This Billionaire's Vacation: This Billionaire, #3

By Rachel Foster

Jack is a billionaire who decides to go off the grid for a few weeks after a scandal rocked his family. His father who he always believed was his biological dad turned out to have adopted him as a baby. His real father was killed in a farming accident. Now he's in Wyoming staying in a small town in a little cabin. He thought he was going to have just a few relaxing weeks alone, but now he's falling for the girl in the resource office. Ashlee has recently moved to Wyoming to get a fresh start after she left her high school sweetheart. Desperate to find herself, she ends up falling for Jack, but there's one problem, she promised herself she wouldn't date anyone in the business world again. Will Jack be able to forgive his family? Will Ashlee be able to accept the fact that Jack is in the corporate world? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215281956

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This Billionaire's Vacation

Rachel Foster

Copyright © 2018 by Rachel Foster

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

1. Jack POV Thursday

2. Ashlee POV Friday

3. Jack POV Saturday Afternoon

4. Ashlee POV Monday

5. Jack POV Tuesday

6. Ashlee POV Tuesday Afternoon

7. Jack POV Wednesday

8. Ashlee POV Thursday

9. Jack POV Friday

10. Ashlee POV Saturday

11. Jack POV Sunday

12. Ashlee POV Tuesday

13. Jack POV Thursday

14. Ashlee POV Saturday

15. Jack POV Saturday Evening

16. Ashlee POV Sunday Morning

17. Jack POV Sunday

18. Ashlee POV Sunday Evening

19. Jack POV Monday

20. Ashlee POV Monday Evening

21. Jack POV Tuesday

22. Ashlee POV Tuesday Afternoon

23. Jack POV Wednesday

24. Ashlee POV Wednesday Night

25. Jack POV Thursday

26. Ashlee POV Friday

27. Jack POV Saturday

28. Ashlee POV Saturday Evening

29. Jack POV Sunday

30. Ashlee POV Monday

31. Jack POV Tuesday

32. Ashlee POV Wednesday

33. Jack POV Friday

34. Jack POV Tuesday

35. Ashlee POV Tuesday Afternoon

36. Jack POV Thursday

37. Ashlee POV Saturday

38. Jack POV Sunday

1

Jack POV Thursday

"C

heck out the view from that staircase!" exclaimed Padma as she walked toward the elevator.

It sure is beautiful, I said, admiring the orange, red, and yellow glow cast along the Dayton, Ohio, skyline. Watching glorious sunrises was definitely one of the perks to getting into the office early. Have a good morning, Padma.

You, too, Jack. She smiled and got on the elevator as I walked down the corridor to my office. It had been a busy week already, and I was eager to dive into my emails and see what sort of day awaited me. Being the co-owner of a multi-billion-dollar software company came with its share of challenges, yet I found it also offered some outstanding benefits. For one, I had the freedom to choose my hours, my employees and of course, my pay.

My father, Craig, was responsible for the vision behind Peak Technologies. He had wanted a business that would provide the greater metropolitan area with the finest in software technology. Lucky for him, I had been graced with the skillset required to handle such a venture. The two of us worked seamlessly, for the most part, to see that the company rose to the top five software businesses in the country within its first three years.

I mused over the evolution of our business as I sipped on my espresso. Many people wouldn’t have been able to handle the pressures that came with owning such a large-scale company. It wasn’t for the weak-minded, that was for sure. My father and I had spent many sleepless nights poring over the company white papers, the employee development files, and invoice history.

I could still remember one day in particular when I’d spent four hours analyzing the recent data that had come out of the IT department and wasn’t able to get the numbers off my mind. I’d asked myself if we were going to make it into the top tier of the industry for the second year on a row. I knew if we didn’t, it would be a blow to my ego. My father was a little more relaxed when it came to the numbers, but I assumed that was just because of his age. He was likely to retire within the next five years. Me on the other hand? I would have to carry on the company name, and I wanted to ensure that when I did, it was with a stellar history boasting an unmatched track record of success.

Jack? I looked up from my espresso as Greta poked her head in my office, her laptop in hand. I had a quick question for you! She smiled.

Come on in, I said, leaning forward in my chair.

Thanks, she said, walking briskly toward me. I was just going over these Word documents and realized three of them are missing headlines. I’m getting ready to send them over to design and wanted to make sure they had the right info. She set her laptop down on my desk and scrolled through a few files while I sipped on my drink. Here we go, she said. These are the three in question. She stood back and folded her hands, while I squinted and read the content.

I’ve got the titles saved in a file. Let me get into my computer, and I’ll send them over to you in a few minutes, I said, taking one last sip.

Sounds perfect, said Greta before she scurried out of my office.

Interactions like that one made me realize just how big our company had become. I hadn’t seen Greta in almost two weeks, even though her office was only a short length down the hall from mine. Peak Technologies had become so big that it was often hard keeping track of my own employees, I thought with an eye roll. Maybe I’d schedule another company luncheon next week.

Hey, man. You got a second? I had just opened up my email when Joe walked in the office. He was holding a coffee cup in one hand and a banana in the other. I gotta go over those employee handbooks with you really quick.

The good old employee handbooks, I said quietly. My brother had joined the company only a few years after my father and I had created it. Joe was tenacious and wiry, the kind of guy who always excelled when faced with a challenge. I was thankful we had him in the company. Sometimes, however, he could get a little overzealous about his projects. I appreciated his enthusiasm, though, and tried not to get annoyed when he was seemingly wound up.

Yeah. I have a few pages I need to edit before we hand them out to everyone, he said. What do you think about getting some lunch later, so I can show you what I’ve got?

You know, I still have a ton of emails I need to get to, so I think I gotta pass on that. I scanned my computer screen and then looked up. Can we schedule something?

Yeah. That’s cool, man. Joe nodded, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Cool. Let’s reconnect a few days from now, I said as he walked to the hall. I was just about to open one of my emails when he poked his head back inside. Hey, you’re going to the family reunion this weekend. Right?

I cocked my head to the side. Reunion? I pursed my lips and pushed back my chair.

Yeah. The annual reunion, said Joe with a casual shrug.

I almost forgot about it. I smacked my palm across my forehead and sighed. Actually, I completely forgot.

Well, mark your calendar because you have to go, he said with a laugh.

Yeah. I’m gonna have to jump online and see if I can still get a flight. First class usually has seats last minute, but still.... I opened up Google. Let me give it a whirl. There were three flights left with service to San Diego, and I clicked on the first one. I got one right here, I said, pulling up the itinerary in my window.

I would have booked you a ticket with mine, said Joe. You should have told me you didn’t have one yet.

I think with all this end of the quarter invoice stuff, I just let it slide. It’s all good. I scanned the itinerary once more, then clicked the payment tab. Done. I leaned back in my chair as I folded my arms behind my head and breathed a sigh of relief.

Sweet. Joe nodded his head and walked toward the doorway. I’m actually looking forward to it. You know? I nodded.

Yeah. It ought to be fun. Last year, I got super drunk and beat all you guys at horseshoes, I said with a chuckle.

Yeah. This year, I’m making a comeback. He laughed. Well, I’ll catch you later, and we’ll pick a time deal with this invoice stuff. You know, it’s a good thing you just booked that flight because Mom would have been pissed if you weren’t there.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I waved him away and laughed. It was no secret that my family and I were close-knit. My father was the kind of guy who loved to socialize. He was a great problem solver and had helped me out of more than one bind. I always viewed him as a confidante as well as a parent, and I often considered myself lucky that I could call on him for any kind of problem, whether it was big or small. Many of my friends, unfortunately, didn’t have close ties with their parents and often relied on me, or other colleagues, to help them out of a crisis. I smiled to myself, aware of the fact that I had a lot going for me.

Hello? Jack? Emma Rose knocked on the door.

Come in, Emma, I said, leaning forward.

I hope it’s not too much trouble to ask you for a little help with one of my documents?

Nope. Whatcha got?

I have a graphics meeting in about an hour, and I really wanted to have this straightened out before I go. She wedged her laptop on my desk and pulled up a page filled with logos.

Looks good, I said. Do you need help with the positioning of the letters?

Yes. I’ve been trying to get the red flag to drape over that green banner, but none of the words will align the right way. I know Tammy would help me, but I feel like I’m always asking her for help. Emma sighed.

Well, I’ve got a few minutes before the eight o’clock meeting, so let me check it out. I reached over and studied the page, then typed in a few letters to see if I could get a sense of what she was working with. How’s this? I asked after a few moves of the banner.

That is much better. I’m not sure why I couldn’t get it to center like that. Thank you! she said. Are we all meeting in the lounge?

Yep. Joe’s getting a Power Point set up now. I’ll be there shortly.

Great. Thanks for the help, she said and hurried off to the hall. I managed to check my emails, sort my files, and type my memos within the next half hour and was actually on time for the meeting. Joe and I gave our presentation about the new software development that was soon to be released then broke for lunch around one. I was amazed at how busy we were and relived when five o’clock rolled around.

See you all tomorrow, I said to my HR crew as I walked past the marbled desk by the window.

Goodnight, Jack! Paula and Eve waved as I walked out to my Mercedes parked in the VIP spot by the gazebo. I unlocked the door, climbed behind the wheel, and stretched. It felt good to get out of the office.

Once I made it home, I turned on the lights and walked up the steps to my bedroom. Might as well get packed up now, I said, dragging a suitcase out of my closet. I packed a few dress shirts, a pair of pants, and a couple pairs of shorts. Then I zipped it all up, snapped a photo, and sat down on the edge of my bed.

Ready for Cali, I texted my mother and attached the photo. It’s going to be so nice seeing all of our family, I added.

I’m so excited for a great time! I’ll see you soon. She messaged me back a few minutes later, and I read her words twice then tossed my phone on the bed.

I looked forward to seeing my extended family in California, yet I was also somewhat indifferent about the entire reunion. I didn’t know what it was, but I sometimes felt like there was a disconnect between my mother and I, despite us all getting along so well overall. Maybe it was the way she and Joe seemed to have so many inside jokes about trivial matters. Or maybe it was because she and I had never really bonded when I was a child. Whatever the case, I knew that she loved me, but I always wondered if she loved Joe more.

Come on, girl. I gave my dog, Tillie, a pet on the head and walked out of my bedroom. I wasn’t going to spend my night analyzing the relationship I had with my mother. I opted for a beer, a movie, and big bowl of popcorn, instead.

2

Ashlee POV Friday

"I

wish I knew where the coolest apartments were in Jackson Hole. I scrolled through the rental listings on my laptop, then saved a few of the top hits. Because all of these places look really sweet," I added.

I still can’t believe you’re gonna move out to Wyoming, said Lennon. I mean, I understand the concept behind getting a fresh start, but don’t you think this is maybe a little drastic? Lennon was cautious, curious and kind. She was my cousin, my confidante, and my friend. I valued her opinion, but I also knew we differed quite dramatically when it came to our perspectives on risk taking.

Well, I guess it all depends on how you look at it. For me, this is kind of like an adventure. Who knows when I might ever have the chance to do something so off-the-cuff ever again? We all know what happens when you get old, I said with a laugh. You stop following your dreams, then you get sick and you die.

That sure is an optimistic worldview! said Lennon, tossing a pillow at my head. I laughed.

I’m just kidding, I said, setting the pillow on my lap. I just feel like I need to get out now, while I can.

Yeah, but you don’t even have a job out there. How are you going to pay rent on an apartment when you don’t have any work? Lennon shook her head, then stood up from the couch and walked toward the TV. I’m just being the voice of reason.

Well, my plan is to take this last paycheck from the bakery, put the deposit down on an apartment, and pay the first month’s rent with whatever’s left. I’ll have enough time to get a job and a new paycheck by the time I’m all moved in. I think Jackson Hole pays much better than a lot of the places out here, anyway, I added.

You really do have a great attitude, and I commend you for that, but most landlords won’t even rent to someone without a job lined up. They check employer references and all that.

I know, Lennon. But if I have another run-in with Brent... I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it. I shook my head and sighed as I walked to the window and gazed outside. I never would have thought in a million years that he and I would split up.

Ashlee, there were so many warning signs, said Lennon as she walked across the room. But, I know how hard it can be to accept that the relationship was falling apart for a long time. She looked at me and sighed.

You know? I can kind of understand why you just want to get out of here. I mean, I’ve never been in a long-term relationship, so I can’t really speak to how stressful it must be for you. I just don’t want to see you get all the way out there and then wish you had planned it more thoughtfully.

I hear you. Thanks for the concern, I said, turning away from the window and sitting back down on the couch. Bu,t I know deep down that I need to get out of here. The change will be good, and I think Jackson Hole is going to be a lot of fun.

I think you’ll have a lot of fun, too. Lennon smiled and gave me a hug.

Thanks, Lennon. You know, I wouldn’t be able to do all this without you. I know we don’t always see exactly eye-to-eye, but I always feel like you hear me out. I drew in a deep breath. You’ll have to come out and visit once I’ve got a place.

You can bet I’ll come visit. So, you better get on that house-hunting venture, she added with a wink. I chuckled, following behind her into the kitchen.

Well, in that case, I better get back on my laptop and see what I can find.

I’m making some tortillas and salsa, if you’re interested in dinner later, she said. Maybe after you get some of your research finished, we can sit down outside and have a drink or two.

Sounds good. I walked into the dining room and set up my laptop at the table. I typed in a quick search for Jackson Hole apartments, and scrolled through the first few listings that popped up on my screen. There were several apartments right in town that looked beautiful, although probably out of my price range. I scanned through the photos and decided to get in touch with the landlords via email, anyway.

Hey, I said, after looking at a few more listings. What’s this? I had just decided to step away and make some coffee when I saw a colored photo of a buffalo. Beside it was a sign that said Nature’s Best: Campsites and Lodge by the Day or the Week.

Find anything good? Lennon popped in, and I waved her over.

Check it out.

A campground? she asked.

It’s the perfect solution! I exclaimed. Think about it. I go out to Jackson Hole, get a rental car, then head here for a few nights. It would be a great way to get to see the town and also spend some time outdoors. It’ll be exactly the kind of peace and quiet I’m looking for.

I don’t know, Ash. You think it’s safe to stay out there by yourself?

It’s perfectly safe, and I bet there are going to be all sorts of cool people who are out there doing the same thing. Camping is the best way to see what the area is like without making any kind of long-term commitment.

Okay, she said. If you say so. Lennon sighed and walked back toward the kitchen.

I scoured the Nature’s Best website and discovered it was a family-owned business that had been in operation for over twenty years. There were more than a hundred five-star reviews, many of them touting the owner as a personable guy who always went above and beyond for his customers. I decided right then and there that I’d book a reservation.

So, all of the reviews I read say the owner is a great guy and the campground is super clean. There’s a lot of amazing wildlife seen on a daily basis, and there’s even a hot tub by the main public area. Plus, they have a lodge to stay in, as well as the sites. I paused, trying to remember all of the details. A lot of rock climbers stay there before they make their way to the Grand Teton. And... I tapped my pen on the table. Oh, right. There’s over fifty miles of trail, and you can bring a dog as long as its leashed.

Sounds pretty nice, actually. Lennon rolled up a few tortillas with beans and cheese, then set them in a ceramic casserole dish. But, how are you going to pay for it?

That, my dear, is the best part! I exclaimed. Because at the bottom of the website for the campground was a Help Wanted posting. They’re looking for part-time help in exchange for free lodging.

You’re kidding, she said. What are the odds of that?

My thoughts exactly! I pulled out a chair and took a seat at the table. This is like...almost too good to be true. Can you imagine? Being immersed in nature right there near Yellowstone? It would be amazing! I smiled and clutched my hands together.

I bet it would be really cool to see some of the wildlife up close and personal. But then again, what about bears? And, lions?

Okay, silly. I rolled my eyes. You know lions don’t live in Wyoming. We both laughed.

I think if you can secure work at the site and the employers are willing to let you stay indefinitely, then you should go for it. Lennon popped the tortillas into the oven, then took a few plates out of the cupboard. If I know you, finding a way to make it all work out will come easy.

I hope so, I said. I like to think that I’m pretty good at being resourceful, especially when it comes to job opportunities. I just need to call this place tomorrow as soon as they open, I added, watching as she placed a few napkins on the table. I keep thinking that as soon as I get myself out there, the rest of my life will fall into place.

I’m gonna miss you, said Lennon as she knelt down and eyed up the casserole dish in the oven. I’m sure you already know that.

Yeah. I’ll miss you, too. But, it’s going to be awesome, and you’ll be able to come visit as soon as I’m all settled. I nodded my head, feeling confident that I’d made the right choice in leaving Minnesota. It had been years since I’d left the state, even for something as simple as a vacation. Being in a relationship with Brent had taken a lot of my freedom away, and while I was still upset about him initiating the break up, there was a subtle part of me that wondered if there existed a silver lining.

I bet Brent is going to wish he hadn’t done this, by the way. Lennon took the casserole dish out of the oven and set a spatula beside it.

I was actually just thinking about that. I’m definitely not over it yet. And, maybe a part of me never will be, completely. But... I paused and looked out the window. I’d like to think that there’s a whole world out there waiting for me to take that step forward. I mean, I haven’t left Minnesota in, like, five years. Maybe this is all happening for a reason. I bit my lower lip in thought.

That’s a great way to look at it, Ash. I bet if you give yourself enough time to heal from it, you’ll find someone who really deserves you. She gave me wink, taking a pitcher of lemonade out of the fridge. I think you’re going to be in for a wonderful surprise one of these days when the right guy finally does come along.

I hope you’re right, Len. I nodded and took a sip of the lemonade she placed before me. For the next hour, the two of us ate cheesy tortillas dipped in spicy, tomato pepper salsa. It was a tantalizing dance for my senses and I enjoyed every minute of it.