Sneak Peak at The Billionaire's Salvation (The Billionaire's Obsession ~ Max)

September 3, 2013

A Sneak Peek of: The Billionaire's Salvation by J. S. Scott The Billionaire’s Salvation The Billionaire’s Obsession ~ Max By J.S. Scott Copyright© by J.S. Scott, 2013 All Rights Reserved All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher or author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. The story contained within is the work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual person’s living or dead, is entirely coincidental. ISBN: 978-1-939962-34-8 (ebook) ISBN: 978-1-939962-38-6 (Trade Paperback) Edited by Faith Williams—The Atwater Group Cover Design by Cali MacKay – Covers by Cali This one is for all of my incredible friends who have supported my writing and who bring me so much joy every single day: Melissa, Clara, Judy, Chrissy and Rita. I’m grateful to have such strong, supportive and awesome women as friends. You girls rock! -Jan Prologue February, 2011 Max Hamilton stood on the sandy stretch of beach at the back of his home, shivering as he stared blankly at the ocean, and scowling at the water crashing to the shore as though it were the enemy. The night was nearly pitch-black, but there was enough illumination from the moon and stars to see the churning ocean in front of him. In a very elemental way, it was his nemesis, the body of water that had taken Mia away from him. And at the moment, he resented every drop of water in the Atlantic Ocean. Somewhere, his wife was lifelessly floating in this body of water, buried in a watery grave, and he could feel her moving farther and farther away from him. It was as though she had torn his heart from his chest and carried it with her, and he was standing here helplessly, bleeding out from the gaping wound. He put a hand to his chest and rubbed, but it didn’t stop the excruciating pain. No…dammit. She can’t be gone. I thought I had plenty of time to figure out my irrational emotions. I thought I could work everything out of my system and love her the way she deserved to be loved. His legs weak, he dropped to the sand on his ass, the moisture sinking into the denim of his jeans, but he ignored it, his gaze fixated on the water. He was too numb to feel the external elements, too devastated to care, his whole being focused on Mia, as though he could bring her back by sheer force of will. He ignored not only the chill of the wind buffeting his body, which was clad only in a t-shirt and jeans, but the mosquitoes making a meal of his exposed flesh, and the excruciating sense of loss that was so painful he had to block it or go insane. Every muscle in his body was tense, his fists clenched, his brain trying to keep his emotions in check. To mourn would mean that he was accepting the fact that Mia was gone forever, and he didn’t want to believe it. Screw it. He’d stay in denial. If he accepted that she had drowned off the shore of this very beach, he’d never live through the agony of it. Max Hamilton didn’t cry. Never had. Even when his parents had been killed in a tragic accident, he’d buried the urge, knowing they’d be ashamed of him. No Hamilton wallowed in emotion or let it overrule logic and control. He knew his parents had loved him, but they had been born into wealth, and they’d always taught him how to behave with decorum and moderation. His mom and dad always said he was a perfect child, and they were proud of him. Having been adopted, Max had always wanted to stay perfect, and he’d tried, even after they’d died. The habit of trying to stay aloof and detached was something he associated with love and approval. Now, he wasn’t so sure, his gut telling him that Mia may have died never knowing exactly how he felt about her. Unfortunately, he wasn’t feeling very level or solid at the moment, and his usual Hamilton demeanor was deserting him completely. Mia had disappeared from this spot exactly one week ago—her bag, clothing, and phone left on this stretch of sand. She’d always loved to take a quick swim here, calling it her own little piece of paradise. Closing his eyes, Max pictured her face, her mischievous expression and teasing smile. Christ, how he hated it when she went swimming alone, did things that he considered dangerous. He’d lectured her like a teacher might do with a student, but she’d always laughed at him, cajoling him out of his anger, telling him he was too serious and worried too much. Problem was, he never could stay angry with her. Damn woman had had him wrapped around her little finger almost from the moment they had met, and he had happily let her do it. He’d cautioned her when she’d done things that worried the shit out of him. And then, he’d let her go on her merry way, let her think he was only mildly concerned, when in reality, he was fucking terrified of losing her. He was the serious one, the man who did everything cautiously and logically. And Mia…ah Mia: she made him happy, she made him laugh, she made him whole, and she made him want to lose control completely. But he never had. Not once. He’d managed to leash the bestial instincts she brought out in him. Just barely. “It was our deal,” he whispered hoarsely, although the actual agreement had never been official or talked about. “I handled the serious stuff and you helped me lighten up.” She made him laugh when he got too stuffy, and he grounded her. Together, they were perfection. Or maybe Mia was perfection, and she just made him a happier man. It didn’t matter that he had to fight the urge to turn into a caveman and conquer her constantly, wanting to drag her back to his lair. But she had never known about that, the secret part of him that really wanted to be free. Because I didn’t want to scare her away. He laid back and covered his face with one arm, releasing a strangled, tortured groan. Emotions warred inside him, each fighting for dominance in a mind filled with chaotic thoughts: anger, despair, denial, and pain. Unfortunately, the agony filling his heart and soul were winning, held back somewhat by denial. She’s not dead. She’s not dead. I needed more time. Squeezing his eyes tightly shut to decrease the burning sensation beneath his eyelids from tears he refused to shed, he swallowed a sob that was rising in his chest. He and Mia were a pair, and he didn’t work without her. They’d been married for two years, clicking together like puzzle pieces that were only complete when they were interlinked, almost from the moment they’d met. He’d never believed in love at first sight or an instant connection…until he’d met his wife. They were complete opposites in so many ways, yet they belonged together. That feeling had been there for him from the very beginning of his relationship with his wife, but he’d stayed in denial, thinking that the way he’d felt about her would eventually subside to a manageable level. It never did. And honestly, Max knew it never would have. He had just been too big of an idiot to admit it. Sitting up, he wrapped his arms around his knees and rocked, fighting against every rational thought that entered his head about his wife’s disappearance. If he started thinking logically, he’d have to admit she was probably dead. Mia wouldn’t disappear and not contact him. She might be a little careless with her own safety at times, ditching his security whenever she could, but she was never thoughtless. There was no way she wouldn’t contact him unless she physically couldn’t. “Where are you, Mia?” he whispered huskily, his voice desperate. “Don’t do this to me. Please. I need you.” I should have told her I loved her more often, spent more time with her instead of jetting from place to place in search of world domination and trying to hide the primitive instincts she brought out in me. I shouldn’t have run away. She might have been able to deal with that part of me, just like she dealt with everything else. In reality, he hadn’t given her the chance. He’d never let himself completely open up to her, had never told her exactly how he felt. Now, when it was too late, he regretted it. Rocking harder, he opened his eyes, and the tears finally flowed. He swiped an arm across his eyes, cursing angrily as he roughly removed the droplets from his ravaged face, but they kept returning, and that only pissed him off more. Stumbling to his feet, he moved to the edge of the water and waded in, so damn tempted to lose himself in the ocean if it was the only way he and Mia could be together again. She’s not dead. She’s missing. I’m not giving up on her! “Mia!” His hoarse shout was carried away across the water by the brutal wind, his body shivering as he called desperately, “Come back.” No one answered, and he fell to his knees in the frigid water, letting it lap over his chest. His tears mingled with the water, and his hopelessness and anguish burst from his throat in a painful sob. And then another. And another. The waves pushed his body toward the shore, and he let the momentum carry him. When he reached the sand, he crawled on his hands and knees for a short distance before collapsing on the beach. Stop fucking crying. She’s not dead. She’s out there somewhere. You need to find her. Coughing hard, he tried to stem the harsh sounds erupting from his mouth, angry that he was already mourning a wife who hadn’t yet been proved dead. So what if the police and everyone else thought she was deceased? He wasn’t giving up. He’d never give up. There was no activity on her bank accounts, no sign she was still alive. But he wasn’t going to stop until he found her. Barely sleeping since she had disappeared, he’d spent the last week tearing through Tampa looking for her, hiring private resources when the police were basically shaking their heads in resignation. “I won’t give up on you, sweetheart. I promise,” he muttered, his lips gritty from the sand that was beginning to coat the inside of his mouth as he inhaled. “I’ll wait forever.” His vision blurring, he stared determinedly at the crashing waves, exhaustion overwhelming him. He could see lights in the distance, boats passing through his line of vision in the dark night. Blinking, he tried to stay conscious, but blackness covered him and he succumbed to it, knowing he wasn’t leaving this beach tonight. Maybe he never would. Maybe he’d stay here until he died or Mia came back to him. The wet, shivering, bedraggled figure lay unmoving until daylight, opening his eyes in the morning and hoping that everything that had happened in the last week had only been a dream. It wasn’t…and when Max looked in the mirror the next day…he had to admit to himself that sometimes there were no second chances. Every so often, something or someone extraordinary came along in life and there was only a small window of opportunity to snatch it and make it your own. Unfortunately, he’d been a coward, afraid of change, and his “someone extraordinary” had been taken away before he could entirely claim her. For the first time in his life, Maxwell Hamilton was left with regrets. And it was excruciatingly painful. Later, he might examine his life and figure out whether or not he really needed to be a robot that functioned with meticulous control and logic, doing only what was acceptable in his mind. But that would come later, after the pain subsided. Unfortunately, that day never came. Chapter One The Present “I don’t want a woman, Maddie. I’m already married.” Max fingered his platinum wedding band, a ring that had rarely left his finger since the day he’d gotten married, and would remain on the same damn finger even after he was dead. Technically, he was still married. Mia’s body had never been recovered, nor had she been declared legally dead. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out, savoring the smell of barbeque and the outdoors. They were having an “end of summer” picnic, a rare time when friends and family were able to get together in one of the local parks and act like kids again, and forget that they were a bunch of the wealthiest people in the world with more responsibility hanging over their head than the average person. Today, they could just be ordinary, and Max didn’t want to have this conversation with his newfound sister. He just wanted to savor the fact that he actually had family, a sibling he had never known existed until earlier this year. Just for a few hours, he wanted to enjoy the company of the people he cared about and try not to think about the woman he’d lost. Finding Maddie had been a miracle, a gift that he didn’t want to squander. Maddie chewed on her lower lip, looking at him with a concerned expression across a picnic table to which they had been banished by Maddie’s husband, Sam Hudson. Sam was barbequing and wanted his pregnant wife away from the fire. Max smiled, wondering how his friend and brother-in-law was going to survive this pregnancy with Maddie. She was only a few months along and Sam already treated her like she was as fragile as blown glass. He could only imagine how insanely protective Sam would become as her pregnancy progressed. It wouldn’t matter that Maddie was a physician and perfectly capable of knowing what she could and couldn’t handle; Sam would hover. Honestly, Max couldn’t blame him. He was feeling more than a little brotherly protectiveness himself. His sister was thirty-five, two years his senior, and she wanted this baby so desperately. He’d definitely breathe a sigh of relief when the baby was safely delivered. Any other result would break Maddie’s heart, and his sister had already had enough adversity to fight through in her life. “I just want you to be happy,” she answered softly, tugging nervously on a strand of her curly red hair. Oh hell, he hated that sad look on her face, but somehow he needed to make her understand that he wasn’t interested in a female companion. Sometimes there was no ecstatic happiness like she had with Sam. It definitely wasn’t in his future. He’d had the love of his life…and had managed to fuck things up completely. His sister had been trying to hook him up with various women all summer, and it needed to stop. “I feel the same way about Mia as you feel about Sam. I loved her. I still do. Her death didn’t change that. There isn’t anyone else for me, Maddie. She was my one and only.” Max knew Maddie would understand. After all, she had waited over a decade for Sam. “I can’t be with anyone else. Not now. Not ever.” “You feel that way now, Max, but someday—” “I’ll feel exactly the same way next year, ten years from now, and every day after that.” He wasn’t going to bullshit her. Not anymore. In the past, he’d changed the subject every time she mentioned that maybe he should find some female company, but he wasn’t backing down. Maddie’s quest for his happiness was endearing, but misguided, and it only reminded him of what he’d lost. “If something happened to Sam, when would you be ready to be with someone else?” Her face fell and Max felt like a complete asshole. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Maddie. He knew she meant well and wanted him to be as happy as she was now with Sam, but he couldn’t take it anymore and he desperately needed her to back off. He’d spent the last two and a half years trying to just stay sane, the pain in his chest never going away, trying to function every day and push through the agony of living without Mia. It was better not to think about romantic relationships at all. There was no happily ever after for him. There was only survival. And he was much better off working, exhausting himself into sleep, and being grateful for the family and friends he had. He didn’t want another woman. There was no substitute. He just wasn’t built that way. Apparently, he and his sister shared that same trait: fall in love once and it lasts forever. “Never,” Maddie admitted sadly, her hazel eyes meeting his, finally comprehending what he was trying to convey. “I’d never be ready because Sam was the only man for me. I understand. And I’m sorry. I just feel so damn helpless. I want to help, but I don’t know what to do.” Max got up and moved around the table, seating himself beside his pregnant sister and taking her gently into his arms. He closed his eyes, savoring the feminine embrace of his compassionate sibling as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and squeezed. His voice was husky as he told her quietly, “You already help me. Just by being my sister. I don’t need anything else.” He was lying, and he knew it. But what he needed wasn’t possible. Mia wasn’t coming back, and he needed to accept it. He just…never really had. “Hey. You two better break it up before Sam comes over here and breaks both your arms and kicks your ass.” The casual, masculine voice sounded behind them; his brother-in-law, Kade, was moving toward them with Tucker, Max’s sad-looking hound dog—or rather, Mia’s dog. Tucker was a stray that Mia had adopted, and Max had never really figured out his actual breed. He looked like a pathetic cross between a bloodhound and basset hound, a canine that did very little except eat and give Max disapproving looks with eyes that peered through a wrinkled face. He wasn’t sure how Kade had even managed to get Tucker to move. The lazy, spoiled dog generally just gave anybody who wanted to go walking his doggie look of disdain and went back to sleep. The canine could be a pain in his ass, but Max had never been able to get rid of Tucker, no matter how many accusing looks the dog gave him, as if Max had been responsible for Mia going away. She had adored Tucker, and the ugly hound dog had been completely enamored of its mistress. Man and dog had called a truce for just that reason, had learned to tolerate each other. Max knew Tucker still pined for Mia, as if still waiting for her to come home. In that respect, man and hound were similarly pathetic. In some strange, screwed-up way, it made Max feel better knowing that there was another soul still mourning Mia’s loss, even if it was a sixty-five pound, incredibly ugly dog. Kade limped toward them, Tucker lumbering behind him. The dog was panting, its pink tongue hanging from its mouth as it plopped at Max’s feet and gave him an irritated stare. “It’s not my fault. You went with him,” Max answered Tucker’s silent castigation, glaring back at the hound. Like Tucker didn’t know Kade? His brother-in-law, Mia’s brother, pushed himself on his mangled leg as though he had something to prove. When he’d had the motorcycle accident that had ended his stellar professional football career, his doctors hadn’t even thought he’d keep his leg. But he did, and Kade was still in better physical shape than any man Max knew. Max released Maddie, who smiled at Kade as he plopped his ass onto the bench beside her, leaving her sandwiched between them. “Did you two have a good romp?” she asked, reaching down to pet Max’s pathetic hound. Tucker was already snoring, but released a satisfied doggie whimper as Maddie stroked his head. “Yeah. Tucker completely wiped me out and worked me out. The dog sets a brutal pace,” Kade answered facetiously and smiled at Maddie as she leaned up again, looking like he could hike at least another several miles without breaking a sweat. Max was positive that Tucker had waddled along at a snail’s pace, which had no doubt irritated the hell out of Kade. God, he reminds me so much of Mia. Kade and Mia had the same deep blue eyes, blinding smile, and blond hair. At the moment, Kade’s hair was disheveled and longer than usual, touching the collar of his incredibly ugly, garish floral shirt. For some reason, Kade had always been a prime candidate for the Worst-Dressed list. It certainly wasn’t because he had no money. His brother-in-law was beyond wealthy, his net worth probably greater than Max’s. He’d taken over the Harrison Corporation along with his twin brother, Travis, when their parents had passed away over four years ago, and he’d been a star quarterback for a Florida pro team for years before his accident, commanding a huge salary and lucrative endorsements. Max was willing to bet that even though the shirt looked like it needed to be tossed in the nearest trash can, it had a designer label. Honestly, Max was pretty certain that Kade dressed the way he did just to annoy his twin brother. Travis was completely anal and meticulous—traits that Max also had—which should have made him closer to Travis than Kade. But after losing Mia, Max and Kade had gotten closer, spent more time together. Kade had been willing to talk about Mia; Travis remained stoic and secluded. “Well, it was very sweet of you to take Tucker for some exercise,” Maddie told Kade, leaning over to peck him on the cheek. “Hey, knock that off. Sam puts up with Max getting a little affection, but if you aren’t related, you better keep your distance.” Simon Hudson, Sam’s younger brother, approached the table with his very pregnant wife, Kara, his voice holding a serious note of warning. “We are related by marriage…sort of,” Kade replied, grinning as Simon helped Kara step over the bench on the opposite side of the table and sit. “She’s the sister of my brother-in-law. That should count.” Simon was frowning, his concern for his ready-to-pop-any-moment pregnant wife evident by the stressed look on his face. Kara was glowing, her face rosy from her walk with her husband. Simon finally glared at Kade as he sat beside his wife and commented gruffly, “Doesn’t count. If you aren’t related by blood, forget it.” Kara smacked her husband in the arm. “Kade’s like family. Leave him alone, caveman. We happen to like it that he treats Maddie and I like sisters. I’ve made Kade and Max my honorary brothers.” Max barked out a laugh. “So can we come on over there and give you a brotherly little hug, Kara?” he asked, watching Simon carefully. Honestly, he really shouldn’t bait the poor guy. Simon was obsessively jealous and his wife was nine months pregnant, but Max just couldn’t help himself. Shooting Kade a conspiratorial glance, both men began to rise. Simon growled—actually snarled—as Kade and Max stood. Kara beamed, delighted, looking pleased with the idea of giving both men a brotherly hug. “Come one step closer and you’ll both end up in the hospital,” Simon warned dangerously. Max smiled, while Kade laughed uproariously. Yeah, it was definitely not nice to tease Sam and Simon about their women, but since neither Kade nor Max actually had a woman, it was just so entertaining to watch Simon’s reaction. Both of them sat back down, knowing better than to push the jesting any further. Max had no doubt that Simon would make good on his promise. “Just wait,” Simon warned. “Payback sucks.” Max’s smile faded. While Kade had recently been dumped by his longtime girlfriend, his brother-in-law would probably find a good woman someday and get paid back for teasing Simon. But Max knew he never would. And he’d never treated Mia the same way Sam and Simon treated their wives. His parents had loved him, given him everything an adopted child could ever want, and in return, he’d always tried to make them proud by behaving with control. Not that he hadn’t wanted to go completely cave dweller on Mia at times—actually pretty much all the time—but he hadn’t allowed those emotions to claw to the surface. He’d ruthlessly crushed those feelings, burying them deep inside him, and he had loved Mia with the same tepid, felicitous affection his dad had shown his mom. But, Holy Christ, it hadn’t been easy. Max knew his possessive, animal instincts had been there with Mia, snarling to get out, but he’d always hid them, constantly struggling to keep them leashed. Now, he wished he would have set them loose and loved her wholeheartedly. He’d been afraid of scaring her off, freaking her out with his irrational behavior. But watching the other men with their women, he wasn’t entirely certain that she wouldn’t have wanted him that way. Kara and Maddie seemed happy, entirely certain that they were loved. Had Mia felt that way? Max wasn’t sure she had. Sam brought over a huge platter of freshly cooked burgers and hotdogs. Picnic tables were hastily pushed together to seat everyone, the wood nearly groaning with the weight of all the people and enough food to feed a small army. Kade slid in next to him on his left, and Maddie slipped into the seat to his right. Max’s eyes scanned the crowd sitting at the table and then around the perimeters of the park, wanting to laugh at the amount of undercover security that surrounded them. Already knowing Sam and Simon would have the park surrounded, he hadn’t bothered to include his small security team in this event. Now, he was really happy that he hadn’t. It would have definitely been overkill. The Hudson siblings practically had an entire SWAT team around the park to guard their wives. Not that Max really blamed them. Maybe if he had been firmer with Mia about her security, maybe if he hadn’t let her convince him that she didn’t need to be followed every minute of the day, maybe… He was reaching for a hamburger bun when he saw her, his hand stopping abruptly before it reached the platter, his entire body frozen in place as he met the stare of a woman about fifteen feet from him, her body still and half hidden by a palm tree. His heart surged and then plummeted to his feet as his eyes locked with hers, eyes so very much like Mia’s. He might have been able to blow off the fact that her eyes were the same azure blue as his deceased wife’s, but he couldn’t ignore the sense of recognition he felt and saw reflected back at him from her gaze. Sweet Jesus. “Mia,” he whispered huskily, his hand lowering to the table as he openly gaped at her. Hearing Max’s quiet declaration, Kade looked at Max, following the direction of his stare, looking at the woman for a moment and then back at Max. “Don’t do this to yourself, man. It isn’t her,” Kade told him harshly. Yeah. Sure. For the first year after Mia’s disappearance, Max had seen her everywhere he went, in every crowd. But this wasn’t the same thing. “I feel her,” Max answered, his eyes never leaving the woman, his body tensing as he rose to his feet. End of Sample. The Billionaire's Salvation is available for Pre-order on: Amazon: US, UK, Canada Apple/itunes. Kobo. Smashwords. Please visit my website: http://www.authorjsscott.com Follow us on Twitter to have all the latest news an update and to get in touch with us. Follow us on Facebook to have all the latest news an update and to get in touch with us.

A Billionaire's Obsession Summer - Helen's Secret Admirer

Helen’s Secret Admirer

 

“Who do you want it to be?” asked Helen’s daughter-in-law and friend, Kara Hudson, as they sat drinking coffee in one of the booths at Helen’s restaurant.  Maddie Hudson, Helen’s other daughter-in-law, sat next to Kara wearing the same curious expression. 

Today was the big day, the day that her secret admirer finally revealed himself.  Helen had been waiting for a long time to find out who had been sending her mysterious deliveries of flowers, candy, and other whimsical gifts, all with romantic little notes that sent her heart fluttering with delight.  Never having had a true romance in her entire life, it was exciting.  But she really couldn’t think of any man in particular she wanted it to be.  Well…she could, but it wasn’t realistic.  It was a secret she kept close to her chest, and had never revealed to a single soul.   

I’m fifty-six years old.  I’m about to become a grandmother twice over, and I’m acting like a teenager.  I have no business fretting over a secret admirer at my age.  Like any man is that crazy about me?  More than likely, they want to get closer to my billionaire sons. 

Helen sighed softly before answering.  “I don’t know.  It could be anyone.”  She met single men her age or older every day, but most of them were just acquaintances, men she socialized with when she attended charity functions or who she chatted with here at her restaurant.  Most of them were charming, a characteristic that she’d found came pretty naturally to the majority of wealthy men. 

“But you must have some clue.  Or someone you really hope it turns out to be,” Maddie said excitedly, her hazel eyes dancing with enthusiasm. 

Helen looked across the table at Simon and Sam’s wives, two women who had become more like daughters than “in-laws” to her as she answered, “Maybe the mystery was better than the actual truth will be,” she admitted, knowing that she’d been flattered from the very beginning because of the romantic attention.  She’d never had that kind of admiration before, and it was heady, even at her age.  Sam and Simon’s father had been pure evil, a man who had forced himself on her when she’d been eighteen and naïve.  She’d ended up pregnant and married to the devil, trying her best to raise her boys to grow up be different men—better men—than their father.  And had they ever!  Her sons had far exceeded even her wildest expectations, in both ambition and heart.  Thank God!   

A woman couldn’t ask for two better sons, and the two women sitting across from her had completed both her sons with their love, made them happy.  What more could she want than that?  She finally even had grandbabies on the way.  Her boys were happy, settled, and her life should be complete, and yet…

“You have a right to find your own happiness, Helen.  You’ve lived for your boys all of your adult life,” Kara told Helen softly, reaching out to squeeze the older woman’s hand.  “You’re still young and beautiful.  And you have enough energy to wear Maddie and I both out just by watching you.” 

Helen squeezed Kara’s hand.  “You’re both pregnant.  I can’t say it would be difficult to outrun you right now,” she answered with a smile at both younger women, Kara’s huge belly hidden underneath the table.  Maddie wasn’t showing yet, but she was experiencing symptoms of early pregnancy, including fatigue. 

“You wear us out when we aren’t pregnant,” Maddie replied adamantly.  “We just want you to get your chance to be happy.” 

“I am happy,” Helen answered defensively.  How could she not be happy?  Her sons had made sure she wouldn’t want for anything.  They hadn’t been pleased when she’d wanted to work for a living by owning her own restaurant, but they’d given her what she wanted.  Honestly, much more than she even wanted.  She made a very good living with her restaurant, but her boys always thought more was better.  So they never stopped giving. 

“I think it’s Michael,” Kara said, a dreamy look in her eyes.  “He’s been coming around for years.  He’s always had a thing for you.” 

Helen blushed and pulled her hand away from Kara’s, raising her coffee cup to her face to hide her flushed complexion.  The problem was, she did wish it was Michael, but it wasn’t possible.  “He’s eight years younger than I am, handsome and very eligible.  He just comes around for advice on raising his girls.  We’re just friends,” Helen said abruptly, her red face hidden behind her mug, taking another slug of coffee, her hand trembling slightly. 

Kara shot Helen an annoyed look.  “He’s sweet on you.  He always has been.  And his daughters are grown up and married now.  What does it matter if he’s a little younger?  He doesn’t look younger than you.  Tell me he still doesn’t come in at least twice a week.” 

Helen squirmed in her chair, knowing she couldn’t actually look at Kara and tell her that.  Kara had been a waitress in this restaurant for a long time.  She knew Michael was a regular and probably still was.  “He likes the food.  He doesn’t like to cook,” Helen replied, wanting desperately to change the subject. 

“Helen, do you want it to be Michael?” Kara asked softly, both her and Maddie leaning forward to hear her answer.  “He’s wanted to be more than a friend for a long time.”

“He doesn’t,” Helen protested, wishing it were true, but knowing it wasn’t.  Michael had never given her any indication that he saw her as anything more than a friend, and he was much too young.  And handsome.  And virile. 

“Oh, I don’t think he’s ever been drawn here by just the food,” Kara answered mysteriously. “Do you know that whenever he came by and you weren’t here, he’d leave without eating?”

“Hmm…doesn’t sound like a guy who just comes by for food,” Maddie agreed, crossing her arms in front of her with a smile. 

“Nope.  And I don’t think he’s here for the food today either,” Kara remarked drily as she scooted carefully to the edge of the booth.  “I think it’s time to get your sons home and out of here.  They’ve already eaten all the food from at least one side of the menu.” 

Helen had her back to the door, but she knew Simon and Sam were seated in another booth close to door, both of them waiting for her secret admirer to show.  “Take them.  It isn’t like I need a babysitter.  I’m their mother.  I’m in a public place.  My place.  And I don’t want Simon and Sam to make a scene.” 

Helen knew exactly why Sam, Simon, Kara and Maddie were here.  They all wanted to see her anonymous male admirer.  Actually, she had no doubt that her protective sons wanted to do more than gawk at him. 

What if it is Michael?

“It’s not Michael,” Helen said, mostly to reassure herself, keep herself from hoping.  Michael Prescott would never think of her that way.  He wasn’t a billionaire like her sons were, but he had a very successful law practice and made a very nice living.  He’d lost his wife when his two daughters were little more than babies and raised them himself, doing a very fine job with them.

Kara winked at her.  “Keep telling yourself that and you might start believing it until he comes over here.”   

Kara stood awkwardly and Maddie hopped out beside her.  Helen peered up at the two girls, her arms crossed in front of her.  “Are you trying to say he’s here?”  Okay…that was a little disconcerting, but a complete coincidence. “He just came to eat.” 

“Uh huh,” Kara answered in a disbelieving voice.  “And I supposed he brought that beautiful bouquet of red roses just to get your opinion on gardening?” Kara said facetiously, her brow cocked, and a questioning look on her face as she looked down at Helen in disbelief. 

“He has flowers?” Helen asked anxiously, afraid to turn around and look, her heartbeat racing faster. 

Michael is here.  It could be Michael.  

“Admit it,” Kara said insistently.  “You always wanted it to be Michael.  You care as much about him as he always has for you.” 

Shocked, Helen stuttered, “I can’t.  He can’t.  We…we…aren’t like that.” 

“Admit it and we’ll go stop your sons from killing him,” Maddie said with a laugh. 

Helen sighed anxiously. “Yes. I admit it. But he’s so caring, so handsome, so… young. I can’t pursue anything but a friendship with him.” 

“He’s exactly right for you.  He always has been. Don’t scare him off, Helen.  Michael’s exactly what you need and you deserve a nice guy like him.  And you’re the one he’s always wanted.  Please,” Kara asked in a concerned voice. “Tell me you’ll give him a chance so I can go keep Simon from killing him.” 

Helen gasped and turned, seeing both of her sons rising to their feet, scowling at Michael. 

Michael.

There hadn’t been a time when her heart hadn’t melted every time she saw his handsome face or wicked smile, and it was no different today. 

She exited the booth, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles from her pastel skirt and top, and hurried over to where her sons had just finished eating their way through the menu, Kara and Maddie on her heels.  “Take your wives home.  They’re both tired,” Helen told her sons sternly, glaring up at one and then the other. 

Her sons frowned at her and looked at their wives, who were both grinning from ear to ear.  “We will.  We just want to have a quick discussion with this guy,” Sam said gruffly. 

“You are going home.  Now.  Don’t argue with me, Samuel.  Take your brother and your wives home. Michael is a friend and I don’t want you harassing him.”  She loved her sons, appreciated their protectiveness, but enough was enough.  She was still their mother.  Always would be. 

Kara and Maddie claimed their husbands and started pulling Sam and Simon toward the door, both of her sons grumbling as they went and shooting warning looks at Michael as they exited. 

Exasperated by the whole scene, Helen looked around the restaurant, glad that there were only a few customers who were looking at them curiously.  “Come to my office,” she told Michael briskly, walking toward the back of the restaurant.  He followed closely behind her.  Not only could she smell his masculine scent, but she could feel his presence.  She’d always been acutely aware of him whenever he was in the restaurant, and today it was even worse. 

Could the man who had been sending her such ardent and romantic notes with his gifts truly be Michael?  It didn’t seem possible, but her gut said it was, and her instinct was rarely wrong. 

Why?  Why would he do it? 

She let him enter her office before closing the door behind her, and slumped against the door, looking up at a grinning, masculine face that nearly made her melt into a puddle at his feet.  “I’m sorry,” she said quickly, embarrassed by Sam and Simon’s behavior, her face still rosy pink with mortification.   

Michael Prescott was beyond handsome, his dark hair cut neatly and showing just a touch of gray at his temples.  He was tall and fit, dressed neatly in casual slacks and a polo shirt that stretched across a broad chest.  “No need to be sorry.  You’re their mother.  Single and alone.  They should be protective. I was more than ready to answer all of their questions. They wanted to know if I was worthy of you.  Honestly, I’m not.  But I want to be,” he said in a husky baritone that vibrated through her body, causing her to shiver. 

Straightening, Helen walked to her desk, her face aflame.  “So you really are my secret admirer,” she asked, astonished, sitting on desk, letting her sandaled feet dangle as she stared at him. 

“Not so secret anymore.  And I’ve always admired you,” he replied, walking to her and handing her the huge bouquet of red roses in his hand. 

“But we’re friends,” she said desperately, his masculine scent starting to surround her as he moved closer.  

“I’ve always wanted to be more than friends with you, Helen.  But your sons are way out of my league.  You’re way out of my league. Problem is, I don’t care anymore.  I don’t want to have to search you out, hoping to find you here.  I want you to be mine, in my home, close to me.  I want to come home to you every night and wake up to you every morning.”  He put his palms flat on each side of her body on the desk, trapping her.  “I want you, and I can’t wait any longer to have you.  Tell me you’ll give us a chance.” 

Oh, God.  It was him.  It always has been him.  Michael Prescott was indeed her secret admirer, and the one man she had actually wanted it to be.  Never had she had any real hope that her mystery man would turn out to be Michael…but a woman could dream.  “I’m older.  You’re younger.  We can’t possibly—“

“We can,” Michael rumbled.  “The only thing stopping us is ourselves.  I figured that out a while ago.  I’ve spent years trying to get close to you.  Please don’t shut me out now.” 

Helen glanced up into his emerald green eyes, her heart racing as she became intoxicated by his masculinity and male scent.  Michael had always been her friend, his lips readily smiling, his voice reassuring.  But he wasn’t looking at her like he was her friend now.  In fact, he looked downright dangerous, but in a sexy way that was nearly irresistible. 

“Why the mystery?” she asked curiously, looking up a very dear, familiar face that she’d come to count on seeing often, the face of a man she knew she’d been in love with for years.  “Why didn’t you just say something?”

“Maybe I was afraid you didn’t feel the same way.  Maybe I’m still afraid you don’t.  But I had to do something to get your attention, get you to at least think about the possibility of getting romantically involved with a man.  I hope you’re not disappointed,” he said hoarsely, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that Helen had never seen before. 

He looked so vulnerable at that moment that she blurted out the truth.  “I wanted it to be you.  You’re the only one I was hoping it would turn out to be. But I didn’t think you felt the same way.” 

Michael’s lips turned up into a delighted grin. “How could you not know? I thought I was pretty transparent.  I’ve never been able to go less than a day or two without seeing you.” 

Helen sighed.  “You’re young.  Probably too young for me.”

“You’re beautiful and have the energy of a woman half your age.  Try again,” he said in a low, sexy baritone.  “Tell me you don’t feel the same way I do.  It’s the only way you’re getting rid of me.  I’ve been telling myself you’re too good for me for years, but excuses don’t make the ache go away, Helen.” 

“You’re the best man I’ve ever known,” she replied, jumping to his defense.  Michael Prescott would be a man any woman would want to date.  But he chose her, had apparently chosen her a long time ago. 

Go for it.  The past is in the past.  You know Michael’s a good man.  Start again.  Try again.  He's worth the risk.   

“I couldn’t bear to lose your friendship,” she admitted quietly. 

“You aren’t losing me as a friend.  You never will,” he replied confidently.  “But I want to be your lover, too.” 

Helen flushed again, the thought of being close to Michael in that way enough to make her need to crank up her air conditioning and get a fan.  “What if it doesn’t work,” she whispered.

“It will.  Say you’ll give it a shot, Helen.  Please.  Don’t make me stay lonely without you,” he requested gruffly in her ear. 

Helen shivered, his warm breath caressing the side of her neck.  “I don’t think I have a choice.  I do feel the same way, so I guess I’m not getting rid of you,” she admitted with a joyous laugh, dropping the flowers on her desk and wrapping her arms around his neck. 

“You won’t want to get rid of me.  I’ll treat you so good that you’ll never want to walk away,” he told her sincerely, resting his forehead against hers, a relieved look on his face. 

“I can’t believe you know about my sons and you still want to date me,” she told him honestly.

“We’ll come to an understanding eventually.  They need to know my intentions are honorable.” 

“And are they?” Helen asked breathlessly, mesmerized by his incredible smile. 

“Mostly,” he answered with a laugh.  “I can’t say I don’t want you, but I’ll never offer anything less than my whole heart and marriage.” 

“I don’t think we’re ready to talk about marriage, but I do want to give this a chance.  If I don’t, I’ll always regret it.”  She knew herself, and she had to give this a try.  “We can date.” 

Michael groaned.  “I’ve been waiting for years.” 

“We have to see if we’re compatible.”

“You know we are,” Michael argued. 

Helen sighed, knowing she’d never be able to resist anything Michael wanted for very long, because it was exactly what she wanted too.  “Being friends and living together is two different things.” 

“I think we should find out,” Michael answered, his irresistible grin widening.  “Don’t be scared. I know what you’ve been through in the past, but I hope you know me well enough to know I’d never hurt you.” 

Helen did know that, and she knew she was done fighting with herself.  Michael Prescott wanted her.  He actually wanted her.  And when she looked at him, she could see forever in his gorgeous eyes.  And the vision of their future looked pretty damn fantastic. 

No more fear.  No more doubts.  For once in my life I’m taking exactly what I want without being afraid because of my past.  

Her past was gone, and she was staring at her future. 

Michael. 

Other than her sons, Michael had always been the one man who’d been there for her whenever she needed him.  In truth, she’d trusted him for years. 

“I’m not afraid,” Helen answered quietly, knowing it was true.  “But don’t you think you should kiss me first before we talk about getting married.” 

“Finally,” Michael groaned, lowering his mouth to hers and doing just that until she came away breathless, and any doubt about compatibility, along with any rational thought, was completely gone. 

Michael never stopped sending anonymous gifts with romantic notes, and they made Helen even happier because she knew exactly who had sent them.  And she knew they were sent with love.      

Maddie's Secret

Billionaire's Obsession Summer Continues:

 

 

 

 

One Summer Evening In July:

 

 

Maddie’s Secret

 

“I think Mom has a boyfriend,” Sam Hudson stated bluntly to Maddie as he walked into the kitchen and dropped his briefcase on the table. 

Maddie turned around from the dinner that was simmering on the stove and smiled at her husband, chewing on her lip just a little as she saw him.  She wondered if there would ever be a day that his heart-stopping, handsome face and masculine presence wouldn’t send her heart into overdrive.  Every time she saw him, she wanted to drop her panties and jump on him.  Even after a long day at the office, and just a little bit rumpled, her husband looked delicious in a suit and tie, his blond hair a little mussed, probably because he’d just run a hand through it from the frustration she could see on his face. 

“And that would a problem…um…why?”  Sam didn’t look the least bit happy about the fact that his mother had an admirer, a fact that she’d already been aware of and hadn’t had a chance to mention to Sam.  She’d just had coffee with Kara and Helen a few days ago, and she knew about the flowers, gifts and romantic notes Helen had been receiving.  The older woman had been flustered, but she looked like she was glowing from the attention. 

Sam came to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and moving her away from the stove, her ass hitting a cupboard behind her.  “Because she’s my mother and she isn’t really sure where they’re coming from.  It could be some nut job or a crazy stalker.” 

Maddie pushed on Sam’s broad chest, lifting an eyebrow at him as she met his gaze, trying not to let herself fall into his gorgeous eyes.  “Just because she’s your mother does not mean she can’t have a beau.  If anyone deserves happiness, it’s her.  And I doubt very much that a stalker or a nut job would send such thoughtful, respectful notes trying to court her.” 

Sam looked startled. “You knew about it?  And you didn’t tell me?”  His surprised look turned into a frown. 

“Yes.  I just found out a few days ago and your mom looks happy.  You and Simon need to leave her alone unless something inappropriate happens.  This man obviously adores her and you don’t need to ruin it for her,” Maddie admonished him.  “And I haven’t had a chance to tell you.  We’ve been occupied the last few evenings.”  Honestly, her husband had been insatiable.  After returning from an overnight business trip a few days ago, it was like he had to make up for lost time by taking her straight to the bedroom.  Or taking her on the couch.  Or in the kitchen.  Not that she was exactly complaining. 

“We had to spend nearly forty-eight hours apart.  I missed you,” Sam replied huskily, his eyes riveted on her lips. 

“I could tell,” she told him softly, her core clenching at the memories of the proof of just how much he’d missed her.  “Just let things evolve with your mom, okay? I think it’s all very mysterious and romantic.” 

“She’s my mother,” he grumbled.

“She’s also a woman who needs love,” Maddie reminded him. 

“Simon and I love her.” 

“And she loves you.  But didn’t you still want me?  She deserves to be romanced,” Maddie argued, pushing out of his embrace and crossing her arms stubbornly across her chest, tapping her foot impatiently, waiting for her husband to be reasonable.  “Let her have this romance, Sam.  Please. For me.”  Okay.  She was playing dirty and she knew it, but Helen was so happy, and she didn’t want to see Sam and Simon destroy it. 

“Fuck!  I hate it when you play that card.  You know I can’t say no,” Sam answered, disgruntled.  “But I’m keeping extra security on her to make sure this guy isn’t a psycho.” 

Yep.  She knew he couldn’t say no if she asked him to do something for her.  And she rarely used that tactic because she did know that Sam would do anything for her, and she didn’t want to prey on his vulnerability. But dammit…this was important.  “Thank you.  I’ll return the favor when you want something,” she told him solemnly, still in awe that this strong, powerful man would bend to make her happy. 

“Sunshine…I do want something,” he told her with a naughty grin, his hands dropping to the counter, imprisoning her against the cupboard. 

Maddie sighed and placed her hands on his chest, wanting nothing more than to let Sam have his way with her, any way he wanted it.  But…

“Wait.  I have something I need to tell you,” she answered urgently, knowing she had to get Sam’s attention before he kissed her.  Once that happened…she’d be a goner. 

He straightened up and put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing up and down her arms as he asked, “What is it, Sunshine?”

Her heart fluttered as she heard the genuine concern in his tone.  Sam had transformed from horny lover to concerned husband faster than she could blink.  Her man was made up of so many layers, every one of them appealing as hell.  No wonder she couldn’t resist him, loved him with every cell in her body. 

She had no hesitation in telling Sam he was going to be a daddy.  She’d planned a nice dinner and wine, imagined telling him after they had relaxed.  But the joy she’d been feeling all day bubbled up inside her, clamoring to be shared with the man she loved.  “I’m pregnant,” she blurted out, far from the delicate way she had planned on delivering the news. 

Sam’s expression went from astonished…to ecstatic…and then to one of apprehension. “Why?” 

Maddie smirked, unable to resist her husband’s stunned reaction.  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she reminded him teasingly, “You took the job of getting me this way pretty seriously. I’m not sure why you’re surprised.  Does Dr. Hudson need to give you a refresher on how a woman gets pregnant?” 

Sam let out a whoop and grabbed her around the waist.  Her feet left the ground as he twirled her in circle before gently dropping her back to her feet again.  “I can’t believe it.  Are you sure?” he asked, his voice vibrating with emotion. 

Laughing softly, she answered, “Sam…I’m a doctor.  When I missed my period, I tried not to get my hopes up.  I’m irregular.  But I took three different tests, and they were all positive.  So yeah, I’m pretty sure.” 

Sam speared a hand into her hair and lowered his head, resting his forehead against hers, “Are you happy?” he asked her nervously. 

“You know I am. Sometimes I feel like this is all a dream.  You.  Us.  A baby.  I’m so happy it’s almost frightening,” she answered honestly. 

“It’s no dream, sweetheart,” Sam said, stroking her hair lovingly, his hand trembling slightly.  “Oh Christ!”

“What?”  Maddie jerked her head back to look at his face.  He was obviously upset.  “What is it, Sam?  You’re scaring me.” 

“We had sex, Maddie.  Rough, crazy sex.  Over and over in the last few days.  The baby—” 

“It won’t hurt the baby, Sam. Sex is perfectly fine,” she answered with a soft laugh. 

“I shouldn’t have been so rough.  God, if I’d known you were pregnant—”

“If you would have known, we still would have had the same out-of-this-world sex.  Sam…our baby will be fine.  Trust me,” she replied, unable to wait a moment longer to kiss him.  Jerking his lips to hers, she buried her hands in his hair and savored the taste of him, nipping softly at his bottom lip before soothing it with her tongue. 

Sam’s control lasted about a second before he grasped the back of her head and slid his other arm completely around her waist, bringing her tightly against him as he ravished her mouth with his tongue, hot and hungry, just the way she liked it. 

After he’d kissed her senseless, he groaned, pulling his mouth from hers and rested his forehead against her shoulder.  “I hope it’s a girl.  She’ll be a beautiful miracle just like her mother.” 

“I honestly don’t care.  I just want your baby.  Our baby.”  Maddie sighed, her whole body tingling from his kiss and begging for Sam’s possession.  She pressed her body closer, rubbing against him sensually. 

“Maddie, stop.  You know I can’t control myself when you do that,” Sam told her sternly, but his voice was filled with longing. 

“I’m hoping you won’t,” she told him sensually, sliding a hand down his chest and tracing the hard lines of his cock with her fingertips. 

“If you don’t quit, I’ll have you naked and on your back in ten seconds,” Sam warned her, but his voice was almost hopeful now. 

Her fingers continued to torment him, persistent, her touch becoming firmer as she smiled up at him.  She started counting out loud:

“One.”

“Are you sure it’s okay,” Sam asked, his desperate eyes meeting hers, his desire and concern appearing to be in conflict. 

“Yes. Positive. I would never do anything to harm our child.”

“Fuck.  That feels so good, Sunshine.”

“Two.”

“Three.”

Her shirt hit the floor.

“Four.”

Her bra hit the ground.

“Five.”

“Six.”

“Seven.”

The shorts she was wearing and her panties fell to her feet at the same time.

Sam picked her up with growl, “Fuck it.  I trust you, Sunshine.” 

They never made it to the bedroom and Maddie never made it to the count of ten.  Sam had her on her back and moaning in record time, right there in the kitchen. 

Dinner burned.

They happily ordered out a few hours later.

 ~.~

 

More about Helen's Secret Admirer Coming Soon!  : )