Brodie: Billionaire Ladies Club, #1

By Jo Carey

She's a billionaire tech genius who still holds out hope of finding a man to share her life with. He's a former FBI agent who's looking for a fresh start after being wounded in the line of duty. Will the sparks between them ignite a firestorm or strike a love match?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Carey
• Release date: Dec 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386139812

Jo Carey

Jo Carey grew up in the Midwest but her curiosity and gypsy-spirit has kept her on the move. She's lived in eight US states and spent three years living in Ireland. She has always loved creature movies, so creatures and bugs often show up in her books. Jo, a former information security compliance guru, writes fast-paced, character-driven stories in a variety of genres from medical thrillers to space operas and cozy mysteries. Her novels are filled with humor, romance, and sometimes creatures or aliens, or maybe even all of the above. She often builds her stories around a strong female lead character surrounded by plenty of hunky male heroes. Jo's been under fire on a golf course and climbed out the roof of an elevator in the Netherlands. Life hasn't been boring. Now residing in Texas, setting often plays a huge role in her stories. Jo was intrigued by the League of Planetary Systems, a world her husband, Frank, created for his science fiction books, and she now writes mysteries and other types of tales sets in that world. Jo was bitten by a cat, a fire ant, and a snake, before succumbing to the bite of the writing bug.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Trust me, you'll have fun. You might even like the guy. Brodie remembered the email from Carah quite clearly. Chris is a fun guy. You need more fun in your life, her best friend said.

If she were being fair, her dinner date with Chris hadn't been totally unpleasant, but she wouldn't use the word fun. It was a nice change to have someone who seemed interested in her rather than the Hollywood types who were completely self-centered, but Brodie quickly realized Chris was more interested in her company—BR Engineering, than he was in her.

How do you know Carah? Brodie asked.

We've done some films together.

Brodie knew he wasn't an actor. She'd made Carah promise to never set her up with another actor again. Brodie knew her friend just wanted her to be happy, but sometimes her friend's matchmaking produced disastrous results. Having her picture plastered across social media linked to a b-list actor who was better known for his bad life choices than his acting earned Brodie a lot of attention she didn't want.

This wasn't a great date. Brodie decided before the entrees arrived that she had zero romantic interest in Chris. In spite of that, she was glad she came. This date would keep Carah off her back for a while. When your BFF is a mega Hollywood star who is always dripping with men, it's tough for them to understand that though her outward appearance had changed, Brodie was still the dorky, introverted science nerd she'd always been.

Brodie enjoyed the food if not the company, but she was ready to put an end to the evening. She declined desert or an after-dinner drink. The waiter handed the leather check holder to Chris who promptly passed it over to a shocked Brodie. Her surprise must have shown on her face, because Chris said, You're a billionaire. You didn't really expect me to pay for dinner, did you?

Of course not. That would be the behavior of gentleman. Brodie took the check, signed it, and handed it back to the waiter. You can go, Chris. They'll let me know when my car arrives.

She spent the drive home wondering how many more bad dates she could possibly endure. Brodie always thought she'd get married someday and maybe even have a family of her own, but she'd been focused on her company for more than a decade. She worried that her opportunity for that typical happily-ever-after had passed her by.

CHAPTER TWO

Mark inspected every empty room in the small house that had been his home for five years. He glanced at the spot where the bed had been. Good memories and bad flashed before his eyes. This room had been his sanctuary when Cathy moved in with him. It became his prison while he recovered from the gunshot wound and then the pain of Cathy's departure.

He turned on his heel and continued his inspection. The house was clean and empty. He set the last box on the porch and locked the front door. Before he had the trailer doors closed and locked, he heard footsteps approaching.

Mark, are you moving? Rebecca asked as she walked up to stand beside him. What's going on?

Hi Rebecca. Yes. I'm moving.

Rebecca lived across the street. She was single and had been a good neighbor. When Mark was recovering, she brought over food and checked on him regularly. They'd developed as much of a friendship as Mark could handle at that point. Despite his ill humor, she continued to help where he allowed it.

When Mark's head was in a better place, he realized that he really appreciated her kindness. He took her to dinner to thank her, but Rebecca took that one dinner as a sign that he was ready for a relationship.

I saw the for sale sign, of course, but I guess I thought it would take longer, she said. Where's your new place?

California, and I really need to get on the road.

You're leaving now? Why didn't you tell me?

I'm sorry, Rebecca. Thanks for everything. I really do have to hit the road, he said.

Rebecca swallowed her disappointment and wished him a safe trip before heading back across the street to her house.

Mark pulled away. He hoped a few thousand miles of windshield time would help him leave his past behind and make a fresh start.

CHAPTER THREE

Ms. Reagan, are you all right? Jeremy asked as he pulled open the back door.

I'm fine, Jeremy. What happened? she asked, picking up her bag and putting it back on the seat beside her.

Sorry, ma'am. A car came across the center line and hit the car in front of us.

"I'm fine. I need to get to the convention center. Can you find a way