Hot Billionaire Professor: So Hot Billionaires, #5

By Melody Love

Matthew was a self-made billionaire who retired at 32. Now he's eager to help teach business courses at the college he graduated from. He was looking forward to a stress-free year. 

 

Money has gone missing from the college and the head honchos are asking Matthew to help find the culprit. Not only that, but a new business department secretary, Anna has just recently started and she's prettier than he could ever have imagined. Will she help relieve him of stress at work, or will his mind be on something other than his job?

 

A story that shows what happens when you mix work with pleasure and a HEA that proves following your gut can lead you to your destiny. A story of falling in love, success and giving people second chances.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DM
• Release date: May 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393268222

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Chapter One

Matthew

Morningside College, I sighed. It's been a minute.

We're glad to have you back, Josh commented as he gathered some books. Of course, you'll be a professor this time. This will be your office.

I glanced around, studying the oak wood shelves and motivational posters. There were a few portraits hanging on the walls and a few places where portraits had left their imprint. I noticed the dusty shelf in the back and the desk in the far corner that likely needed a good dusting as well.

I grimaced at the posters. I'll probably redecorate.

Josh laughed. You can do whatever you want with this room. I've been the head of the business department for ages. I don't even care what is changed at this point.

Aw, don't say it like that, Josh.

I'm kidding, Matthew. Being around this long makes me feel like a dinosaur.

I can imagine.

And you—well, you've retired at such a young age.

I shrugged. I am excited to share my stories with all the kids. They'll be able to hear all my struggles and triumphs from creating a computer business. It's something else, I tell you.

Oh, I bet.

I'll have a whole class of students.

"You'll have several classes of students, he corrected. Plus side projects."

Are you guys trying to kill me before I even start?

He guffawed as he set a pile of books into a box. We wouldn't dream of it. Having someone with your background and experience is a huge gain for our department. So, when did you sell your company again?

This past year, actually.

No kidding.

Yeah, I had a great offer from Wolfe Industries. I simply couldn't say no.

Josh nodded. I wouldn't say no either. How much did you get if I can ask?

"Well, let's just say I don't actually need this job."

He whistled. I'll be damned. I don't think I've ever met a billionaire in my life.

I laughed. I just worked hard to get where I'm at. Teaching is my new passion. I'm excited to get started.

Speaking of getting started, do you have any questions? I know this job can be daunting when you first start. I speak from experience.

I wandered over to the shelves, admiring the collection of business books sitting there. I suppose the previous professor had a knack for reading.

Yeah, Billy was a blessing. It's a shame he moved away.

Why did he leave his books?

Hell if I know. They're valuable, so I'd keep them around if I were you.

I nodded. I sure will. I would love to know what my schedule is going to look like.

Well, you'll have a few of classes, mixed experience. All your students will be on your rosters.

Do I take attendance?

Josh cackled. Oh, this isn't high school, buddy. You can make attendance a grade or chuck it entirely. That's up to you.

Wild—I never imagined I would be doing this.

So, was this out of boredom or?

I turned to smile at Josh. I'm eager to help teach these business courses. I want to help young entrepreneurs succeed as I've succeeded.

That's a noble cause.

It's only noble if it's free.

He snorted. That's right. Do you have any other questions?

What can I keep here?

He gestured around vaguely. Anything you want. Billy left a bunch of stuff behind. You can use it or chuck it just like attendance. It's entirely up to you.

I like that.

Professors get a lot of freedoms in their teaching styles. Do you have a plan setup for how you're going to do lectures?

I hummed. Lectures sound boring.

Well, it's standard. I'm sure you can find ways to spice it up. I know plenty of professors who do all sorts of things. At Morningside, we encourage our teachers to be creative.

That's excellent. I want my students to feel the same way. I realized studying business practices can be relatively boring.

He nodded. Exactly. Just figure out what students like and work from there.

When do classes start?

In a couple of weeks. You'll have plenty of time to prepare for your students.

Wow, that late in August?

We're not on the same time schedule as we were when we were in college.

I chuckled. I guess I better get to work.

I've printed out your basic schedule. You have a few classes to work with. We can add more as you feel confident.

I imagine that would be by the semester.

Yes, that's how it works. You sound like you're ready to begin.

I tucked my hands in my pockets and bounced on my toes slightly. I am. This is a big deal for me. Being a self-made billionaire was great for the first year or two, but the boredom was getting to me.

"I wish I had that problem, Josh said with a chuckle. But hearing about your success makes me happy. I wish you the best here."

Thanks, Josh. That means a lot.

Do you have any other questions?

I turned back to the bookshelves, fixated on studying the titles instead of determining what I might need. I was too ecstatic to focus on the tiny details. As much as I was a prepared man who organized everything down to the smallest detail, I couldn't get my brain to work.

I shrugged. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I move along.

Well, don't be a stranger. Take my card.

He extended a posh business card with his name embossed in black letters. I accepted it and looked it over briefly before tucking it into my pocket. Will do.

And Dr. Larry Stout—the president of the college—will be happy to answer any questions you have as well. He's a comedian. He'll have you in stitches before you even leave his office.

I chuckled. I look forward to that.

The new secretary should be here soon, too.

Secretary? I repeated. Well, that sounds fancy.

Yeah, the business department always needs help managing calls, inquiries, schedules, and the like. She's a new hire, but she's eager to start. Just like you.

I perked up. That sounds great.

She'll be able to help you with anything you need as well.

Like coffee?

He cackled. I'm afraid we have to get our own coffee around these parts.

I laughed. I was joking.

Always a joker. The students are going to love you. He patted the top of the closed box. Well, that about does it for this. I'm going to gather some things from my office and get going. I need some rest before next week. Do you need anything?

Not at the moment. I appreciate your help here, Josh. It means the world to me.

I don't mind helping. You've always been a great guy.

And you. Want to help me get these boxes moved?

It'd be my pleasure.

I grabbed a box of books and followed Josh, walking down the lengthy hallway toward the parking lot. I was familiar with the layout of the college. They hadn't changed much since I had left. The business department had gotten a makeover, but other than that, the campus was just as it was. I felt a sense of pride walking through the parking lot to Josh's car. I glanced back to see the campus looming over me like a great mountain awaiting my climb.

I smiled warmly. Who knew Dayton would have such a great college?

Ohio has plenty of good colleges, but ours is one of the greats.

I couldn't agree more.

I set the box in the trunk and he shut the door, patting it with satisfaction. That about does it. I have to get back to my office. Want to walk with me?

Sure.

I wandered alongside him, keeping up a casual pace. I tucked my hands into my pockets and inhaled the fresh air while admiring the shrubbery on campus.

Morningside always had the best flowers, I commented.

The landscaping was always great. The students appreciate it, too.

I love it. I used to sit under that tree over there and read until my eyes burned.

Josh laughed. No wonder you succeeded so young. You were dedicated.

I did my best.

Well, your best led you here, so I imagine it was more than worth it.

Definitely.

When we walked back into the business building, my stomach flipped. I would soon have a classroom full of eager minds who wanted to get into business. I would be able to share what I risked and what I gained. I would have clean slates upon which to impress my experience. Everything started flooding back as I walked toward Josh's office, noticing the letters on his door.

Will I get some fancy letters for my office door? I teased. These look nice.

You can put whatever you want on your door. We'll give you name letters. The rest is up to you.

I pointed to a sign next to the door that read, Open Door. What does that mean?

It means I'm safe to talk to about anything. And that's open to both students and professors.

Interesting.

He nodded as he gathered a couple of files. We believe that fostering a community of support is imperative to the success of students and professors. Sometimes, we just need a little help.

I'd love a copy of that for my door.

He beamed. That would be wonderful. I'm sure the students will have an easy time trusting you.

I hope so, but I understand hesitation. New people can be scary.

They sure can. Are you sure you don't have any other questions?

I chuckled. I'm good for now, Josh. Thank you. Your help has been highly valuable.

I just want to make sure you're prepared. I know how these things go.

And that's why I trust you.

"Excellent. Would you like to grab a coffee? I know it's late afternoon, but the cafe just around the corner has the best coffee I've ever tasted."

I could always go for coffee.

He smiled. Great! We can get better acquainted. I don't have much to do tonight. Do you?

No, I'll just be pouring over the schedule and getting my plan set up.

That's a good idea. Again, call me if you need anything. I put my personal cell phone number on that card I gave you.

Perfect. Shall we head out?

Josh nodded and gestured to the door. He picked up his briefcase and a set of keys before following me out into the hallway. It felt weird being a professor instead of a student. I was sure that feeling would fade, but I wondered how long it would take. I wasn't usually nervous in business. So, why was I nervous here?

My eagerness overshadowed my nerves as we retraced our steps back out to the parking lot. I hopped in my car after agreeing to follow Josh, sighing from the late afternoon heat. The temperature would surely drop again as September approached. It always did for the fall. I tugged off my suit jacket and turned the key in the ignition, listening to the soft sounds of jazz float through the speakers.

As I maneuvered my car through the parking lot, pride filled me once more. I glanced at the college in my rearview mirror, adjusting it so I could get a full image of Morningside.

I'll see you soon, Morningside, I whispered. I can't wait to get started.

Chapter Two

Anna

I cupped my mug of coffee, holding it close to my face to warm the tip of my nose. It was warm outside, but somehow I was still chilled down to my bones.

I shivered. Paige, I'm so nervous about this new job.

Where's it at again?

Morningside College—I'll be the secretary of the business department.

Paige whistled. Sounds like you got yourself one of them fancy gigs.

It's more than that. It actually has benefits. I can't believe I landed it.

Well, believe it because you deserve it.

I grinned at my coffee. You really think so?

Of course, I do! I'm super excited for you.

I'm excited, too.

She nodded emphatically. It'll be good for you to have an 8 to 4 schedule. Those retail hours at Target were really killing you.

Ugh, tell me about it. I wasn't getting much sleep.

And there's lots of other benefits. More than what your job offers?

I perked up curiously. Like?

Like the fact that now you can join Mack and me on the weekends.

"I'm so looking forward to finally having a social life outside of work. I loved the people I worked with, but they were just co-workers. I miss my friends."

We miss you, too.

I'm sorry I've been basically MIA this whole time.

She shrugged. You had to work. I didn't take it personally. Maybe Mack might have.

Well, Mack can suck it up because I had to be an adult.

She laughed. Don't say that in front of him. He's so sensitive sometimes.

I swear, your boyfriend is the most sensitive dude I've ever met.

I like that about him. It's nicer than dating a robot who never has a feeling in the world other than football rage and horny dog.

I giggled. Like your ex.

Don't even talk to me about Walter.

"What about Walter? I didn't even mention Walter."

No, but you were thinking it.

I smiled mischievously. Maybe a little bit.

So, when do you start?

The semester starts on Wednesday, I think.

You should probably check on that.

Oh, I will. I have it written in my calendar.

You get holidays, right? We need to have our family dinners. I won't be missing you just because you're busy helping professors prepare for the holidays.

Of course, we get holidays! What a silly question! I'm on college time now. No more hours wasted on scanning items and restocking the same items over and over.

She grimaced. I can't even imagine working at Target for Christmas.

It was a nightmare, Paige. I think I'm scarred for life from that mess.

I couldn't ever do it.

"Don't ever do it. It's worse than the lowest pit of hell, I swear."

Her face shifted from a grimace to a look of curiosity. Wait, wouldn't the hottest level be the top level?

I didn't study literature, so I don't even know.

I mean, just by logic.

How is that logical?

She giggled while raising her coffee mug. Who knows? I think I'm still tired from my workweek.

Yeah, well, you're spending your Sunday with me instead of resting.

Oh, I'm already regretting it.

I laughed and feigned an offended expression. Wow, that hurts.

Only if you take it personally.

I love you, too.

She giggled and covered her mouth, rolling her eyes. We're the worst.

The absolute worst.

And I get more time to be even worse with you in the future. How amazing is that?

I sighed. More than amazing. You love my company. I can't wait to spend more time with you.

It'll be a blast. We can finally go visit the museum. They have a new winter exhibit that I've been dying to check out.

I hummed with delight. That should be a nice change of pace. Being around the college should make me thirsty for knowledge again.

You've always been thirsty for knowledge. How's that bookshelf doing?

Oh, it's . . . overflowing.

Did you even make a dent in your reading list?

Hardly. I just didn't have the time when I was working at Target.

She smiled warmly. Well, now you can take your books with you to your secretary job. I'm sure there will be plenty of down time to crack open a book.

I'll probably absorb three in the first week. I really can't wait to start.

Hey, maybe you'll even find a man.

"Paige, shut up."

What? I'm not wrong!

I rolled my eyes. My life is too much of a disaster to find a man.

Paige laughed. Working at Target isn't a disaster, sweetie. The hours were bad, but they weren't literally killing you.

They could have. You don't know that.

Dramatic.

Hey, I earned the right to be dramatic. That place was always a hurricane.

She shook her head and joked, It really wasn't that bad, Anna.

I guess you're right. I'm mostly just excited about getting my parents off my back.

Were they really drilling you about your job?

I nodded. In the worst way possible. They would bring it up at dinner every week by telling me about how someone they knew was working this great job downtown and how the benefits were great, etc.

Ugh, annoying.

It was torture. Now that I have a full-time job, they can't say anything.

I hope they're proud of you. You were dragging yourself around for a good minute.

I smiled. I think they're proud. That doesn't really matter at this point. Now I can save up so I can get myself a real apartment. I'm tired of living under their roof.

Honestly, the fact that you live with your parents is probably what scares men away, not the fact that you worked at Target.

Wow, that a low blow.

It was a truthful one.

I hummed. You might be right, but I hate it.

She laughed. There will be plenty of students and professors wandering around that campus. You'll have so many better choices.

I couldn't date a professor. That's just bad work ethics.

Why not? They're smarter than anybody you would meet at Target.

Well, I wouldn't date a co-worker from Target either.

She shook her head. You're just too picky.

No, I'm realistic and I have morals. It's immoral to date someone you work with. Point blank. It just makes for a toxic work environment.

I think I take back my original statement. I think your morals are keeping you single.

I guffawed and lifted my mug of coffee. I think the term you're looking for is 'filter.' I'm 'filtering' through the bad ones.

You're 'filtering' your way through to a lonely life is what you're doing.

You can't prove that.

Case and point: you're currently single.

So, what?

"So, that means something ain't working."

I shook my head and giggled. After I took a sip of coffee, I set down my mug and sighed. I folded my hands over my lap and leaned forward, feeling relief and exhaustion from my previous job. Well, things will start working for me now. I can feel it.

I'm glad, girl. You deserve it.

You're just excited for my new availability.

Well, sure, but I'm just ecstatic that you've got a big girl job like the rest of us.

I laughed. I'm ecstatic, too.

I drank more of my coffee, feeling it warm me right down to my soul. I stared out the shop window at the passing cars and noticed the trees lining the sidewalk. The sky was cloudy again. It looked like maybe it might rain. Dayton had always been mildly gloomy, but I liked it. There was something comforting about the clouds.

I think it just reminded me of simpler days.

You're doing that thing again, Paige pointed out. Always in your head.

I don't do it on purpose.

She snorted and then giggled. No, but I can always tell when it's happening.

I like looking around. It makes me feel present.

Well, hopefully, you can take that mindfulness to your new job. Just don't get so lost that you miss out on everything else, okay?

Of course. I smiled warmly at my best friend. Thanks for sticking around through the tough stuff.

It's what besties do, right?

Yeah, it's what we do.

I mean, I would expect you to do the same for me.

I laughed. Is that written in my bestie contract? Is that in the fine print?

Sure is. I have a copy and everything. You can't weasel your way out of that one.

You're such a dork!

We shared a laugh as the rest of the world bustled slowly around us. I was glad to have my best friend and to celebrate my new job. I was glad to have success.

I just hoped I could keep it this time.

Chapter Three

Matthew

Meetings and more meetings—it's what my Tuesday was made of. I hadn't ever been nervous in my life, but there was always room for new experiences.

And this was something surprisingly new.

I was taking a walk from the business building to the cafeteria. Although I knew the layout of the college, it had been years since I had acquainted myself with the new additions. The courtyard was stunning, made up of local flowers and towering trees that would provide the best shade from the sun.

It was still relatively warm. August would soon pass and winter would come quickly, practically passing up the fall. But I was excited for cooler weather. As much as I enjoyed the heat, I wanted to be bundled up in front of a fireplace with hot chocolate. Maybe I could even meet someone to do that with me.

I sighed. There were a group of students approaching. I put on my best smile, the one that would warm my chocolate brown eyes and light up my face. I held up a hand as they passed, all of them chattering about who I was. One of the boys broke away from the group.

He extended his hand. Mr. Masters, it's a pleasure to have you on campus.

Just call me Professor now.

The student beamed. Are you teaching computer software?

Business, I corrected. But I wouldn't mind dropping some information about that, too.

I'll be sure to take one of your lectures.

I look forward to it.

The students meandered away from me, the boy who had shaken my hand doubled over with excitement. I continued my stroll to the cafeteria only to be thwarted by a few more students and one professor. Many of them told me they were glad I was here. It felt nice to be welcomed with such warmth and care. It all seemed rather genuine.

I knew I would enjoy teaching, but I had hoped I could separate myself from my billionaire status. I didn't like letting people know I was a self-made billionaire. It always made the air awkward around the conversation as if I were a deity come down to earth or a creature from the ocean who hadn't been seen since extinction.

Though many others might have found this sort of celebrity status endearing, I wasn't necessarily impressed. I had done what any man might have done. I had climbed the ladder of success as many members of my family had before me. I was just following their footsteps—it was that simple.

Part of the reason I got into the college scene was to separate myself from the money. I knew that, in time, I would meld with the campus around me. I wouldn't be as popular. As the kids aged out, new kids would flow in and they wouldn't know a thing about me. I looked forward to that relief. Having popularity based on money felt shallow to me.

I drew near the cafeteria door and noticed the students beyond the window checking me out. While I walked inside, I noticed the shift in energy in the room. All eyes were watching me cross the dining area toward the other side. I wanted to eat and interact like any other professor. I made my way to the attendant at the desk and handed over my key card.

She scanned it. Professor Masters—welcome!

Thank you.

I'm Dora. I'll be servicing you most days. Our cafeteria is set up like a buffet. Please, feel free to grab anything you want.

Thanks, Dora.

Enjoy!

I wandered past her and took up a tray, joining the long line of students shuffling around in a circle to