The Billionaire's Best Friend: The Overnight Billionaire Bachelors, #5

By Laura Ann

She wants a second chance, he wants to be left alone...
can these two cross an already burned bridge for another chance at love?

Laken Truman has spent much of her life pining for a man who married someone else and she doesn't like who it has turned her into. In an effort to reevaluate her life and find herself again, she moves to an old hunting cabin on her brother's property and starts fixing it up DIY style. The quiet area and hard work seem to be just the thing she needs to reinvent her reputation. Now if only the man she's never gotten over hadn't shown up on her doorstep.

The call to come build an addition onto the Avangarde Castle and Resort couldn't have come at a better time for Jaxson Malone. Having lost his entire life savings in a custody battle for his son, he desperately needed a job and this one seemed like an answer to prayer. Jaxson has known the Truman family for years, but he's never seen Laken all grown up and looking far too enticing for her own good.

Will a meeting as adults be what these two need in order to see each other with fresh eyes? Or will the distance between them prove too much for love to handle?


"The Billionaire's Best Friend" is the fifth and final in a series of stand-alone, sweet, clean romances with a guaranteed Happy Ever After. If you love stories of redemption, friendship and swoon-worthy kisses, then you'll LOVE this book. Grab your copy today!


Check out all the Truman siblings in this best selling series!
Her Billionaire Boss
Her Billionaire Chef
Her Fake Billionaire Boyfriend
Her Billionaire Gardner
The Billionaire's Best Friend

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angel Music
• Release date: May 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201154813

Book preview

Prologue

Laken heard buzzing coming from the family room as she swiped the last bit of polish onto her nails. Ignoring the sound, she gently blew on the wet paint, willing it to dry quickly and without any smudges.

Laken? Teagan called from down the hall.

Hmm? Laken answered distractedly.

Can you come grab my phone? My hands are full.

I just painted my nails. Sorry! Laken held her breath to see if Teagan would give her a hard time about refusing to come. When she heard her twin sigh, Laken settled back into her pillows and grinned. Teagan always gave in.

Hey, Big Bro! What’s up? Teagan’s voice carried down the hall.

Oh. It’s one of the boys. Now curious, Laken slipped out of bed and eased to the corner so she could eavesdrop. They don’t call very often. I wonder what they want.

Hi, Teagan. How goes school? You and Laken getting ready for finals? Hayden’s deep voice came through the tiny speaker. Laken could barely hear him so she inched forward a little more.

Teagan blew out a big puff of air Yeah. Well, I am at least. Good thing I’ve only got two years left because I’m about ready to call it quits. She laughed.

I know the feeling.

Eh, you old men finished school forever ago! You probably don’t even remember what it was like to live in a dorm, Teagan teased.

Watch it, Teags, or I won’t send you cookies anymore.

Sorry! I’ll never call you old again, Hay.

A deep chuckle came through the line, followed by a pause. Hey, so uh, we kind of have something to tell you girls. Can you grab Laken?

Laken’s eyes got wide and she stiffened. Uh oh. What do they think I did now?

Teagan frowned. Is everything okay?

Yeah. Of course. It’s just… well, it’s kind of unbelievable and we wanted to tell you together.

O-kay. Hang on a sec. There was a pause before Teagan yelled. Laken! Can you come here please?

Laken dashed back to the room before answering so Teagan wouldn’t know she was listening in. Why? she called out innocently.

Because Hayden wants to talk to us both.

Laken padded to the entrance of the small family room. Why does he need to talk to us? Please say this isn’t about that disastrous date last weekend. How would they even know about that?

Teagan held in her frustration. I don’t know. He hasn’t told me anything.

Laken rolled her eyes to convince Teagan she didn’t care. This better be good. I was watching a movie and letting my nails dry.

He wouldn’t have asked for us both if it wasn’t important. Teagan put the phone back to her ear. I’m putting you on speaker, Hay. Hang on. She pressed a button and put the phone on the coffee table. Okay. Go ahead.

Okay, so… He blew out a breath. So you two know that Eli, Nelson and I have been working on this castle."

The crazy pile of rubble? Yeah, we know, Laken scoffed as she plopped into an old recliner.

Teagan shot her twin a look. Laken just shrugged. What? Someone in this family needs to call it what it is. Our brothers are crazy for working on that old thing.

Right. Hayden’s voice was tight and it was easy to hear he was angry at Laken’s interruption. Anyway, we were tearing down a wall and found a hidden door.

Teagan’s eyes went wide. What? Really? You found a hidden passage?

Yeah. It took us all off guard.

Did you go inside and explore? Teagan’s voice grew in volume as she became excited.

So dumb, Laken mouthed before shaking her head. It’s probably full of dust and cobwebs. Why would an old, gross passageway be exciting? Probably nothing but dead rats and disease.

Teagan ignored her and focused on Hayden’s story.

At the bottom of the stairs we went through this huge wooden door and we found something. Again he paused and Teagan began to bounce a little on the couch.

What? What did you find? Some old books? A torture chamber? Teagan burst out.

Torture chamber? Really, Teagan? Laken rolled her eyes again and studied her newly done nails. Although, there might be something fun to use on stupid, old Jaxson if that’s the case.

Teagan waved an impatient hand at her sister. What was it, Hayden?

We found a treasure.

Silence enveloped them for several moments before chaos broke loose.

What? What do you mean a treasure?

This isn’t like a treasure of old antique stuff is it?

Was it old?

Is it worth anything?

What are you going to do with it?

Is it sellable?

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hayden’s voice boomed through the room and both Teagan and Laken snapped their mouths shut.

If you two will be quiet for a minute, I’ll tell you, he growled.

Why is he always so grumpy? Laken huffed and folded her arms across her chest. Go on, then, she snapped at the phone.

The room was full of gold and jewels. Truth be told, it looks like a pirate’s bounty down here, but that wouldn’t make sense with it being a castle and all. He sighed. We’re still pretty much in shock about it. We have no idea how much it’s all worth, but we’re guessing… it’s a lot. The entire room is full. Eli is on the phone right now trying to call the right government authorities to help us deal with this.

You might also need a lawyer, Hay, Teagan added. There’s probably going to be a ton of red tape.

Yeah. I’ll tell Eli. That’s a good thought. Anyway, we wanted to tell you girls before the media frenzy hit. As soon as some reporter gets wind of this, odds are, we’ll be buried by cameras.

How much of it are you going to get to keep? Laken asked. What would it be like to not have to worry about money anymore? Maybe I could finally buy some decent clothes instead of these secondhand rags.

I don’t know. There was a shuffling sound on the other side of the line and Laken could imagine him running his hand through his hair. It appears to be an ancient treasure, so I guess there’s always the possibility we won’t get to keep any of it.

What? Laken screeched. Whatever happened to finder’s keeper’s?

Lake! I don’t know! Calm down, huh? We’re just going to have to wait it out. Geez. Forgive me for not knowing how this works. Finding treasure isn’t exactly your everyday event.

No need to be snarky, Laken grumbled. I can’t help it if I’m excited about the possibility of being wealthy.

Laken! Teagan hissed. We didn’t find that treasure, the boys did. Even if they get to keep it, we don’t get to assume we get any of it.

Well, why not? We’re their sisters, aren’t we? Laken made a face. Like those goody-two-shoes would ever leave us out in the cold.

Yes, but you’re not entitled to their salary from their jobs, why would you be entitled to this?

Laken opened her mouth to respond, but Hayden spoke over her. How about we just wait it all out, huh? If by some miracle we get to keep it and it’s actually worth something, then we can talk about what we’re doing.

That’s more than generous, Hay. But remember you don’t owe us anything, Teagan reassured him.

Laken stuck her tongue out and Teagan ignored her. Why does she have to be so perfect? Is it really wrong to think the boys would help us out? But good ole Teagan has to be noble about everything. I’ll never measure up.

Alright. Well… I better go. I need to make some other calls to help out Eli and Nelson is too busy walking around touching everything to be of use, so…

Love you, Hay. We’ll talk to you soon, Teagan said.

Love you too. Take care, girls.

Bye, Laken added. Ha! See? I can be polite.

Teagan pressed the ‘off’ button then sat in stunned silence on the couch.

Think the boys will pay off our student loans? Laken murmured, letting her thoughts come through her mouth.

Laken! Our brothers just found a hidden treasure and all you can think about is the money aspect! Teagan’s shoulders sagged and she gave her sister a disappointed look.

Well, what do you expect? Treasure means money. Laken scowled at her twin, then stood and headed back to her bedroom. I need to wash my face before going to bed. I have a date tomorrow and don’t want bags under my eyes.

She didn’t actually have a date, but Teagan didn’t need to know that. Her twin thought she ran through boys like a toddler goes through candy, but it wasn’t exactly true. Ever since the boy Laken had been in love with married another woman, Laken had put on a show of being the most wanted, the most desirable woman around.

Yes, she had plenty of dates, but she was also careful not to go out with men she knew would want only one thing. Which meant she turned down half the dates she was asked on, but she never let Teagan know that.

She doesn’t need to know. Teagan is like, the perfect little girl, anyway. She has the brains, she’s meek and quiet and everybody loves her. The only thing I’ve got is the men. I’m not about to let go of that just to appease my sister.

She walked into their shared bathroom and began pulling her dark hair up in order to wash her face.

Besides, someday Jaxson is going to be sorry he never looked at me as more than a little sister. Maybe if the boys really did strike it rich, that will be enough to get his attention.

Shoving thoughts of Jaxson Malone aside, Laken finished her bedtime routine and slipped under the covers. As always, her mind slid to ‘what if’ scenarios where Jaxson confessed his undying love and kissed her in a way that spoke of the fairy tale ending she had wished for so many years.

Someday...

Chapter 1

2 Years Later

Whoa. Who knew gardeners could be so cute? Laken held out her hand to the man Eli was introducing her to. Nice to meet you, Sully, she said in her ‘come hither’ voice. She knew it got men’s attention and having just moved in with her brothers after graduating from college, she needed to check out the local man scene. This is a good place to start.

Eli, Nelson and Hayden had indeed kept the treasure found in the basement of the castle they were renovating and it had changed them from three men on their last legs to overnight billionaires. They had taken that money and transformed the castle and its several hundred acres into a resort destination called Avangarde Castle. Now, Teagan and Laken were joining their brothers to join the family business.

Nice to meet you, too. Sully shook her hand then dropped it immediately.

Oooh. A challenge. Moving to the middle of nowhere might be more fun than I thought.

She stood back as Sully and Eli began to talk business. The workings of the resort didn’t interest her in the least, so Laken turned away and let her eyes wander around Hayden’s massive log cabin home.

It might be nice to build myself something when my spa is done. But I definitely will not build it like a cabin. I want modern and sleek.

Let’s eat! Hayden shouted loudly.

Laken cringed at his bellow, then quickly smoothed her face into something more pleasant. Stepping into place beside Sully, she smiled up at him. Hungry? she asked.

Sully smiled back. Yep. Pulling out trees will give you a good appetite.

I’m sure it does, she answered with a wink. Not letting him get away, Laken pulled out the chair beside him. Teagan and Nelson sat across from them.

Hi, Sully murmured as they sat down.

Laken looked over to see that he was talking to Teagan. Oh, he hasn’t met her yet. She was helping Hayden with dinner.

Teags, this is Sully. He’s the one you’re going to be working with. He’s our landscaping guru, Nelson said to Teagan.

H-hi, Teagan whispered, before turning a dark crimson.

Laken grinned. I don’t understand why she gets so flustered around guys, but it happens every time. Maybe I need to give her a few pointers.

After they said grace, everyone grabbed the dish closest to them and began filling their plates.

So, Sully, how long have you worked here? Laken asked.

He glanced sideways at her while he dished up some potatoes. Uh, since the beginning.

Oh. That long?

He nodded, his eyes stayed focused on his task.

Did you always want to be a gardener?

One side of his mouth twitched and he glanced at her again. I’m technically a landscape architect, but gardener is fine, too.

Landscape architect… Laken leaned in and rested her hand on his forearm. That sounds so official. What exactly does your job entail?

I… uh… He couldn’t seem to keep her gaze and Laken wasn’t sure if it was because he was flattered and interested or if he was struggling to give her the brush off.

Always assume they’re interested, until they tell you otherwise, she thought. She’d learned over the years that persistence was often the key to men who didn’t just fall at her feet. Most of the time they were still attracted, they just had too much pride to be one of many, so if she showed a little extra interest, they’d usually fall in line.

It’s not like I have anything else to do. Sully could prove to be the perfect distraction… at least for the next little while.

Since he still hadn’t answered her question, she tried again. So… Sully. That’s an interesting name. Where did you get it? she asked in her low, practiced tone.

Believe it or not, my mother named me, he shot back.

Aha! He does have a personality in there. Laken ignored Teagan’s muffled laughter and continued on. Fascinating, she droned. But I was asking if it was a nickname or your real name.

It’s a nickname. My last name is Sullivan, he said quickly as he stuffed a bite of salad in his mouth.

Then what’s your real name? Laken said with a coy grin. Get a secret out of him. Secrets are good.

Sorry. He gave an innocent grin. I don’t tell just anyone my full name.

Nelson chuckled and Laken glared at him. What’s so funny? If he thinks I’m giving up just because Sully is being a little difficult, he’s got another thing coming.

Nelson pursed his lips and shook his head. Nothing. I know nothing.

A knock at the front door caught everyone’s attention. Laken pulled her hand off Sully’s arm to give him a break while Hayden went to see who was there.

Jaxson! Hayden yelled.

What? He’s here? Laken felt all the muscles in her body freeze. It took every ounce of self control she had to keep her breathing normal. I’m not ready to see him. I was supposed to have time to get ready and show him what he’s missing. This is all wrong!

With a laugh, the two men hugged, slapping each other loudly on the back. What are you doing here, man? I thought you weren’t coming for a few more days?

Everything was ready to go, so I thought we would- He broke off mid-sentence when he noticed the table full of people. Oh man, I’m sorry. I had no idea you were having a family dinner.

No biggie. Come on in. Hayden stepped aside and allowed his guests to enter. Luke... Dude! You are getting so big! Hayden reached down and ruffled the head of a small boy who was clinging to Jaxson’s pants. He was the spitting image of his father, but his face looked nervous as he looked at the room full of strangers.

Oh my gosh… he’s so darling. He looks just like Jaxson.

As Jaxson came further into the house, Laken felt as if she were being suffocated. She couldn’t draw in a deep breath. Jaxson Malone was every bit as handsome as she had remembered him. His tall, broad shoulders were thick with muscle and he still walked with a confident swagger that made her want to swoon.

His dark blond hair was almost brown now, but he still kept it shaved close on the sides and longer on top. His face was even more masculine than it had been five years ago when she had last seen him. The angles of his cheeks and jaw had sharpened and the brown stubble that he was sporting only helped draw attention to the shape.

Laken felt the beginning of hope rise in her chest. Her eyes drank him in, from head to toe, as if she were starving and he was a five-star meal. Finally, she settled on his face, waiting… willing his eyes to meet hers. It’s time. When he sees me, it’ll all work out perfectly. He’ll finally see me as more than some annoying little sister.

Laken sat up taller in her seat, angling her chin just right so he would see her at her very best. After greeting Teagan with more enthusiasm than Laken was comfortable with, Jaxson finally looked her way.

Laken’s breath froze in her lungs as their eyes clashed. This is it. This is it…

It took only moments for Jaxson’s warmth to