This Billionaire's Desire: This Billionaire, #41

By Rachel Foster

Matt was just an average billionaire who seemed to get everything he wanted. He had a nice house and car, his job was great, he hung out with all the right people and his bank account was nice. The one thing he always wanted but couldn't have been his best friend's sister. Matt and Tyler were best friends since kindergarten. They did everything together, but the one thing Tyler made Matt promise was that he would never date his sister Nellie. It was easy for Matt to promise considering Nellie moved across the country. Nellie worked in marketing on the east coast and loved her job. However, something about being away from all her family in the Midwest had her desperate to return home. Now her boyfriend has broken up with her who just so happens to be her boss. She finds it as the perfect excuse to go back home. Matt never planned to fall for Nellie again, but he couldn't believe how beautiful she was. He wanted her like he had wanted her his whole life. Matt is willing to risk his friendship with Tyler to get closer to his sister, but what it does is start to tear a family a part. Will Tyler and Matt be able to stay friends? Will Tyler ever accept Matt and Nellie's relationship? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215914922

Book preview

This Billionaire's Desire

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

M

att

I parked in front of my favorite bar and grill, The Twisted Coconut, sighing as I tugged my keys from the ignition. The sun hovered over the horizon, casting an orange glow over downtown Pierre that made it seem warm, reminding me that Midwestern weather was as unpredictable as the stock market. I locked my car, hopped up the steps, and wandered inside to locate my friends.

As soon as I walked inside, the hostess greeted me with a familiar grin. Mr. Snook! It’s good to see you. Your party is already seated. Can I get you a menu?

No, Pam, I replied with a dazzling smile. Thank you so much.

Of course, sir. Right this way.

She plucked a menu from the side of the podium and bypassed the long line of restaurant goers to seat me. I approached the table hosting Michael, Larry, and Tyler, the three of them already sharing an appetizer. They cheered when I plopped into the booth next to Tyler. Tyler wrapped me in a hug and rustled my hair.

I grunted as I shoved his hand away. Hey, easy there, pal.

Pam gave us a warm smile and said, I’ll tell Dianne that you’re here. Would you like your usual?

Please, Pam. Thank you.

Coming right up!

I grinned after the hostess. She’s cute.

You should get her number. She’s been waiting for you to get here.

You’re ridiculous.

Michael laughed. "No, it’s true. She saw Tyler and immediately looked for you. I swear."

I shook my head. You guys are pulling my leg.

Everybody knows you here, Tyler said. Which means they know us.

The waitress, Dianne, walked up within minutes of my arrival, setting down a pitcher of beer, four glasses, and a basket full of jalapeño poppers. I gave her a smile and winked. She blushed as she drifted away toward the kitchen.

I glanced at Tyler. Now, what about Dianne?

She’s taken, but I’m sure she’ll be happy to take your number anyway.

God, how do you do it? Larry asked. You just have swarms of chicks all over you like everywhere we go.

I grinned as I poured myself a beer. It’s probably because I shower, Larry.

The table erupted with laughter. When Dianne returned with our meals, she set them carefully in front of us and hovered nearby, asking if we needed anything. I requested extra ketchup for my fries, sending her briskly walking back to the kitchen. She reappeared within seconds and set the ketchup next to me.

I shot her another grin. Thanks, Dianne. We’ll wave you down if we need anything else.

Sure thing, Mr. Snook.

She floated toward her other tables, inspiring me to turn to my meal. I ate rather quickly, my ravenous hunger taking over from a long day at work.

How’s it going at work, bud? Larry asked between bites of his burger. Got any new clients?

No new ones, but it’s been busy regardless.

That sounds fun.

I shook my head. Not for me. I’m pulling a hundred hours this week.

Tyler whistled. I don’t know how you do it. I already feel too busy with a wife and kids at home.

That’s why I stayed single.

Michael laughed. Some of us like having a warm body to cuddle at night.

Hey, I have pillows. I can heat them up.

Larry cackled. "I’m sure that’s not all you do with them."

I tossed a fry in his direction that he easily dodged. The four of us fell into pleasant conversation, catching up on current news and sports. I poured another round of drinks for us after I finished my meal and relaxed back, waving Dianne over to collect our plates. I ordered another pitcher for us to kill for the evening.

When the new pitcher arrived, I topped off my beer and asked Dianne to keep the tab open. I turned to Tyler and the boys, raising my glass toward the center of the table.

To the coming weekend, I said. Even though it’s only Thursday.

I can drink to that, Larry agreed. Cheers.

Cheers! the other two replied.

We clinked our glasses together before each taking a sip. I set my glass down and relaxed, watching the pool tables in the far right corner fill up with activity. Behind us, the sun had settled beneath the horizon and the dim lighting of the restaurant glowed over us.

"We should have gone to Jake’s, I said. I could have brought Harry with me."

You are obsessed with that dog, Tyler teased.

Hey, he’s like a kid to me.

Michael laughed. That’s what happens when you stay single too long, dude.

Don’t get cocky because you finally landed a chick.

Larry chortled. I think it might be going to his head.

I’m allowed to be proud about having a girlfriend, Michael claimed. Besides, you’ll be the last one to get partnered here. Are you still pining after Andrea?

No, I snapped. That’s old news. She and I have moved on.

I’m sure, Larry teased. Bet you’re regretting that decision with how cold it’s been.

That’s what Harry is for.

The boys laughed and raised their glasses for another toast. I joked with them for a while until Tyler tapped my shoulder, motioning for me to get up so he could get out of the booth. I stood up and patted his shoulder.

Leaving already?

Yeah, I have to get home to the family.

I shook my head. Ball and chain, man. Ball and chain.

You’ll understand one day.

I sure hope not.

He shook his head and wrapped me in a brotherly hug. Enjoy yourself. Don’t drink too much.

"Alright, Dad."

Larry and Michael guffawed as Tyler left, shaking his head all the way to the door. I dropped down into the booth and cradled my beer between my hands.

Alright, boys, I said. Who’s up for a game of darts?

I don’t know if Pam will let me after what happened last weekend, Larry admitted. I kind of put a hole in the wall.

I paid for it. It’s fine, I said. Let’s go grab the board before someone else does.

I invited the guys to follow me to the other side of the restaurant where the games were housed. We gathered a few darts each and started playing while we waited for the pool tables to open up. Michael kept glancing at his phone.

I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. Something wrong there, buddy?

Misty keeps asking when I’m heading to her place.

Wow, already?

He laughed and smiled sheepishly. She likes spending time with me. It’s cute.

Sounds clingy.

Nah, I think she just enjoys my company.

I chuckled and patted him on the back. Well, I’m glad that’s working out for you, but don’t leave us just yet. We have to play a round of cutthroat.

Oh, you’re on. I have to reclaim my title.

Larry landed a dart in the center of the board, propping his hands on his hips proudly as he turned to us and said, Not if I keep it from you.

When the pool table was free, we each put our quarters together for a game of cutthroat. We divided the balls by three, each of us taking a portion to protect on the table. I took the higher numbers as I typically did. As I watched Larry set up his shot, two girls at the bar nearby kept throwing glances my way.

I leaned against my pool cue while pretending not to notice. I knew they were about to walk up to me. And like clockwork, just as my turn came up, the shorter of the two—a pretty blond girl with green eyes and matching green lipstick—wandered casually up to me as I lined up my shot. She lingered nearby as I smacked the cue ball and sent it spiraling across the table. It knocked into one of Michael’s balls and sank it, causing him to groan with frustration.

I smirked as I lined up another shot, aiming for one of Larry’s balls. I sank that one as well. As I aimed for my third shot, the girl next to me cleared her throat and stole my concentration, making me miss. I sighed as I sat up and turned to her with a polite grin.

What’s up? I asked. Want to play?

I’m Miranda. I wanted to know if I could give you my number.

Sure, what is it, sweetheart?

I whipped out my phone and typed her number into my contact list. As soon as she had wandered away, I erased her number and tucked my phone back into my pocket.

Michael elbowed me. I think her friend is about to make a move, too.

Double team, I joked. I mean, it’s cool and all, but I know what these girls are after.

Yeah, probably the same thing you’re after.

I shook my head as I went to line up my next shot. No—they want my fortune.

You can’t know that for sure.

Yeah, well... I trailed off as I smacked the cue ball with the tip of my cue stick. I want to be cautious about it.

Andrea mess with your head that bad?

I shrugged as I landed a ball and turned a victorious grin in his direction. Doesn’t matter because I just knocked you off the table.

Aw, dude! he groaned. Again?

Larry, I’m coming for you, I said while lining up another shot. Prepare for total defeat.

Yeah, in your dreams, bud, Larry retorted with a chuckle. I’m refilling my beer. Don’t cheat.

And here comes the friend, Michael announced. Want me to intervene?

Nah, I replied. I can handle it.

Miranda’s friend approached to give me her number. After her, another girl approached me—this one being a redhead with pretty brown eyes—and flirted with me for a while. She offered to buy me a drink which I declined, hoping that I could hold off on giving anyone the idea that I was about to follow through.

I mean, I did take down that girl’s number, but that was only to keep her from getting too upset. I liked letting a woman down easy. And I did like the attention. It was nice to know that people found me attractive and approachable. But sometimes, it was too much.

Andrea was kind of shallow. That ruined dating for me for a while, I reflected as I watched Larry run the pool table. Nellie—now that was a girl who was sweeter than honey.

I blinked as I recalled my best friend’s sister.

I haven’t thought about her in a while. I wonder what she’s up to.

Michael nudged me again. This time, our waitress was approaching with a tray of shots. She smiled as she offered three of them to us.

From the girls at the bar, she said while nodding to the redhead and her friend. They come with a number, too.

She slipped me a napkin which I tucked into my pocket. I accepted the shot, held it up toward the girls sitting at the bar, and grinned with amusement when they giggled in response. I turned to my friends and offered them the shots which they gratefully accepted.

To a great night, I said. And hopefully, all this will help me sleep.

2

N

ellie

Candles decorated the table between my boyfriend and me, illuminating our faces with a romantic glow. I smiled at him from across the table while I lifted my glass of red wine and swirled it lazily. He caught me staring at him and smiled.

Don’t tell the boss I stayed out late, I joked. I know he might call me into work tomorrow.

He winked. I don’t think he’ll complain too much if you give him a kiss at the end of the night.

You’re such a trip, Kane.

If you want, I can ask the boss right now.

I giggled and shook my head. You’re silly.

No, seriously. I can call him right now. I just have to put on my boss face first. His features darkened slightly as his lips straightened to a thin line. Miss Bosh, are you sure you can’t come in tomorrow?

Sorry, I said, playing along with his joke. "But the boss—which is apparently you—is insisting that I stay out for this nice dinner."

Ah, I guess I can’t argue with that. He winked, softening his features into a knowing smile. What do you think so far?

I think it’s a wonderful dinner.

Well, it’s about to get even better.

My heart picked up a beat as he rummaged through his right jacket pocket. I placed my hand over my chest as I smiled warmly, watching him intently and waiting for those magical words to come out of his mouth.

I’ve been waiting for him to propose for years, I thought excitedly. I can’t believe it’s taken this long, but he’s worth the wait. I wonder what the ring looks like.

Here it is, he announced while taking a rectangular velvet box from his pocket. He set it on the table between us. Go ahead. Open it.

I shrugged lightly and set my glass of wine down.

I can dig unconventional. We’ve always been an unconventional couple. Maybe it’s a promise bracelet or something. I mean, I’ll take it if it means we’re aiming for marriage.

He watched me closely as I lifted the box. I held it up, reverently running my fingers over the velvet texture and enjoying how soft it felt beneath my fingers. I bit my lower lip.

Well, I said with a sigh. Here goes nothing.

Don’t scream, okay?

Why would I scream?

He smiled sheepishly. "Because it’s...a big surprise."

Well, I’ll do my best to contain myself, Mr. Bernhardt.

Do you want the boss to come back?

I smirked mischievously. I guess that depends on the surprise.

Well, I’m all up for role playing later. Open the box, Nellie. You’re making me nervous just holding it.

Heck, I’m nervous, too. If it’s what I think it is, then this is a big step.

He smiled warmly. I think it’s going to change your life forever.

I can’t wait.

Go on, then.

I smiled excitedly as I popped open the box and marveled at the diamond bracelet nestled inside. It sat on a bed of black silk, the silver chain sparkling in the restaurant light. Beneath it rested a small piece of paper with writing on it.

My heartbeat quickened as I moved the bracelet aside and lifted the note. I held it up toward Kane with a playful smirk.

I wonder what this says, I joked. I might start screaming now.

I mean, if you do, it’s okay. I want the whole world to know.

Kane, I love you so much.

He grinned warmly, reaching across the table to take my hand. I love you, too. That’s why I promoted you.

I chuckled lightly as I unfolded the paper and read the note. My shoulders slumped and my heart sank with them as I digested the phrase.

Promoted, I whispered. You promoted me to head marketing director?

Yep, you deserve it, baby. You’re the best on the entire east coast and I wanted you to know that.

So, the bracelet is...?

He laughed. A gift, of course! You deserve to be rewarded for all your hard work. I mean, it’s a symbol of my affection, too, but I thought it went nicely with the promotion.

Promotion, I repeated. That’s it? Just a promotion?

"Why are you saying it like that? It’s the job of a lifetime and it’s all yours. Isn’t that exciting?"

I gaped at him for a long time while holding the bracelet in one hand and the note in the other. It was supposed to be a ring, not a bracelet, and it was supposed to be a proposal instead of a promotion. But for some reason, my ditz of a boyfriend didn’t seem to understand why this was such a slap in the face.

I shook my head slowly. It’s...great. Thanks, Kane. Really. It’s not a big deal.

What’s wrong?

I’m overwhelmed.

He smiled. I understand. It’s a big deal whether you say so or not. I’m sure the shock will wear off soon. How about some more wine to take the edge off?

Sure, that’s a great idea.

I watched him pour me a hefty serving while he jabbered on about the promotion. He was probably talking about important things like my new responsibilities and the people who would work right under me. And while it was an exciting opportunity, it wasn’t what I wanted.

I just wish he could get that through that thick skull of his.

I fought back tears as he continued talking. I must have gone numb for the rest of the night because I couldn’t remember much else. I just kept pouring wine on the valve that held back my tears. By the time dinner was over, he dropped me off at my apartment. I silently leaned over the center console to plant a kiss on his cheek.

See you on Monday, I whispered. Unless you need me tomorrow.

Well, I spoke to the boss and he said we shouldn’t call you in.

How nice of you to do that.

He grinned. Are you sure you’re okay? You look a little down.

Must be the wine.

My little lush, he teased while stroking my cheek. I’ll call you tomorrow to check on you. Love you, baby. Congrats on your promotion.

Love you, too.

I slid from his Mercedes and dragged myself up the stairs, kicking off my heels as soon as I got inside my apartment. I didn’t bother peeling off my gown or taking the jewels out of my hair. I didn’t even take off the bracelet that Kane had insisted I put on at the restaurant. I simply flopped into my bed, grabbed my pillow, shoved my face into it, and screamed.

As soon as I finished screaming, the sobs followed. I hugged my pillow tightly as I let the valve break, tension from the last forty-five minutes finally breaking through the icy surface of my facade. The wine had certainly made it worse. But I didn’t much care about that. I just wanted to cry myself to sleep.

I can’t believe the guy I’ve been dating for three years still won’t commit, I thought as my sobs faded to short, choked croaks. He thinks a promotion is a sign of his affection. I can’t believe it. What a jerk.

I was torn. On one hand, I had built my life with Kane. I had left the Midwest and traveled to the east coast, shacking up in Roanoke, Virginia, of all places, to join his company and work in marketing. I was a hell of an employee, a hard worker, and a strong woman, but I felt so weak about the promotion that it made everything else seem worthless.

I gave him everything. I gave him my life. Why won’t he give me his?

Giving up my life in South Dakota was supposed to make me happy. Yet all I could think of now was the regret. I didn’t know what to do. A mess was piling quickly in front of me and I wasn’t sure how to handle it. Though a promotion would bring me a lot more wealth and comfort, it wasn’t what I wanted. My wealth and comfort came from Kane.

Why couldn’t he see that?

God, I have to deal with this bright and early on Monday morning. Where’s that bottle of red I keep stashed for emergencies? I rose from my bed and searched the liquor cabinet in the kitchen, uncorking the red wine and taking a swig from it without bothering to grab a glass. I’m sure I have options. Maybe I can turn down the promotion and leave.

I froze with the bottle perched at my parted lips.

I can leave. I can move back home. I squeezed my eyes shut while taking another sip. No, I should talk to Tyler first. I can’t just pick up and move back home without a plan.

I groaned as I took the bottle with me to the couch. I sank into the cushions, piling the end of my gown over my bare toes. I shivered as I took another swig. I needed to go to bed, but all I could think about was how obliviously happy Kane was at the restaurant. He could hardly read me at all.

And if he couldn’t tell how disappointed this made me, did I really want to marry him?

My head spun as I stood up and popped the cork back into the wine bottle. I stumbled to my bed, collapsed into the cool blankets, and sighed heavily. I didn’t bother covering myself or turning out the light. I couldn’t move. The weight of frustration was enough to keep me pinned to the bed—or maybe that was all the wine.

As my eyelids fluttered closed, I pictured my old home. I brought my memories of Pierre to the front of my mind and imagined continuing my life there. On one hand, I would be closer to Stephanie. Ever since she married my brother, we had become close friends, texting each other practically every other day.

I should call her, too. She’ll know what to do.

I wiped my face, disregarding the fact that mascara was likely smeared on my cheeks, and rolled over to search for my phone. It was probably still in my purse. And my vision was too blurry to get up from the bed. Instead, I reached out to turn off the lamp and flipped over, yanking the comforter over my head.

I’ll sleep. That’ll fix things. I’ll just sleep and pray that this was all a horrible nightmare...

3

M

att

Spring is here, I said to my dog, Harry, as we wandered up to the park entrance. Can you smell the seasons changing, bud?

Harry barked excitedly and bounced. He tugged on the leash, causing me to stumble forward with a chuckle.

Okay, buddy. No more treats for you. You’re getting way too strong.

I fixed my hat on my head and adjusted my sunglasses.

I hope no one recognizes me today, I thought. I mean, it’s not much of a disguise, but I think it’s enough. I just want to spend some time with my dog.

The park bustled with life as Harry dragged me along the path. I did my best to control him, but he was still a bit young and curious about everything. We passed kids swinging on the playground, people playing ball, and a few families who were picnicking on the grass.

For the most part, nobody noticed me. I blended right in. It made me feel better to go unnoticed for a little while. My success as a billionaire had landed me on plenty of front pages, exposing my triumphs as well as some of my losses. Though it was part of the life, I wished on occasion that I had been a much simpler man, that maybe I could have gained my fortune without everybody knowing about it.

But