The Irresistible Encounter: A Billionaire Bad Boy Friends To Lovers Romance

By Alexa McLean

An accidental Meeting. Followed by disaster after disaster.

I came to the city thinking my life would turn around.

And things were looking good: new job, nice apartment, decent neighborhood.

Or so I thought.

I was whisked away by my childhood sweetheart – Robin Thornton – bad boy turned handsome billionaire.

How was I supposed to resist?

It's hard to reject a man in a tailored suit.

Trust me.

But, I should have gone home.

I should have stayed the night with her.

Instead, I allowed old emotions to guide my actions.

I fell for him and I fell hard – maybe too hard.

Now my grandmother's in the hospital and she doesn't even know who I am.

And it's all his fault.

He's the one that got me mixed up in this mess.

An ugly past coming back to nip him in the butt and it's taking me down with it.

How am I ever going to get out of here?

Will my knight in shining armor come through for me or will he turn out to be a tinfoil joke?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexa McLean
• Release date: Oct 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386079262

Book preview

Chapter 1 (Julia)

Okay, Julia, don’t mess this up. It’s your big day. Let’s make this count. The little voice in my head chimed as I stood in front of The Chop Shop, one of New York’s high-end beauty salons. Its renown was known worldwide, attracting the rich and famous.

Breathe, I told myself. My heart thumped inside my chest. 

This is it, I whispered to myself. What you’ve been working toward for the last ten years of your life.

The door swung open and a preppy young woman with bright pink dreadlocks smiled at me. Hey! You must be Julia. We were wondering when you’d show up.

Sorry. I quickened toward her.

Don’t worry. Most of our stylists talk to themselves before their shifts. She chuckled. Totally normal. I do it all the time.

I wasn’t talking to myself. I protested.

Honey, I saw you. She stepped back. But, seriously, don’t worry about it. I get it. New job jitters. Happens to the best of us. Now, come on, we’ve been dying to meet you.

So, I’ll be working with a bunch of zombies then?

She laughed. Oh, that’s funny. Keep that up and you’ll fit right in. We love a good laugh around here.

I smiled, feeling better now that I had broken the ice with at least one of my co-workers.

Once inside, I stopped, blown away by the décor. It was absolutely stunning. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Dark hardwood lined the floor. Cutting stations were decked with marble countertops and top-of-the-line hair products. All the mirrors sparkled brilliantly. Wow, this place is amazing, I said, mouth agape with wonder.

Oh, honey, it has to be. We serve the best of the best and they don’t settle for anything less than the best. She placed a hand on the small of my back and guided me forward. My name’s Michele, by the way.

I’m Julia. I returned, holding out my hand.

Oh, I don’t shake. Before I knew what was happening, she had me in a tight embrace, smothering me into her chest. It was difficult to breathe. I tried to tell her, but she was suffocating me with her dreadlocks.

Shelly. A stern voice sounded through the salon. Let go of the poor girl, you’re going to kill her.

It took her a moment, but she eventually complied, stepping back with a bashful look on her face. Sorry, Bea, couldn’t help myself. She’s a cuddly one.

Don’t let Joey hear you say that. You know how jealous he gets.

Joey? I asked.

My boyfriend. Michele clarified. We’ve been dating for seven years.

Oh, wow, that’s impressive. Congratulations.

She shrugged. I just don’t know how to get rid of him.

Don’t let her fool you, they’re head over heels in love with one another. The older woman held out a small handbag.

What’s this? I cocked my head in question.

Your cutting set. Best scissors and combs money can buy. Instead of keeping them at the station, our stylists keep them on their person at all time – because as a stylist your tools should be an extension of yourself.

That’s right. Suddenly, Michele whipped out one of her scissors. Never go anywhere without them. I practically sleep with these things.

Maybe you should. The woman countered.

Um, I don’t mean to be rude but who are you? I asked, my head spinning trying to keep up with their conversation.

I’m Beatrice, owner of this place, and, as a result, your new boss. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.

Word to the wise... Michele leaned in, whispering into my ear. ... don’t get on her bad side. She can turn into the Wicked Witch of the West in a heartbeat. It’s a miracle I still have my job.

A miracle, indeed.

Ding!

A few more people walked in through the front door. All of them wore a handbag on their hip.

Hey, everyone, I want you to meet our newest member, Julia Goodwin.

They waved their greetings before disappearing into the back.

So, if I remember correctly, you have plenty of experience.

Yes, over eight years.

And you graduated top of your class?

Yes. I nodded. I’ve wanted to become a stylist for a long, long time.

Ah, a childhood dream, then?

Mhm.

Well, I wish you the best of luck. She said, placing a hand on my shoulder. But, I want you to know that I don’t tolerate anything other than the best. If you show me anything less, you will be cut from the team. Is that understood?

Beads of sweat formed at the back of my neck. I could tell this woman was a hard-ass. Someone who demanded perfection. While I prided myself on being a good stylist, I was suddenly doubtful of my abilities. What if I didn’t perform up to her standards?

Understood, I answered, trying my best to appear confident. Beatrice seemed like the kind of woman who could smell fear from a mile away.

Good. She brought me over to the front desk where a shy-looking redhead was tidying up a pile of receipts. Missy?

The girl jumped, knocking over a potted orchid.

I lurched forward, grabbing it, saving it from crashing on the ground.

Good catch, Michele called from across the salon. Maybe you should go join the Yankees! They need a catcher like you.

Huh? I furrowed my brows together.

Ignore her. A handsome, red-skinned man walked up to the desk, grabbing a peppermint candy from the glass dish. He popped it into his mouth. Shelly’s always going on about baseball. I can’t shut her up. And, trust me, I’ve tried.

Ah, Joey, there you are.

I’m always on time, Bea, I don’t know why you look so surprised.

Lady Gaga is coming in at nine –

I know. I know. I have it under control, don’t worry. I’ll be the best stylist this world has ever seen.

Beatrice went off with Joey, hounding him about his upcoming appointment with the pop star.

Dazed, I placed the plant