Billionaire Alpha Romance: The Proposal (Mature Gentlemen Book 2) (273 page)

Billionaire
Alpha
Romance

By: Maurice Bedard

Prologue

Nineteen years ago…

Margaret watched the man she loved walk away. Would she ever see him again? It was as if the sun had set in her heart and it wouldn’t rise again in a very long time- maybe not ever. She was tempted to run after him and tell him, “Yes, I’ll go with you. I’ll go to the end of the earth with you.” But, she didn’t move, she continued to stare, as he turned and gave her one last look.

James Sullivan looked out the window of his high-rise office. Staring out at the city of Los Angeles, he let out a sigh. After all he had accomplished in his life, he still didn’t feel satisfied. It was a feeling that plagued him often and seemed to get worse with each passing day.  It wasn’t about money- he had plenty of it. He just felt like something was missing in his life, or maybe it was someone. He frowned and forced himself away from his dismal thoughts.

Returning to his desk, he turned on his computer to review projects that were in progress. His focus on work didn’t last long. It strayed back to his earlier thoughts. What was missing from his life at this point? What more could a forty-five-year-old, self-made billionaire want?
Someone to share my life with
, the thought emerged. He’d dated plenty in his life, but nothing serious. Now, he wondered why he could never stay with any of his previous lovers for too long. Deep down he knew why, but he hated to admit it.

He was still hung up on one woman, Margaret Kelley. A woman he had left behind almost twenty years ago. He could close his eyes and remember her sweet, shy smile and the way she used to look at him with innocent green eyes. The most beautiful eyes he has ever seen. He wondered what his life would be like if he had stayed in Texas with her. He’d tried to contact Margaret several times after he had left, but she never answered. And who could blame her? He’d heard she had gotten married a few years after he had left. He remembered the hurt and disappointment he had felt. Realizing that he couldn’t blame her for moving on, he had gotten over it.

If only she had waited a little longer. He had every intention of returning for her. Letting out a snort, he realized how selfish he had been. He’d had no right to expect a beautiful young girl to put her life on hold until he was ready. The phone on his desk rang, bringing him back to the present. It was his secretary.

“Yes, Christine?”

“Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Richards is on line one.”

“Thanks put him through.” He waited until he heard his project manager’s voice.

“James, how are you?”

“Hi, Jerry. I’m good, I suppose. I assume you are calling about the project in Texas?”

“Right you are boss. We are ready to head out there. I’m still a bit confused, though. Are there no capable contractors in big ole’ Texas?”

“I’m sure there are, Jerry. But I’m doing this for a friend. He called me himself and asked if my company would take on the project.”

“Oh, alright. I guess you’re coming along, then?”

James paused. He hadn’t planned on going. He was simply going to send his team out. Surely that would be enough to satisfy his childhood friend, Mark. Now that Jerry mentioned it, he really should go along. It would look better if he went himself to oversee things. And he had been feeling a bit nostalgic as of late. A brief escape from the big city wouldn’t hurt.

“Um, yes I’m coming along.”

“Alright, boss. I’ll see you there.”

Before he could offer Jerry the ride on his private jet, the man hung up. He would probably refuse anyway. According to Jerry, he loved his space and privacy. Of course, James was aware that Jerry stuck to himself so he could hide his wild partying side.

“Young people,” James grumbled. Jerry was thirty-five, ten years his junior. The man worked hard and partied just as hard. James remembered those years, young and rich with the world at his fingertips and a different woman in his bed every week. Now a day, after exhausting that lifestyle, he was left feeling quite empty.

“I’m going back to Wimberley,” he mused out loud. He had only returned once, five years ago for his aunt’s funeral. He had always flown her out to LA before she passed away. She understood why he stayed away. There was no way he could stand to see Margaret with another man. When Mark had asked him to take care of the rebuilding of their old school, he had refused. Mark had managed to convince him to take the job. Even then, he hadn’t planned on ever showing his face in Wimberley. He trusted Jerry and the rest of the team to get it done.

It was high time he paid his small town a visit. If he saw Margaret and her husband, he would shove down any petty jealousy he might have and be happy for her. She deserved all the happiness in the world. He had missed out on his chance with her. It was the price he’d paid for his ambition, and he was going to live with it.

***

Margaret hopped around her kitchen, in a rush as always. She had overslept due to staying up all night reading. That happened often. She would begin reading a book for her club and get carried away. Now, she was late.

“Cassy, get down here! You’re going to miss the bus.”

Her twelve-year-old daughter came stomping down the stairs, backpack and shoes in hand. She dropped them and busied herself piling her shoulder length chestnut hair on top of her head in a messy ponytail.

“Chill Mom, I have like another five minutes.”

“But, you haven’t even eaten yet. Come on; I made waffles.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“What? You’re not leaving without having breakfast, young lady. It’s the most important meal of the day.”

“I said I’m fine mom. See you later.” Cassy slid her feet into her sneakers and grabbed her backpack. She walked through the door, in her usual sulky manner.

Margaret sighed. “No hug or kiss?” She grumbled. Letting out a sigh, she bit into a waffle. Worry nagged at her. Cassy had been getting more sulky and distant with every passing day. Maybe it was typical preteen angst, and she had no need to worry. With another sigh, she grabbed her handbag and headed out the door.

James balled his fists and shoved his hands into his pocket. He’d landed in Texas about two hours ago and instead of going to the construction site, the reason he was there, he found himself standing outside of a quaint little bookstore. The shop was nestled between a café and an antique shop.  What was he doing there? It was Margaret’s store, of course. He’d had his secretary look up the address of the Kelley’s Books and Things.

She still uses her maiden name. He had heard from Mark, who kept him posted on the happenings of Wimberley that Margaret had married a man Jacob Cranston.  James wasn’t familiar with the man but he was one lucky bastard. Margaret should have been his.
Don’t even go there right now,
he berated himself. Taking a deep breath, he took tentative steps toward the book store’s front door. The bell above the door rang, announcing his entrance when he pulled the door open. A woman who was bent over packing a bottom shelf stood up at the sound of the bell.

His heart stopped. Was it Margaret? The woman turned around with a wide smile, and he let out a breath. His heart commenced beating again. It wasn’t her. It was a younger woman who had the same dark hair as Margaret did.

“Good morning. How may I help you?”

“Hello. I’m look for Mar- Mrs. Cranston.”

The young woman’s brows creased. “There is no Mrs. Cranston here.” Realization seemed to dawn on her face. “Oh, you mean Maggie. She’s around back. I’ll go get her. Who should I say is here?”

James swallowed. “James Sullivan.”

The woman smiled. “Just a minute, Mr. Sullivan.”

James nodded. The thought of seeing Margaret again after nineteen years made his heart begin to race. He wondered how much she had changed. Would she be happy to see him? He frowned. Perhaps she wouldn’t be. He should have thought of that before he decided to stop by so suddenly. He laughed inwardly, realizing how ridiculous he was being. He was acting like a nervous teenager, something he was very far from.

Footsteps sounded behind a door, and he could hear a hushed conversation being held. A moment later the door swung open, and there she stood. Margaret Kelly. He stood frozen, and so did she. They stared at one another for what seemed like forever. James blinked once. Margaret was just as beautiful as she was nineteen years ago. Her green eyes still sparkled, but they were no longer innocent. Her lips were still full and inviting, begging to be kissed. Her raven colored hair was shorter now, instead of hanging down the middle of her back, it hung in a sleek curtain around her oval face, stopping under her chin.

“Maggie,” was all he could get past his lips.

Margaret gaped at the man standing in front of her. If Kristen hadn’t told her James was standing in her shop, she would have thought she was hallucinating.
Holy hell, James Sullivan is standing in my shop
. She didn’t know how to react, what to say. All she could do was stare. He was still the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. He was more mature, of course, his age showing through the lines on his face, and the graying sides of his thick chestnut brown hair. His chiseled jaw was clenched, exhibiting his tension. His intense gray eyes bore into her.

“J-James?” Her voice was more breathy than she had intended. Her mouth opened again, but no words emerged.

He stepped forward. “How are you?” He could have kicked himself in the ass if he could. He hadn’t seen the woman for almost two decades and that was all he could think of to say.

“I’m- um, what are you doing here?”

Not the reaction he was hoping for, but at least, she wasn’t chasing him away. “I’m in town for work, and I thought I would pay you a visit.”

Margaret nodded. “I see. How long are you in town for?”

“I’m not sure a week or two.”

“Oh.” Did she hug him? She had no idea what to do. Twisting her hands in front of her, she added. “Uh, welcome back to Wimberley.” Margaret flushed as soon as the words left her mouth. Her daughter would tell her that she was “totally lame”.

James smiled. “Thanks. It’s really good to see you again. You look great.”

“Thanks.”
So do you
, she added silently. He looked more than great, as a matter of fact. He looked incredible. Her old feelings for him instantly surged. She knew it was because they had never died. She had never stopped loving James Sullivan. She had simply buried her feelings for him and had moved on with her life when he’d left, knowing he wouldn’t come back.

“Have dinner with me.”

Margaret looked up, her eyes wide. The request had taken her by surprise.

“I mean if that is alright with your husband, of course,” James continued.

Her brows shot up. “I no longer have a husband. I’ve been divorced for four years.” She didn’t know why she felt the need to explain that to him.

James cleared his throat lightly. “I see.” He felt like an ass for feeling satisfaction at the discovery that Margaret was divorced. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he lied.  Hope flickered in his heart. “So what do you say about dinner? I would love to catch up.”

“Sure.”

“Where can I pick you up?”

“Forty-seven Belle Drive.”

“Great. I will be there by seven.”

Margaret forced out a smile. “Okay.” She watched James disappear through the door. Her heart still pounded threatening to jump out of her chest cavity. Rooted to the spot and still in shock, she didn’t hear Kristen come in.

“Are you alright, Maggie?” She asked eyeing her boss with concern.

“Er, yes. I’m fine Kristen.”

“Who was that handsome fellow?” Margaret shot Kristen a sharp look. The young woman’s smile fell. “Sorry, you know me, always getting overly excited and unable to control my tongue.” Kristen averted her gaze and busied herself dusting the counter.

Margaret swallowed a smile. She wasn’t upset with her employee. Kristen’s bubbly and talkative character was quite refreshing. “It’s fine Kristen. He’s an old friend.”

Kristen smiled. “Oh, ok.” She gave Margaret a knowing look and went back to work.

On wooden legs, Margaret made her way to the small office at the back of the shop. She plopped down in her chair and let out a heavy breath. The initial shock of seeing James had worn off. But her brain was still having trouble processing the sight of him. How was it that the attraction she’d had for him nineteen years ago remained? Her heart still jumped, and her stomach still fluttered at the mere sight of him, as if she was still that nineteen-year-old girl who was head over heels in love. Perhaps she shouldn’t have agreed to see him again later. With the way she still felt about James, she was in danger of getting her heart broken for the third time in her life.

Margaret paced her living room until she was sure she had created a hole in the carpet with her three-inch heels.

“Mom, relax, will you? You’ve been at it for half an hour. You’re driving me nuts.”

Margaret turned to give her daughter a reprimanding look. “Hey, this is my house. I’m allowed to pace as much as I like.”

Cassy snorted. “Whatever, mom. Who is this guy that has you so on edge anyway?”

“Um, well, he’s an old friend.”

“And by an old friend you mean ex-boyfriend?”

Glancing at her daughter with surprise, Margaret wondered how she should answer her daughter. Her past love life wasn’t something she wanted to discuss with her twelve year old.

“Oh, come on mom. I’m not stupid. I’m twelve. I understand everything that goes down in old people’s world.” Cassy smiled and twirled the cord of her headphones.

Margaret let out a laugh. “Yeah, twelve years of living makes one extremely wise,” she muttered sarcastically. “Okay, you got me, he’s an ex-boyfriend.” Glancing at Cassy, she asked, “You’re okay with me going out right? I mean with a man.”

Cassy rolled her eyes and let out an irritated sigh. “Of course, mom. You haven’t been on a date since dad left. He’s already got a girlfriend. It’s only fair that you have someone too.”

Margaret cocked an eyebrow. “Right.” She didn’t bother to explain that going to dinner with James was just a one time thing. He would be returning to his glamorous life in Los Angeles in a few days, and probably to a woman for all she knew. They were having a friendly dinner, and that was it.

The doorbell rang. “Jessie is here,” Cassy said, jumping up from the couch and running to the door. Jessie was the babysitter, though Cassie preferred to call her an older friend who stayed with her sometimes.

“Hi, Ms. Kelley.” Jessie greeted brightly.

“Hello, Jessie. Thanks for coming tonight.”

“No problem. Cassy and I always have fun.” She gave Margaret a once over. “You look hot, by the way.”

Margaret smiled. “Thanks, Jess.” She supposed being seen as ‘hot’ by the seventeen-year-old, elevated her cool points with her daughter.

“Hey, mom there’s a totally drool worthy car pulling up in the driveway. Is your new boyfriend like loaded?”

Margaret flushed. “I suppose it is James. He’s not my boyfriend, and you can ask him yourself if he’s
loaded
.”
Teenagers
, she mused.

“Wow, he isn’t too shabby, mom. He’ll do,” Cassy said peering out the door. Jessie ran over to get her view of the not too shabby man approaching the door.

“For goodness sake, you two, get away from the door,” Margaret groaned. It was too late. James stood in the doorway smiling down at the two young girls.

“Good night, ladies.”

“Good night,” Cassy and Jessie chorused.

Margaret rushed forward before the girls said anything else. “Hi, James, meet Cassandra and Jessie.” She pointed to each girl. “Cassy is my daughter. Girls, this is James Sullivan.”

James smiled. He needed no introduction to know that the girl assessing him with curious green eyes was Margaret’s daughter. She was a smaller version of Margaret with light colored hair. “Nice to meet you, Cassandra,” he shook her hand, and then moved on to Jessie. “And you, Jessie.”

Jessie blushed, “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Sullivan. I’m going to get settled. Have a great time, Ms. Kelley.”

“Thanks, Jessie, call me in case you need anything.” Jessie nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

Cassy remained, still studying James. “All my friends call me Cassy. You can call me Cassy if you like.”

James grinned. “Thank you, Cassy.”

“Nice car by the way.”

“Thank you.”

Margaret grasped Cassy’s shoulders. “Alright, honey. Mr. Sullivan and I should get going.”

Disappointed, Cassy said, “Okay, okay.”

“We can talk cars another time, Cassy.”

She brightened. “Awesome. Later.”

“Be good for Jessie, ok honey? Call me if you need me.”

Cassy rolled her eyes. “Relax, mom. We’ll be fine. Go, have fun.”

*****

James studied Margaret subtly. She sat across from him, rolling her food around on her plate. He’d been trying hard not to stare at her since he picked her up.

“Is the food not to your liking?”

She glanced up. “Oh no, it’s great.”

“Is that why you’re glaring at your plate with such intensity?” He asked with a smile.

She let out a laugh. “I’m sorry, James. I suppose I’m not great company. I’m just perplexed.”

James sat back. He knew what was coming, but he asked anyway. “About what?”

Margaret dropped her fork and waved her hands. “
All
of this. What are we doing here, James?”

“Eating,” he said sheepishly. “Well, I am. You’re just playing around with you food.” When she glowered, he grinned and said, “Sorry. I missed you, Maggie. I wanted us to spend some time together and talk.”

“Before you leave in a few days?”

He nodded. “Is that so bad?”

“Yes, James it is bad. I’m not going to get sucked in just to have my heart torn out again when you leave.”

James sighed. His appetite suddenly vanished. It was time to tackle the elephant in the room. He had known that him leaving her years ago would have to be addressed, but he had hoped they could enjoy dinner and light conversation first.

“Alright, let’s talk but not here. Let’s go back to my place.”

“You’re place? As in your Aunt’s house?” She knew he had moved to Wimberley when he was a teenager to live with his Aunt after both his parents died in a car accident. She also knew that he had held on to the house after his aunt passed away a few years back. Margaret still felt bad for skipping out on the funeral. She’d been afraid of running into James. Looking back, she didn’t know why she had been so afraid to see him.

He nodded. “That’s where I’m staying.”

“I’m not going home with you.”

His eyes narrowed. “Fine, we’ll talk at your place.”

Margaret bit back a moan. There was no way she was going to invite James into her house to discuss their past, not with her daughter present. Sighing is resignation she said, “Your place it is then.”

They had a silent and extremely awkward, ten-minute drive to James’ place. Margaret hopped out of the car, not bothering to wait on him to open her door. Lord knew she couldn’t handle being so near to James. She still felt the same jolt of electricity when he touched her, as evidenced by the shock she felt when he held her hand to help her out of the car earlier.
Maybe it’s just my imagination
. No, deep down she knew she didn't imagine it. The spark was still very much present.

James led her inside. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Do you have wine? Any kind will do.” She needed the alcohol to settle her nerves.

“Have a seat,” he pointed to a sofa. “Make yourself comfortable.” He returned moments later with two glasses and a bottle of red wine. “I can only have one drink with you. I’m the designated driver.”

Margaret accepted the glass and watched him fill hers half way. “I thought you would opt to stay in a fancy five-star hotel. You know since you’re a billionaire and all.” He shot her a questioning look, and she shrugged. “Word gets around. I’m happy you achieved what you set out to do, James.”

He gave a small smile. “Thank you. I’m still a simple man. Maggie. I actually miss the charm of this small town sometimes. A break from the big city is needed once in a while.” He turned on the sofa to face her. “Now, let’s get right to the main point.”

Margaret took a long drink from her glass, and James smirked knowingly. He was just as anxious as she was.

“Why didn’t you come back?” Margaret inquired softly, holding his gaze.

“You never answered my calls. I figured you hated me and didn’t want to see me.”

She snorted and sat back. “Well, at the time, my young and very injured heart told me that I didn’t want to see or hear from you. I suppose it’s majorly my fault we lost touch. But, if you had shown up, I would have run without care into your arms, James,” she confessed.

He closed his eyes briefly. A pained expression flickered across his face. “I should have come back for you. It was my intention. I wanted to get my life and business started, create a good life for you, for
us
.” His gray eyes pierced her. “When I heard you got married, it felt like my world collapsed.”

She gasped, surprised by his confession. “I thought you had moved on. I didn’t hear from you in years. I-I had to move on with my life.”

James nodded. “Of course, I don’t blame you for anything.” It was his stupidity that had caused her to slip away. “I’m sorry about your divorce. You deserve happiness, Maggie.”

She shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m fine. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out. Life goes on right?”

“Right.” He paused for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. “Maggie, I want you to know that I never stopped loving you.”

Margaret blinked, her mouth opening and closing several times. “James, I-I” Was it safe for her to tell him the truth or should she lie to him?
I’m a thirty-nine-year-old woman
, not a teenager. “I never stopped loving you either, even after I married Jacob. I loved him, but I never got over you. But, none of-”

James moved so swiftly; she was taken off guard. His mouth found hers and began to move slowly. Margaret’s body responded before her brain could process that she was being kissed by the man she had never stopped loving. She melted into his arms, her mouth moving beneath his, as naturally as if they hadn’t spent a minute apart. Logic slowly began to seep into her mind. She pulled away.

“James, we can’t.”

He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to do that since I saw you this morning and now you’re within reach. I couldn’t help myself.”

She pressed her fingers to her mouth, her lips tingling and her entire body on fire. She wanted his kiss, but she wasn’t about to admit it. “It’s too soon. Y-you just came back to town today. I can’t-we can’t-”

“Our feelings for one another are still there. Why can’t we?”

She stared at him for a while before answering. “I don’t want to experience the pain I felt when you walked out of my life. It’s best if we avoid getting too close.” Her gaze dropped to his lips, longingly.

“It doesn’t have to be like it was back then. I can travel, we can make things work.”

“Whoa, James, slow down. We’re just seeing each other after so many years. Let’s take it easy.”

James hung his head and let out a laugh. “Don’t mind me, Maggie. I suppose you again had sent me into a tailspin.” He let out a breath and glanced up to see Margaret studying him with amusement.

“I like seeing you all flustered. Having that effect on you makes me feel young and pretty like back then.”

“You are still young and pretty.”His eyes swept over her. “Quite gorgeous actually.”

Margaret blushed. She has been married, divorced and had a child and yet, James still made her blush. Inching closer to him, she tentatively reached a hand up to cup his jaw. She brought her face closer, her desire reflected in her eyes.

“Are you sure?” He asked hoarsely.

She nodded and leaned forward to claim his mouth.