Shifter’s Baby (Alpha Fantasy Paranormal Billionaire Shifter BBW Romance) (75 page)

Chapter Five

It was there between us now. The truth that I was nothing but a quick lay. It shouldn’t have mattered to me but it stung all the same. I’d enjoyed our day together, and for the few fleeting seconds when I’d been alone of course my mind had wandered into a fantasy future between us.

I had no idea what Bret was thinking. He had stayed quiet while we toured around the room at looked at the various things to bid on. Cruises, balloon rides, there was even a brand new car up for bid.

If I hadn’t known where the money was actually going I would’ve put my name down for a few of the smaller items. There were even some robotic cat toys that were normally pretty pricey, the page underneath them were blank. It wouldn’t be right though, lining the pockets of a corrupt man.

A shoulder collided into mine, hastily I turned around to say something when my face met Mary Valen’s. She’d cleaned up, had on a nice dress, clean face and clear eyed she was glaring at me.

“I talked to Scott earlier. I’ve convinced him that you wouldn’t be a good fit for the team. He says that you can collect your things in the morning.”

She would always be a nasty piece of work. “I’ll believe it when I hear it from him. Also, I don’t have anything at the office. I never had my own space.”

“That’s fine. Just letting you know ahead of time that you’re out of a job.”  She flipped her hand towards Bret, shoving her business card into one of his empty hands, “I’m sorry for the confusion today, but we just didn’t want an unseasoned agent dealing with your account Mr. Harlow. It was my mistake to allow her the chance. I’ll be happy to come by tomorrow with a few offers I’ve gathered.”

Bret merely nodded at the woman. She took this as an agreement and stamped away. So now, I’d lost my job. One I had planned to quit anyway, but still my hopefulness from earlier pained me as it slipped away.

“She’s an odd woman,” Bret finally commented.

I laughed to myself, a snarky angry sound. “That’s an understatement. She’s definitely something else and honestly I’m glad I won’t have to see her anymore.”

“What are you going to do now?”

It was an innocent question, but one I didn’t have an answer for. Even when I intended on handing in my notice, I didn’t have a plan for another job. I had a month’s worth of savings at that really was it. I always landed on my feet though.

“I don’t know. What do you care anyway? You’ll be gone soon enough. If she’s gotten some new assistant she’ll be drawing up contracts for the new owner of your home within the week.”

I didn’t mean for it to come out so angry, but the bitterness was evident in my voice.

“Hey, hey. I never said that I didn’t care. I do. I told you before Bri that I like you. What’s with all the hostility?”

I scowled at him and crossed my arms, not something I normally did but the dress that I was slinking around in just didn’t feel right anymore. I felt like an exposed joke.

“You never answered me. Where do we go from here? It’s ok to just say it. That we don’t instead of just ignoring it all together.”

He began to laugh. Not a chuckle, or a giggle, but an all-out laugh with his head thrown back. Again my feelings were hurt and I wanted to just walk away from him.

“Bri. No, I just didn’t have an answer really. I thought you were asking and not expecting an answer. I’m sorry you got all worked up. And I’m sorry I just laughed at you but you’ve been bustling around for the last half hour and I couldn’t figure out why. I kept trying to figure out what was wrong.”

It did seem sort of funny. Him having no clue why I was mad and walking around like it was all-ok.

“Look, I’m terrible with women most of the time. So give me a chance to redeem myself. I don’t know where this is headed but I’d be happy to try things out. And hey, if you’ve got time, why not fly out with me this weekend to Cali? I’ll be there for a few days and we can get to know one another a little more.”

Bret had come closer, wrapping his arms around me and pressing his forehead to mine. His gaze meeting mine. “Come with me?”

The playfulness on his face had gotten me again, as if there was some secret that I didn’t know and he’d only tell me if I said yes. Instead of saying anything, I leaned in close, eyes closed, and kissed him, just as he’d done to me.

It was enough, he responded quickly, mouth meeting mine, and tongues colliding softly. I no longer felt exposed, or too revealing in the dress I wore because the warmth of his body washed over me as he pulled me close.

The noise and clatter of the people around us didn’t matter. Collins barking into the microphone announcing that it was time to be seated didn’t matter either. I knew we wouldn’t stay. If anything I still wasn’t certain why we had come in the first place other than for Bret to basically tell the old guy off.

It was quiet and peaceful in my head. Life was at ease again. I wasn’t worried about Mary, or the office, or anything else while Bret held me close.

We left after a few moments, battling the crowds as they swarmed to the dining tables. The valet gathered Bret’s car within seconds and it wasn’t until we were nearly back to his house that I remembered.

“I hope you like cats.”

He winked at me. “I do. I have a big tom cat that lives at my beach house.”

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The French Billionaire

Billionaire Romance

By: Lisa Cartwright


Copyright 2015 by Lisa Cartwright - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Chapter One

Emily Goodson’s journey into French culture started with a phone call from her sister, Lynette. After the usual pleasantries, Lynette said, “Something came up which helps both of us. You need work in your area. I need someone inside a certain business. Someone with your talents and equipment fits exactly. It shouldn’t be dangerous, but I’d keep my head up if I were you.”

Emily took down the information. She was going to be applying for a job with a small company that dealt in paintings.

As she gets ready for her interview, she realizes she has to take the mirror out of the closet. It wasn’t easy for her. She gathered her courage and retrieved the full length mirror and set it against a wall.

Facing away from the mirror, Emily prepared herself like a knight putting on armor. First, her pretty panties from Victoria’s Secret. They were a lovely shade of blue and cut like a bikini. She’d never had that kind of panty before. She’d always used the full variety.

She held her breath and turned around. There she was and the sight didn’t make her want to cry. She turned from side to side and smiled. She turned all the way around and looked over her shoulder and smiled. No cellulite, no flab, not mottled or discolor skin. Her body looked fantastic’ curvaceous and full.

She moved her eyes above her waist. Her breasts had always pleased her. Even when she was so heavy, they never drooped or fell. Always buoyant, always shaped as if they belonged in a man’s hand. She knew they were her best feature. She’d shopped online for just the right bra and found a demi bra from a French company that fit perfectly. It pushed her breasts up just the right amount to give her some fullness in a top with a low neckline without making her look cheap.

She slipped into the skirt and a top with a scoop neckline. She turned around and smiled again.

In the previous year, Emily lost over a hundred pounds. Her new body was round and firm. Her brother told her that her body was perfect for a man who liked to grab something and hold on.

The address took her to a long empty street in the hills above Malibu. The street ended in a cul-de-sac with one building. She parked, got out of the car and stared. It was a Queen Anne mansion that stretched for two hundred feet in front of her. Four separate towers lifted off the main building. Each roof had a weather vane of a different style.

She climbed the stairs and rang the bell. The man who answered the door appeared out of breath, as if he had been somewhere far away from the door. He said, “Good morning. May I help you?” Emily had never heard a butler speak with a French accent. In his mouth, it sounded foreign, not to the country but to the job, as if a poet were working a road crew.

Emily said, “Yes. I’m Emily Goodson. I’m applying for the job of curator. I’m supposed to talk with Mr. Latrec.”

“Please follow me.”

The man was tall and stocky. He wore a black suit and tie and looked perfect for the role of butler. As Emily walked behind him she glanced in each room they passed. Paintings by artists she revered hung in every room. She hoped they were all fakes. Any house with as many perfect paintings as this would be a prime target for thieves.

The man led her into a kitchen. He took off his coat and got a clean apron from a hook on the wall. Another man stood at a stove big enough to service a restaurant. The man she followed said, “I am back now. You may stop stirring.” He took the spoon away from the other man and examined whatever was cooking with a practiced eye. “Bon. You did a good job this time. The béchamel is perfectly blended. Bon.”

The man stepped away from the stove and turned to Emily. He said, “Good morning. I am Reynard Latrec. This is my home and my office. I’m guessing my chef didn’t introduce himself. His name is Alain Lefevre. Say hello, Alain.” Alain didn’t look up from the sauce. He lifted his hand in the air and waved two fingers. Reynard continued, “Please have a seat at the table. Have you eaten?”

Emily smelled the wonderful aroma of a perfectly cooked sauce. “No. I haven’t.”

“We’ll be eating in a few minutes. Please stay with us for lunch.” Emily saw a rather naughty smile light up Reynard’s face. He turned to Alain and said, “Would it be too much trouble to add one more for lunch, mon ami?”

Alain and Reynard had played this game before. Alain turned, not to Reynard, but to Emily. “For a woman of such obvious beauty and culture, it is always a pleasure to add another setting to the table.” He turned to Reynard and sniffed. Reynard raised one eyebrow in response. He turned to Emily. “Do you have any questions about the job?”

Emily looked at Reynard for the first time with nothing else to distract her. She saw a man six feet tall, husky without fat, and handsome in the way of Frenchmen; perfect features arranged with a casual hand and lively. Somewhere deep inside her, something stirred. She said, “If I understand the job listing, you want a curator to handle a moderate collection of paintings. The collection will be constantly revised with new additions and deletions and must be kept current and accurate.”

“Exactly right. I live by buying and selling art. I am always finding something I believe is undervalued and selling it for a profit. The paperwork and provenance must be accurate and up-to-date.”

A new voice came from behind Emily. A woman said, “Finally, you hire someone to do the housekeeping for the paintings. I am sick of doing it. My own work suffers. Who is this new addition?” The owner of the voice walked over to the table. She was pretty, thin with a sharp nose and angry blue eyes. She looked like she’d smelled spoiled milk a week earlier, and it stayed with her. She looked at Emily without extending her hand for a greeting. “You look like you can do the job. Stand up. Let me look at you.”

Reynard said, in reproach, “Mignon. This is unseemly.”

Mignon didn’t look at Reynard, instead she waited for Alain to say something. He tended to his sauce.

Emily stood up. She remembered not to smooth her clothes or fidget. Mignon looked her up and down then cast a glance at Alain again. He continued with the sauce. Mignon said, “You have a body made for men to hold. I approve. However, you should know that Mr. Latrec is completely off limits. He is your employer.”

Reynard stood up. “Mignon. That crosses the line of good behavior. Stop it.”

Mignon looked tragic and lonely. She snarled, “I will not have women come into this home and office making the plays for your attention. It is distracting and wrong.” She folded her arms. “There. I have said my pieces and I have done. Do what you will.”

Alain didn’t look up from the sauce. He said, “’Piece’, mon petit chou chou (my little cabbage, a term of endearment). You say ‘I have said my piece’ not ‘pieces’.”

Mignon raised her nose in the air. “The cook corrects my English yet again. Very well. I am capable of change.” She huffed. “In any events, I have made my say. I will get back to work.” She turned to Emily. “Welcome to the family.” She caught sight of Alain’s upraised finger. “What is it, mon petit cuire (my little cook)? Have I said the wrong again?”

Alain moved the pot off the burner. He turned to look at Mignon.

Emily gasped. She hadn’t looked at him before with clear eyes. He must have been six foot six inches tall, thick and well muscled. His voice was low and cultured. He said, “Why must you behave so, Mignon? With all of the drama?”

Mignon had been simmering before, just below the boil so that she bubbled enough to shake the lid on her pot. Now, she exploded into face-reddening fury. She sputtered, “You... You cook. You correct me so often and never tell me when I say it right. You treat me as if I were a piece of furniture. It is maddening to have a man such as you around. I will stand it no longer. I will work from my room for the rest of the day. I have spoken.” She stomped over to the door and opened it.

Alain said, “Lunch is ready. We have Bouchée à la Reine. The sauce is perfect.”

Mignon didn’t turn around. “Did you increase the onion and make less on the nutmeg?”

“Yes.”

“Very well. I will eat then I go to my room to wall myself off from the rest of you.” She sat at the table.

Reynard brought Emily back to the conversation. “Miss Mignon Budreau is our technician. She repairs the damage time has done to our works of art. Now, tell me about your qualifications.”

Emily listed them in order of importance. She’d done it before, and it worked.

Reynard nodded. “Excellent. The job pays...” He listed a figure a third again higher than any job Emily had heard of in her field. He continued, “It comes with full benefits and vacation. Will you take it?”

Emily had sense enough not to stand on the table and shout, “By damn, you bet your sweet ass I’ll take it.” She nodded. “I’d love to.”

Reynard said, “Excellent. You can start tomorrow if that is convenient.” He turned to Alain. “Tell any other applicants that the job is filled.”

Mignon said to Emily, in a voice that demanded an answer, “What do you know of law enforcement and security?”

Emily froze for a second or two. They weren’t supposed to know who she was.

Both men said, “Mignon.” She held up her hand. “No. I will not be quiet on this point. We have paintings worth millions in a house that boasts a security system a full six decades old. We are an excellent target. Should I withhold my comments and feel sorrow at your graves that I didn’t raise my voice? No.” She glanced at Emily with suspicion. “Miss Goodson has qualifications that cover her field. That is good. But if we are broken into, will she be of value.”

Emily breathed a sigh of relief. She could simply tell the truth, about this, at least. She said, “I did an internship on security and security systems with the L.A. County Art Museum. My real qualification comes from my father who is a policeman and my two brothers and one sister who are policemen and the many discussions I have listened to growing up in a house full of cops. Also, I am certified to carry a concealed weapon and have qualified with the pistol in the LAPD reserve force. I will be happy to come to my job armed, if you wish.”

Mignon nodded. “That is good. For myself, yes, bring the pistol with you every day. Someone should be able to keep me alive in case of trouble.”

Reynard said, “You should have listed that on your resume.”

“Yes, I should.”

Alain said, “Lunch is served. Prepare yourselves.” He placed four individual plates in front of Reynard, Emily and Mignon and the empty chair. He announced, “Bouchée à la Reine. Chicken breasts with morel mushrooms and onions. We will eat it with white wine and the béchamel sauce I prepared.” He placed four dishes with a simple salad and bottles of oil and vinegar in the center of the table.

Conversation stopped as they concentrated on the food. In fifteen minutes, it was gone and all sat back and wiped their mouths on the linen napkins by their plates.

Emily said, “That was magnificent. Alain, you are a wizard.” She happened to glance at Mignon when she said the words. Mignon glowed with pride.