Her Boyfriend's Friend

By Mia Ford

I thought I had everything I needed – then Nate walked into my life.

I noticed his eyes first, deep luscious pools I wanted to dive in and drown.

The broad shoulders, mighty fine muscles and dimpled smile didn't hurt either.

And as soon as I met him, I just felt… warm and protected. Safe.

One hitch though – Nate's my fiancé's friend.

And I'm not the type to cheat.

Unlike my jerk of a fiancé. 

Yeah, guess what I just found out. 

Good old Jack has been playing around.

Of course, it's one rule for him and another for me.

I know what Nate and I have is real.

So real there's a baby growing to prove it.

But if Jack finds out he'll destroy us.

He's the billionaire that runs this town.

Is true love worth the price?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Ford
• Release date: Dec 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393865391

Book preview

Chapter 1

Vera

I hate these things.

As the limousine pulled onto Radcliffe Avenue, I felt a bit of a burning in my chest. The stupid meetings Jack was always taking me to, often left me feeling very anxious, as if I wanted to crawl right out of my skin and just walk away. The imagery was a bit far-fetched (and gross) to think about, but it was something I fantasized about often, at least the leaving part. I would have left my body alone, especially since I’d made my living from it since the age of eighteen.

Jack as usual was chatting to somebody on his cellphone. I could have sworn the thing was glued to his ear. The only time he ever put it down was to shovel food or booze into his mouth, or to make some bets. I found it strange how much time he spent in other casinos gambling his fortune when he owned three casinos of his own. I guess he figured he’d made enough money that he couldn’t totally squander it if he tried.

And that was yet another reason I had felt the distance coming between us. It had started slowly, but very recently we’d grown completely apart and I don’t think Jack even noticed, or he just didn’t care anymore. I was just supposed to look pretty and paint the picture of success he’d worked so hard to cultivate to the public.

Alright, I gotta go, Jack said. We’ll finish this talk later.

He ended the call just as the limo pulled up in front of La Casa, an upscale Mexican restaurant on the East side of the valley. It was one of Jack’s favorite spots for dining with new business partners and investors. I did have to admit the food was amazing and I loved the atmosphere, but everywhere you went with Jack Maynard was a spectacle and you felt as if you had to perform constantly. I thought I would have gotten used to that sort of thing being a model, but being Jack’s girlfriend and standing side by side with him almost all the time in public had taken that to a whole other level of fame.

And I hated it.

Are you ready? Jack asked. I’m excited for you to meet this guy. Nate is one of my oldest and closest friends.

Really? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention him before, I replied.

Jack scoffed. Honey, I talk about so many people that I wouldn’t expect you to ever possibly keep up with them.

I nodded with a weak smile. Was that supposed to be an insult? It was often hard to tell; Jack was so good at that game. It was probably the way he constantly kept an upper hand on his competition. When it came to business there were few as strong willed and as razor sharp as Jack Maynard. It had at one time been the thing I loved most about him, but pulling up in front of that restaurant and trying to put on the mask of being the perfect arm piece—it had now become the thing I disliked most about him.

It’s show time, Jack said.

The driver opened the door and Jack stepped out quickly. He put on his best, winning smile, and reached back to take my hand. I smiled and nodded as I stepped out into the warm sunshine as if I hadn’t a care in the world. And on the surface I didn’t. Life had been kind to me. Sure I’d worked my butt off, but I’d been born with supermodel looks, and a talent in front of the camera. For whatever reason I came to life in front of it, even though I’d always been a bit shy and reserved. That all changed when I was on camera. Suddenly, I could just be whoever I wanted to be and I let my body move where it wanted, I let my lust and desire show when it wanted, and I just knew that I was the thing that everyone wanted to be.

I was not like that in my private life. Other than winning the lottery in the looks department I had never felt like I was anyone particularly special.

Jack changed that. Being with him made me feel that I was as wonderful as the character I pretended to be when the cameras were rolling and the shots were being snapped. I was that world traveler. I was everyone’s fantasy. And I loved that feeling.

The paparazzi was out in full swing as they always were. We were considered something of an It couple, even still, and I had stopped modeling almost two years before.

Just keep smiling, Jack mumbled to me as he tried to keep his own perfect smile going. He added a wave to the cameras and then placed his hand on the small of my back as if I needed his support walking into the restaurant.

The moment we were inside I wiped the fake smile off my face and felt a strong sense of calm coming over me. Luckily, a restaurant like La Casa didn’t permit any paparazzi or anyone from the media inside. We were there to relax and have a wonderful dinner with an old friend and that was what we could expect.

I instantly felt much happier about being there. It was that getting out of the car and into the restaurant and then leaving later that I dreaded. It was barely ten seconds, but it was enough to stress me out. I doubted Jack noticed or cared, but at least I would be able to just kind of zone out and have a nice meal. Hell, the old friend of his might have even been interesting.

The host showed us to our seats.

Our other party should be arriving shortly, Jack said. I’ll have a vodka tonic and the lady will have a Long Island.

I smiled as I shifted myself in my seat, getting comfortable. Mostly, I was looking forward to the Long Island. Jack new me too well sometimes. Maybe there was still hope left for us. He hadn’t grown completely tired of me at least.

We’d just received our drinks when the host escorted Jack’s guest to our table. I was looking over the menu but I glanced up for a moment, waiting for my invitation from Jack. He had a very specific way he liked things done, but he’d learned long ago that I tend to march to my own beat. Even though I went along with these idiotic meetings of his sometimes, I still wasn’t his trophy.

My eyes caught sight of the figure approaching us and glanced back down, only to bounce right back up to stare at them again. The person standing by our table now was a vision of beauty. He was tall, probably six feet two, broad shouldered, muscular but lean with it, he had a straight, even smile that turned into dimples just beyond the corner of his lips, and he had the most amazing eyes I’d ever seen. My heart fluttered for a moment and I almost choked on the sip of my drink I’d just taken. I swallowed it down and tried to look natural as Jack greeted his old friend.

Nate! How the hell are you? Jack grabbed Nate’s hand and brought him in for a giant bro hug.

Good to see you buddy! Nate replied.

He had a strong, confident voice that radiated around me. I could not take my eyes off him as he hugged Jack back with a bit of loving ferocity and actually lifted him half a foot in the air before sitting him back down.

Have a seat. We were just about to order dinner, Jack said.

Well, I’m glad you waited for me at least, Nate replied with a smile.

Of course! But first I’d love you to meet the love of my life, my amazing girlfriend, Vera Collins.

It’s a pleasure to meet you Vera, Nate said.

He reached across the table as I stood up and he took my hand in his. At first I thought he was going to kiss it, but his gaze never left mine. He just held my hand in his warm, thick palm for a moment, and then slowly pulled his hand away.

He was very polite, but not in a false politician/salesman way. He was very genuine and open. He had an ability to make you feel like you were in sync with each other and belonged together somehow right away. My head was spinning a bit and I inhaled deeply to steady myself.

There was no denying I found myself instantly attracted to Nate. He was so damn sexy. Jack was a handsome man, but standing beside Nate one would hardly even notice him. I felt weird having those thoughts about a man I’d just met, but infatuation was rearing its ugly head.

Vera, this is Nate Raines. He and I were great friends in college. Then after school we just lost touch a bit, Jack said as he sat down.

Lost touch? Hell, you were making so much money that none of us thought we’d ever see you again, Nate said sliding a chair under him and relaxing back into it.  

What can I say? Jack asked. I got lucky.

No, I don’t believe luck had anything to do with it. You were a smart businessman then. Even the professors knew it. Hell, we all thought you should have been teaching most of our business classes. You used to make the professors so mad when you questioned them.

Nate couldn’t stifle his laughter.

The waiter came over and Nate ordered a beer before he began leafing through the menu.

So, you guys are going to do a project together? I asked. I had a hard time believing that Jack was reuniting with an old friend just for kicks and to catch up. With Jack, there was always an angle of some kind.

Yeah, actually, Jack said. His eyes were practically glaring daggers at me. Even over the smile he was still flashing I could tell that he hated I’d brought that up at this moment.

I didn’t flinch or apologize with my gaze in any way. Jack had discovered very quickly in our relationship that I was not the kind of woman who backed down or got intimidated very easily. In fact, I think that was the reason why we’d been together longer than he’d been with any other woman. Jack’s reputation was not one of monogamy and loyalty, especially when it came to women.

Even then though, I still felt that I was strong enough to keep him on the straight and narrow. But I still held my reservations deep inside that he might one day break my heart.

Yeah, actually, Nate said. We’ve been in touch about possibly starting a business venture together.

What do you mean ‘possibly’? Jack asked with a hearty laugh. When Jack Maynard says he is going to do something, then he is by God going to do it.

Nate nodded. Well, I’m a bit more reserved with new ventures. I do like to feel things out and make sure that it’s something I want to do.

Jack shook his head. That is why you are not as successful as I am.

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. When Jack really got going on something he loved to lecture and teach other people about all he’d learned. Really it was just a way to talk about himself and brag, which he loved to do. I’d become almost immune to it, so much so that I often tuned it out when he began his little micro lectures.

I guess, Nate placated him with grin. His eyes met mine for the briefest of moments and we shared a little inside joke at Jack’s expense. Yeah, Nate knew Jack was full of shit sometimes, too.

Are you trying to tell me you still aren’t sure about this? Jack asked. It’s a fantastic deal. Besides you are only putting up enough for twenty-five percent ownership. It’s a win-win for you all around.

It’s only a win-win if we actually win something, Nate pointed out. Jack I know you have an incredible head for business and your name will pretty much turn everything it touches to pure gold, but that isn’t enough for me. I want to make sure that we are doing something I’m proud of and not creating something that will just earn us a high paycheck. There are more important things than money.

Jack looked over at me, his eyebrows raised.

Do you believe this guy? A businessman who thinks that there is more to life than money. Buddy, that is the very essence of life to a man in business. That is all we think about.

Wow, still the same Jack. You haven’t changed since college.

That is the reason you wanted to meet me to discuss this new venture, right? Jack asked.

Nate waited a moment and then nodded slightly. Yeah. That is a big part of it.

You wanted my expertise and you need my cash—let’s not forget that. So I don’t see what else there is to discuss. We both want to do this.

What is it you are thinking of? I asked. I was getting bored and a bit annoyed at being kept out of the conversation.

Jack smiled. Nate runs his own security firm. He also has a big background in martial arts. So we were thinking of putting together our own mixed martial arts business, something big that will compete with the likes of the UFC. It’s going to be huge. We already got a list of great fighters ready to join the organization and we are getting ready to break ground on the construction of a perfect training facility. I know business, and I have the capital. Nate knows the martial arts world and used to be an up and comer during college, before he packed it in to join the FBI. So, we figured it would be a great fit.

I smiled. The thought of seeing Nate in a steel cage fighting someone was exciting. I doubted he still wanted to compete though.

That does sound pretty great, I said truthfully.

See, even she thinks you should do this, Jack said.

What is holding you back? I asked curiously. I figured I knew the answer and his name was Jack. If Nate knew how much of a shark Jack really was to do business with then he probably knew the kind of company, he would keep if he actually went into business with him. But it would give him a great chance at the brass ring if he dove in this with both feet.

I just like to see Jack squirm, Nate said with a wink before lifting his beer to his lips.

I couldn’t help but join Nate in his laughter.

Wow, so everybody’s a comedian, Jack said joining in. Do we have a deal?

Nate looked at me and then at Jack. Then he reached out and shook Jack’s hand.

Deal.

Apparently I was going to be seeing a lot more of Nate Raines. And that was just fine with me.

Chapter 2

NATE

Burning the midnight oil, Mr. Raines?

I smiled at Francesca, my front receptionist as I entered the headquarters of Raines Security. I’d just left my meeting with Jack and I was feeling all optimistic about it. At first, I was skeptical about doing business with Jack Maynard. The college kid I had once known had transformed into a headhunter of the business world. All he cared about was money and success and he would stop at nothing to get it. I’d heard all the rumors, the gossip, and the horror stories—some of them very likely true—and it had been weighing heavily on my mind since he’d first called me the week before to discuss it.

You could say that, I replied to Francesca before heading towards the elevator and taking it to the top floor.

But I’d agreed to go into business with him because he did have a lot of capital and Jack was always looking for good business ventures. It was true he had ended up screwing over a few partners in the past, but I felt I was smart enough to spot those kinds of phony deceptions a mile away. That FBI training was still with me after all.

Ah, the FBI. I smiled when I thought of my early days as a fresh faced, rookie agent. I’d been young and eager for any action I could get. Well, I found out that the sort of action I was looking for was horrifying and real, and it was not even close to the romanticized notion that I sometimes held. The first few days in the FBI would grind that sort of fantasy world out of a rookie agent pretty quickly.

I’d dealt with a lot worse, a lot smarter, and a lot more ruthless people then the likes of Jack Maynard. So, I was fairly confident leaving that late lunch meeting that all of my ducks were in a row and ready to move forward.

One thing I hadn’t counted on though was Vera. I’d recognized her almost immediately. She was a supermodel who had once been on every single magazine you saw. She was also a television personality and a really talented host. There was a sweetness to her that ran polar opposite to her beauty. This allowed people to connect with her on a basic level and it made her instantly likeable.

Well, she certainly made a great impression on me, I muttered as I stepped off the elevator on my floor.

The evening was getting late, bleeding into the night, but I didn’t feel like leaving work yet. That was the price to pay when you were the head of a company. There was always work to be done. But I loved it.

I’d started Raines Security five years before with nothing. I was just a man with a dream. I loved working for the FBI but I knew that it wasn’t something I wanted to do long term. I wanted a family one day and while I didn’t worry about myself, I wanted something that was less risky to my personal safety so I’d always be there for them and something that would provide for my future family in a better financial capacity.

Plus, I’d always dreamt of being my own boss.

I unlocked my office and stepped inside. Mostly everyone had gone home for the day so the entire floor was pretty quiet. I fired up the computer and checked a few emails and ran over a few reports from the field. Everything seemed to be running like clockwork.

After getting caught up on a few things that required my immediate attention I poured myself a whiskey and grabbed my putter and a golf ball. I putted the ball into my small putting pad. I was getting better, but I’d seriously neglected my golf game lately. If this business venture with Jack took off as well as I hoped, then something told me I was going to be spending a lot more time on the golf course. I mean, that is what rich guys were supposed to do.

I laughed as I retrieved my ball and