An I.O.U. from a Billionaire

By Olivia B. Dannon

When a breakup with a doctor goes bad for RN Joan, she finds herself in a race home. The last thing she needs to slow her down is an arrogant billionaire having a bad day of his own.
Liam Wainwright is a man of power and status. Joan is not intimidated in the least and is, in fact, a huge, beautiful, pain in the ass. Somehow, she has
managed to get under
his skin and earned an
I.O.U. that Liam is
determined to make
good on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia B. Dannon
• Release date: Jun 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370989331

Olivia B. Dannon

Love a great romance?? Me too! I write fast paced romances that will keep the pages turning. Look for drawings and prizes!! I love a great giveaway! Connect with me on Facebook, twitter, and my website. I love connecting with readers and don't forget to rate my books, especially if you enjoyed them! A little about me? Well, let's see, I'm from a big family. I was a shy kid but not so much anymore. My family and writing are my two passions in life. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for my family and being a mom is such a blessing. I love cliffhangers and Happily Ever Afters, oh and suspenseful moments too. Don't forget to connect with me on Facebook so you wont miss out on the games, and giveaways!

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Your sister just got married in a barn, Earl Grayson stated in a tone of disbelief.

Joan smiled at her sister Kenna. Her golden blonde hair was pulled back away from her face, smiling in genuine joy. Her white dress was a princess style gown, with a long train and veil.

Tears spilled from the corners of Joan’s eyes as she watched Kenna kiss Winston, her new husband, for a second time. Isn’t she the most beautiful bride you’ve ever seen? Joan asked before cheering as the bride and groom turned toward the crowd of friends and family.

Earl muttered something that Joan didn’t hear with all the applause and well wishes in the air. A quick glance found him on his phone.

Texting during a wedding? Come on.

Everyone followed the bride and groom out into the meadow. A dance floor, sparkling lights, and tables were set with Kenna’s color theme – pink, white and navy. It was dusk and the lighting gave everything a magical glow.

Joan could hear Earl talking all through dinner to someone about being a very important doctor. She wasn’t paying attention. She’d heard all these stories before. This was the moment in Kenna’s life that Joan and her family had prayed for. All she could do was drink up the perfect happiness of Kenna and Winston.

When it was time for dancing, Earl took Joan out onto the dance floor. He was smiling, but it was fake. He wasn’t happy or comfortable around her family, and it was impossible to miss. In the ER at the hospital, he was in his element. At a gala or an exclusive charity dinner, he was charming and the man whom everyone loved to meet and talk with.

When the pleasantries were over, the real Earl shone through.

Joan found she didn’t like Earl and was pretty sure he was realizing things were coming to an end. So when he cleared his throat and looked down at her with a practiced, sympathetic expression she actually felt relief.

I’m not feeling us anymore, Joan.

Really? This is how you’re doing this?

I agree. I think being friends and coworkers is going to be best for us. Joan nodded.

Well, he scratched his chin, friends, sure. I don’t think coworker is going to work out for me. There is bound to be some hostility. I don’t need that at work. I save lives for a living.

Joan stopped dancing. You’re leaving Phoenix General? You’re on the board….

Oh, wait a second.

You’re leaving. I’m going to speak with the director when we get back, Earl stated.

The hell you are. Joan glared up at him. I worked my ass off to get my position at Phoenix General. You’re just going to have to suck it up, Earl. I’m not going anywhere.

Earl gave her a smile as if she’d said something funny. I’m on the board. I practically run the hospital. You can go to New Henrich Memorial Hospital for all I care.

The worst hospital in the state? No.

Earl’s face was heating up as people at the wedding looked at them. I was joking, but now that you’ve embarrassed me, you’d better believe that’s exactly where you’re going.

Connie will listen to me. She knows I’m a good nurse and she’s not going to let you railroad me out.

The confidence he’d been wearing like an expensive suit diminished. I’ll have a sit down with Connie. She’s not going to lose her best ER doctor over a nurse.

You’re not even in the top ten.

Why don’t you stay here at your barnyard wedding and think about the ignorance you’ve been spewing on this dance floor. Meanwhile, I’m catching the first plane back to Phoenix.

Winston and Kenna were passing out pieces of cake. Winston approached offering a piece to Earl. You can’t go without eating a piece of cake. He smiled.

Earl took the cake Winston offered. It was a lovely wedding. Congratulations.

Aren’t you going to try the cake? Winston grinned. His rancher tan made his teeth appear sparkling white. Kenna’s smile was less happy and looked a bit devious to Joan as she came to stand beside Winston.

Earl took a large bite and shuddered. It’s… good. He chewed a little and swallowed. I have to get going. You should stay and enjoy, Joan. He winked at her, shoving the dish with the partially eaten cake into her hands.

Joan watched him go, hating him more with every step he took. She didn’t care that he was dumping her. Hell, she wouldn’t have cared if he’d made sure to avoid her shift but to uproot her? Banish her from her friends, who were more like her work family, and try to cram her into the dirtiest poorest run hospital in the state?

What an asshole.

Nope. Kenna pulled the plate from Joan’s hands as she spoke. You don’t want to eat that cake.

Joan’s brows lifted. "I don’t?

Not unless you want a strong dose of granny’s liquid Exlax.

You didn’t?

Granny did, actually. Kenna laughed. He is going to crap his pants any second.

Joan laughed as she hugged Kenna. I love you.

I know, Kenna hugged her back, that’s why you’re letting that asshole get away. Go. Beat him back to the hospital and save your dream job. Don’t let him take that away from you.

Drawing back, Joan looked at her sister who was two years her senior. It’s your wedding day. I can’t leave.

All the important parts are over. We’re going to dance some more, throw a bouquet, and be off on our honeymoon. I won’t let you lose your job because of me. You’ve already sacrificed too much for me, Joan. I’m your big sister. It’s my turn. Now go and kick his ass.

CHAPTER TWO

Liam Wainwright followed the GPS on his phone to a tiny house on a huge piece of land out in the middle of nowhere. Tumbleweeds crashed into the side of his car. A herd of cattle started making a racket, sounding much more like moaning than mooing. He walked down the dirt driveway on the opposite side from the pasture fence. Liam was careful with every step he took in his alligator skin, black Louis Vuitton loafers. Still, the dust and muck clung to them.

"What in the hell are you doing out here, Cole?" Liam thought.

The dark navy, cashmere Armani suit he was wearing wasn’t doing him any favors in the heat and humidity. Liam shed the jacket and folded it over his arm, leaving him in the white, blue, and crimson striped button up shirt and crimson red tie.

He raised his fist to knock on the door as it pulled inward. A man stood inside glaring out at him. Over his shoulder was Cole. He was holding the hand of a girl, the farmer’s daughter no doubt, with eyes as big as saucers.

That’s my brother, Mr. Hursh, Cole explained.

You responsible for him? Mr. Hursh asked Liam pointing at Cole, who was regaining the color in his cheeks.

Liam inclined his head. Yes, sir. I am.

He’s just been telling me he has the means to do right by my daughter.

Shit, Cole.

Do right by her? Cole arrived here only four hours ago. Liam straightened.

That’s plenty long enough to do what they done, Mr. Hursh said his hand running over the butt of a gun at his waist. If she’s pregnant I expect a marriage.

Liam met Cole’s brown eyes across the room. They were set as he nodded. His fingers were still intertwined with the girls, and his pupils slightly dilated. His nose was red from the hay and weeds that were kicking up his allergies and no doubt aggravating his asthma.

I love Marlene and I want to marry her, Cole said.

Get your things, Cole. Let me talk with Mr. Hursh alone.

No. Cole stood up coughing as he did. "This is my life. I love her."

Liam glared at Marlene, who was smiling with triumph at Cole. You just met her. You don’t know her, and you sure as hell don’t love her, Cole. You’re sixteen. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Old enough to get her pregnant, Mr. Hursh repeated.

Liam would have preferred to handle Mr. Hursh and his con artist daughter without Cole standing there, but he could see now there was no way around it. If Marlene turns up pregnant we’ll run a paternity test. If the baby is Coles, we’ll compensate you for the child and take the child off your hands.

Liam— Cole protested.

He kept going. If the baby isn’t Coles, if the baby is someone else’s as I assume it is, I am going to sue you with my team of lawyers.

What for?

It doesn’t matter. I’m sure they’ll think of something. We’ll keep it in the courts until you’ve lost your farm, or even longer. I don’t take kindly to people who threaten my family. That’s what you’re doing isn’t it, Mr. Hursh?

Mr. Hursh was frowning. He had his arms folded, no longer fingering the gun on his hip.

She’s already pregnant, Liam stated, looking this time at Marlene. Her arms were crossed protectively over her stomach.

Marlene? Cole said her name turning toward her. Tell him he’s wrong.

She doesn’t have to tell me. She can take a test right now. If I’m wrong, we’ll leave with my apologies and compensate the Hursh family as an apology for my false accusation. But if she’s pregnant, I will have you both spending the next five to ten behind bars. You know who I am, and you know I have the means to do exactly what I say.

Mr. Hursh let out a long sigh. Way we figured it, you’d be kind enough to give us some money for the pregnancy and delivery. You got billions. Not like you’d miss it.

You’re pregnant? Who’s is it? Cole demanded of Marlene. You said you were a virgin like me. You said you loved me. His vulnerable expression hardened as Cole frowned at her. You made me believe you loved me for me and not because of my family. The volume of his voice was rising with every word he spoke.

I do—

Shut up. Cole stood up recoiling from Marlene like she’d burned him. Shit.

Let’s go, Cole.

Cole left the room going down the hallway toward a back bedroom. Marlene stood to follow.

No. Liam said the single syllable with such force Marlene didn’t question him. She tucked her brown hair back and over one shoulder. Her blue eyes watched Liam with caution. You hurt my brother. Don’t ever reach out to him again.

Marlene shrugged one shoulder. If he reaches out to me, there’s nothing I can do about that. I’m vulnerable with a baby coming. You can’t expect me to ignore him in my fragile state.

You hurt my brother. I won’t pay you anything.

She raised her thin brows. I can get very ugly, Mr. Wainwright. I may not have billons, but I do have evidence of intercourse between Cole and me. For the right price, I’ll give it to you. No one likes to hear the word rape. It’s so ugly and sticky.

Mr. Hursh was smiling again. Clever as her mother.

Ten thousand. That’s all I’ll give you and only after you sign the paperwork my attorney will draft, stating you will never claim sexual relations with Cole.

Twenty thousand.

If you go to the press with this story, if you attempt to soil my brother’s reputation, you couldn’t get more than a few thousand. You’ll get ten. That’s it.

Twelve or I’ll take my chances.

One call to his attorney and Liam knew they would dig up dirt on Marlene that would shut her up without giving her a dime, but then Cole emerged from the hallway, his eyes red and puffy. His breath beginning to wheeze as he exhaled, and Liam knew they had to get out of there.

Eleven. You’ll get the money after the paperwork is signed. My attorney will be in touch.

Cole rushed out the door.

If we don’t hear from you in two days, we’ll call the police, Marlene said.

Cole is a good kid. He would have been good to you. What you lost today by trying to use him is a greater loss than any amount of money you’ll ever steal or con. You’ll be nothing and Cole is only going to get better.

Liam shut the door.

He was cutthroat in business interactions and wanted to bury these two creatures. He would have succeeded if Cole’s wheezing wasn’t so intense. Revenge would have to wait.

Cole was sitting in the passenger seat of the rental car swiping at his eyes and scowling at the dashboard. As soon as Liam opened the door and got into the driver’s seat of the Jaguar, Cole began with his apologies. I’m sorry. I… thought she was different. I love her. I can’t believe she was using me.

You don’t love her, Cole. Liam put the car in reverse and backed down the trail.

Where is Hansen? Why isn’t he here? Cole asked as they pulled onto a paved road that would lead them back to the freeway.

The jet is having problems. He’s taking care of it.

Cole nodded swiping again at his wet face. We talked for three months, Liam. I know her. She’s just scared.

Oh hell no.

She was ready to accuse you of rape, Cole. She doesn’t care about you.

I love her.

Liam increased the speed of the car. You don’t know her. She is a con artist. She played you because she could get money out of you. Marlene wasn’t even crying when you left, she was just extorting money. She doesn’t love you.

You’re an asshole, Liam.

"I’m an asshole? You left school and flew across the country without permission to meet some girl you met on the internet. I dropped everything to come save your ass, and I’m an asshole?"

Cole’s overgrown blond hair fell down over his eyes as he coughed. His face was round like it got when his asthma was becoming a bigger issue.

Are you okay?

No. Someone knocked up my girlfriend, Cole growled.

Lord, bless Hansen for sticking with me when I was in my teen years if I was anything like Cole.

I know you’re hurting, Cole. You have to accept that she’s not your girlfriend. She’s not the girl you fell for. You were tricked. Forget her.

Forget her? The look Cole was giving him would have been more appropriate if Liam had asked him to amputate both his legs. You don’t get it. She’s the one, Liam.

"Marlene, if that is her real name, is not the one. The girl who just had sex with a stranger while she was pregnant with someone else’s baby in her womb is not the one, Cole."

More tears streaked down Cole’s red, swollen face.

He’s not thinking straight. He’s struggling with his asthma.

We’ll get a flight back to Los Angeles and talk about this when we get home. He reached out to pat his brother on the arm, but Cole shoved his hand away. More tears poured from his eyes and the breath he took whistled with the tightness of his chest. Where is your inhaler? You need to use it, Cole.

Cole bent forward and started digging through his satchel. Mom’s still in Italy?

Yeah. I believe so, anyway.

You didn’t tell her I took off?

Liam shook his head. She would have left the ceremony they are having in honor of her work. I’m not planning on telling her until she gets back.

She’d understand. She would believe that I am in love with Marlene.

Liam snorted at the blindness of his younger brother. Their mother, Fran Wainwright, would have made Marlene pay for threatening her baby boy. Mr. Hursh too. Her tiger claws would have come out with a vengeance and they would have scarred the Hursh’s for generations.

Tell her all about it when she gets back then.

Now that she knows the baby will be safe, and that she has the money she needs for the baby, she’ll be herself again. Marlene was just scared.

The more you talk, the more I want to knock some sense into you.

Cole reached for the door handle.

Fear shot through Liam and he swerved into the right lane cutting off the oncoming car as he reached across pulling the door shut, to keep his brother inside the car. If you do that again, I will kick your ass. Do you understand me? Liam’s voice boomed with the loud horn sounding from the car behind them.

The car rental place was just beside the airport. Liam took the turn into the parking lot.

Cole threw open the door as soon as Liam put the car into park. Liam cursed under his breath as he retrieved Cole’s satchel and his own. When he got out of the car he spotted his brother on his cellphone.

Shit. Rushing forward he heard Cole.

I don’t care who’s baby it is. I love you. Please, Marlene, don’t cut me out of your life.

Liam took the iPhone and snapped it in half. Do you hear yourself? Get a grip. You’re a Wainwright, dammit. She doesn’t deserve you. She’s trash.

A woman in an elegant, navy blue gown and pink cowboy boots was stomping toward them. Her almond-shaped, blue-gray eyes were cutting as they ran over him. Several golden-brown curls had escaped from the loose French braid in her hair, framing her face and softening the look she was delivering.

She was dragging a red suitcase that was being marked up by the dirt and mud she was marching through. Her eyes hesitated on his loafers before the brown brow over her right eye arched up. Nice driving, Richie Rich.

He was so pissed at his brother he didn’t even think before he responded with, Thanks. Nice luggage, spend a whole twenty bucks on that suitcase?

Her fair skin warmed by the sun, the softness of her hair, and her full pink lips sitting slightly upturned in the corners had Liam pegging the woman as soft spoken and unconfrontational. He was already giving her his back in dismissal so he could find the inhaler for Cole.

Yeah, twenty bucks. My suitcase will get dusted off and be good as new. Your twenty grand slippers are ruined from one walk through the mud.

They’re ten grand.

What a bargain. She smiled. Excuse me. She tried to move around him but he wasn’t about to get stuck in line. Cole would be on a payphone or trying to escape and hitchhike back to Marlene.

He blocked the door with his wide frame and took hold of Cole. You are excused. Pushing Cole through the door first, he followed him inside.

Are you serious? He heard her ask as the door closed behind him.

Cole tried to take his satchel from Liam but Liam didn’t allow it. The last thing he needed was Cole taking off so he held onto it. Find your inhaler. He commanded, opening the flap to give him access.

You find it. Cole growled before coughing into the curve of his arm.

The woman was dragging her soiled suitcase through the doorway as the man behind the desk called out, Next. She rushed forward almost butting in front of him but he slid up to the desk just in time to beat her there.

I’m in a hurry. Please let me go first?

We’re all in a hurry, lady. Liam set the keys to the rental on the desk.

The hiss of annoyance coming from the woman behind him added to the coughing from his brother. Your mother must be so proud.

Liam ignored her statement. Let’s waive the once over on the car. There’s no damage, Liam said setting a fifty dollar bill down next to the keys. "You’ll want to check her car very well. She was swerving and leaning on the horn when I pulled in. Women drivers. Am I right?" He laughed looking over his shoulder at her.

The pink in her neck crept up her cheeks. The whites of her eyes became more visible as she widened her captivating blues at him. Her nostrils flared and she appeared to be counting to herself.

Yes, sir. The clerk smiled broadly.

CHAPTER THREE

Joan, you cannot strangle this man. Even if this blowhard deserves a serious beat down you are going to let it go because you have to beat Earl back to Connie.

Her attention turned to the boy who was clearly struggling with asthma. She nearly told the young man to go to a hospital but he finally plucked an inhaler from a satchel. It went right into his pocket as the asshole with the ruined loafers pushed him ahead.

Don’t even think about getting on a payphone. He warned the younger man.

Do you know who that was? the clerk asked Joan as she set her keys on the desk. He leaned forward. That was Liam Wainwright, the billionaire.

Well, of course it is. That’s why he’s such an ass. Money always does that to people. Too bad.

Yeah. Cool. So am I good? Can I go?

He tilted his head. I am gonna have to take a look at your car, ma’am.

He was kidding about my driving. I didn’t damage the rental.

It’s policy.

Joan forced a smile. Unless I slip you a fifty, right?

He shrugged. Couldn’t hurt.

Figures. Joan dug out her wallet. I have a twenty with your name on it if you let me go.

Make it two twenties and you’re on your way, Ms. Taylor.

This is extortion. She put the bills on the desk and turned to fight with the suitcase.

Once she was outside, she spotted the shuttle at the end of the parking lot. The Wainwright Billionaires were boarding. Not about to be left behind to wait for the next shuttle, she hefted the suitcase onto her back and ran over the mud and gravel in her pink boots.

Wait, she called out spotting Liam signally the driver to leave. Please, wait, she hollered. Luckily the driver was a better man than Liam and waited for her to reach the shuttle.

Of course, it was crowded. She squeezed in between a man with armpit stains the size of dinner plates and Liam. It was the only place left to stand.

Joan looked for a chance to maneuver next to someone else, anyone else. Liam was insufferable.

It’s only ten minutes. You can make it.

To her surprise the driver made another stop, squeezing in four more people and their luggage. Two of the four had to be NFL players as they shoved their way in, pressing everyone closer together like sardines.

You’re standing on my feet, Liam told her.

Joan smiled. Am I?

Yeah. Move.

Sure. Joan turned digging the heel of her boot into the toe of his shoe. His groan of pain made her smile. Better? His breath running over her neck tickled her skin with heat, like fingers down her spine.

Perfect. More hot breath ran down the back of her neck. Did anyone ever mention to you that you’re a huge pain in the ass?

Nope.

His scent was all around her, and dammit, it was intoxicating. Masculine and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on. If she didn’t despise the man so much, she would have turned into Liam and filled her lungs with his scent.

Beeping, followed by the sound of a ringing near her ear, she heard the man clearly when he answered Liam’s call. Master Wainwright, the Jet will be repaired and ready for flight by Wednesday.

That’s fine. We’ll be taking a commercial flight I take it?

I would be pleased to make your travel arrangements for you. When would you like to depart?

Within the hour.

Yes, Master Wainwright. I will make the arrangements for you straight away.

Must be nice.

You make him call you master? That’s messed up. Joan looked over her shoulder and up at Liam.

His intensely blue eyes regarded her through slightly lowered lids. His lips bowed in a frown. Are you serious, lady? Stay out of my phone conversation.

Stop talking in my ear and I’d be happy to.

I’ll have to call you back, Hansen. There is a very annoying woman glued to me at the moment. Please put the family’s attorneys on alert. We’ll be needing them.

Very good, sir.

Joan turned back around so she didn’t see him hit the End button as she felt him moving behind her to put away the phone. The young man on the other side of Liam was coughing again.

Did use your inhaler? Liam barked at him.

Yes.

When? I didn’t see you.

The young man glared at the other. Guess you missed it.

Joan’s phone started ringing and everyone looked at her while she struggled to find it in her big purse. When she found it, she answered it just to silence it. Yes? Hello?

Hey, Joan, are you transferring to another hospital? her friend and coworker Amanda asked. Your answer had better be no.

Earl and I broke up. He’s trying to get me transferred.

What can I do?

Set a meeting for me with Director Wheatley, will you? I’m on my way back. The shuttle stopped with a jerk sending her into Liam, who caught her by both arms giving her another disapproving look. Like I could help it. He slammed on the brakes.

Everyone started shoving forward to get out. Liam released her arms to grab onto the back of his brother’s coat. Her phone was knocked from her hand and it crunched under Liam’s foot as he moved forward. Joan whimpered a sound she didn’t know she was capable of making.

Of course, you dropped it. I suppose you want me to replace it?

I don’t want anything from you. It’s insured.

His eyebrows drew together as he looked at her. He made an incredulous sound and then drove his brother off the shuttle like he was a steering wheel.

Joan picked up the phone. The screen was cracked, wet with mud, and black. She dropped it in the shuttle’s garbage on her way off the shuttle.

So you have to make it a few hours without a phone. You’ve survived worse.

***

Just leave me alone. Cole curled up in the hard, plastic seat at the gate.

Liam seated himself next to Cole. I promise it’s not going to hurt forever. It’s going to get better. Use your inhaler.

Cole ignored him. His face wet with tears again.

You met her on the internet. How much could you really love someone you’ve never met in person until five hours ago?

We skyped too. Shut up. You don’t get it.

Liam sighed wishing he could shake the stupidity out of his brother. Cole was right about one thing. He didn’t understand how his brother had just handed over his heart to a complete stranger. Cole knew what a target their family had become in the last five years.

I’ve got to make a call. You stay right here. Promise?

Cole rubbed his palm over his forehead swiping his long blond bangs out of his face. Yes. Go. Please. Just go.

The hostile woman from the shuttle approached the gate. Her hair was half in the updo she’d woven in and half out from the wear of her day. Her makeup was gone except for the black smudges under her eyes from her mascara and eyeshadow.

She looks like she has two black eyes.

Her statement that she didn’t want anything from him had unexpectedly stung. Why he cared that she didn’t want any money from him or anything else he wasn’t sure.

He wanted to cling to the annoyance he’d felt toward her earlier but now she’d gotten under his skin. With her rejection, the annoyance had transformed into curiosity. Pulling out his phone and stepping away from Cole, he selected his attorney’s number. While delivering a quick rundown of what he needed them to do, he watched the woman.

She was perhaps twenty-two. Twenty-four at the most. Not especially slender. Her exposed arms were well defined but not what would be considered bulky. Navy blue rosettes ran across the bodice of the dress and over one shoulder. She was no longer lugging around the muddy red suitcase.

She hugged her pink and black purse against her chest as she leaned back in a chair several rows away from Cole.

His attorney explained how iron tight he was going to make the contract for Marlene to sign as a man in a suit approached the woman he’d been watching. He’d overheard her say on the phone she’d broken up with Earl and assumed this must be him.

Probably she would forgive him for whatever thing he’d done and that would be that.

Forget her.

Once he found the address from his GPS and gave it to the attorney, he ended the call. He was glad Cole had not overheard the penalties Marlene would be agreeing to if she would try to contact Cole. He was still too hung up on her to understand Liam was just trying to protect him.

When he turned back to the seating area Cole’s seat was empty.

Dammit, Cole. He ignored the gasps of mothers with young ones nearby and scanned the area for his brother.

Where are you, Cole? I’m going to kick your ass when I find you.

Stomping over to the desk at the gate, he cut in front of the man and woman already talking to the clerk. Nearest payphone? The clerk appeared to consider ignoring him, so he put both hands on the desk and leaned further in front of the man and woman who were glaring at him.

That way. The clerk pointed never looking at him.

Liam hurried in the direction she’d indicated and spotted Cole as soon as he saw the payphones. Cole had his back toward the gate, his head tucked forward with one hand gripping the side of the booth.

This was Cole’s last chance to talk with Marlene before she signed the contract. Liam slowed his approach. He wasn’t sure if it would be better to let Cole get off his chest whatever it was that was making him crazy, or to step in and end it for his brother.

I’m ending it.

Tell her goodbye, Cole. It’s over.

Cole slammed the phone down. She already hung up. I just wanted to know why.

The money, Cole. It’s always the money.

Cole hung his head. His lower lip was fighting to hold in his broken heart. Liam put his arm around Cole. Want me to buy you a pretty girl to hang out with?

Shut up. Cole laughed and then broke into a long violent coughing fit.

Now boarding flight 747. First stop is Phoenix, Arizona, and then we’ll be continuing on to Los Angeles, California for our final destination. Now boarding our first class passengers. The woman’s voice carried over the speakers.

That’s us, Liam said. When we sit down on the plane you’re using that inhaler if I have to give it to you myself.

Cole nodded, coughing again. The wheezing sound was bad. It made Liam’s chest hurt just hearing it. When’s the last time you used your inhaler?

Shut up about my inhaler. You sound like Mom.

The woman was also approaching the line with the man Earl following behind her.

You’re in first class? he asked, knowing he was being an ass.

Yeah. Must have been all that money I saved when I bought my twenty dollar suitcase.

Liam smiled, liking that she’d been quick enough to verbally smack him back.

You spent only twenty dollars on your suitcase? Joan, that’s ridiculous. I should’ve guessed, Earl asked from behind her. He laughed too loudly with his mouth opened too wide.

Joan.

It fit her in a way that accented the elegant line of her neck. Or maybe, he just really liked her neck. He’d seen the way she’d responded with goose bumps to his breath over that sensitive, smooth skin.

How much did you save on your dress? Earl put in looking to

Reviews for An I.O.U. from a Billionaire

[Janice Stewart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book in its entirety! The comedy aspect was awesome. I’d like to read more books by the author.

[Ogooluwa Adewole · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Overly elaborate, not real. Gets irritating once u get halfway

[Brooke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Comma usage - or lack thereof - is something that could be worked on.

[Durratul Ain Jamal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it and could imagine the actors acting if it ever been adapted to be a movie

[Elvira Abad · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Interesting and I love it ❤ ❤ ❤ ? ?

[Sallyanne Smith · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So here’s the thing... I enjoyed the book I really loved Joan and Liam, Cole and Tatum their characters were very well written. I enjoyed the book all the way through until... the end! It felt so rushed it’s unbelievable, I was so disappointed that it climaxed right Upto the nuptials and then... the end... why?! Surely a conversation was needed in the end?? What happened after??? I couldn’t put this book down and then... I do... done... it deserved a better ending as the rest was so well written. So great book but such an anticlimactic; rushed and disappointing ending ☹️

[Ashley Weed · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The author needs to glance at an atlas before writing another book. A plane trip from Dakota (I’m assuming north or south) to Phoenix, would not get rerouted to Key Largo, Fl to avoid a storm, only to get stuck in another storm. Also if the airport is closed for planes, there’s no way a helicon could get through. They can’t even fly high enough over the storm. Also, I can’t imagine the number of stops it would take to helicopter from key largo, fl to Phoenix, then onto LA. It’s almost like a teenager was writing it based on what they’d perceive a rich person to do. The characters were ok, but there was so much ‘what if this happened’ going on it was unbelievable. If you’re looking for drama, this book sure has it, however far fetched it may be. I wanted to tap out after the second person helicoptered into Florida during a hurricane, but pushed through. Probably should have stopped tho.

[Ivuoma Ohanaka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this story so much! Love, Loved it sighs

[Karen Vance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the characters. Never had so much fun and laughed. The story lines were great. I recommend this book so much. One to cherished

[IceReader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully structured and and written such that it had me laughing in the middle of the night, unable to put the book down. The chemistry between the two main characters is amazing and not in the all too common way we have come to be accustomed with when reading books of this genre. I really enjoyed this book!

[Aprilyn Ferrer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked the story before I read the part where Mae intervened and told the Director that Joan was ENGAGED to Liam. This story is written in a juvenile way too, I didn't expect that. But entertained me enough to read it until the end, skimmed some though.

[Peta-Gaye Saunders · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book I loved it so much on god I will be reading the other book ,

[Adrienne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So good, couldn't stop.Everything about this book is amazing, loved it

[Gillian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Funny and entertaining. Love the banter in this book.

[Crystal Kenney · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really liked the female lead. She was witty and opinionated and meshed well with the leading man.