Love's only Price

By Christine Myers

Billionaire businessman Michael Whitaker had gained a reputation as a womanizing jet setter after a messy divorce soured him on love. Then a car accident nearly took his life and changed everything. Finally, almost recovered, he is out about town on his own.

Ann Leland, a beautiful woman catches Michael's eye as they are crossing the street in opposite directions. A chance meeting leads to a shared kiss. The passion that flares between them was so intense Michael can't get her out of his mind.

Could he trust her not to break his heart as it had been broken before? Could he trust any woman ever again? Will they learn to trust each other and in the love that could grow from the fiery attraction between them?
Re-edited and remastered 2024

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christine Myers
• Release date: Aug 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005217006

Christine Myers

Chris Myers has been a science fiction fan since seeing the original “Day the Earth Stood Still” at age eight. Her favorite subgenre is space opera romance. Among the most influential in her work are the Lazarus Long novels by Robert Heinlein including “Time Enough for Love”, Marta Randall’s “Journey” and of course “Star Wars”, everything “Star Trek” and “Fire Fly”.A lifelong resident of Silver Lake, NY she wrote her first novella at age fifteen. She has a BA in Cultural Studies from Empire State College majoring in creative writing. She writes a regular column in the local weekly newspaper “Perry Herald”. Chris has written four novels in The Aledan Series:

Book preview

LOVE’S ONLY PRICE

A Billionaire Romance

Christine Myers

Copyright © 2024, 2019

By Christine Myers

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in a database or retrieval system without prior written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Real locales cited in this work have been used fictitiously in this novel.

This novel was originally published as The Price of Love and then as "Love’s Only Price under the penname Crisanne Marz. It has now been revised and re-edited by the original author, Christine Myers.

Billionaire businessman Michael Whitaker had gained a reputation as a womanizing jet setter after a messy divorce soured him on love. Then, a car accident nearly took his life and changed everything. Finally, almost recovered, he is out around town on his own.

Beautiful Ann Leland, Michael's eye as they are crossing the street in opposite directions. A chance meeting leads to a shared kiss. The passion that flares between them is so intense Michael can't get her out of his mind.

Could he trust her not to break his heart as it had been broken before? Could he trust any woman ever again? Will they learn to trust each other and in the love that could grow from the fiery attraction between them?

Note: Quotes from my novel The Aledan Psion are used fictitiously as the work of one of the characters.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

EPILOGUE

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CHAPTER ONE

Michael entered the office without hesitation and approached the receptionist's desk. Threading a hand through his dark brown hair, he said, Michael Whittaker to see Jake Fuller. He’s expecting me.

Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Whittaker, I didn’t recognize you, she stammered.

Michael chuckled softly. Relax, Lynn. It’s OK. Sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I wonder who that guy is myself.

Of course, she murmured, and her cheeks flushed pink. Go right in; Mr. Fuller is waiting.

Michael nodded and walked deliberately around the desk with the aid of a hand-carved wooden cane and into the main offices. None of the staff recognized him any more than Lynn had. It still gave him a strange feeling to walk among people who should have known him without striking a spark of recognition.

It made him feel as if he were a ghost. He wrapped his knuckles against the door as a formality and felt an eerie sense of déjà vu as he twisted the doorknob to enter. The last time he walked through the door, he’d been a different man mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. The last time he’d walked through the door, he was sure about who he was and where he was going. Now, he wasn’t sure about anything.

Jake stared at him for a long moment before his rugged face broke into a grin. Michael, you look great. They certainly made you into a handsome devil. If I hadn’t seen you when they took off the bandages, I wouldn’t recognize you. You look so different.

Unconsciously, Michael raised his fingers to brush a planed cheekbone. Jake was right. The doctors had given him a good face. The scars were barely visible to an untrained eye. It’s not the face I had, but it’ll do. I’m lucky to have a face at all after the accident. I’m lucky to be alive—I think.

Don’t rush it, Mike. You just got back on your feet. Jim has everything under control. Give yourself some time to work things out.

At least I didn’t hit the kid. Michael sighed, shaking his head. They wanted to give me a medal or something. If I had been paying attention, I would’ve stopped in time without almost getting myself killed. If I had killed that little girl—

Now your auto insurance would be three times what we’re charging you, Jake said, smiling. The little girl is all right, and you are going to be. Jake paused as Michael nodded. What did you think of the new commercial liability plan for your company?

With a few minor changes, it’ll do. Our lawyer will go over it with your lawyer, and we’ll take it from there.

Where can we reach you?

Michael shrugged. Either the penthouse or the lake house. It depends on the weather. You have my personal cell number.

Michael talked with his friend and insurance broker for a little longer but declined Jake’s offer to take him to lunch. He needed to get out, but he wasn’t ready to see all his old friends and acquaintances. He needed more time to get used to this new Michael Whittaker first.

Michael emerged from the Fuller building and inhaled the crisp city air deeply. Even though it was still cool, the pavement was dry, and the sun was shining. Leaves were budding on the trees planted along the sidewalk, and the sky was so blue it hurt his eyes. Spring had come to downtown Rochester, New York.

He did feel glad to be alive. Just then, it didn’t matter that he still needed the cane to walk. His leg improved since the last operation, and Michael knew he would walk without it one day.

As he stared into the bright blue midday sky, he considered that spring was a time of new beginnings. It was as good a time as any to make a fresh start in his life. He just needed to decide where to start. Blue, cloudless sky, and sunshine. He smiled to himself, realizing the simple pleasure he was taking in the day. The shallow jet-set lifestyle he had fallen into before his accident had made him forget about life’s simple pleasures—sailing the lake, watching the water rippling in the morning sun under a clear blue sky just like this. What better place to mull over his life?

At least Darlene wasn’t around to try to talk him out of it. Their marriage was two and a half years over, and he didn’t have to argue with her over things like spending time at the lake house anymore. He could just pack up and go with no one’s feelings to consider but his own.

With the aid of his cane, he walked toward the corner, putting a little more weight on his still-healing leg with each step. He stopped at the corner to wait for the light to change. The sound of heels tapping on the concrete drew his gaze to an attractive woman across the street.

She looked like a woman who knew exactly where she was going and what she was going to do when she got there.

The light changed, and Michael realized that he would pass the pretty chestnut-haired woman about in the middle of the street. She was smartly dressed in a pale green suit and carrying a tan leather bag that matched her shoes. He was unable to take his eyes off her face as he came closer to her. She wasn’t beautiful in the classic sense, but carefully applied makeup enhanced her average features to their best advantage.

And her eyes were so blue! Their eyes locked for a moment, and Michael fought back an overpowering urge to reach out and touch her arm. He could see in her eyes that it had stunned her as well—this primitive, instinctive, and unspoken recognition. As they passed in the street, she gave him a vaguely appreciative smile, averted her eyes shyly, and moved on.

Michael wanted to turn and follow her, but what would he say to her? He had no idea who she was. Was he ready to jump into this new life half-cocked? That was how he’d gotten into trouble in the first place. The woman was attractive, incredibly so—just like Darlene, and it had taken a long time to see beyond that superficial attraction. But this woman wasn’t Darlene; she didn’t look like her at all.

Damn! He murmured when he reached the opposite corner. He turned, and she was gone as if she never existed. Maybe she wasn’t real. He shook his head and turned back toward the parking garage. And maybe it’s just as well.

Ann Leland was aware of very little but the overwhelming pain that blotted out all sense of reason when she burst from the Fuller building. Her only thought was to escape the source. Her eyes shone with the threat of tears, and the sleek tan pumps pinched her feet as she walked quickly to the curb. She didn’t notice the light change, and she didn’t see the luxury sedan pull away from the parking garage across the street. Ann sought only the expanse of open space that provided her a path to escape.

She knew that if she had to see Alex one more time, the cool facade she had presented only moments before would shatter into a thousand pieces. What a colossal jerk! How could she have thought she was ever in love with a man like that? And what an ego!

Just let me never see him again, she muttered and lunged forward. Three steps into the street, the squealing tires and a blaring horn finally cut through the haze of hurt and anger that enveloped her senses. Not quickly enough. The oncoming car brushed her slightly—enough to knock her off balance, so she pitched forward and landed sprawling over its sleek, silver hood.

The car hadn’t actually hit her; rather, she had run into it as it screeched to a halt. She was more startled than hurt as she realized what had happened. Trembling all over, she pushed herself up from the hood slowly and slid her feet to the pavement with a groan. Her legs felt like they might collapse under her weight, but a steadying hand closed around her upper arm before that could happen.

My God! Are you all right? A worried masculine voice demanded.

Y-yes, she managed. Through the curtain of thick red hair, she saw the long, square-tipped fingers that curled around her arm.

Are you crazy? You didn’t even look! You just stepped off the curb into the street, he shouted angrily and gave her a little shake. I could have killed you!

I’m sorry. She pushed the hair out of her eyes and looked up into his angry face. I’d just... I just... She tried to explain, but her throat tightened, tears filled her eyes, and she started to cry. She tried to twist her arm from his grasp; her only thought was to get away. He didn’t let her.

Oh, for God’s sake! He muttered, pulling her toward the passenger door of his car. He opened it, shoved her inside, and closed it. Then he hurried to the driver’s side and climbed behind the wheel. Before Ann could voice an objection, he shifted the car into drive and sped away. She stopped crying as she realized the man was a total stranger. When he pulled the car into a deserted underground parking garage, she started to feel concerned.

Even this well-dressed stranger could be some kind of psychopath, capable of all manner of atrocities. She looked at him warily. Tall, dark, and handsome, the clichéd description popped into her mind. He was a bit over six feet tall with thick umber hair and emerald green eyes with a touch of honey around the iris. His body appeared to be toned and well-muscled under the expensive dark gray suit. The smooth planed features of his handsome face had an almost sculptured look, maybe just a little too perfect to be completely natural.

It’s OK. I’m not going to hurt you, he said gently and got out of the car. He came around and opened the passenger door. He took her arm, helped her out, led her to a waiting elevator, and urged her inside.

Ann watched him press his hand to the scan pad, and the doors closed. The elevator gave a slight lurch, and she felt it lifting them upward. When it stopped, the doors opened into the lavishly furnished apartment. The man guided her to a plush leather chair beside a dark wooden bar and bade her sit down. In a moment, he handed her a tumbler of liquid he had poured from a crystal carafe and commanded her to drink it.

Ann gasped after two swallows. The liquid was straight bourbon. She coughed and set the glass on a small silver and glass table beside the chair.

Do you want to talk about it? The man asked in a gentle tone, walking toward the sofa across from her with an almost graceful limp. He sat down and swallowed his drink. Ann shrugged, not looking directly at him.

I just broke my engagement, and it was a bit messy. I found out that there’s been someone else all along. He promised to break it off and asked me to forgive him, but that’s just because he wants my inheritance to help buy into his uncle’s insurance company. Well, he can just forget that.

She took another sip from the glass of amber liquid and looked across at him. She recognized him from passing him on the street. He was even more attractive up close. His face had a sculptured look with carefully carved features. He was thoroughly masculine, with a sensual quality about him. He stared into her eyes for a long moment, and it almost seemed as though he could see into her mind. She blushed and looked away as she felt her body reacting to the lure of him.

Too bad, right? She murmured, staring past him at an intriguing abstract painting on the wall. It was too good to last anyway.

I doubt that. Nothing is too good to last. At least now you don’t have a messy divorce on your hands. A clean break and it’s all over.

Not so clean. I almost got myself killed over that jerk!

Yeah. He let out a shaky breath. You scared the hell out of me. God, when you stepped off that curb... He took a swallow from his glass. Do you want to know how I got this? He pointed to his leg. I almost hit a little girl two years ago. I swerved to miss her and hit a very big truck.

Oh, no! I’m so sorry. Ann groaned. "Now, I understand why you were so upset. I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted to get as far away from Alex as fast as possible.

I was running too when I had my accident. It’s not worth it, he asserted. Feeling a little better now?

Yes, thank you. Ann nodded and offered him a shaky smile. You’ve been very nice, but I think I’d better go.

OK, I’ll drive you. Where do you need to go?

Back to the garage across from the Fuller building. I left my car there.

Michael pulled his silver Cadillac into the space beside Ann’s classic red Ford Mustang a little over ten minutes later. She opened her door and got out of the car, thanking Michael. Walking around toward the driver’s side of her car, she began digging into her handbag for her car keys.

Wait a minute! Michael got out of his car and moved around it quickly despite his limp. He gently grasped her shoulders and turned her around to face him. I don’t even know your name. I want to see you again.

Oh—I don’t know. You’ve been very nice, but I need time to sort things out.

I understand that. At least tell me your name—where you live. It was a command, not a request, but the intensity of his gaze took away her will to deny him. She gave him her cell number. My name is Ann Leland, and I live at Silver Lake.

He took out his cell phone and punched the number into his contacts list.

Ann Leland, it fits you. he grinned, his eyes dancing, and gave a mock bow. Michael T. Whittaker at your service.

Ann smiled back, basking in the warmth of the smile he gave her. She turned her gaze away to hide her frank admiration. Alex and his lover were walking toward the elevator just past where Ann and Michael were standing.

Great! Not them, she groaned softly as they saw her. She turned her head and glanced up at Michael, whose hands still rested on her shoulders. Her lips parted, and she inhaled sharply at the dangerous glitter in his eyes. He pulled her against him and lowered his head to kiss her before she could pull back. His lips were warm and gentle as they caressed hers into a response