Page 37 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
“He’s from an old money Texan family. I’m definitely not wife material, and even if I were, I’m not ready for that kind of commitment.” I wouldn’t know the first thing about being in a healthy long-term relationship. Why fool myself? Disappointment lumped in her throat, and she had to swallow twice to unstick her tongue from the roof of her dry mouth. “So let’s talk about you replacing me. You can totally do it. Besides, the men come to bid for a virgin, not for me,” Alexa said, ignoring her own common sense. Throughout the years, people whispered her name during events, and the enigma surrounding her persona enticed people to google her or even attend the event without the real goal of purchasing someone’s virginity.
Jackie drummed her fingers on the tablet, her gaze darting around the office. “I’ll give it a try.”
“I’ve been giving you more and more responsibilities to prepare you for this moment. I know you can do this.”
Hours later, she met Brooks at the restaurant he’d mentioned. They usually ate at her place or ordered in, but he’d suggested they grab something to eat, so she acquiesced. When she saw the hostess, the young woman in sky-high heels greeted her with enthusiasm. “Hi, Ms. Alexa, such a pleasure to have you here.”
“I’m waiting for someone.”
“Yes, your company is already seated. Please come this way.”
She stared at the wall, looking nowhere in particular, and followed the hostess with long, purposeful steps. She could feel eyes on her as she walked, and barely registered the piano bar or the tasteful decoration. Maybe a few people recognized her from a couple of the rare interviews she’d given. Or men who had attended her auction regarded her with curiosity, wondering if she was meeting a man for pleasure or business.
When she reached the corner booth, where he texted someone on his cell, something inside her melted, softening her stance. “Mr. Taylor, your date has arrived,” the hostess said.
Brooks’s gaze lifted to her, and specks of warm gold glinted in the depths of his irises, as if something inside of him lit up just by seeing her. A girl can dream.
“She’s arrived indeed,” he said to the hostess, his eyes still trained on Alexa.
The hostess excused herself, and Alexa slid into the seat, positioning herself in front of him. “A date with a rich Texan. I guess I could do worse.”
“I hope you won’t,” he said, scooting closer to plant an intimate kiss on her cheek that gave her all kinds of thrills. She shivered, loving how her body reacted to his. “I’ve missed you,” he said in a low voice.
They had last seen each other in the morning, when she’d left her home to go to work and he had phone calls and decisions to make—managing his assets and properties from far away. “It’s been sixteen hours.”
“Sixteen hours too many.”
She splayed her hand on his chest, pushing him away. “It was your idea to eat out, so let’s do it.”
…
Brooks cut into his steak, the meat juicy and tender. He’d managed to keep his hands to himself for the past hour, even if every part of him craved to touch her.
“How was your day?” she asked, raising a piece of salmon to her lips.
“Work-wise, productive. Liam said one of the employees he suspects moved to New Mexico, so he’s tracing the information to find out more.”
She flashed him a look of concern. “And you trust this Liam guy?”
“I’ve used him before to scout out potential business partners for some investments I’ve made outside of the agriculture field.” In four years, Liam hadn’t steered him wrong. He took a drink of his beer. “Though this is a bit different, he can still help with leads.”
She put her silverware on the plate and clapped her hands together. “Of course. I hope he’ll help you.”
“Me too.” He peered at the amber contents of his tumbler. “The past two years have been crap for me. My mother was diagnosed with dementia, Pamela died, and I haven’t had a relationship with my father for a while. But we stopped pretending we gave a damn about each other because of my mother.” Hell, ending the pretense was the one thing he could be proud of. No more dinners at the country club or handshakes in public functions.
“Was your mother nice when you were growing up?”
“Yes. She was good and gentle. She never had much spine to put my father in his place, but I didn’t know that back then. She told me she never knew about his affair with the housekeeper, but now I wonder if she just brushed it aside. You know, old school train of thought.” He shrugged. If his father had taught him one thing, it had been to never cheat on a woman. Brooks had had his share of girlfriends—had even engaged in a threesome or two—but he’d never slept around on anyone.
“Yeah. Obviously my mom didn’t have much spine, either,” Alexa said. “How’s your mom today, health-wise?”
“She’s okay. I’m due a visit. I always go when my father is away traveling so I don’t have to deal with him.”
“I’m not sure I ever told you…but it’s amazing what you’re doing for Pamela. To try to find out what really happened and make the guilty party pay.” She reached across the table and covered his hand with hers, clutching it. “I’m proud of you.”
He opened his mouth, for the first time unsure about what to say, but a stocky man in his sixties approached their table, his gaze focused on Alexa.
“Madam Alexa. I didn’t believe it was you.”
