Billionaire's Game Read online

  “Tell me everything. How did you meet him? Is he charming? No, no, most importantly, is he single?”

  “Uhh...” I didn’t know how to answer that without sounding like a crazy jealous stalker. What was I supposed to say? He’s single, but hands off? I thought I didn’t care about who Magnus dated, but jealousy reared its ugly head when I thought about him dating someone other than me. Especially when that someone was a person I considered a friend. I inwardly groaned at how conflicted my feelings for Magnus were: I didn’t want to date him, but I didn’t want anyone else to have him either. Great. That was so illogical.

  “Come on, come on, tell me everything. I’m practically salivating over here. It’s not every day that you realize you know someone who knows not one but two billionaires and one of them is a really hot, eligible, tasty, billionaire.”

  “Tasty?” I laughed at the description. I couldn’t help myself from thinking: Sex with Magnus had been pretty incredible, but tasty definitely was not an adjective I’d use to describe him.

  Violet smacked her lips together. “Yes, tasty. Do you know all the things I would do to that man? Girl, one night with me and he would have to limp to work.” I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. And she began to laugh too.

  “Oh my gosh, you are so ridiculous. I mean that in a nice way. I hope you get hired. I have a coworker named Maya and I think you two would really hit it off.”

  “I’m sure Maya’s great, but tell me more about Magnus Deacon. How did you meet him? Is he a friend of Mr. Oliver’s?”

  I nodded. “I think so. I’m not too sure of their relationship, but I know that they know each other. I actually met Magnus at work.”

  “What?” her eyes became huge again.

  “You know that charity event you heard about in the news? Well, Ophelia’s Angels is that charity.”

  “No. You’re joking?” She could barely contain herself. “Are you working with him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow. Just wow. That is so cool. Can you introduce us?” she said, suddenly grabbing my arm. “It would make Steve so jealous if he saw me in the tabloids with Magnus Deacon.”

  “I guess I could. He doesn’t really work with us, he just comes in and out. I’m sort of his partner for the show Brain Pain.” I explained to her about the charity event and how Magnus was involved.

  “I need to hang out with you more often. You’re like the luckiest girl I know.”

  “I wouldn’t say that exactly.”

  “I would. Now tell me everything. What’s he like?”

  I shrugged. “Nice, I guess.”

  She looked at me as if I had no clue what I was talking about. “Nice, that’s all? Nice is the word I use to describe the mailman. Come on, what’s he really like?” She emphasized the word ‘really’.

  I thought about her question and then said, “He’s easy-going, patient, a genuinely good guy. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before. He’s rich, but not arrogant. He’s good-looking, but doesn’t seem to care. He’s smart with a wry sense of humor. He’s observant, considerate. And persistent.” I smiled a little, thinking of the number of times he’d asked me out despite rejection after rejection.

  She sighed and sat back in her chair. “He sounds perfect. Do you think he’s dating anyone?”

  I instantly tensed up. Was she really interested in pursuing him? I felt uneasy about the idea, but I’d made it clear that I didn’t want anything to do with him on a personal level. Funny, I’d decided that after spending the evening getting to know him on a very, very personal level. But I was determined to pretend that night didn’t happen.

  “I don’t think he’s dating anyone.” I definitely didn’t mention that he’d asked me out countless times. I didn’t feel like explaining to her or anyone else why I’d said no, but then again, I couldn’t even explain to myself why I’d said no. I didn’t know what my problem was, but I didn't want anyone else to think I was a complete basket case, either.

  “Cool. So do you think you could introduce us?”

  Now I wasn’t going to do that. I didn’t want to be with him, but I surely didn’t want a friend of mine to sneak in on my territory. I bit the inside of my cheek; I knew I was being unfair and I had no claim on Magnus and, of course, I wasn’t going to tell Violet that I’d slept with him, but I certainly wasn’t going to help her date him.

  “I don’t know him all that well,” I lied. “I’m just his partner. But I’m sure you’ll meet him eventually if you’re hired. He pops up from time to time.” In my head, I was hoping the opposite. I was hoping he and Violet would never meet. He would take one look at her and forget I even existed. I was Plain Jane while Violet looked like a modern-day Marilyn Monroe. I didn’t know what I was feeling. I didn’t want him, but I didn’t want anyone else to have him either.

  Who was I kidding? I did want him. Well, in a sexual sense. I didn’t want a relationship with him. Being in a relationship with a billionaire would be way too complicated, right? And complication wasn’t what I needed in my life. I wanted adventure, but not complications. I didn’t need Magnus.

  But if that were true why did the idea of him and Violet together fill me with jealousy?

  “Well, I hope to get to meet him.”

  Before I could control myself, I blurted out, “He asked me out.” Wow, it’s amazing what a little jealousy will make you do, I thought to myself immediately regretting telling Violet. But hey, she didn’t know the full story... yet. I just needed to keep my mouth shut.

  “Seriously? And you never said a word about it until just now. Are you freaking kidding me? When did this all happen? You should have told me about it ages ago.”

  “It was no big deal. I turned him down.”

  Her mouth literally fell open. “Are you insane?”

  “What?”

  “Are you insane?”

  “I heard you the first time. Why are you questioning my sanity? What did I do?”

  Violet narrowed her eyes at me. “What do you mean what did you do? You turned down Magnus Deacon. Magnus Deacon,” she repeated for emphasis.

  I sighed, deeply regretting my sudden outburst. “I think I need a makeover,” I said in an obvious attempt to change the subject.

  Violet called me out immediately. “Hey, hey, hey, don’t change the subject.”

  “I’m not... I mean... just look at me and now look at you.”

  She looked at her clothes and shrugged. “What? I mean, yeah, you could put on a little makeup and maybe wear clothes that actually fit... but you look fine.” Then she paused and gave me a disappointed look. “Don’t tell me you said no to Magnus Deacon, this state’s most eligible bachelor, because you’re insecure about your looks.”

  “What? No! I’m not insecure. I’m just, well... look at me.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

  I sighed. “I haven’t used lotion in about six months.”

  “Yikes. Now that is a little much.”

  “But seriously, Magnus Deacon isn’t my type.”

  She looked at me dubiously. “You have a type?”

  “Of course, I do.”

  She crossed her arms. “Alright let’s hear it.”

  I tried to come up with something but my mind went blank. “Umm... let’s just say, I do have a type and Magnus really doesn’t fall under that umbrella.”

  “Got it. Rich. Sexy. Powerful. Not your type.”

  “Right.”

  “So I guess poor, unattractive, and powerless is more your speed?”

  “Hey!”

  I was offended, but I didn’t want to tell her that I felt Magnus was too far out of my league, not to mention out of my comfort zone, romantically. I was just an average girl from West Virginia. Magnus could pretty much chew me up and spit me out. Yeah, he was a nice guy, but that didn’t change the fact I was inexperienced and intimidated by his wealth. Not to mention, my experience with relationships was limited. I had just enough experience to lose my virgini
ty, but that was about all. Before I’d slept with Magnus, I’d only slept with one other guy.

  I’d had a boyfriend in graduate school, but I preferred to use that term loosely. He’d been a guy, but he hadn’t been much of a friend or lover. He’d been a bit of a dork. I hated how he chewed with his mouth full and his skills in the bedroom had been desperately lacking. I remember spending evenings online reading about sex to find a way to tell him how terrible he was and, in the end, we’d just broken up. He told me I was cold and inexperienced so it was my fault I hadn’t been satisfied. I knew he was wrong, but his words had still hurt.

  “Can we talk about something else?” I didn’t want to dwell on my own insecurities.

  “Like what?”

  “How are your siblings doing? They must be glad to have you home.”

  She looked sad for a moment. “They’re great, but being home is making me feel like a loser. And even worse my younger sister has been offered a job at NASA in Alabama.”

  I laughed. “How is that bad news?”

  “I’m the oldest! I should be the overachiever. Instead, my little sister is... Gosh, she sucks.”

  I nudged Violet. “Be nice. You should be happy for her.”

  She made a face and changed the subject. “So are you serious about that makeover?”

  I nodded. “I would at least like to get some new clothes. Maybe something with some color and no holes.”

  Violet nodded. “Good idea. Let’s do this.”

  “You mean now?”

  “You got other plans for today?”

  “Nope.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  We took Violet’s car to the mall. I was taken by surprise when we arrived at the mall to find it full of people. It was completely unexpected especially since it was a weekday. I remember reading an article about how malls were closing down and disappearing around America. Apparently, those journalists or reporters didn’t get the memo: malls were still booming and even thriving in some areas.

  “I haven’t hung out at a mall since, I don’t know, I was maybe fifteen.”

  We made our way to the entrance of a large department store, one of the last of a dying breed.

  “Same here,” Violet said. “Kids from my school would hang out here all the time, but I was rarely invited.”

  Her comment made me pause. “Were you bullied in high school?”

  She shook her head. “I wasn’t bullied. Just ignored. Believe it or not, I sort of have trouble making friends. I don’t know why. I think I’m pretty great.”

  Violet could be a little much and sometimes she said things that were totally off-the-wall cuckoo, but I thought she was cool and funny.

  “I think other girls were just intimidated by my beauty,” she said matter-of-factly. She noticed the look on my face and immediately laughed.

  “I was joking!” She sighed. “I pretty much struggled with my weight all my life. I wasn’t exactly what you would call hot in high school. I was still pretty outgoing, but being chubby definitely made me feel insecure at times. I think some of the kids picked up on that and were determined to make my life miserable by pretending that I just didn’t exist.”

  I looked at her in surprise. “I’m sorry that happened to you. You look great now and I’m sure you were beautiful then, no matter your size.”

  She smiled. “Thanks. That’s probably the nicest thing another woman has ever said to me. I appreciate that, but to maintain this figure I have to work out at least five days a week and watch what I eat. Carbs hate me, but I love them so much. It’s tough. The struggle is all too real.”

  “That sucks.”

  “Sure does. I was such a chubby teen. I loved cinnamon rolls... all the sugar and cinnamon on such a tasty treat. Yum,” she said, making me laugh. “But when college rolled around, I started taking nutrition classes and I discovered that I actually do like working out. Who would have known? And so the more weight I lost, the fewer clothes I wore,” she said with a giggle. “Body confidence is amaaazing,” she drawled, stretching out the word. “Like seriously, Les. Nothing feels better than being confident in your own skin. And I kind of wish you would realize that.”

  “What?”

  “Well, I noticed how you always try to cover your body up and try to blend in. It’s sort of like you’re afraid of being noticed.”

  I opened my mouth to argue with her and then closed it. She was right. Who would have known Violet was so perceptive?

  I decided to just deny the truth that Violet could easily see. “I’m not afraid of being noticed. I’m just modest, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with that.” I knew my comment came out sounding a tad defensive. I did feel a little attacked, but only because her assessment was spot on.

  “Hey, don’t bite my head off. I’m not saying you have to dress like me, but there’s nothing wrong with accepting your sexual side and even flaunting it a little.”

  I blushed. If only she knew I had spent quite a bit of my evening accepting my sexual side and flaunting it all over Magnus. But maybe she was right.

  “What exactly are you suggesting? Make out with random dudes and wear mini-skirts?”

  “What? No. That’s totally my role in this friendship. I’m the slutty friend,” she joked.

  Her comment made me laugh. “So what am I?”

  “The smart and pretty friend who desperately needs a makeover or at least a good haircut and clothes from this decade.”

  She had a point there. I was wearing a pair of shorts I used to wear in high school and the t-shirt was from some event I went to in college. And the sad part was that I’d changed into the clothes I currently had on to look “nice.” It was clear: I had no fashion sense.

  “I always cut my hair at home,” was all I could think to say. “I think it comes out pretty good.”

  She gasped and mockingly widened her eyes. “This has got to stop.”

  I laughed again. Violet was hilarious. “Well, you win. New haircut and new clothes sound like a good idea.”

  “Hallelujah. Follow me.”

  Chapter Nine

  The next day, I rode with Lacey to the office. I was still a little uncomfortable and nervous about my new look. My hair was still long, but it had gotten a much-needed trim and I had actually brushed it. When I’d mentioned I wanted to put some color in my wardrobe, Violet had been ecstatic. Now I was the proud owner of clothes that weren’t just khaki or faded.

  My once colorless wardrobe now had sprinkles of blue, pink, red, and even a little bit of yellow. I thought yellow washed me out, but Violet said all colors were meant to be worn. I didn’t quite trust that fashion advice, but what did I know? I’d lived in jean shorts, jeans and flannel shirts for eight years straight. My wardrobe was practically crying for an update.

  I pulled at the red polka dot skirt Violet had convinced me to wear. It was really snug and I was surprised that it actually looked pretty great on my rear end. I hadn’t considered my rear end an asset until Violet had said, “You have some junk in your trunk, girl,” and high-fived me.

  I was wearing a graphic tee with the skirt which Violet said was totally fine. I loved the whole graphic tee look and liked that I could wear it with a professional skirt and still look put together. I felt like myself, just a dressier version.

  I nervously pulled at my hair. And then I nervously pulled at the tight skirt I was wearing and finally, I fidgeted with the clingy, long-sleeve, graphic shirt I had on.

  “Stop fidgeting. You look great,” Lacey said, not for the first time. She’d helped me pick out this morning’s outfit.

  “You really think so? I don’t know,” I said as I looked down at my new shoes, pointy-toed, red, and adorable. “I don’t know. I just don’t feel completely like myself.”

  “Trust me. You look like you, just an updated version. Like Lesli 2.0 instead of Lesli 1.0.”

  “Thanks... I guess.”

  She laughed at my dubious tone as she impatiently waited for the stopli
ght to change. She lowered the sun visor and looked at the little mirror inside. “Ugghhh,” she groaned at her reflection, as she flipped the sun visor back up and said with a voice full of disgust. “I gotta get more sleep. I think I’m starting to get bags under my eyes.”

  I shook my head. “You’re crazy. We have great genes. We don’t get bags. It’s all in your mind.”

  She whimpered as she pulled away from the stoplight. “Don’t humor me. I’m falling apart, but whatever.” Then she perked up. “Anyway, we’re not talking about me.”

  I groaned inwardly. I had hoped that the topic of conversation would continue to be the nonexistent bags under her eyes instead of my makeover.

  “Seriously, you look good. You’re wearing clothes that actually fit and something other than a t-shirt. And your hair is freshly cut. You’re actually making me envious. I haven’t cut my hair in at least a year and I’m pretty sure it’s covered in baby drool half the time. Sebastian loves to eat my hair.”

  “You look great. You're a hot mom.”

  She beamed. “You think so?”

  “Definitely.”

  “You aren’t just saying that to make me feel good about not showering or washing my hair in days?”

  I laughed. “I didn’t need to know all that information, but, umm, no... I’m not just complimenting you to appease you… It’s a genuine compliment. You’re a great mom and you make motherhood look good.”

  She placed her hand over her heart and said, “That’s soooo sweet. I knew there was a reason you were my favorite cousin.”

  “I’m your only cousin.”

  She giggled and I punched her lightly in the shoulder.

  “What do you think the chances are that Jude will hire Violet?”

  “One hundred percent.”

  “Oh. Those are good chances.”

  “Yeah. With the holidays coming around, we need all the help we can get. And if you recommended her, she has to be close to perfect.”

  I thought of Violet and grinned. “Well, I wouldn’t say perfect.”