The Grouchy Billionaire: Small Town Billionaires, #5

By April Murdock

A spoiled billionaire and a misplaced personal assistant forced together on a fabulous beach in the Caribbean can't stand each other. Even a meddling matchmaker mother can't make these two see they're meant for each other. Well, not unless these enemies need to band together to pull off the party they don't realize was planned for them.

Billionaires don't always get their way. Jenna's going to do her best to see that Liam figures that out even if it has to happen the hard way.

Though they're in paradise, this match isn't exactly made in Heaven. But just when all the problems seem to be worked out, that's just an illusion. Come along for the ride as Liam Bradford and Jenna West avoid each other, swap barbs, and slowly fall in love.

But is love enough when your goals are vastly different?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sweet River Publishing
• Release date: Mar 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393982623

Book preview

Chapter One

Liam’s phone lit up for the sixth time. The other associates grew quiet and stared at him. Were they expecting him to answer his phone during this meeting? He knew better than that. Before his father passed away, he’d been instilled with all the habits of a great senior associate at Bradford & Associates. If he had his way, he’d be Senior Partner already. The problem with being the boss’s kid was having to do more to prove yourself.

He pushed the silence button and leaned back in his chair. These meetings were pointless and mundane. Lifting his hand to get a better view of his watch, he breathed out a sigh. If he could get out of here in the next thirty minutes, he might still have time to take the new receptionist out for a bite to eat.

A smile played on his lips. Taking her out would serve more than one purpose. His mom would get off his back about setting him up on another date with one of her friends’ daughters, and it’d give him a reprieve from all the boring meetings he’d had to endure today.

Papers shuffled into piles. The dozen attorneys in the room got to their feet, some shook hands. Liam stretched and grabbed his phone. Six missed calls from his mother. He rolled his eyes. What now?

Swiping the screen on his phone, he checked his text messages. Three messages too? Something wasn’t right. Liam headed out into the hall and dialed his mother’s number. She picked up on the first ring. Oh, good, Liam. I need you to come out to the beach house right away.

Mother, you know I had meetings all day. I hope this is an emergency. Liam caught the receptionist’s eye and winked at her. She smiled back and turned to her computer.

Liam! What an awful thing to say.

He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. What did you need, Mother?

I told you, I need you at the beach house right away.

Liam stilled. Mother, I can’t just get on a plane and come out to the beach house.

I have a party this week, and the air conditioner isn’t cooling like it’s supposed to! I’m here right now and there are other issues too.

Don’t you have a handyman who’s supposed to handle all those issues? What are you paying him for?

I had to let him go last month. I thought I’d hired his replacement, but the gentleman wasn’t available to start until next week. You know how to fix this stuff. Please, can you come?

Liam glanced at his watch. If he left in the next hour he might get in just before she went to bed. Fine. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Just fixing a few things? That’s all you need?

Of course, dear. Why else would I have you come? I know you don’t like coming to the beach house since…

Yeah, I know. I’ll see you in a few hours. Liam tossed one more longing glance to the receptionist then headed to his office. He’d need to wrap a few things up first. If he knew his mother, she’d figure out some way to make him stay until the party.

Liam gazed out the airplane window at the Caribbean Islands. The sun was setting out his other window, lighting the sky in yellow, orange, and pink, but he could see the outlines from the beach properties near his mother’s vacation home. The last time he’d been here was about four years ago. He’d come to get married but fate had delivered a different plan for him.

His head fell back against the oversized leather seat and he sipped the last bit of water out of the glass cup in his hand. Only a few days. He could push back the memories if it was only for a few days.

As the plane began its descent, the familiar weightlessness filled his stomach, causing his heart to flutter. He squeezed his eyes tight and gripped the arm rests. He might not be able to control the plane, but he could control everything else in his life.

The moment the plane touched down, Liam unbuckled his seatbelt. He waited for it to slow before jumping to his feet. It was his jet, they couldn’t make him stay seated if he didn’t want to be. The plane taxied to a stop and Liam strode toward the exit. He nodded his thanks to the flight attendant and made his way down the stairs.

A man standing outside a waiting limo pulled the door open and he climbed in. Waiting impatiently for his phone to connect, Liam was quickly going over his schedule in his head. It’d be another forty minutes in the car before he’d make it to his mother’s beach house. He might as well cancel the plans he had for the rest of the week, just in case.

By the time he pulled up to the house, most of the lights were off. Per the norm, his mother had left on the porch lights. The colonial style beach house didn’t fit in with the other buildings on the strip. Nor did his mother fit the mold of the typical socialite. She had always wanted a colonial house. She couldn’t convince his father; he was more reserved than that. After he passed away, she went all out getting things he would have otherwise disapproved of. Ever the entertainer, his mother always went big. Liam slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and ran up the stairs to the large veranda, skipping every other step.

Pulling out his keys, Liam shoved the housekey into the lock and slowly opened the door. The large, heavy, oak door groaned in protest. Liam jumped as the creak echoed through the foyer. His mother really needed a better handyman.

Liam adjusted his duffle. It was just as he remembered it. The foyer opened up to a large entertaining space. A chandelier hung above his head, and a grand staircase led the way to the upper level. He cringed, recalling the last time he had made his way up those stairs only to find his world had fallen out from under him.

He tugged on the beaded pull chain, turning off the lamp in the foyer. His mother was already in bed. He’d have to speak to her in the morning. Liam took a deep breath. One step at a time. He could do this. As he made his way up to his room, he allowed his hand to glide on the glossy railing. He could do this. He just needed a good night’s rest.

The light filtered into his room. Liam opened his eyes and blinked rapidly. He didn’t remember climbing into bed. Groaning, he rolled over and picked up his phone. It was still early, but his mother was an early riser. If he was lucky, she’d give him her list and he could get everything done today.

He pulled on a pair of jeans and grabbed a t-shirt. Liam galloped down the stairs and rounded the corner to the kitchen. Hey, Mom. What do you want me to do first? He pulled his shirt over his head and stopped short.

Jenna.

Liam released a deep breath. Do you know where my mother is?

Jenna sat at the kitchen table, a muffin in front of her. She was staring at her phone, looking three shades paler than he last remembered. She could use the extra sun. She tucked a strand of straight brown hair behind her ear.

Earth to Jenna. I know you’re just my mother’s assistant, but do you know where she might be? He waved his hand in front of her.

She finally looked up at him, her brows pulled together over deep brown eyes. Not here.

What do you mean not here?

She shrugged. I mean she’s not here. And now I get to plan this whole crazy party without her. Jenna pulled out a binder and flipped it open. This is just great. I can’t believe I got roped into this. Her muttered complaints were almost too quiet for him to hear.

Liam opened his mouth and raised his finger, ready to give her the third degree, when his phone rang. He yanked it from his back pocket, swiping to answer the call. Mother, where are you? Jenna is here. She says you’re gone?

I’m so sorry, dear. I neglected to tell you I wouldn’t be able to stay. I have some business to attend to in New York. I left you a list of what I need you to fix. I’m sure you can figure it out.

Liam turned away from Jenna, who was staring at him, her nose wrinkling, eyes wide. Mother, he whispered. What are you up to?

Up to? Why, nothing, dear. I just need you to finish a few things before the event this weekend.

Liam strode a few more feet away from Jenna. Mother! I know what you are trying to do. I refuse! You hear that? I won’t be party to your matchmaking ways.

His mother laughed. Why, Liam, I have no idea what you’re talking about. She paused and in a more serious tone, she continued. It’s been four years. You need to heal. And then her voice brightened. Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll be back at the end of the week!

But Mother— He flinched at the volume of his own voice and glanced at Jenna, who quickly turned back to her binder. Mother? Hello? She’d hung up on him! Liam growled and shoved the phone back into his pocket. He loved his mother but sometimes he wished she’d mind her own business.

Chapter Two

Jenna quickly ducked her head and flipped through the party planner binder Elizabeth had insisted they put together. The lists of caterers and decorators were a great asset when Elizabeth ultimately placed entire projects on her—which she did often. Jenna could handle it. She wasn’t upset about this situation. But she didn’t like being under the same roof as Liam Bradford. He was the most selfish and entitled person she knew in Elizabeth’s circle. Such a shame that he was her beloved employer’s own son. She never could understand how Liam had turned out the way he had when Elizabeth was so sweet and genuine. Like a virus, money must affect people differently.

Liam was upset. She had a feeling she knew exactly why. Elizabeth had dropped hint after hint about the two of them being perfect for each other. She wrinkled her nose. Apparently she could only brush off Elizabeth so many times before the determined woman took things into her own hands.

Jenna turned the page and pretended not to pay attention to Liam. Hopefully, now that his mother was off the island, he’d decide to not stay long. She wouldn’t mind a week at the beach planning a party, as long as it was Liam-free.

Liam was now in the kitchen, pulling open cupboards and drawers with

Reviews for The Grouchy Billionaire

[Deb Pden · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book the best so far..it is a romance novel..kissing, touching, whispering in the ear and good banter.