More Than A Billionaire: The Sherbrookes of Newport, #6

By christina tetreault

Everyone views Grayson Sherbrooke as a carefree billionaire who lives a life of luxury.  However, Gray is much more than that.

When Grayson Sherbrooke returns to Providence for his brother’s wedding, he plans to spend some time with his family before getting back to his own life. A single dance with his childhood friend, Kiera Renault, changes all that. Soon, Gray finds himself longing to settle down with the woman he loves. Unfortunately, the secret he’s kept for years keeps getting in the way.

Kiera Renault hasn’t seen Gray in years. After a dance at his brother’s wedding, though, she can’t get him from her mind. Quickly, their relationship changes from mere friends to lovers, and Kiera pictures herself spending the rest of her life with Gray.

Just when they both believe they’ll get what their hearts’ desire, Gray’s secret threatens to tear them apart forever. Now, Gray must decide between the woman he loves and the secret he has kept from the world. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: christina tetreault
• Release date: Jul 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9780990651154

Book preview

More Than A Billionaire

The Sherbrookes of Newport book 5

Christina Tetreault

More Than A Billionaire, Copyright 2015 by Christina Tetreault

Published by Christina Tetreault

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author at [e-mail]. This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

For more information on the author and her works, please see www.christinatetreault.com.

DIGITAL ISBN: 978-0-9906511-5-4

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

Excerpt

Other Books By Christina Tetreault

Other Books By Christina Tetreault

*Loving The Billionaire, a novella

*The Teacher’s Billionaire

*The Billionaire Playboy

*The Billionaire Princess

*The Billionaire’s Best Friend

*Redeeming The Billionaire

*More Than A Billionaire

*Protecting The Billionaire

*Bidding On The Billionaire, coming soon

+The Courage To Love

+Hometown Love

+The Playboy Next Door

*The Sherbrookes of Newport Series

+Love On The North Shore Series

Chapter 1

Mr. Sherbrooke, we’ll be landing in a moment.

About time something went right today. Gray Sherbrooke glanced up from his magazine. Thank you, Becky.

His personal flight attendant smiled and walked away, once again leaving Gray alone with his thoughts. Opening his briefcase, he tossed the magazine inside and wished he could toss his guilt inside, too.

Arriving in town mere hours before his brother’s wedding hadn’t been the plan. No, he’d intended to arrive in Rhode Island two weeks ago for the bachelor party. Then, he’d assumed he’d visit with his family and indulge himself with some of Mathieu’s, his father’s chef, meals until the wedding. Maybe while there, he’d drive out to Connecticut and meet the newest member of the Sherbrooke clan. His cousin Callie’s son had been born that September, but he’d yet to see the baby, although he had spoken with Callie and her husband right after James was born.

Unfortunately, as often happened these days, his personal wants had gone on the back burner. In fact, in the past year, work had forced him to miss not only his brother’s bachelor party, but also his cousin Sara’s engagement party, the family’s annual New Year’s Eve bash in Newport, and Christmas. He missed Thanksgiving, too, but the flu caused that.

Work, however, had kept him from meeting Trent’s fiancée, the woman his brother was marrying in a matter of hours.

The plane’s wheels hit the runway with a thud, and Gray grabbed his tuxedo jacket and wool overcoat. He’d changed into the tux during the flight to save time. Even so, he was fully expecting the classic expression of disappointment his father had perfected over the years when he arrived at Trent’s apartment, the one Dad pulled out whenever one of his five children did something he didn’t approve of. Growing up, Trent had received that look the most. However, as of late, both he and Derek had received their fair share. Somehow, Alec and Allison escaped it most of the time.

Gray waited near the plane’s exit as it rolled to a stop. He took a step forward, prepared to open the door, but Becky beat him to it. A blast of cold air hit him head on, and he pulled on his overcoat, wishing his brother had picked June instead of January for his wedding.

The weather channel said an arctic cold front moved into the area. Looks like they got that right. Becky took a step away from the door.

Looks like it. Gray glanced outside. Snow from a recent storm remained on the ground, and icicles hung from the airport’s roof. Had it only been that morning he’d left his hotel under a sun filled sky while people in shorts walked by? Mexico wasn’t one of his favorite places, but he’d take its weather over this any day.

If my plans change, I’ll let you know, but otherwise, I’ll fly home on Friday. He had no pressing matters at work, so he hoped to squeeze in a short visit with his family before returning to New York.

Becky took another step away from the door as a gust of wind whipped around him. Enjoy the wedding.

He planned to. He also planned to enjoy his visit with his dad and Abby, his stepmother, in Barrington. Perhaps if he was lucky, Mathieu would prepare some of his favorite dishes while he visited. The long-time chef, who, in many ways, was a part of the family, made sure each member got their favorite meals when home. He’d started the habit when Trent had first left for boarding school, and it continued to this day.

Gray pulled up his collar. The car he’d arranged to pick him up sat idling, the driver standing near the back door. So far today, he was two-for-two. He hoped his luck held, and he didn’t hit any traffic into Providence.

Even before Gray reached the car, the driver opened the back passenger door.

Good afternoon, Mr. Sherbrooke. As soon as I get your luggage, we’ll be on our way.

I only have one suitcase today. Gray ducked into the car, grateful for the heat blasting inside.

On a good day, and perhaps any other day except his brother’s wedding day, the trip from the airport in Warwick to his brother’s penthouse took ten minutes. Of course, since he’d already had a few things go his way today, a short trip to the city was too much to ask for.

They got as far as the exit for the zoo before coming to a halt. In the distance, he heard sirens, and within moments, a police cruiser sped by, followed by an ambulance and a fire truck. Several moments later, two more ambulances and another State Police cruiser passed by.

The driver glanced back at him. It looks like a bad accident. I don’t think we’ll be moving again for some time.

Gray pulled out his cell phone. What were the chances his brother or father had their phones turned on? At this point, all he could do was try everyone until someone answered—though, a phone call wouldn’t do anything if he missed the wedding. On the up side, if he did arrive late, it wouldn’t shock his family. He hadn’t been Mr. Reliable the past few years when it came to the family.

Twenty minutes later, Gray walked into The Hillcrest and passed through the lobby, stopping at the security desk. He’d only visited the place once before, but the security guard took one look at him and punched in the code for Trent’s private elevator. There were some upsides to sharing such a strong family resemblance.

Once off the elevator, Gray knocked on his brother’s apartment door and waited.

Look who decided to show up. His younger brother, Derek, opened the door, shaking his head. Looks like you two won that bet.

Nice to see you, too. Gray stepped around his brother into the apartment. Even without asking, he had a good idea of what they’d been betting on.

The fact that his own brother didn’t have enough confidence in him to know he’d never miss Trent’s wedding stung almost as much as the fact that Trent had asked their cousin, Jake, to be his best man. When Trent had dropped the news, it hadn’t shocked him. Trent and Jake had been close all their lives. They were only months apart in age and acted more like brothers than mere cousins. Still, a tiny part of Gray resented the fact that his older brother had chosen Jake over him. If he stayed honest with himself, however, he had to admit that Jake was a better choice.

Derek, I told you and Alec not to bet against Jake and me. Trent walked over and slugged Gray in the arm.

Derek shrugged. You both got lucky.

I can’t believe the four of you were betting on whether or not I’d show today.

Nay, we took bets on whether you’d get here in time for the ceremony. Alec and Derek figured I’d have to call Curt to ask him to take your place. Trent handed him a drink. I knew you’d get here.

A fantastic insult sat on Gray’s tongue, but he held it back. If just his brothers and cousin were there, he would have let it fly, but their father was there as well as man he assumed was Addison’s brother, and a photographer, too.

So who was it this time? A pretty blonde beach babe or that bikini model you were seen with last month? Derek asked with a knowing wink.

Gray took a sip from his drink and resisted the urge to wipe the smile from his brother’s face. Something else he couldn’t do with his father in the room. If his brothers and cousin knew what he’d been doing a few hours before, they wouldn’t have joked, but he had to keep that part of his life private, even from his family.

I was in Mexico for work, not pleasure.

"Since when don’t you mix the two? It’s amazing how Sherbrooke Enterprises needs you to go to all the exotic locations in the world."

Most days, Derek’s comments rolled off his back. Derek excelled at giving him a hard time. He always had. Today, his brother’s comments sent his already foul mood farther south.

I told them all you’d be here. Gray’s dad gave him a hug and a thump on the back. I hope you plan to visit for a little while.

Gray chose to ignore Derek and his comments. At least for a few days.

His father stepped away. Good. Abby will be pleased.

Gray, I’d like you to meet Addie’s brother, Rock. Trent dropped a hand on his future brother in-law’s shoulder.

Gray didn’t know a lot about Trent’s fiancée, but he did know she had four older brothers all of whom were in the military. It’s nice to meet you. Gray extended his hand toward the man. He didn’t know the how or why behind the name Rock, but it certainly fit the guy well. He was built like a giant boulder.

You, too. Rock shook his hand, but didn’t crack a smile.

Okay, gentlemen, now that you’re all here, I’d like to get a few more shots before we head to the church. The photographer stepped forward, interrupting the family reunion.

***

Kiera glanced around the grand ballroom. How long had it been since she visited Cliff House? She didn’t know, but it looked unchanged. Of course, why would anyone mess with something so magnificent?

That was such a beautiful ceremony today, her mom said beside her. And I haven’t seen Trent look so happy since before his mom passed.

Not only was her mother, Annette, married to Mark Sherbrooke’s chef, but she was also the head gardener for his estates. Her mom had met Mrs. Sherbrooke when they’d been kids at summer camp years ago. In fact, her Mom was the first employee Donna Sherbrooke hired after she and her husband had built their mansion in Barrington. A lover of plants and flowers, Donna had often worked alongside her mom, and sometimes, their children would accompany them.

As usual, her mom was correct. Everything about the ceremony had been gorgeous, if not a little too traditional for her tastes. Considering Trent’s wife came from a large Italian family, it made sense that they’d gotten married in the Catholic Cathedral on Fenner Street in downtown Providence.

It was, and I love Addison’s gown. Kiera looked across the room. The bridesmaids’ gowns are beautiful, too.

She watched Trent’s sister dance with a gorgeous man in dress blues. Thanks to the media—and her mother—she knew that the man with Trent’s sister was one of Addison’s older brothers.

Mark must be thrilled everyone made it today.

Others might find it odd that her mom called her employer by his first name, but not Kiera. Over the years, the line between employer and employee had blurred between the Sherbrookes and Renaults, which explained their presence at the wedding today. Although still a large reception, only immediate family and close friends filled the ballroom.

Your dad overheard Mark and Abby the other night. Mark was worried Gray wouldn’t make it. He missed Trent’s bachelor party.

Kiera looked across the room at Gray, who sat in conversation with his cousin Sara and her fiancée. Really?

Trent and Gray had a good sibling relationship, or at least they had growing up. She had seen it first-hand, spending much of her childhood tagging along with the two of them as they explored their parents’ estates in Barrington and on Martha’s Vineyard.

Her mom nodded. And he never showed up for the New Year’s Eve party, according to your grandfather.

Despite his advanced years, her grandfather, Henri Renault, still ruled the kitchen of Cliff House, something he’d done for well over thirty years.

I didn’t think he ever missed that.

Your father heard Mark say he’s worried Gray’s taking up where Trent left off with women. Her mom leaned a little closer. I’ve always adored Trent, but he was a terrible player, with a different woman on his arm every other week. It drove his father crazy.

Her mom didn’t have to tell her what a playboy Trent had been before meeting Addison. The media had done a fabulous job documenting his activities. When she’d first heard Trent was getting married, she’d wondered if Mom had gotten it wrong.

Kiera glanced at her mother. He’s probably just busy.

She hadn’t spent much time with Gray over the past few years, but she didn’t see him jumping from one woman to the next the way Trent had.

Then again, people changed. Weren’t they, right now, celebrating the marriage of Trent Sherbrooke, a man the world never envisioned married?

I hope that’s all. I think Trent already gave Mark enough stress.

Although it shouldn’t matter to her one way or the other, she hoped she was right, too. Kiera’s eyes drifted in Gray’s direction again.

As she watched, Sara said something that caused Gray to shake his head and frown. In the process, their eyes met. Right away, his frown reversed direction, and he waved.

Kiera returned the gesture and expected him to continue his conversation. Instead, he said something to Sara, then headed her way.

Wow, the man rocked a tuxedo. Then again, he’d make a toga look hot. Grayson Sherbrooke, like everyone else in the Sherbrooke family, had hit the jackpot in the gene department. Tall and blessed with an athletic physique, he’d inherited his father’s dirty blond hair and his mother’s light blue eyes. It was no wonder every magazine editorial staff loved to put him on their cover.

Annette, how are you? Gray sat down at the table and smiled at her mom. Is Mathieu here, too?

He went to get some drinks. Her mom patted Gray’s hand. You’ve been away too long. We’ve all missed you.

I know, but now that I’m here, I plan to take advantage of Mathieu’s cooking.

If you want something exceptional, Kiera’s the one you want cooking for you. Her mom looked around as if to make sure her husband wasn’t within hearing. Her culinary skills surpass even her grandfather’s now.

Kiera heard the pride in her mom’s voice, and even though she didn’t agree, the praise pleased her.

Gray looked her way. Doesn’t surprise me. He paused, then got a mischievous glint in his eyes. Do you still specialize in chocolate cupcakes?

Of course. What else?

Gray’s comment brought up a long-forgotten memory. She’d been perhaps five or six and had made cupcakes with her dad. Once they’d cooled, he’d let her decorate them on her own. Like any good kid, she found a bag of double chocolate cookies and gummy worms. She’d crushed up the cookies and added them and the worms to the frosting on the cupcakes. Once finished, she’d snatched three and brought them to Trent and Gray’s tree house, only to find that their younger sister, Allison, had followed them that day. None of them had wanted to share the treats, so she convinced Allison that the cupcakes were covered with real worms and dirt. Allison believed her and ran off to find a more suitable snack, leaving the three of them alone to enjoy their cupcakes.

And now that you mention it, I think I’ll bake some tonight.

Any chance I can get a few?

Kiera patted his hand. For you, I’ll even add extra worms.

Gray laughed a deep rich sound that shattered the serious expression she struggled to maintain.

Perfect. I’ll be by first thing tomorrow to pick them up. Gray tilted his head toward the dance floor. How about a dance?

She lifted each of his hands and examined them. You’re not holding any snakes, so I guess it’s safe.

Gray threw back his head and laughed again. You’re never going to forgive me for that, are you?

Nope. Thanks to Gray and the garter snake he’d dropped on her head one day, she still got uneasy around snakes.

He helped her up. I promise no snakes. Besides, I’ve learned women prefer to be surprised with jewelry instead.

Together, they joined the other dancers already on the dance floor.

I’m warning you, I haven’t danced in a long time. Kiera rested her palms on his shoulders. Shoulders that were a bit wider than she remembered. Of course, the last time she’d danced with Gray, they’d been about fourteen. His mother had brought a professional dance instructor to the estate so that Trent, Gray, and Allison, could learn to dance properly. Short one female dance partner; Gray’s mom had invited her to join them.

Gray’s hand settled on her waist. I’ll be careful.

Like an expert, Gray moved them across the dance floor. When they approached the happy bride and groom, she watched them for a moment or two.

Trent’s married. Blows the mind.

A dancer behind them bumped into her, and Gray moved them away from the couple.

I always thought he’d end up living in a mansion maybe on a private island surrounded by beautiful young women, she said. I pictured Jake that way, too.

Me, too?

Kiera looked away from the dancers, so she could see his face and discovered they now stood much closer than before. When had that happened? Had she moved closer or had he pulled her up against him? Either way, they needed space between them because she suddenly found it difficult to think.

Never. She met his eyes, an easy feat thanks to the height she’d inherited from her dad, but then she wished she hadn’t because she couldn’t look away.

Gray waited for Kiera’s answer. How she pictured him or anyone else in his family shouldn’t matter, yet it did. A lot.

Then how do you picture me someday? The question spilled out and he cursed himself. What a ridiculous question.

More like your father, I guess. Kiera titled her head. You know, married to someone like your mom or one of your aunts, with a house full of light-haired, blue-eyed children.

Relief, or something close to it, seeped through his body. If the media or strangers wanted to believe he was a carefree partier traveling around the world, dating different women, he didn’t care. His family and close friends were another story. Technically, Kiera wasn’t either—at least, not anymore. They hadn’t talked in years. For some reason, though, her opinion still mattered to him.

That’s a relief.

Kiera rolled her eyes. I’m sure you would’ve lost sleep if I had said something else.

Perhaps.

The slow song ended and another started up.

Wow, your feet survived that whole dance. I guess I remember more from those dance lessons than I thought. Kiera turned to head to the edge of the dance floor.

How about another dance, then? He kept his eyes on her face—the safest place for them. Or, rather, he tried. His eyes had ideas of their own.

He could honestly say he hadn’t thought of Kiera in years. Even still, he knew she’d be the only thing he thought about tonight and perhaps tomorrow.

You’re feet are the ones in danger, not mine. She placed her hands back on his shoulders.

Gray pulled her closer, much closer than during their first dance, and a long-suppressed memory floated up—when he’d seen Kiera as a girl rather than a pal who happened to live on his parents’ estate.

You’re dad must be happy you’re home. Are you staying long?

Kiera’s question interrupted his pleasant trip down Memory Lane.

"A few days, maybe more. What about you? Are you just visiting?

I moved back about a year ago. I loved living with my cousins in France, and working in Paris was incredible, but I missed my family here.

He got the whole missing family thing, though no one would believe that. There’s no other city quite like Paris. He’d traveled to cities around the world and Paris remained one of his favorites.

The song ended and a popular Top Forty hit replaced it, bringing their dance to an end—as well as his excuse for having Kiera in his arms.

Since we’re both around, why don’t we go for dinner one night? His dinner