This Billionaire's High School Sweetheart: This Billionaire, #30

By Rachel Foster

It's the middle of planting season and Reid is busy working on his family farm. He comes from generations of wealthy farm owners. He can't believe how great his life is going. He's hardworking, has a successful career, an amazing house and the best group of guy friends. Now his high school sweetheart Anna is back for her sister's wedding. To make things worse, they're both in it. Now they're forced to either reconcile or stay mad at each other forever. He doesn't expect to fall for Anna, so why does he feel an immense amount of jealousy when he sees guys asking her to dance at the reception? Soon he interjects and dances with her. She wants to know why he wouldn't propose and is devastated when she learns that he actually did propose to someone after her. Now Reid will have to decide if he will put in the effort to fix an old relationship, or if it's time to let Anna go for good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215874936

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This Billionaire's High School Sweetheart

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

Chapter One

R

eid

Birds chirped outside my window as blue light filtered through the glass, casting an otherworldly glow over my face. I sniffed as I sat up, stretching my arms over my head as I let my head fall back. Muscles ached in every direction, but I was used to the feeling by now, having owned my family’s farm for the past five years. Being sore was just part of my life.

I slung my feet over the edge of the bed, letting the flannel blanket slide from my naked body as I stood up and leaned into another stretch. A few stretches later led to the bathroom and then to the dresser where I pulled on a pair of jeans, a plaid shirt, and a thick pair of socks. Planting season was upon us. That meant we would be busy.

The sun wasn’t even up yet—that was also typical for me. I liked getting into the barn before the other guys so I could make coffee, organize the schedule, and set up the teams for the day. Pop always instilled in me the sort of business-minded attitude that had carried him for years. And his father before that. And so on back through the generations of Hall men who had owned this farm.

I was much like them, though I felt like I brought a fresh perspective to the way things worked around here. After yanking on my boots, I descended the stairs and wandered out into the crisp morning, inhaling the fresh scent of the land around me. Moist earth, morning dew, a medley of flora—all of it culminated to remind me that this was mine, every inch of it.

The barn came into view as I walked briskly up the dirt path. Inside, a few workers were already gathered near the table on the right side of the barn. Equipment lined the area, some of it what we were going to use for the day. Soft chatter echoed around me as I went through the usual motions of preparing coffee.

A man with taupe-beige skin and pale green eyes approached the station, smiling brightly as he scrubbed his hands over his scalp-short walnut-brown hair. Morning.

Morning, Corey. You sleep alright?

As well as I can with another body in my bed.

I chuckled as I lined up a dozen mugs on the table. I don’t suppose you’ve been getting cold feet, huh?

Not at all. He clapped me on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion, smile widening as he added, Something for you to look forward to someday.

I don’t know about all that.

Silence reverberated between us as I started pouring coffee for the guys. Corey helped by setting up the creamer and sugar, the spoons, the napkins. It comforted me to know that I didn’t have to talk much around him. As the guys approached the table to grab a cup of hot coffee, I lingered nearby with my mug cupped between my hands, observing the area.

Corey stood tall next to me. The guy could have been a linebacker if he hadn’t gotten into the farming business with me. Gonna be a busy day.

That’s for sure.

You excited?

I chuckled. For today? Yes. For when you go on your honeymoon? Not so much.

Aw, why’s that? You gonna miss your bestie?

You sure I can’t convince you to take your honeymoon during a time when it isn’t planting season? I teased with a grin. I slurped my coffee as he laughed.

He shook his head. You can’t run the farm without me?

Ugh. I groaned as I shook my head. I released a quick chuckle and replied, "Maybe with an extra pot of coffee. Maybe."

Laughter erupted between us. I wasn’t sure what I would do without Corey by my side on the farm. Though I was joking about his honeymoon, part of me was serious about the inquiry. Replacing his helpful hands and watchful eyes, even temporarily, would be a massive chore that I didn’t feel like I could handle.

All sorts of excuses ran through my mind, things I could say to keep him around. But I didn’t want to ruin his chance to be with Jolie for a little while. They needed to have some time together—alone. It made sense.

It didn’t make me jealous. Not one bit.

As the guys—about eight in total—gathered near the doors and stood near the equipment, Corey and I divided the labor for the morning. After the teams were set up, we headed out, prying open the heavy barn doors for the people running the equipment.

Daylight winked over the horizon, illuminating all that was mine. Large, lush fields expanded to the right, tilled soil exploded to the left, and the hills in the background hosted evergreen trees that shimmered with life. Birds chirped above and a few remaining crickets sang in the bushes.

I placed my hands into my pockets and inhaled the fresh morning air. The jealousy I had initially felt faded into the background, replaced by simple logic: I didn’t have time for that sort of thing. With a gargantuan farm to run and a close-knit circle of friends, I didn’t see why I would ever need to get married.

I shrugged away my thoughts, ignoring the minuscule pang of loneliness that echoed in my gut as I wandered into the field with the guys.

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Dusk came much quicker than anticipated. Time sped right past me when I was working in the field. With planting season being so busy, I hardly noticed the path the sun had taken in the sky until Corey planted a firm hand on my shoulder.

We thanked the guys for their work, sent them home, and parted ways at my house. A sigh escaped me as I darted inside to take a quick shower. I would have stood under the stream for much longer if I wasn’t due at my parents’ house for dinner. I had been thinking about Mom’s cooking all day. When I stepped out of the shower, my stomach growled viciously.

Crap, I missed lunch again, I thought as I toweled myself dry. I ought to stop doing that.

I paused in front of the bathroom mirror, studying my wet almond-brown hair that hung onto my forehead. I smoothed it back, observing my dark-brown eyes and the expansive patches of hair that matched the color of my irises. Chiseled muscle sat beneath the forest of hair, carved like a sculptor had taken his time to etch each feature with care and dedication.

The scruff on my face bothered me, so I took a razor to it, cleaning it up quickly and easily before drying and applying my cedarwood aftershave. Mom always appreciated it when I cleaned up for dinner. With a satisfied grin, I wandered into the bare bedroom and slung on a pair of blue jeans with a plaid button-down shirt.

Minutes later, I pulled up in front of my parents’ house on the other side of the farm. The structure stood tall against the indigo backdrop of the sky, framed with tiny pinprick dots of stars that twinkled gently. As soon as I walked into the foyer, the smell of braised chicken with homemade mashed potatoes met my nostrils, causing me to groan loudly.

Must be my son, Mom called from the kitchen. You hungry, pumpkin?

Always.

I rubbed my hands together as I walked into the dining room where my father was seated at the round table. We shared similar features, except he bore a round bald spot on the top of his head. He didn’t even try to cover it up with whatever hair he had left or a hat. Part of me wondered if I would be confident enough to do the same by the time I reached his age.

His eyes crinkled to slits as he grinned with an unlit pipe in his mouth. In front of him sat a massive bowl of red skin potatoes mashed to perfection with enough butter to make the bowl glisten. Two pies flanked either side along with a crystal glass bowl of salad and plenty of bottles of dressing. I hugged my father and sank into the chair next to him as my mother brought the rest of the food to the table.

Mom, I said. I’ve been thinking about your food all day.

You skipped lunch again, didn’t you?

I grumbled my response, causing my father to chuckle next to me. He adjusted the pipe between his lips, teeth clicking against the wood of the mouthpiece. That would be a yes, dear.

Of course, Mom agreed as she sat across from us. She gestured to the food. Help yourselves.

An easy silence fell over the table as we dug in. As always, the homemade food relaxed me, filling me with a sense of warmth and love. As long as I had my family around, I didn’t need to worry about anything else. All I had to do was focus on the farm business and keep moving forward into the future.

So, Mom said while plucking a napkin from the right of her plate. Have you found a date to take to Corey’s wedding? It’s in a couple of weeks.

Mom, I don’t need a date. I’ll be there with all the guys. Who has time for a date?

Mom glanced at my father who pretended like he wasn’t listening. At least Dad wouldn’t intervene on this one. I didn’t need another lecture about me spending so much alone time in my house. I liked being alone. Couldn’t anyone respect that?

Well, it would be nice if I had someone to join me on the farm someday to help me cook for everyone, Mom explained. Don’t you think?

What would that have to do with a wedding date?

She shrugged. You never know what could happen.

Probably nothing, Mom.

I’m just saying, it would be really nice to have an extra pair of hands while cooking.

After gulping down the rest of my food and taking my plate to the sink, I returned to the dining room to give my mother a huge hug. Your cooking is perfect. We don’t need anyone else to help.

I headed for the door, knowing exactly where this conversation would end up, and I didn’t want to go there. It was bad enough hearing Corey talk about the love of his life all the time while we were working in the field. Hearing that I was alone from my mother wasn’t exactly something I wanted to deal with.

Not that it was a problem. I enjoyed spending time by myself. I got so much more done when I had no one else around to intervene.

As I reached the front door, Mom called after me, I’m not getting any younger, you know!

Thanks for dinner, Ma.

I shut the door behind me, marching to my truck as my heart beat rapidly in my chest. The only time I felt this way was when I had just avoided danger. What was so dangerous about what my mother said?

And why did I suddenly feel like I was running out of time?

2

Chapter Two

A

nna

The keyboard clacked as I rapidly typed up a report for my superiors. Dan Hugh LLP had hired me years ago to work for them and had offered me a remote position, one I could do from the living room of my apartment. Considering I wasn’t too keen on leaving my home very often, it seemed like the best option for me.

And it had proved to be the right decision. My living room was cozy, had more than enough coffee to fuel my workday, and I was able to take frequent breaks. No one bothered me while I was working—except maybe my sister who was due to be married in about two weeks.

My phone buzzed as if thinking about people bothering me had inspired just that. I finished typing up a paragraph summarizing a recent list of transactions from an Omaha nonprofit and lifted my phone. Jolie was calling. I could only imagine what she was calling about.

I sighed as I answered the call. Hi, love. Wedding trouble?

Beyond trouble.

I nodded as I pushed away from my desk, swiveling around to observe my living room. Modern teal furniture with brown accents occupied the plush white carpet. Faux fur throws rested over every available space along with white pillows for comfort. Plants grew in the corner and expanded around the porch sliding glass door to the left side of the living room where they grew exponentially.

Smiling warmly, I rose from my chair and grabbed the spray bottle from the coffee table to spritz the plants. Tell me what’s going on.

There’s so much to do, Anna.

I bet. Are you having trouble managing it?

She sighed wearily. Yes. No one is helping me here. I’m starting to lose my mind.

You have two more weeks. What’s left to do?

Jolie rattled off an extensive list that prompted me to pause. Frozen like a statue, my ears prickled as I listened to the rest of the list. It was so much. It broke my heart to think no one was helping her with anything.

I cleared my throat. What can I do?

Is there any way you could come back early to help?

Let me check my schedule.

After setting the spray bottle down, I returned to my desk and opened my work calendar. I sighed as I scanned the week ahead. I shook my head.

I’m booked solid for the next week, sis, I told her. But I could come the following week.

Is there any chance you could bring your work over here? I can host you. I can give you plenty of space to work.

I shook my head again. No, Jolie. I have in-person meetings I need to attend.

Alright. She sighed. I appreciate you dropping everything to come and help me.

I would do just about anything for you, Jolie.

She chortled. You’re such a lifesaver.

I do my best.

How’s everything going? Is work okay?

I nodded. Work is great. I sank into my desk chair. It’s been pretty smooth sailing lately.

I’m so glad to hear that. Any special guys around?

I laughed. Like that would happen.

Why not? You’re more than gorgeous. You’re smart, sweet, funny—who wouldn’t want to be around you?

Parting my lips to speak was useless. All the things my sister had mentioned about me were true, sure, but they weren’t things that had attracted anyone over the years. I mean, I hadn’t even tried to date in well over a year at this point. I didn’t have much hope of finding someone anytime soon.

The computer’s screensaver appeared, revealing my forlorn expression. My sister was right about me being attractive—and mostly in a conventional way. Long black hair hung straight around my shoulders and bangs curled over my forehead, perfectly framing my oval face. Khaki beige skin hosted light brown freckles that dusted over my nose, cheeks, and neck. I was curvy in all the right places, and I had the brightest hazel-yellow eyes in town.

Or, at least, that’s what my friend Sylvia often said.

I sighed. I don’t know.

Having trouble in the romance world?

I laughed, my eyes closing to slits from the force of my amusement. What romance world? It doesn’t even exist.

Oh, Anna...

Don’t pity me. I’m the one who locked myself up in my apartment like I was a princess in a tower.

She laughed. We need to send someone to rescue you.

Any cute men on the menu for the wedding?

Oh, plenty. But don’t tell Corey I said that!

We shared a giggle, the feeling of unease sliding away as I relaxed into my desk chair. I should get back to work. I’ll let you know the official date I can drive into town, okay?

Alright, thank you, Anna. You’re wonderful. I love you.

Love you, too, sis.

After disconnecting the call, I shook the mouse, clearing the screensaver from the monitor and diving back into work. I could have taken that opportunity to take a well-deserved break, but I didn’t want to be left alone with my thoughts.

Having trouble in the romance world?

God, I was always having trouble with romance. The only time I got any action was when I cracked open one of the thousands of romance books I had sitting on the shelf next to the television. I devoured steamy stories like a person deprived of water. And movies? Forget it—I was completely obsessed with romantic comedies.

Maybe one day I could have something like that, but now wasn’t the time. I had work, I had my sister’s wedding, and I had career goals that I wanted to meet. Doubling my income was on my list of things to do this year, and I was drawing close to that goal.

Dating would simply be too much of a distraction.

Once the data sheets were finished, I moved on to a medley of other tasks, checking in every hour or so with the firm to make sure I was on track. I submitted my work, clocked out my time, and headed to the bathroom where I drew a hot bath. Although I was going out later, I knew I needed to unwind before I had to deal with people. A bath was the perfect way to recharge.

The hot water swallowed my naked limbs and put me at ease. I sank into the soothing water, sleepily watching wisps of steam curl from the surface of the water. I closed my eyes for a moment as I focused on my body, stretching different areas that had grown stiff from sitting in a desk chair all week.

Twenty minutes later, I drained the tub and pulled a fluffy pink bathrobe over my body. I stood in front of the mirror and studied my appearance as I did my skincare routine. After that was handled, I wandered into my bedroom and lounged on my bed, staring at my closet to determine what to wear. I had dozens of outfits I never wore. Maybe trying something new tonight would boost my confidence.

Sighing, I rose from my bed and walked into my closet, tugging the chain for the light. I grabbed a skin-tight bodycon dress made of sparkling silver scales and pulled it over my curves. A quick blow dry of my hair and a full face of makeup later, I was ready to slip on my black heels and head out the door.

Martha, Sylvia, and Wanda were waiting for me at the bar. Appetizers decorated the table, inviting my stomach to growl as I hugged each of them before taking a seat. I sighed as I grabbed a mozzarella stick and dunked it into a cup of red sauce. After a bite, I sighed and smiled at my girlfriends.

You look amazing, Sylvia praised, playing with one of her locks as she leaned forward. Her honey-brown eyes glittered. Is that a new dress?

I’ve had it for like three months.

She nodded. Feeling adventurous tonight?

Maybe.

Martha giggled, sweeping her dyed-red hair over her shoulder and revealing her crop top. It’s cute. I love it. I wish you dressed like this more often.

I don’t often have reason to.

Well. Wanda sighed, drawing out the syllables of the word. What about the wedding?

Yes, the wedding! Sylvia agreed, eyes widening. She focused on me. That’s coming up soon, isn’t it?

I nodded as I grabbed another mozzarella stick. I shoved it into my mouth, keeping my lips occupied so I didn’t have to talk too much about my sister getting married—or the guest list for the wedding.

A waiter approached our table with a tray of drinks. I smiled as a martini was set in front of me. After wiping my lips with a napkin, I raised my glass to my girls, the four of us cheering before sipping our drinks.

Why don’t you seem excited? Sylvia pressed. I was excited when my sister got married.

Is it the groom? Wanda inquired.

Sylvia bounced in her chair. "Oh, I loved being the maid of honor. Tell me you get to be the maid of honor! I mean, it is your sister’s wedding, right?"

I laughed. Sure.

"Gosh, don’t get too excited now, Martha teased. Seriously, Anna. It’s such a wonderful event, don’t you think?"

I shrugged. I am looking forward to my sister getting married, but...

But? my three friends asked in unison.

Their eyes remained hooked on me, waiting for me to explain. I knew I wasn’t getting out of this so easily.

I sighed as I lifted my martini glass to my lips. "But there’s this guy that will be there that, kind of broke my heart."

Martha blinked. Sylvia raised her perfectly trimmed eyebrows. Wanda remained quiet with her lips parted as if preparing to speak.

Sylvia was the first to break the silence by asking, Anna, you could get any guy you wanted. How did he break your heart?

He didn’t love me, I guess.

Her hand traveled across the small circular table, pushing the baskets of food aside to take my hand in hers. The gentle squeeze that erupted from her fingers made me smile.

Oh, honey, she whispered.

Martha gave me a sympathetic grin. Well, his loss, right?

Wanda nodded in agreement. Absolutely. What a jerk. He had no idea what he had, huh?

I suppose so.

I forced a smile so they wouldn’t pester me with more questions—or give me any more pitiful glances. God, I hated that I was this damaged, broken thing when it came to love. I had more than enough support from friends and family that I was beyond grateful to have, yet my dating life—the nonexistent portion of my life—was this dreadfully dried up thing that embarrassed me.

After squeezing Sylvia’s hand in return and grabbing a basket of fries, I nodded to the dance floor. I’m almost fueled up.

Yes! My favorite DJ is here tonight, Martha said.

I grinned. Yeah?

I listened to her chatter ecstatically, the four of us falling into a heated debate about which music was best for dancing. Once I finished eating, I swallowed the rest of my martini and grabbed Sylvia, dragging her to the dance floor. Movement would help me forget all about the pain that was to come—even if the distraction would be temporary.

It had to work. Just for a moment. Because if I had to think about Reid Hall any sooner than necessary, I would be reduced to tears.

3

Chapter Three

R

eid

City life had never appealed to me. As a farm boy, the trees were my skyscrapers, and the valleys were my streets. Rivers etched into the landscape carried me wherever I needed to go. My days of riding the bus were long gone, having been left behind in my high school years.

Which is exactly where I left Anna,