ROMANCE: Sleeping With The Sheikh (Billionaire Alpha Male Sheikh Romance) (New Adult Forbidden Series Short Stories) (31 page)

Something was wrong with Ava. Kade knew it from the moment she had emerged from the kitchen with Helena. Her eyes were glassy with tears and she was more subdued than normal. Her words at dinner left him shaken and hopeful that she was doing more than acting but she’d gone to bed in her room. Alone. He hated that he was thinking about this when he was set to close the deal he’d been working on for months.

“What’s on your mind, son?” Bruce Henderson strode into his office and took a seat, giving Kade a quizzical look.

“Nothing.” He sighed heavily. “It’s Ava, she was strange last night.”

Bruce nodded knowingly and stroked the early stages of what Kade assumed was his retirement beard. “Son I’d guess that your fake fiancé has fallen in love with you and just realized it.”

Kade nodded and then his entire body froze. “Fake fiancé?”

Bruce’s laugh was deep and booming. “You thought I didn’t know?” Bruce told Kade how he’d done his homework and knew Ava was a recent addition to his life. “You were too affectionate that first night. Dead giveaway. Helena was so nervous during her first business dinner part she barely ate or said word.” His laugh was wistful at the memory. “But I can tell you now, that sweet girl is deeply in love with you and terrified you won’t love her back.”

“No Bruce, you’re wrong.”

“No son, you’re blind or dumb. Helena told me the girl lost her parents as a child and most recently the only other family she had. It was her poor luck to fall in love with a playboy she’s not sure could love her back. But you can and you do.”

It wasn’t a question from Bruce. Did he love Ava? Yes, without a doubt. “Dammit Bruce.”

Again Bruce laughed. “You’re welcome son. Now send those contracts to my lawyer so I can take my wife on a cruise around the world. And Kade? Good luck with Ava.”

Most of his day after Bruce’s visit was spent staring out the window thinking about the fact that Ava was in love with him. Could it be true? She hadn’t said anything but Bruce seemed so sure. He stood and grabbed his jacket. He needed to see Ava.

“Ava you can not sulk around here forever.”

“Sure I can,” she told Sophie without even looking up. “As long as I’m cheery when clients show up, who cares?”

“For starters, I do. You won’t tell me what happened with you and Kade yet every time I see you your eyes are red and glassy from crying, you’re quiet and you look like someone ate your kitten.”

Ava glared at her friend. “Look I was stupid okay and now I’m embarrassed and heartbroken. I need to work through it and I will.” She knew the last few weeks she was a nightmare to be around because she was weepy, emotional and tired all the time. Kade was only part of the reason why but she wasn’t ready to share that just yet.

“There’s nothing wrong with falling in love. If the idiot doesn’t love you back, then he’s as dumb as he is hot.” Sophie wrapped Ava in a hug and kissed her cheek. “What did he say when you left?”

That was the part that broke her heart all over again every time she thought about it. She’d packed up and left the morning after dinner with Bruce and Helena. She couldn’t stay there loving him and him thinking it was all a big joke. But the joke was on her because it had been a month and Kade hadn’t called or texted or stopped by. He hadn’t even arranged a time to do a full photo shoot so she used one of the few shots she had.

Even though her heart was broken she had begun to turn a profit. The postcards and prints were selling like crazy thanks to the bucolic scenery in Rainbow Springs, and a few other businesses wanted to start selling her postcards. Business was looking good and in a few weeks she would have her grand re-opening. “I haven’t heard from him since the night before I left.”

“What! You didn’t call or leave a note that you were leaving?”

“There was no need Soph. I’d served my purpose and if I wasn’t sure if that was true, his radio silence confirmed it.” She didn’t tell Sophie it took ten days of silence before she realized it, and that’s when her heart officially broke. Now she spent her time taking photos inside the studio and out and getting over her ill-advised love for Kade Steele.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Sophie pointed to the angry green eyed man standing behind her.

She turned to Kade. “What are you doing here?”

His green eyes were dark with anger. “I was driving by and imagine my surprise at finding a giant photo of me—shirtless—in the window for all to see. Didn’t waste much time at all, did you?”

Was he for real? “Well Kade since you got what you wanted and you seemed to have forgotten about the photos I needed. I had to use what I had.” She refused to back down. She might love him but she would not take crap from him.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” His fingers raked through his hair. “But you could have gotten your photos you know, if you hadn’t left.”

“Why would I stay? You didn’t need me anymore Kade.”

“I wish that was true Ava. I do need you, so much and I didn’t realize it until you weren’t there.” He took her hands in his. “It’s not just the sex although that was out of this world, but I miss your smile Ava and your taste and that sexy little laugh of yours, even when its at my expense.” Then his expression sobered. “I rushed home to tell you all about the Henderson deal and you were gone. I was devastated. How could you leave me like that, Ava?”

She hugged herself around the middle. “You wouldn’t understand Kade. It doesn’t matter.”

His features darkened. “Well which is it, I wouldn’t understand or it doesn’t matter.”

“Both.”

“Can you just give me a straight answer! Why did you leave?”

She shrunk away at his volume but her anger was good and brewing at his tone. Who was he to be angry with her? “It’s because I fell in love with you jackass!” She began to pace, “How dare you come in here and yell at me after you, Kade Steele, got everything you wanted! What did I get? I’ll tell you. I got a dozen photos, a broken heart and a baby!”

He stared for a long moment, his thoughts indecipherable through the mask he wore. Then he walked away.

Ava collapsed back into her desk chair and cried.

Kade couldn’t believe it, not any of it. Ava had proclaimed her love for him in one breath and told him he was going to be a father in the next. It was too much information all at once and he’d responded poorly. Hell he hadn’t responded at all. Kade Steele had walked away.

He walked away two weeks ago and he hadn’t tried to call her once. To be fair neither had she but then again he was the one who had walked away. But a visit from Sophie had confirmed everything. Ava had fallen in love with him and left because she didn’t think he could love her back. She found out she was pregnant after she’d left and spent weeks crying for him and the family she would never have.

He was gutted by the time Sophie had finished telling him off. But she was still hopeful and that made him hopeful. Before leaving she left an invite for the grand re-opening of the photo studio and that’s where he stood right now.

“Coming in or are you going to stay out here all night?”

He sighed, the weight of what he had to do, weighed heavily on him. This would be the first time he set eyes on her since walking away. “I guess I’m coming in.” When he walked in there was a party going on. Several of the calendar bachelors were seated at a long table, posing for photos with the women of Rainbow Springs. Ava was selling postcards and prints on the other side of the room. He made his way to her. “Ava. Can we talk?”

“There’s nothing to talk about Kade. I’m keeping the baby but I don’t expect anything from you. Be involved as little or as much as you want.” Her attention went back to a few tourists buying prints.

“I don’t think so, Ava.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her around the tall counter, a gasp escaped at the small bump at her middle, showing clearly in the fitted dress she wore. His hand went to her stomach, awe on his face. “We should talk.”

“There’s nothing left to say, Kade.”

“Fine you listen and I’ll talk.” He pulled her behind him away from the crowd and into one of the small studios. He turned and pulled her hands to his heart. “Ava I’m so sorry for walking out last week, for laughing about what you said to Bruce. It touched me, so damn much. I just couldn’t believe that a woman as smart and beautiful and kind as you could actually love me.” He smiled and kissed her forehead, “I didn’t even think I was capable of loving anyone until Bruce told me my fake fiancé was in love with me.”

Her eyes widened. “He did? And he still signed the contract anyway?”

Kade nodded with a smile. “Said he was impressed with my business skill but more impressed I was able to get a woman like you to fall for me.” He reached for the brown paper covered package against the wall. “I have something for you Ava.” He unwrapped the photo while he spoke. “You see I was convinced we were both playing at being in love that I was too blind to see we had both fallen. I admit I was skeptical when Bruce said you loved me even though I was pretty sure I loved you.” He grabbed her shoulders and twirled her to face the photo. “But when I looked at this photo of us, I knew we were both fooling ourselves. I love you so much Ava and I want us to be a family, me and you and our baby.”

Ava looked at the photo and tears sprang instantly at the look of love she saw shining, in both their eyes. She couldn’t believe it.  This man, this big lovable man who took care of everyone was hers. “I love you too Kade and I want to be yours and I want you to be mine. Forever.”

Kade looked down at the love shining in her eyes and he was sure she could see the same reflected back in his. He knew he would do anything in the world to keep that beautiful smile on her face, to have her always look at him like he was some kind of hero. “I’ll be yours for forever and beyond Ava. As long as you let me love you, I will.”

“Good because I already tried to stop loving you and I couldn’t. So I think you’re stuck with me.” She grabbed his shirt and pulled him down for a kiss.

“Baby there’s no person I’d rather be stuck to in all the world.” He planted a soft kiss on her lips. “Ava you beautiful creature, will you marry me?”

She nodded, her smile so wide her face hurt. “Really? Kade I’d marry you tomorrow if I could.”

“Sweetheart I’m a billionaire, you want to get married tomorrow then we’ll get married tomorrow.”

Her eyes widened and she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Sophie, I’m getting married tomorrow!”

“It’s about damn time.”

The End

Billionaire’s Unexpected Rival

Chapter 1

Ryder Tompkins sat at the head of the large cherry wood conference table in the largest conference room. Normally he wouldn’t pull a power move such as this because it just wasn’t his style, but desperate times and all that. The company his mother started with his step father, Edu-Tech Industries, had not been doing well for the past few quarters and as CEO it was his job to figure out why. So he needed to project power and authority, no matter what anyone at the table thought of him. Especially his step brother, Hunter. “Does anyone want to tell me why sales have been stagnant for almost a year?”

Hunter stiffened immediately, his defenses in place and ready to attack anyone who dared suggest this was his fault in any way. He stared at Ryder, who stared right back at him. “I guess this is my fault, right? You wouldn’t know a goddamned thing about bringing in new business Ryder because you spend so much time behind your precious desk!” Arms crossed defensively, Hunter arched a thick blonde brow in his direction. The gauntlet had been thrown and in front of others too.

Ryder was frustrated because, dammit, he didn’t know much about bringing in new business because his mom and Jonas had never even let him try. Hunter is the outgoing one, they said. He’s friendly and charming, let him have this. They had cajoled and manipulated until Ryder gave up and stop wanting to do it. He’d done exactly as they’d asked but not asked, which was why he stared at two quarters of dismal sales. “That may be the case Hunter, but it isn’t my job. It’s yours.” He watched the emotions play over Hunter’s mossy green eyes. Hurt and anger morphed into arrogant indifference, his default emotional setting. “Now, I’m not blaming anyone specifically,” he sent a meaningful glare to Hunter, “but we need to figure out what the problem is and how to correct it. Any suggestions?”

“Actually, I’ve been thinking.” Cressly Parker cleared his throat and spoke up. The man was as competent as they came, but he’d proven better at managing the business development department than bringing it in. “I think what we need is a marketing specialist. Hunter is doing a damn fine job, but he can only do so much to reach out to all the organizations that need our products.”

Ryder leaned in. “I’m listening.”

A small smile passed Cressly’s lips. “We, well Hunter has been doing his thing. Meeting with potential customers but,” he flashed Hunter an apologetic look, “these bureaucracies take forever to make decisions, sign contracts and agree on budgets. So we will likely see the fruits of his labor but it could be another two quarters from now.”

Ryder looked to Hunter, who seemed stunned by the support of his boss, and then back to Cressly. “Sound good. Really good Cressly. Do you have any contacts we could use?”

“Yes Mr. Tompkins, I’ll get them to you right away.” He gave Ryder a nervous smile.

“Thanks. And call me Ryder.” He didn’t like formality, especially when it came to men decades older than him. He refocused on his step brother. “Hunter is there anything you need that could help?”

His green eyes blazed furiously and he visibly bristled. “I’m not some special needs kid you have to keep after, brother.”

Ryder’s jaws clenched in frustration and he released a weary sigh. “Dammit Hunter you don’t think I know that? I’m just trying to make sure we’re doing everything we can to bring in new business and this business keeps growing.” Slamming closed the leather folder, his piercing blue eyes held an icy glare. “Not everything is about you Hunter. My job is to make sure my employees have everything they need to succeed and whether you like it or not, that includes you.”

Cressly and the others read the room correctly and quickly gathered their things, beating a hasty retreat before the atmosphere became too volatile. “I’ll have Mimi send everyone a copy of the notes today,” Ryder said to their retreating backs.

Hunter sat staring up at Ryder, who stood reining in his anger, resentment the only emotion in his eyes. He hated, still hated the fact that Ryder was made CEO. Even though the job seemed boring as fucking hell, he still would have liked to be considered for the job. But no, his parents had insisted he’d be better at business development because he was charming and had that damned party boy persona. Truthfully he really did like schmoozing boring educators and administrators at expensive meals, it was fun and he was damn good at it. But then moments like this brought home the fact that Ryder was the boss. His boss. “Sure boss. Whatever you say.”

Ryder didn’t react because he knew that’s what Hunter wanted. “So you have everything you need, then?”

Hunter stood, mossy green eyes level with velvety blue ones. “I just said I did.”

“Then why have we gone six months with no new business?”

“You heard what Cressly said,” he practically growled at his brother.

Ryder stared at Hunter long and hard, skepticism making it hard to believe him. “That may explain some of it, but I’ve seen your expense reports and it doesn’t make sense so you need a better answer than that.”

Hunter snatched up his deep red leather folder. “Sure thing, boss man. I’ll have answers for you soon.” He stood and gave Ryder’s assistant and friend, Mimi, a meaningful look before he fled.

Ryder scoffed and shook his head as he gathered his things. Every single meeting with Hunter ended the same way. He was overly sensitive and always ready to fight about anything, no matter how insignificant. He couldn’t even worry about his brother right now because he had other things on his mind.

“You know Ryder, you could take it easier on him.” Mimi gave him the same soft and sympathetic look she’d given him when he’d been upset about gaining a new brother.

Ryder sighed and looked at one of his oldest friends. “I could but what good would it do?” The truth was that Hunter only listened when Ryder flexed his muscles, which he hated to do. “He knows he screwed up but refuses to own up to it because it’s me. I can deal with it at Mom and Jonas’ house but not at work.” If Hunter wasn’t his brother with a stake in the company, he would have fired him long ago.

Mimi patted his shoulder sympathetically. She’d spent the past two decades watching Ryder and Hunter compete, fight and antagonize each other over any and every damn thing. If there was a first place to be had, a winner or loser, you could guarantee they would battle to the death for it. It was exhausting to watch and she loved them both, albeit in different ways. Hunter was the difficult brother, the one you had to peel back layers to see he was a decent guy while Ryder easy going and level-headed. Hunter was charming and Ryder could be awkward. “I get that Ry, but as the CEO you have to be the bigger man. That’s why they pay you the big bucks.”

Ryder huffed out a laugh. “When did you get so smart Mimi?”

“I’ve always been smart, you just didn’t know how smart until you were lucky enough to hire me.”

He smiled at her. “Best decision I ever made.”

***

Skylar Morris was running late for a meeting with a potential client and a big one. Edu-Tech Industries was the premier educational software provider. They made educational games, learning aids and even software to help those with learning disorders, and best of all their products were affordable and had recently been endorsed by several homeschooling organizations. She had been looking forward to this meeting since it was put on the books a week ago. They were a big deal and signing with them would be an even bigger deal for her fledgling marketing company that, right now was made up mostly of her and her best friend Kendra Brooks, an office assistant and one social media manager. In another year they would need more employees for their loft office.

Unfortunately Skylar still had about ten blocks to go and only twenty minutes to make it to the building and up to the fifteenth floor. Dammit she knew she should have just taken her car from the parking structure near the office, but it was a nice day and she needed the time to clear her head before meeting with Ryder Tompkins. He had a reputation for being hard to read, exceedingly professional but fair.