This Billionaire's Fireman: This Billionaire, #20

By Rachel Foster

Dylan is a successful business man who owns a business with his best friend Nolan who is like a brother to him. They're also both involved with the fire department. Dylan often finds himself busy and exhausted from everything that he's doing. He wants to honor his late father who died saving a family from a fire. Amber's struggling with her career being the secretary in a reality office where her best friend Ivy works. She convinces Ivy to go with her to the fire department fundraiser where she finds herself bumping into Dylan, literally. Soon they're falling for each other but Amber can't get over her fear of him being a firefighter. Dylan finds himself struggling with anxiety from his dad passing away as well.Will they be able to overcome their fears or will their relationship burn out?

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215385593

Book preview

This Billionaire's Fireman

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

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Epilogue

1

D

ylan

The keys of my keyboard clacked rhythmically, echoing around me in the office as I worked on my next presentation. As the words came together seamlessly in the document on the screen, the office door wheezed open and my business partner appeared with two paper cups full of what I knew was coffee.

I could smell mine from across the room — a caramel macchiato with extra foam. I smiled as he set the cup on the desk in front of me. He sat in the chair across from my desk, inspiring the leather to huff as he settled into it. He sighed as he held up his cup.

This weekend is going to be busy, he said.

Tell me about it. I’m sure I’ll be here until midnight, maybe longer.

He laughed. You and me both.

Why do we do it?

Because we’re both bored and single.

I laughed. I mean, you’re not wrong.

How’s the presentation coming along?

I turned the monitor so he could observe the screen. He nodded intermittently as he read through what I had put together so far. Are you going to make a Powerpoint of this?

Yeah, I’m going to put that together once the text is written up.

Awesome. These guys are pretty easy to please, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure everything is perfectly polished.

I nodded. I couldn’t agree more.

That’s why I love working with you.

Because I polish everything?

He chuckled. No, because you agree with what I say.

I shook my head as I laughed and turned the monitor back to me. I continued working on the document, pausing every so often to check in with Nolan on the wording. As I rested my fingers over the keys to prepare my next phrase, he lifted a picture frame from my desk. A warm smile rested on his lips.

He always did love that plaid shirt, huh? He turned the frame to me, revealing a picture of my father wearing his blue overalls with a green plaid shirt. I’m glad you didn’t inherit his fashion sense.

I smiled weakly as I reached for the frame. That was his signature look. It was his favorite thing to wear. I don’t remember him wearing anything else.

Do you even own a pair of overalls?

I might have one somewhere.

He chuckled lightly. Might have to whip them out for the fundraiser.

Maybe... I’ll consider it. I do want to honor his memory.

You do that every day, Dylan. You honor him every time you respond to a call and help someone out of the flames.

A knot lodged itself in my throat. Despite my best efforts to smooth it out, it remained persistent and stubborn. I could feel my urge to cry growing in pressure the more I stifled it down. I sniffled slightly and set the frame back in its place. Thanks, Nolan.

Any time.

He would have been proud.

He nodded. More than that.

I’m doing my best.

Didn’t he always say that’s what’s best?

I smiled and chuckled slightly at the memory. Doing what’s best is what’s best — yeah, he would say that all the time.

That man was a hero. I wish my father was like that.

Hey, your father is pretty cool.

He laughed. "My father is a lawyer. He doesn’t understand why I run a business and fight fires at the same time."

I mean, somebody has to do it, right?

That’s exactly what I tell him, but he always says, ‘Nolan, there’s people for that.’ And, I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m that person.’ You know?

I nodded. I totally get it. Mom is always worried about me taking the same exit route as my dad. I mean, I understand her concern, but I just can’t help it.

My parents get worried, too.

Well, I said while raising my paper cup. Here’s to helping, regardless of what other people think of it.

Cheers.

I tapped my cup against his and took a sip, allowing the warm liquid to soothe the ache in my throat. The knot was dispersing. I silently thanked the universe for granting me relief. As much as I had already mourned the death of my father, I still had trouble thinking about it. All of it just felt so fresh.

It was a couple of years ago, I thought as I rested my cup on my desk. But, it feels like it was yesterday.

Dylan, you alright?

I focused on my best friend, flashing a Hollywood grin in his direction to quell his worry. Yeah, I’m good.

I know it’s hard.

It is, sometimes.

He nodded. Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here for you.

Thanks, dude. I appreciate that.

And, we can always-

The radio device sitting on my desk started beeping rapidly. After the beeps, came a robotic voice stating a fire had broken out in an apartment building nearby.

I looked at Nolan as I stood up. Looks like it’s going to be an all nighter.

Looks like it.

We raced to the door. As we sped by our secretary, Nolan called over his shoulder, Fire call!

She waved after us and shouted, Good luck!

My blood pumped as Nolan and I raced to my car, hopped in, and sped toward the fire station. Once we had arrived, we dove into action. The fire was growing quickly. We had to intervene before it spread to the surrounding buildings. And, as always, I hoped we would make it in time.

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I gasped as I whipped off my helmet, tilting my head back to observe the night sky. The sun had set hours ago, but the bright glow of the fire were still burned into my retinas. I closed my eyes and inhaled the clean air around me. Wisps of smoke still met my nostrils, reminding me of the danger we had just faced.

Yep, Nolan said with a sigh beside me as we returned our equipment to the hooks in the garage. An all nighter. Maybe we shouldn’t have said that out loud.

It happens. Fires happen.

He huffed as he slid his turnout jacket from his shoulders and hung it on the hook in front of him. As he played with the suspenders holding up his turnout pants, he rocked back and forth on his heels and sighed. And, we handle them.

Very well, I might add.

I like to think so, too.

I smiled as I stripped away my turnout suit. My skin felt hot from both adrenaline and the intense flames of the apartment building. It was such a close call.

But, it didn’t spread. We got there in time.

That’s because Lenny was driving. We don’t lose any time when Lenny is driving.

He laughed and turned to call out to the man stepping down from the fire truck. You hear that, Len? Good job driving!

Lenny held his thumbs up and hopped down from the driver’s seat. Nolan turned back to me, wearing a bright and sunny grin despite the hour.

I know you’re tired, I said. Why don’t you just head home and get some sleep? I’ll go back into the office to work on the presentation.

No way. We’re a team.

I grinned. Let’s do this then.

Coffee first. I definitely need coffee.

Yep, coffee. Maybe a quick shower.

He nodded as he led the way deeper into the building. We hit the locker room, cleaned up, and then headed to my car in the parking lot to the right of the garage. I sighed as I sat behind the wheel. I could feel my adrenaline wearing off, quickly getting replaced by exhaustion. My need for coffee was becoming critical.

After making a pit stop at the coffee shop, we headed back to the office to dive into our presentation preparation. I settled in behind my desk and sipped my coffee, allowing it to work its magic. I glanced at the clock. It was 10:04 p.m.

I was going to need a lot more coffee to get through the night.

2

A

mber

Soft rays of light glistened through the expansive windows of Blossom Real Estate. The light from my computer monitor couldn’t compare to the natural glow of the sun, but it hardly dimmed my shine. I responded to a few emails and then slipped on my headset to prepare for the calls I knew were likely to come in this morning.

Jazz floated through the speakers of the radio behind me followed by my best friend humming along to the rhythm. I smiled as soon as my desk phone rang.

"Blossom Real Estate. This is Amber speaking. How may I help you today?"

I handled the call with the same care and kindness as I would any other, enjoying every second of talking to people who were looking for a new home. I took down the customer’s name and contact information for Ivy to peek at when she had the time. The moment I was done with the call, I swiveled around and floated on my desk chair toward the coffee pot next to the radio.

Ivy poked her head out of her office. Do you have anything for me?

Yes, I have someone calling about the most recent listing.

The house on 14th Street?

I nodded and glided back to my desk like a professional skater on ice. I lifted the sticky note with the contact information and held it out to her. Mrs. Rose Peck and her husband are looking at it right now.

Did you know that house caught fire a few years ago?

I gaped at her. You’re kidding.

She grinned as she plucked the note from my forefinger. Nope.

It doesn’t look like it, at all! I said while thumbing through the files on my desk of recent listings. I popped open the appropriate file and pulled a picture of the house from the pages. I held it up and shook my head. They really did a nice job of fixing it up.

I know, right? It’s so nice. It’s a good place to start a family.

Fires always make me nervous, especially with all the old houses in our area.

She nodded. Yeah, that’s true.

I hummed in agreement. Still, I’d snatch that house up so fast if I could afford it.

You know, she said with a sigh as she sidled up to the coffee maker. She poured herself a full cup, black as per usual, and leaned against the counter casually. If you became a realtor, you could afford a place like that in just a couple of years.

I’m pretty comfortable working as a secretary.

She shrugged. But, you’d make a great realtor. Imagine how much more you could help people, instead of just answering their phone calls and grabbing me things.

Well, somebody has to do it. And since I’m so good at it, why not me?

She wrinkled her nose. But, do you really want to do that forever?

Why not?

I don’t know. I guess, I just wouldn’t find fulfillment in it.

I smiled politely as I turned to face my computer. I sipped my coffee slowly, eyeing her reflection in the screen of the monitor that had switched to the screensaver. A colorful cube bounced around the edges of the screen. Ivy was smack in the middle of it, looking more like swimsuit model than a realtor.

That’s why you’re the realtor and I’m your secretary, I said calmly. Besides, people can find joy in smaller tasks. It doesn’t mean they don’t find fulfillment in them.

I guess it’s all subjective.

I rolled my eyes secretly. So, do you want me to call her back for you?

No, I’ll go do that in a moment. Are you still up for going out later?

Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

As long as you stop pressuring me, I thought with a practiced grin sitting on my lips. You’re my best friend, but even that has limits when it comes to my job.

We’ll be meeting Toni and Janet around seven o’clock. Wear something nice.

I chuckled. "You wear something nice."

"I’ll probably be wearing something sexy. You should join.’

I’m sure I have something somewhere.

She chuckled. If not, you can borrow one of my bodycon dresses. You always did have the hips for them.

That’s sweet, but I’m more comfortable in jeans.

I get that. I just can’t help myself. I like showing off my thighs.

I laughed. They’re good thighs. I say, show them off as much as you want.

I knew you were my best friend for a reason.

You’re such a dork.

She patted my shoulder gently. And, you love me for it.

I sure do.

Alright, I’m going to make this call. What do you want for lunch?

I shrugged. The usual.

I’ll put in an order with the deli while I’m at it.

I can do that for you while you talk to Mrs. Peck.

She chortled. Alright, Miss Secretary. Knock yourself out.

I chuckled as I shook the mouse of my computer to clear the screensaver. I sighed as I opened up the web page for the deli to put in our usual lunch order. I knew Ivy was just trying to look out for me. She wanted me to succeed as much as she succeeded. But, I didn’t understand what was so difficult about accepting that I had found my place in life. I was meant to help people just the way I was doing now. It made me happy.

I wished she could see that, instead of pressuring me to change.

After I put in our lunch order, the workday sped by. We took our lunch break, talked throughout the afternoon, and then went our separate ways when 5:00 p.m. rolled around. I picked up dinner on the way home so I could have more time to shower and pick out an outfit.

I slipped on a pair of skinny jeans, pulled a blouse over my head, and stood in front of the mirror with my hairdryer. I straightened my shoulder-length black hair and styled my bangs, thinking about what kind of makeup I was going to wear.

It’s not like it matters. I’m not trying to meet anyone, I thought with a sigh as I shrugged my shoulders. I studied my pale blue eyes in the mirror. They were clearer than the blue sky above on a sunny day, brighter than any landscape in Texas. At night, they were as darling as moon drops, yet I found myself wishing they were different. I love my job, but I’m still yearning for some kind of change. How can I do that?

I waved away the thought and slid on my black flats, grabbing my purse and keys to head out the door. I drove to the bar and wandered inside after flashing my ID to the bouncer. Ivy was sitting snugly in a booth near the dance floor with Toni and Janet. I gave them each a grin and plopped down into the booth next to Ivy.

Hey, girls, I said. How are the drinks?

The martinis are great, Toni replied. Janet is getting her fill.

Well, if that cute guy at the bar keeps buying them, then yeah, I’ll keep drinking them.

I chuckled. Which cute guy?

Janet pointed to a tall man wearing a sleek black button-down shirt tucked into his slacks. His curly blond hair bounced elegantly around his face, looking more like a halo than hair. I raised my eyebrows at Janet and nodded with approval.

"And, when are you going to get back into the dating field?" Ivy asked loudly.

I shook my head as I stood up. I’ll need a drink for this conversation.

I left my friends giggling behind me as I wandered toward the bar. I leaned casually against the counter as I waved for the bartender, grabbing his immediate attention. I ordered a martini, paid for it, and left him a nice tip before returning to the booth.

As I slid back into my spot, Ivy elbowed me gently. So?

"So, I said firmly. I could ask you the same thing."

Oh, no, no, no...I’m not ready for that mess.

Well, I guess that makes two of us.

Toni shook her head. You two are nuts. You’re missing out on some great fish.

You mean the same fish who called you twice at 3:00 in the morning for a booty call and never called you again after? I retorted with a playful grin. Gosh, I’m so jealous, Toni.

She shook her head with a sigh. Okay, that one was a mistake. But, the others are pretty fun. I mean, you don’t even have to commit. It’s nice.

I just don’t even have time to entertain the idea of a guy, I admitted. I don’t have the patience.

Yeah, same, Ivy chimed in. No patience.

See? Ivy gets it.

Janet chuckled. That’s the thing — you don’t even have to have patience. You can just, you know, hook up and leave.

I waved away the comment. Nah, I’m good.

I mean, I could probably go for that, Ivy said. But again, no patience.

Here’s to being single forever, I said jokingly to my best friend. Cheers.

She giggled and said, Cheers.

I took a sip of my martini and sighed contentedly. The rhythmic music inspired me to sway gently to the beat as my friends continued talking about the guy hitting on Janet. Eventually, Janet swayed away from the table to grab the mysterious drink buyer and tug him to the dance floor. Toni followed after the two and sought a dance partner while she shimmied on the colorful light-up tiles.

I scooted into the seat across from Ivy. I’m glad we came out. I needed this.

Are you going to dance?

At some point. Want to be my dance partner?

She nodded. Of course. I always do.

Can I tell you something, Ivy?

Yeah, what’s up?

I leaned close to her and said, Honestly, after Mark, I’m not sure how to date.

Why do you say that?

I mean, I spent a lot of high school and years after that dating the same guy. I didn’t get to experiment like y’all.

She nodded. I can understand that. But, I don’t think you have a whole lot to fear. There’s got to be a nice guy out there somewhere.

I’m sure I can say the same about you.

Ugh, after Perry? That kid was so insecure.

I chuckled. Ah, so he’s a kid now, huh?

Yeah, the man was childish. He didn’t know how to handle anything — from anger to jealousy.

I kinda felt that way about Mark. I realized he wasn’t going to commit to me even after all the time we spent together. We formed so many of our first memories with each other. Now, I just can’t imagine what else to do with my life.

She smiled warmly. "You sound like you want to meet someone."

While simultaneously opposed to it.

God, I know how that feels.

I nodded. But, I don’t want it to make me jaded. I think spending time with myself is just what I need.

I think you’re right about that. She raised her glass. Let me make a toast to us being happy with who we are right now.

And right now, I’m not nearly tipsy enough to witness Toni dancing like that.

Ivy cackled and shook her head. Don’t judge! She’s just testing out the new moves from her dance class.

I know. I’m just kidding. Let’s go refill our drinks and grab a spot. I feel like dancing.

I thought you would never say so.

She took my hand and guided me to the bar. Once we paid for our drinks, we joined Toni and Janet on the dance floor. I spent the evening dancing with my friends and feeling much lighter than I had all week. After a few hours and a couple of bottles of water, I said goodnight to my friends and headed home to my apartment.

I crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling for a little while as I reflected on my evening.

To being single forever, I thought. Forever is a pretty long time...

3

D

ylan

I hunched over my desk and dropped my head into my hands. I was still working on my presentation. Thursday night hadn’t been as productive as I had wanted it to be. I spent an hour writing up part of my presentation, only to erase it within minutes of it being finished. Even though Nolan had said it was fine, I wasn’t satisfied. It needed to be perfect.

I needed it to be perfect.

My phone buzzed on my desk, rousing me from my brief nap. I lazily lifted my head and blinked rapidly to clear the sleep from my vision. When I unlocked the screen, I found a text from my mother.

I just checked your location, she wrote. Did you pull an all nighter?

Mom, that’s only supposed to be for when I’m on fire calls, I replied. You don’t have to creep on me like that.

So, I’m right. Right?

I rolled my eyes. Yes, you’re right. I’ve been here all night.

You told me you did that on Thursday night.

Well, I had to do it again.

She sent a frowning emoji and added, I’m sorry for checking your location. I just worry about you.

I know, Mom. I’m okay, really. I’m just trying to finish up this presentation.

Can I bring you and Nolan some breakfast at the office?

I smiled warmly. Yes, that’s fine.

Alright, I’ll be there soon.

I retained my grin as I set my phone aside. My mother was a wonderful woman. She had always supported my decisions, even when they worried her. Ever since Dad passed away, she’d hovered over me a little bit, making sure that I wasn’t about to die on her, too.

I don’t blame her, I reflected. But, it does get to be a bit much. I wish Dad didn’t die, especially like that.

I sighed heavily as I lifted his framed picture from its special spot on my desk. I smiled at the glossy sheen of the photograph, the way he was smiling, the way his overall buttons glinted in the bright Texas sun, and how proud he looked standing next to me in my firefighter uniform.

We made such a good pair. We built practically everything together.

I cleared my throat loudly as I set the photo aside. I didn’t want to focus on Dad too much. I had work to do. And, thinking of him would only make me sad, which would distract me from my task.

Despite my best efforts, I found my gaze