Scout's Honor Series: Billionaire Romance

By NOLA KING

HIM: Ever since she knocked on my door seeking donations for her charity, I hadn't been able to put her out of my mind. Her innocence and playful demeanor utterly charmed me, but I wanted something in exchange for my massive check. I'm in competition with a rival to seal the big deal, and she'll be the icing on the top of my pitch. Will she accept my proposal of a fake engagement in exchange for a donation?

HER: I was out of options and took the bold step to go knocking on doors along Billionaire's Row with my hat in my hand. I struck gold at the first house when a hunk with a 24-carat smile invited me in to chat. To say I was surprised would be an understatement, but more so was his proposal. He would give me a cool quarter of a million dollars but there were strings attached: I'd have to pretend to be his fake fiancée. His offer was too tempting to refuse, but could I go through with it if my feelings turned out to be not so fake?

• Language: English
• Publisher: NOLA KING
• Release date: Jan 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201473778

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Trent

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The fog lifted to reveal the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory once again, and from the office in my Pacific Heights home, I had the best possible view of the bay and San Francisco’s most iconic and loved landmark. If there was anything that could get my brain in gear, and those creative juices flowing, that was it.

I decided to spend the day at home because I had to be focused and there were too many distractions at the office, even on a Saturday. Making sure that my pitch to Angus McGee would bowl him over and knock Grayson out of the game before it even started was the most important priority. The old man had to choose me to develop the Big Sky property into a classy, high-end ski resort.

Though I’ve always landed the top real estate development deals, I had tough competition in Grayson Grimes, whose family had always been in competition with mine. It didn’t bother me much before, but he had made a terrible mistake when he stole my fiancée from me.

Only afterwards did I realize that he had probably done me a favor because Naomi, the strikingly beautiful model and wannabe actress, was just not the right woman for me. But still, he had no right to behave the way he did.

I had more than an axe to grind with him, and as such, was hell-bent on beating him where it mattered most, and that was to score the biggest and most rewarding deals in the business like the one that I was working on now. I knew that Grayson wanted it badly and that he was prepared to swing for the fences, which meant that my own presentation had to be flawless. I was not going to let Grayson steal this from me, too.

I leaned back in my chair and stared through the picture window over the bay in the distance, reflecting on the relationship between us. We were both 28 years old, and moved in the same circles. We probably would have been friends if business hadn’t come between us.

But it had, and when I heard that he was also bidding for the Big Sky Resort deal, I made a promise to myself that I would outclass him. I would do whatever it took, starting with the best pitch I have ever come up with before.

Turning my attention back to the work at hand, I was confident that I had covered all the bases and that no one could have done a better job, but I had to go through it at least one more time. In a highly competitive business, only the best players are successful, and I had to prove that I was the best. I had to achieve that sense of perfection that always came through in my work.

The doorbell sounded and echoed through the house.

Damn!

I was just getting back into it again and really didn’t need visitors at such a critical time. The housekeeper had weekends off, so I tore myself away from my desk and left the office to go answer the door. Whoever it was better have a good reason to intrude on my time. I would be dealing this interruption as quickly as possible so I could get back to my work.

What greeted me when I opened the door was unexpected and refreshing, turning my irritation into surprise and curiosity. Behind the door, was a petite blonde woman with an irresistible impish grin. She couldn’t be older than 25, and she wore a sleeveless white sundress that showed off a deep honey-gold, tan and legs that would leave most women green with envy. A slight curl was noticeable in hair that hung loose just reaching her shoulders, and a pair of flat, brown sandals completed her outfit.

I sure hope I’ve passed inspection, she said, and broke into a giggle that lightened up her face even more.

Oh, I’m not nearly done scrutinizing yet, you are something to look at, you know, I said with a smile.

At least you’re smiling, so that must mean you’re not going to chase me away before I can tell you why I’m at your door, she said.

Never, I’m far too interested in finding out what has brought you to my house, I said, and crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for her reply.

The name is Scout, and I am trying to raise money for a new charity, she said.

So, you’re scouting around for donations, Scout? I