

  I frown. "I see what you mean, but I don't really have the space. It would be way too cramped with people coming in and out with equipment rentals."

  Sage leaned back in, her hands trailing up my arms before coming around my neck, the position pressing her breasts into my chest, making them the perfect distraction from the topic at hand. "Well, I was thinking we could build an add-on to the current building. You have plenty of land. Maybe make the parking lot more expansive too while we're at it."

  I smiled, even as I narrowed my eyes at her. "Uh huh. And I'm supposed to do all that with what money?"

  "I hear you have a rich girlfriend..." Her voice was getting higher the longer her pitch went on.

  "Yes, I do. And this rich girlfriend of mine also knows I don't take handouts." I kissed her and set her away from me, dead serious in my refusal. "I appreciate what you're offering, Sage, I really do. But I gotta do this on my own. If there are extra funds once the restaurant is open and bringing in more business, I'll reconsider your ideas."

  I got the pouty lip for a few seconds, then a reluctant head nod that she understood. We'd already had several discussions along these lines and she knew how I felt. Didn't stop her from continuing to ask though. She may not like her father all that much, but she'd definitely inherited his relentless pursuit of things despite hearing the word ‘no’.

  As I walked away to climb in my truck and head to work, Sage had one last parting shot, one that I didn't bother responding to. Not because I was irritated, but because it was too close to the truth.

  "One of these days, I'm gonna wear you down and you're gonna say yes."

  18

  Three months later...

  Sage

  I was getting ready at Jax' place, which was actually now our place, now that I'd given up my rental house. With our crazy work schedules it just didn't make sense to have two places. Though the quarters were tight, it was a cozy space. Jax was the best roommate, not blinking an eye when I walked in with boxes of home decor to spruce up the place and make it feel like my own. I didn't tell him how much everything cost, and he didn't ask. The perfect arrangement.

  Speaking of money, he had yet to agree to my constant ideas on how to improve The Surf Shack, though I had noticed him implementing some of my more affordable ideas on his own. He hasn't taken a dime from me, which both irritated me and made my heart swell with admiration. I'd been searching for people in my life who were there for me, not my potential inheritance, and now I'd finally found him.

  Well, them, actually. I can't forget my Beach Squad girls. Literally. I couldn't turn around without one of them up in my business. Which was bitchin', I just wasn't used to having people around me that actually cared about my life. It was taking some getting used to, but I was loving it. I'd never had siblings, but now that I had a whole slew of sisters, I realized what I missed out on growing up.

  But I couldn't think of all that right now or I'd tear up. And I'd done a bang-up job on my makeup today in preparation for my big day.

  That's right. I did it. I built my restaurant.

  This dream-made-reality had been my sole focus for months now, not because of my father's ultimatum, but b
ecause I'd become fully invested in this venture. I'd discovered a natural love for rehabilitating businesses. If I may say so myself, I had a keen eye for seeing what needed to be done to turn a struggling business around. And I so happened to have the money needed to invest in my ideas. At least for now.

  That's why tonight, the soft opening for Stem2Stern, meant the world to me. It was my first project and I fucking killed it. Seriously. The restaurant was gorgeous inside and out. The head chef I hired from Seattle for an ungodly amount of money was just as jazzed as I was about our dishes. Didn't hurt that he was a sight for sore eyes. Not that I was looking. But hello, I have eyes! The staff was perfection with their impeccable training under my head manager. I even created a subtle nod of respect to Jax' father and his contributions to the HB community by incorporating his last name in the restaurant's nautical name. Plus it earned me a particularly unforgettable night when I unveiled the name to Jax.

  A few months together had done nothing to cool the flames between us. I barked out orders during the day to my construction crew and happily let Jax dominate me at night in his bed. Or out on his porch. Or on his boat that one day. Something about the contrast, total control versus almost no control, got me from zero to sixty in a second flat. We hadn't said those three little words to each other yet, but I honestly didn't need to hear it. I knew how I felt about him deep in my soul, the same way I knew Huntington Beach was my home the minute I breathed in the salty air.

  Now I just had to impress my father enough that he'd give me his blessing. He was the final piece in putting my life together exactly as I wanted it. Tonight was make it or break it as far as my trust fund and inheritance was concerned.

  No pressure.

  "Hey, rich bitch, you home?" Bailey's voice called to me through the front door loud and clear.

  I rolled my eyes with a smile on my face.

  "Forget how to use a fucking door?" I yelled back, not bothering to get up and let her in. She called me a bitch. She could let herself in.

  I heard the door open and slam shut before the tornado known as Bailey walked into the flat.

  "I got your dress and shoes right here. Plus Jax' new suit and tie. Don't know why he needs a new one, he just bought one a few months ago. How many fancy suits does a lifeguard need? I mean, swim suits, I can understand. But a suit and tie?" Bailey was huffing and puffing, laying out outfits on the bed as she ran her mouth.

  Something about her comment struck me as odd. When had Jax needed a suit? I'd never seen him in one. Maybe she was mistaken and meant he'd bought one awhile back, before I moved to HB. I, for one, was looking forward to my handsome lifeguard spiffed up and in a monkey suit for once.

  "Jax'll be back shortly. He just called me when he got back to the station after his shift. In the meantime, will you help me with the dress?" I may have a lot of money at my disposal, but fancy cocktail dresses weren't really my thing. They were totally Bailey's thing, which is why I'd enlisted her help for this evening. At past corporate events, I'd purposely dressed in my normal bohemian manner, claiming I wanted comfort, but really just wanting to piss off my father.

  It scraped against every fiber of my being to admit I not only wanted my trust fund, but I wanted my father's approval. I'd promised myself that this was my one last shot at it. The pit in my stomach formed at the thought of being disregarded yet again, but I couldn't keep giving him opportunities to hurt me.

  I was dressing appropriately for the first time, yes, for approval, and also because this restaurant mattered to me. Maybe the first business deal ever to really matter to me. I think I'd found my calling.

  Slipping on the dress Bailey found for me, I was surprised to feel content at the image staring back at me in the mirror instead of feeling like a noose was being tightened around my neck at the first touch of corporate wear. Probably helped that Bailey had found a killer dress that skirted the line of business formal and shabby chic. Plus the fact that it was a bright turquoise blue made me feel like I'd be a spot of happy color in a sea of dark, boring suit jackets.

  "Damn, girlie, that dress was made for you! Jax won't know what hit him when he sees you. Good thing your father will be there to kill any sexy time vibes and keep you kids in line." Bailey cackled, tickled at the thought of my gruff father giving Jax the hairy eyeball. The Beach Squad had heard all about my father and had promised to attend the soft opening to be my emotional backup.

  A huge surge of emotion washed over me and made my eyes well up. Pulling Bailey into a bear hug, I whispered, "Thank you for being the best friend a girl could ask for." I felt her squeeze me back for a quick moment before she pulled away and clapped her hands, rushing to put everything away. She wasn't quick enough though and I saw her eyes suspiciously wet.

  I seemed to have no problem showing emotion to those I trusted. On the other end of the spectrum was Bailey. She was one tough girl, but since I'd gotten to know her, I'd come to realize she was a sweet, soft marshmallow inside. It had become my mission since then to hit her straight in the heart as many times as I could. She still loved me. I was pretty sure.

  Just as we got all her stuff packed up, we heard Jax downstairs talking to Jonny before he made his way up to the apartment.

  "That's my cue to leave you lovebirds." Bailey punched me in the arm and I grabbed her up in another hug before she could escape me.

  "Ugh..." Bailey gave me her signature eye roll before untangling from me and leaving, but it came with a grin.

  I slipped on my heels, giving myself another glance in the mirror, working on my confident, businesswoman face, imagining my scowling father sitting in front of me.

  Jax, the big sneak, crept up behind me without me noticing. His strong arms wrapped around my waist and brought me back into his chest. My eyes fluttered shut and I just breathed him in: sunshine and sunscreen.

  "You look absolutely gorgeous, baby," he whispered in my ear. A quick kiss to my earlobe, a nibble up higher, then a kiss behind my ear. The shiver hit me like it always did when Jax touched me. My body only responded to him, like our bodies knew each other on a cellular level. "No matter what happens with your father tonight, promise me you know."

  I tilted my head to see his face. "Know what?" His eyes were focused entirely on me, not letting me even think of looking away.

  "Know who you are. Know you are capable, and smart, and strong. Know how worthy you are of every good thing. No matter happens," his arms squeezed me tighter, "don't let your father take that knowledge from you."

  I spun in his arms, my gaze never leaving his. My man's face was set in stone, his sincere words bringing a dreamy smile to my face. "I know. Whether he gives me the trust fund or not, I know I'll be fine. More than fine." Even in heels, I still had to stretch to plant a kiss on his lips. "I mean, if worse comes to worst, I can teach surf lessons, right? I'm damn good on my board now."

  He smirks, the levity returning to his face. "Yeah, you only lost your swim bottoms twice last time we went out."

  I pulled away, swatting at the air. "Oh, please, I just did that for your sake."

  "Uh huh, sure."

  "Don't you need to be getting dressed?" I threw some lip gloss and my driver’s license into my tiny clutch, refusing to meet his eye, knowing I'd burst out laughing. Seriously, they needed to make better swim suit bottoms that stayed where they belonged. It wasn't my fault.

  I heard his swim trunks hit the floor and I spun around so fast I nearly went down in my sky-high heels. Goddamn, he was hot. All tan skin and bulging muscles, messy dark hair and blue eyes. I followed the trail as nature intended to see he was already shifting from soft to hard, lengthening as I watched him move.

  "Quit looking at me, Sage." My eyes regretfully left the view that had them entranced and saw that Jax was staring back at me, his eyes intense.

  I shrugged. "We've got time."

  He gave me the look, the one that said I was being naughty.

  "Well, we do! You'd have to promise not to mess up my make-
up or my hair though. Can you do that?" Now it was my turn to be skeptical. Jax had a thing with pulling my hair. I didn't mind it normally, in fact I loved it, but not when I'd taken time to curl my long hair and artfully pull a few pieces back with pins.

  "Turn around." Jax wrapped his hand around himself, while eyeing me in my dress. I didn't bother looking away, too entranced with each tug and pull to give him my eyes.

  "No hair pulling. I'm serious."

  "Turn. Around."

  Ah, my dominant boyfriend was back. I whirled around, knowing I'd be repaid in spades for my obedience.

  "Hands on the dresser, feet apart."

  I leaned onto the dresser, stepping my high heeled feet wide apart. Jax' heat hit my backside as he came closer. The shivers started again when he ran one rough finger up the back of my leg, then up under my dress. The skirt flipped up and his big hands grabbed hold of both cheeks, squeezing and pulling me back into him.

  My lacy thong was pulled aside and he pushed inside immediately, the feeling of fullness like none other. It hadn't taken long in our relationship for me to get on birth control, for no other reason than to feel Jax without any barriers. I groaned and pressed back, wanting more of him, now. What I got was a slap on the cheek, the sting startling me, creating a frenzy inside of me.

  "Please, Jax," I begged, my voice already breathy and desperate.

  "Maybe it's time for those spankings I owe you from our camping trip. Make this beautiful ass you keep showing me nice and red before we go meet your father. Would you like that? Meeting dear ol' dad with my handprint still on you?"

  I dropped my head between my arms, biting my lip to keep from screaming at him to hurry up. To keep moving. Jax spoke so calmly and smoothly normally, that to hear his dirty talk in the bedroom was an instant turn-on.