One Night With the Billionaire: Book Four (A Billionaire Romance) Page 2

  Jason’s mother always told him to follow his passion in life, not to do something because he thought he should, but to do it because he wanted to. That’s how he ended up working in investments, instead of following in his parents’ footsteps, taking up the family business.

  Jason wonders now if his mother’s advice was completely on the up-and-up. He wonders if she gave it to him because that’s what she truly believed and wanted for him, or if she told him that to steer him away from the family business.

  To keep their secrets hidden.

  How long did they expect to keep it up? Did they think the past would never come knocking?

  Elise told him last night that his parents gave the original creators of that software a small stipend. Were they dumb enough to think that they would always settle for pennies when there were millions to be had?

  Jason pulls another photo out of the box, and feels an unsettled knot in his chest. These are all questions that he’s never going to have the answer to, and he’s going to have to accept that.

  Just the thought of going through the rest of his life never knowing is unnerving.

  “Good morning,” Kaia says, as she sleepily strolls into the kitchen.

  She looks as tired as he feels. He doubts she got much rest, but she did at least manage to fall asleep, and he’s glad for that. Her weight on his chest, and the feel of her breathing kept him anchored. It kept him calm despite the chaos in his mind.

  “Morning,” he replies.

  She shuffles over to him, and wraps her arms around his neck. Jason never bothered to get dressed, so he’s sitting there in a pair of sweatpants. Kaia’s still in one of his old shirts. He loves the sight of her in it, the way she looks so at home here while she’s wearing it. He loves the feeling of the old, worn cotton as it slides against his skin when she hugs him from behind.

  He turns in his chair, and wraps her up in his arms, burying his face in her hair. He wants this all day, wants to lounge around just the two of them. It’s been so long since he’s let himself have a Sunday of doing nothing, and he knows he won’t be able to work. He can’t focus on anything too taxing today.

  He just wants Kaia to stay right here in his arms, and help him make sense of the new world as he knows it.

  She gives him a quick kiss, then leans over and steals a quick sip from his coffee mug, her nose wrinkling at the bitterness.

  He likes it black, she likes a little cream and sugar.

  He loves that he knows that about her now.

  “Whatcha looking at?”

  “Some pictures,” he replies, even though that much is obvious. Kaia sidles up to him, and he wraps his arm around her waist, letting his hand rest on her hip. It’s moments like these that make him wonder how he managed to live so long without this.

  Just a touch of her hand makes the weight of the world on his shoulders so much easier to bear, since he has someone to share it with. She helps lighten the load.

  Jason pulls Kaia up onto his lap, and wraps an arm around her middle to keep her where she is. He uses his free hand to slide the group of pictures across the counter, where Kaia will be able to see them better.

  “Is this you?” she asks, taking a photo by its edges.

  Jason laughs. She’s going to see all the good, all the bad, and all the ugly this morning.

  “Yes,” he replies. “It wasn’t my best look.” Cowlick. Braces. Definitely not his best look.

  “I think we all go through ugly phases. I think the whole point of them is so that nasty teenagers can pick out our biggest weaknesses and make us insecure about them for the rest of our lives.” Kaia sighs, and brings the picture closer. “At least, that’s what happened to me.”

  Jason smiles, and presses a kiss against Kaia’s neck. “I can’t imagine you going through an ugly phase.”

  She playfully slaps his arm. “Flatterer. I’ll show you my middle school yearbook. Sixth through eighth grade were a nightmare. I looked like a frizzy-haired rail.”

  He doesn’t believe her. “I bet you were beautiful then, like you’re beautiful now.”

  His voice is soft and earnest, and it makes Kaia give him this gentle smile that lights up her whole face. She turns and kisses him, before focusing on the pictures again.

  “You and your dad really liked to fish, huh?”

  She picks up a photo of him and his father. Jason’s giving the camera a goofy grin. That was the summer that his two front teeth fell out, right before he and his father caught the biggest bass Jason had ever seen.

  His father is holding it in the picture; it’s taller than Jason.

  “It was our thing,” he replies. “He’d wake me up early on Saturdays, at the crack of dawn, and we’d drive down to his favorite lake. From sunrise to about ten, it was just the two of us. Our time. It made me feel…”

  Emotions clog his throat, making it impossible to get the words out. He doesn’t even know what he’d say if he could, and maybe that’s for the best.

  “He made you feel special,” Kaia says.

  And yes, that’s exactly it. He leans forward, and rests his chin on her shoulder. “Yeah,” he breathes.

  “No matter what your parents did professionally,” she says, sliding her hand across his forearm where it’s wrapped around her middle, until her fingers twine with his, “that doesn’t change the fact that you’re their son, and they loved you.”

  Despite all the doubts that are niggling at the back of his mind, he believes her. And with that, he’s had about his fill of wallowing for today.

  “Have any plans today?” Jason asks.

  “Depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On what you’re doing. I kind of wanted to hang out with my guy,” she replies. He likes the sound of those words on her lips. “I think he needs me.”

  Jason grins. “He does.” He needs her more than she’ll probably ever know. He brushes her hair to the side, so he can suck on her neck.

  She melts into him as his hand slides up beneath her shirt, and he cups her breast.

  “Make me forget,” he whispers. “Make me forget about the world for a little while.”

  Kaia slides off his lap, and leads him over to the couch, where he sits down in front of her. Her long hair is all messy and sexy, and the v-neck of his t-shirt is hanging off of her shoulder.

  He wants nothing more in this moment more than he wants her. In any and every way.

  She drops down to her knees, then leans forward and scrapes her nails down his chest, over battered, scarred flesh that she treats like it was smooth as silk.

  He relaxes into the cushions, watching the way Kaia’s fingers trip along the waistband of his pants. She tugs them down until his erection springs free, and she gives him a lascivious smile as she takes his cock in her hand.

  She opens her mouth, flicks her tongue across his tip, then rubs it along the sensitive underside.

  Jason sucks in a sharp breath through clenched teeth, and slides his fingers through her hair as she takes him in her mouth.

  He’s seen it countless times at this point, but he doesn’t think he’ll ever see anything sexier than Kaia’s lips wrapped around him.

  He wants to tell her that. He wants to tell her so many things.

  Instead, he lets himself get lost in the warm pleasure of her mouth, and tries not to think for a while.

  * * * * *

  “You’re taking this a lot better than I thought you would,” Chase says, as he cuts a piece of steak and pops it into his mouth. “I’m still fucking floored.”

  Jason grins, and settles back into the booth, before taking a sip of his beer. It’s been too long since the two of them have had a casual lunch together. He’s going to have to make an effort to make this a regular thing.

  “I’ve had a few days to let it sink in.”

  “I can’t believe it,” he says, shaking his head. “All this time.”

  Jason nods. “All this time.”

  “Elise must’ve be
en pretty gutted to tell you all that,” Chase says. He’s spent a fair bit of time with Elise throughout the years, and knows that she thinks of Jason as her own son.

  “She was,” he replies, feeling regret settle in his bones. “I haven’t spoken to her since.”

  Chase furrows his brow, and Jason knows what he’s going to say. He’s going to reprimand him for shutting her out.

  “I just asked her for a little time,” he says quickly, wanting to spare Chase the lecture. “I was completely blindsided by it, and after the night I’d had, tensions were running high. It was better that way.”

  Chase nods. “I’ve seen you angry, and I tend to agree. Better to get some space than say something you’d regret. Figure out what you’re gonna do about it yet?”

  With a halfhearted shrug, Jason says, “Not yet.” It’s not like he’s planning to give her the silent treatment forever. He just needs some time to think.

  “Anything she kept hidden, man, you know she did it because she thought it was what was best for you, right?”

  Deep down, Jason knows that.

  “And I’m not trying to guilt trip you,” Chase continues, “but my mom told me she’s pretty torn up.”

  That surprises him. “Your mom knows?”

  “No, no.” Chase puts his beer down and waves his hand. “She asked me if you’d talked to Elise lately, because she’s been kind of down lately. Not herself. She won’t tell my mom what’s wrong, though.”

  That hits Jason harder than he anticipated. He loves Elise, he doesn’t want her hurting. Especially not when she only did what she thought was best for him, both in hiding the truth, and then in revealing it.

  “I won’t let it fester,” Jason assures his friend. “I’ll get in touch with her.”

  Chase grins. “Good. Seems like progress for you. Not too long ago, it probably would’ve taken years for you to come around.”

  Jason grins and nods, taking his friend’s gentle teasing in stride.

  “Things are…it’s easier with Kaia. Now that everything’s out in the open, she…she helps me in ways I never thought someone could.”

  “I never thought I’d see the day,” Chase replies, gently shaking his head as he raises his beer to his lips. “You, settling down, and not even seeming the least bit freaked out by it.”

  “I’m not freaked out at all. It’s actually nice.”

  Chase dramatically clutches his chest. “Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?”

  “You better be careful,” Jason says, picking up his bottle, and pointing the neck in Chase’s direction. “If I fall into domestic bliss, I might just start trying to set you up.”

  “Double dating.” Chase shivers, and makes a little retching noise.

  “One day, it’ll hit you before you even know it.”

  “Not a chance. I’m glad you’re happy, though. You deserve it, after everything.”

  “I am happy. And I want you to meet her.”

  Chase nods. “Name the time, name the date. I’m there.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  The time is 7PM. The date is that Sunday.

  And Kaia’s so nervous that she wants to crawl out of her skin. Jason has two people in his life that he’s incredibly close to. She’s already met Elise, and liked her, and is well on her way to helping Jason mend his relationship with her.

  Chase is the second. His oldest, dearest friend. She wants to make a good impression. She desperately wants Chase to like her.

  She’s pretty sure Elise does, so she’s at least doing well in that department.

  It doesn’t do anything to calm her nerves as far as Chase is concerned, and she’s not even really doing anything for this get together. Jason ordered dinner, it’s on its way. The red is uncorked and on the counter breathing.

  The table is set, waiting for the food to be delivered.

  All Kaia has to do is wait.

  She chooses to do her waiting in front of the mirror that hangs on the back of Jason’s bedroom door, checking that her hair is in place, that her dress isn’t wrinkled.

  It’s not like she’s trying to look good for Chase, she’s just trying to look good, period. Both his and Jason’s romantic histories have been splashed across the pages of the city tabloids. She’s not trying to compare to those other women, exactly, it’s just that she knows there have been a lot of others, and she wants to rate somewhere.

  It’s ridiculous, she knows this. She has Jason’s heart and commitment, and that’s the most important part. There’s just a not-so-small part of her that wants his friend to agree with his choices.

  Some wine would probably help stop this train of thought right in its station.

  “Relax,” Jason says, walking up behind her. His presence startles her. It doesn’t take long until she’s calmed by the look in his eyes.

  Appreciative. Wanting.

  He’s dressed casually, in a Henley and a nice-fitting pair of jeans. She’s wearing her favorite sheath dress. Not too fancy, but she looks like she gives a damn about her appearance, which is what she’s going for.

  It’s black, and hugs all the right curves. Jason loves it on her, which was one of the reasons she chose it, if she’s being honest.

  “You look beautiful,” he says, clasping her wrist as she goes to smooth over her skirt for the thousandth time. “Amazing.” He leans down and presses a kiss against her bare shoulder. “Gorgeous.”

  “If you’re not careful, your friend is going to walk in on something pretty indecent.”

  He laughs, a hot breath that glides across her skin. “He’s not going to just walk in. The door’s locked.”

  Kaia arches against Jason’s chest as he sucks on the curve of her neck. His hand slides up to her breast, and right on cue, the doorbell rings.

  Kaia pulls away from Jason with a laugh, and he just lets out a long-suffering groan.

  “What’s the opposite of being saved by the bell?”

  With an angry little grumble, Jason replies, “Cockblocked by the bell?”

  “If tonight goes well, I just might make it up to you.”

  Jason’s eyes light up. “Promise?”

  Kaia shakes her head, takes his hand, and leads him to the front door. “C’mon.”

  * * * * *

  “I’m so glad I’m finally getting the chance to meet you,” Chase says with a genuine smile.

  He’s sitting across from her at Jason’s table, empty takeout containers and empty plates all around them.

  They’ve gotten into the wine, and all the nervousness Kaia felt earlier has melted away. It’s a little bit because of the alcohol, and a little bit because Chase is even more charming and friendly than Kaia could’ve imagined.

  Things are going so well, and she doesn’t feel at all like a third wheel, which is something she really worried about.

  “It’s good to finally meet you, too.”

  “I told Jason that I’ve never seen him this happy. I was almost convinced that you weren’t real. This is one instance where I’m happy to be proven wrong.”

  “I’m very real,” she replies, sliding her hand down to cover her stomach. “And very stuffed. That was delicious.”

  “It was,” Jason agrees.

  “Knowing the owners helps,” Chase explains, leaning back in his chair. “One call, and they’ll make anything for you. Just tell them you want a special meal for dinner with a special woman.”

  There isn’t an ounce of flirtation in the way he says those words, but Kaia feels a smile creeping across her lips just the same. She can’t help but laugh, and shake her head.

  “What?” Chase asks.

  “You’re very charming.”

  Jason laughs. “He’s laying it on a little thick this evening.”

  Kaia turns her head so she can get a good look at Jason, where he’s sitting beside her. She narrows her eyes. “You don’t think I’m a special woman?”

  He leans in and gives her a quick peck. “You’re the most spec
ial woman I know,” he replies quickly. “But I’m the only one in this room who’s allowed to think that.”

  Kaia doesn’t mind Jason’s possessive streak, really. In fact, she thinks she quite likes it when it comes out amongst friends. Especially when it makes him slide his arm along the back of her chair, and gently trail his fingertips up and down her bare arm like he’s doing right now.

  Yeah, she likes that a lot.

  She smiles despite herself, and looks between the two old friends. “You two together are quite a force to be reckoned with.”

  “It’s a good thing we went to college across the country from each other,” Chase says with a laugh. “The world might never have recovered. In prep school, though? That’s a different story.”

  “We were partners in crime,” Jason replies.

  “Yep.” Chase nods, then takes a sip of his wine. “We got into a ton of trouble.”

  “And charmed our way out of it.”

  “Almost all of it,” Chase amends.

  Kaia figured as much. Chase and Jason are so naturally charismatic individually, and she’s only just starting to get a taste of what a force that is when they’re together. She can only imagine how concentrated the powers are when they’re together and actually trying.

  “What kind of trouble did you two get into?”

  Chase laughs. “Oh, you know. Typical asshole teenager stuff. Breaking into the headmaster’s office and bringing his furniture out onto the school’s front lawn, ditching school to steal my father’s boat and take it for a spin on the bay.”

  Kaia laughs so loud and so suddenly that she actually has to cover her mouth.

  “What?” Jason and Chase say simultaneously, both looking pretty confused. It’s cute, Kaia thinks.

  “That is not typical teenager stuff,” she replies. “That’s spoiled rich kid stuff.”

  They both pretend to be offended.

  Jason’s hand slides down her back. “Oh? Why don’t you tell us what typical teenager stuff is, then.”