Southern Charmed Billionaire (16 page)

“What am I gonna do, murder her?” Granddaddy playfully asked.
 

“No, I mean, I don’t know if you know this Pa, but she’s a city girl. I don’t think she’s ever seen a horse up close.”
 

They both got a good laugh including myself. It was definitely true. All of it. Everything here was new to me. This was actually the first time, um second time, counting last night, that I’d ever seen such rolling pastures and grass and trees. It was breathtaking.
 

 “I’d love to see the horses.”
 

“Well, come on now, sweetie, let’s go get the gator and I’ll show you the ranch and give you the lowdown here of my favorite place on earth.”
 

I didn’t know what “the gator” was, but I figured it had to be some sort of transportation. And I was right. Minutes later, on a green four wheeled outdoor driving device, we zoomed over the acres.
 

I slipped the round-framed trendy Armani sunglasses (thanks Jessie!) over my eyes and reached for my phone and snapped a selfie of us. He got a good chuckle and said, “You just got my good side!”
 

I felt a fondness to this man, and daydreamed about how nice it would feel to be under the love and care of a father figure who actually truly cared for your welfare like he did. It was a true umbrella of compassion and care.
 

And out here roaming around God’s green earth with old Jazz playing, all my cares and worries disappeared as I truly enjoy every moment with the jolly man.
 

“I like playing the music for the animals. They should hear good music, too!”
 

I could see where the Branch family got their love for the Jazz music.
Granddaddy.
 

We finally made it beside the quintessential picturesque white wooden fence separating us from the dozens of horses. They were so beautiful, and in quite the variety; black ones, white ones, spotted ones.
 

“Here.” He held out a carrot to me. “Here’s a carrot. They love them. It’s like candy to them.”
 

I was freaking out inside. The idea of holding a piece of food so close to those giant chompers, frightened me. I definitely wanted to keep a finger or two. Sensing my apprehension, Granddaddy placed his palm out and showed me how to properly feed a horse.
 

Okay,
I thought.
I’ll feed one. Just one!
 

Adrenaline surged through my veins and my heartbeat doubled like crazy. But I did it, and it sure got me laughing, but I definitely did not want to do it again.
 

“Here, let me take your picture next to that one.” He pulled his phone out his pocket, unlocking it to access the camera.
 

I marveled. Here was a man nearing eighty who knew how to use his iPhone. I fucking loved it!
 

“See, look. Great photo.” He turned the camera so I could see the result.
 

“Thank you!” I stared at the photo of me smiling so regally next to the horse. I looked majestic, like a wealthy woman of means and ease. Something stirred deep within me; a feeling of purpose and destiny. I felt as if the picture captured the woman I always knew I would be. It represented the image of making it. I promised I’d always keep that photo for inspiration.
 

 “So, how’ve you been feeling?”
 

“How do you mean?”
 

“With the…um, grim outlook.”
 

“Ah, well, I’ve lived a good life. The good Lord’s provided so much for me. I’m not going to sulk about the end of my days. I’m going to do what I’ve always done and be happy with my blessings.”
 

I nodded my head feeling a light smile on my face at the very soulful, humble, and down home sweet outlook this man had.
 

“You’re so brave.” I admired him openly.
 

“You look like a kid at Christmas out here. I love it.”
 

“Thank you. I mean, I’ve never done this before. I mean, been out at a place like this.” I gestured towards our surroundings.
 

He smiled warmly, a gentle knowing in his eyes. “The horses like you,” he observed, adding, “They’re a good judge of character.”
 

As much as I wanted to continue the tour, I was terribly nervous.  I was nervous that at any given moment he would ask me why Atticus and I were together and what my relationship status was to his grandson. I had no idea what I would say.
 

Thankfully, he changed the subject. “It’s so chilly! So strange.”
 

“I’m used to this weather in New York.” I exhaled lightly, feeling relief. This was a topic I could manage.
 

“With the El Niño, the jet stream is off a bit. We’re forecasted for snow this weekend, which is unheard of. Snow on Easter!” The genuine shock in his tone was amusing.
 

I looked around and decided I liked the homey feeling of this charming farm. I could picture the surrounding town being that of a close-knit community.
 

With the jazz music happily filling the crisp air, and the sun shining its brilliant
light through crystal blue skies with stratus clouds strewn about, we continued our ride. He drove throughout the property with the zest and optimism of a middle aged man, not with the weakness or strength of a man fighting cancer. I realized I wanted to be just like him. I wanted strength like Atticus the first.  
 

Chapter Sixteen
 

Kate
 

It was a busy, yet lazy, day.
 

I was beginning to realize the country did that to you—balanced you in some mystical way, I guess. I wasn’t sure really why this was, but I really did like it out here.
 

At nightfall, the estate transformed into a ritzy country club. I felt like it was a party fit for F. Scott Fitzgerald.
 

At last, the Good Friday Party.
 

It was an annual event they held here at the Branch estate, filled with dancing, jolly, food and wine, as I was reminded many times by different people.
 

Every piece of the fine china was brought out, along with the gold rimmed crystal champagne flutes. I never bothered to count, but there had to be thousands upon thousands of floral arrangements placed about the estate.
 

And, I’d come to learn this would be yet another event where Brittany’s camera crew would be filming for the show. I vowed not to get caught in her web.
 

The scene was truly magical, and Atticus, being a true gentleman, never left my side. We danced casually to the music. Our chemistry was intense; the sparks and looks between us were real. Really real.
 

“You look beautiful, Kate. Ravishing in this color,” he whispered in my ear. “Here, have a drink. It looks like sparkling water but it’s gin and tonic. I know you could use one.”
 

Thank God for his thoughtfulness! Because yes, this scene was a bit much. The strong gin and tonic was the perfect elixir for my nerves. It provided an easy blanket of relaxation to help me chill out in this environment. I finished my beverage.
 

And then we danced.
 

I felt like Cinderella at a ball. Heck, this was a ball! A billionaire’s ball!
 

My date spun me and pulled me possessively towards him. I loved the tender, yet protective way his hands grasped my waist, I loved the way his hand fit naturally into mine, and I had to remind myself to stay present and enjoy the moment because I sure was lost in it.
 

He reminded me of my beauty again, and I blushed, but the gin gave me just enough courage to boldly return the favor. “Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself.”
 

He pulled me closer to him, and grinned. His body pressed against mine, and we moved like lovers do. I had nowhere to go but closer to him, and I bit my lips at the pleasure of it all. Damn it, he knew how to torture me.
 

“It’s going to be pretty torturous laying next to you tonight and not being able to do a damn thing to your banging body.” He leaned in and murmured this in my year, his whisper hot, heavy and loaded.
 

Who said he wasn’t able?
 

I was just about to tease him, ask him, “Who said anything about not being able to?” But when there was a buzz in energy as the air shifted in the room. Heads turned to the front of the room.
 

A new woman had entered, laughing loudly, and causing a splash. The cameras filmed her as she embraced Brittany. My gaze narrowed in on them as Atticus spun his back to them. Whatever moment we were having just now, just took a step back. His grip tightened in my hand as his body tensed.
 

“Do you know that woman? Brittany’s friend?” I looked up at him, questioning the change in his demeanor.
 

“Oh, I know her alright.”
 

There was something about the way he said it. It didn’t sit right.
 

It didn’t sit right at all.
 

Chapter Seventeen
 

Kate
 

“Are you ready to go to bed?” Heat flooded my body at the notion of bed. As in
his
bed.
 

Holy moly.
 

I’m sure blushed fifty shades of cherry tomato red as I nodded yes.
 

“I know you’ve had a long day. I have a few guests to attend to but I thought I’d help you get settled so you can get some rest. I know this weekend has been busy and will continue to be. And after all, our baby needs rest.” He winked and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
 

I just melted when he did that. I knew we were pretending, but there was something warm and romantic about feeling so relaxed, cared for, and protected. I loved feeling close to him. I was glowing from his attention, even though it was fake!
 

“Thank you.”
 

“Here,” he retracted his arm, took my clammy hand, and looped it into his arm, leading me away from the grand ballroom. This place was so large, it was like a resort. I would have never found his bedroom on my own.
 

His bedroom.
 

What the fuck!
 

The music became softer and softer as we walked further away from the party and down winding hallways filled with giant ivory pillars dressed with fine gold painting. This was the type of décor one sees in European aristocracy.
 

There was beautiful artwork on the walls; family photos in larger than life sizes framed beautifully in baroque gold. Gas lanterns and rich crystal candelabras hung on the wall. There was so much beauty and wealth to take in.
 

I welcomed the diversion to my bubbling nerves in my stomach that wanted to roll over like fizz found in a freshly opened Coke bottle.
 

“Did you have a nice time?”
 

“Uh huh,” I said quickly, my voice a few octaves higher than normal, all the while nodding my head like one of those bobble head figures.
 

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
 

We had walked a good five minutes when we stopped in front of a door.
 

Oh it had to be his door.
 

Had to be.
 

And I was about to be let into his world. It opened and my eyes scanned the scene as he spoke.
 

“Welcome to my room. I had your things moved down here. Your lounge wear and pajamas are in these drawers.” He pulled one open to show me, each piece neatly folded one by one. “I had the outfit you came over in laundered as well, in case you were most comfortable in that. But Jessie packed other lounge clothes for you too. You’ll find them in the same drawer. Do you need any help undressing?”
 

My eyes went to the gorgeous ivory dresser that matched the headboard of the French sleigh bed.
 

Bed.
 

The
bed we would be sleeping together in.
 

“What?” I asked, my voice shocked and fast. Very fast. Really fast. Too fast. Too eager. Suddenly the sentence registered.
Do I need help undressing?
 

“With your dress? The zipper?” He clarified.
 

Silly me! Of course I needed help. I nodded my head again, taking a breath of fresh air as my eyes looked before me at the perfectly made bed. The linens were to die for. So rich, so lavish; the type that cost thousands of dollars. I had never even
touched
such fine linens before. It was a perfect bed! One that should be kept made. One that was about to be unmade. But I couldn’t help it. I saw it unmade in my imagination as I visualized a fantasy mirage of the two of us twisted beneath those sheets, him between my legs filling me with primal desire. It was too much for me to think about!  
 

“Ye…yes, yes, I do, actually.”
 

“Here. Spin around,” he directed. “Let me help you.” I turned around facing, damnit, the bed.
 

It was a large California king. I gathered myself as his strong hand rested on my bare shoulder.
Fuck
. The slightest touch from him sent ripples throughout my body like a fire alarm.
Sound the alarm! Sound the alarm! Fire is coming!
 

I stood stiffly as his free hand gently gathered my curls and tossed them to the side of my shoulder. My neck was bare now and I could feel
every
single
prickly electric chill on my exposed skin. He was so close to me I could feel the heat of his body. I wanted to lean into him, grab his hand and lead him to my breasts, and even lower, to satiate my sensual need.