Authors: Ashley Blake
Boxed Set: The Billionaire’s Desire Complete Collection (Books 1-3 and Bonus Books 1 and 2) (Submitting to the Billionaire) (12 page)
CHAPTER NINE
The following morning I met Joshua in the lobby at 10:00. I decided to wear a beautiful, yet comfortable, Gucci dress for the long flight. I wanted to look nice for him. If this was going to be our final time alone together, I wanted him to remember how good I looked. Joshua gave me an approving look as his eyes roamed over my dress. When we stepped outside I noticed two cars waiting for us.
“We’re not riding in the same car?”
Was everything between us over so quickly that he couldn’t stand to be in the same car with me?
“Of course we are. The other car is for Jake and Vivienne. They will be flying back with us on the jet.” Relief washed over me, and then happiness as I realized I would get to see Jake again. It was comforting to know that I would have a friend to chat with on the flight home.
All of our belongings were already loaded on the plane when we boarded. I was amazed that every bit of my new wardrobe had been dry-cleaned, and was packed and taken care of for me. The past 30 days had been a fantasy life for me, minus the difficult and long working days. I didn’t know that I would ever have the chance to experience anything like that again. I wanted to thank Joshua for all that he had done for me. I just had to find the right time to do it.
We were about an hour into the flight and Jake and I were chatting in our seats like two long lost friends. Vivienne was napping and Joshua was working in the conference room.
“Sarah, I want to thank you for the talk that we had. You gave me a lot to think about.”
“I only want what’s best for you Jake. But I understand that you need to do everything in your own time.”
“I do. And trust me, I will.”
Just then Joshua called me in to the conference room. He wanted to go over part of the Donnelly file, one of our older clients.
“This is what you will be working on when we get back to New York.” He handed me a brown accordion folder.
“Joshua, I want to tell you something.”
He stopped what he was doing and looked at me.
“I want to thank you for this incredible, life-changing opportunity that you gave me. I learned so much in Dubai. I will be eternally grateful to you. Your generosity while I was here…I mean the clothes, the shoes, the beautiful hotel…everything…thank you.”
He seemed a bit caught off guard and uncomfortable with my gratitude and just gave me a curt, “You’re welcome.”
One of these days you are going to open up to me. And not just when we are in the bedroom.
I was shocked by my confidence that we would be together again, but there was something between us. I couldn’t just let him get away. I decided to accept his curt reply without pressing him for more. He knew that I was grateful and that is what mattered.
“Well, if that’s all, I am going to take this file back to my chair and have a look at it there. I am assuming we will have a meeting on this first thing Monday morning?” I was all business again.
“We actually are all making a quick detour for a few days.”
This completely shocked me. I felt a nervousness in my belly that I hadn’t experienced since first meeting Joshua.
“A detour? Where are we going?”
He held my gaze and I saw a hint of mischief in his eyes. “It’s a surprise.”
***
To be continued…
When Sarah Vaughn agreed to the terms of the contract with Joshua Hunter, she never thought she would actually fall for the gorgeous billionaire. Now he wants to extend her contract, retaining control for a longer period of time. Sarah agrees but is determined to get the stoic billionaire to open up to her. She meets his dashing cousin, Ethan, who tries to pursue her and the jealous billionaire is none too pleased. But does Ethan really want Sarah or is he just trying to rattle his cousin? And does Sarah finally get fed up with Joshua's jealousy?
The Billionaire’s Desire 3:
Ultimate Bliss
Submitting to the Billionaire Series - Book 3
by
Ashley Blake
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Copyright, 2013 by Ashley Blake.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.
Chapter 1
We were on our way home, or at least I thought we were, when Joshua threw a curve ball at me.
“A surprise? You know Joshua, technically our contract has expired.”
“Actually, our contract doesn’t expire until tomorrow. But I have been thinking. I want to amend our contract.” He fixed his gaze on me. “I need more.” His voice took a sexy dip.
More? More what? More time with me?
I gave him a quizzical look.
“Isn’t it obvious Sarah?” Joshua held my gaze as his eyes smoldered with desire.
I didn't know how to answer him, and my heart was starting to beat faster.
"I need more time with you."
My mouth was suddenly dry.
Is he saying what I hope he's saying? Is he professing his feelings for me?
I started to feel extremely giddy at the thought of this gorgeous man finally admitting he has feelings for me that had nothing to do with the bedroom.
"Thirty days is not nearly enough time to teach you what you need to know about the fast track to partnership. I need more time with you."
My happiness quickly deflated and I realize he was referring to work.
"I have a new proposition for you. I will arrange to have you shadow a junior level partner for six months if you do everything I desire for the same amount of time. But this time, I will be introducing new elements into the agreement. Like before, if at anytime you are uncomfortable or don't want to do something just tell me to stop. Our contract expires tomorrow night at 11 PM. You will have until that time to think about my revised offer."
I was speechless. First of all, the opportunity to shadow a partner was unheard of. Second, Joshua wanted to be with me for six months!
That has to mean something, right?
"Wow, Joshua. I don't know what to say."
"Think about it and let me know tomorrow. The contract has already been sent to your tablet. We only have an hour left until we land so you can feel free to look it over now. You will also have time tonight before bed and then tomorrow after dinner. We will be occupied at all other times."
"Do you think you can tell me where we're going?"
"It's a surprise." That was all he would say.
I don't know why, but I was extremely nervous.
He looked at me with an amused grin. "That is all."
I took his cue and went back to my seat. So much was swirling around in my mind. But the thing I thought about most was that Joshua had figured out a way to spend six months with me. I was basking in my blissful feelings when I had a sobering thought. Were we supposed to be exclusive for the six months? He had a very jealous streak so I doubted he would want me to even look at anyone else.
But what about him?
What were the rules for him? Whatever they were I was willing to accept them. He was the man I really wanted to be with. I had to figure out a way to get him to open up to me. The sex was already incredible. I wanted a deeper, more meaningful relationship with him and…I wanted him to yearn for me.
It was nearly 6:00 AM when we landed and I still didn't know where we were. Jake and Vivienne must have been instructed not to tell me anything because I couldn't get any information from them at all. Once I stepped onto the tarmac I saw the huge LAX sign and knew we were in California. I didn't think anything of it, I just figured we were here for business in the company's Los Angeles office.
We were all able to sleep during the flight so we were pretty well rested. We were in the limousine for about an hour when I started to wonder exactly how far the Los Angeles office was from the airport. I had never been there but I had heard that the traffic was miserable and it took forever to get anywhere. I was working on my tablet when I sent Joshua an electronically signed copy of the new contract. I would do whatever it took to get more time with him.
It was just about 7:00 AM when we pulled up to this exquisite mansion. I had never seen anything like it in my life. There were massive wrought iron gates separating us and the magnificent home. The driver had to press the buzzer on the intercom to announce our arrival. We were instantly buzzed in and the enormous gates parted allowing our entrance. The driveway leading up to the home must have been 400 feet long. As the limousine pulled up to the front door, my jaw dropped in awe.
The limo slowed to a crawl and I assumed we were picking up a business colleague.
Maybe there is an early meeting we all have to get to.
But then I remembered Vivienne was with us so I was utterly confused. I looked at Joshua silently asking why we were here. He just gave me an amused smirk as he stepped out of the limo. He offered his hand to help me out and when I stepped outside the limo, what I saw took my breath away. The home was situated on a cliff and the views were stunning. The mansion was enormous and surrounded by statuesque palm trees and what I think were magnolia trees. Lush foliage and gorgeous plants also surrounded the property. There was a swan pond and a magnificent swimming pool fit for a king. To say I was in awe is an understatement. I had never seen a more amazing property in my life.
A man dressed in a butler's uniform met us at the front door.
"Mr. Hunter and Mr. Hunter, welcome back. David will see to it that you and your guests’ things are taken to your rooms."
Our rooms?
"Thank you Simon. I would like for you to meet Sarah Vaughn. And you remember Vivienne Worthington."
"Hello Miss. Yes, of course. It is nice to see you again, Ms. Worthington."
Just as we were getting ready to go inside, a stunningly beautiful older woman came rushing outside.
"Oh Joshua! Jake! It's so good to see you!!" She gave them both a huge hug and looked like she didn't want to let them go.
"Hello mother! We're not leaving just yet, you can let go," Joshua chuckled.
Mother?? He could have warned me!
Eleanor "Bunny" Hunter, was a strong, no-nonsense woman. I had done my research on the company when I began my internship and found a small bit of information about her. She was widowed quite a few years ago and leaned on her sons for support and to keep the company thriving. I didn't know that she had moved to California. I was under the impression that she lived in New York.
"Oh, I know. I'm just so happy to see you both!" She glanced at me before pulling away from her sons. "Oh how rude of me! Please introduce me to your guests!"
"Mother, you remember Vivienne." Jake looked slightly annoyed that his mother acted like she didn't recognize her.
Joshua's mother gave Vivienne a cool, dismissive glance.
Uh oh. That can't be good.
"Of course. How nice to see you again dear." The sarcasm literally dripped from her words. Joshua stepped in to smooth things over.
"Mother, I'd like for you to meet Sarah Vaughn, our newest associate."
Joshua's mother beamed at me and reached out to hug me.
"Sarah, it is so nice to finally meet you. I have heard many wonderful things about you dear."
So, Joshua has been talking about me!
"It is so nice to meet you Mrs. Hunter. Your estate is breathtaking."
"Thank you dear, how kind. Oh, and please, call me Bunny."
She seemed to genuinely like me which was an enormous relief. I could feel Vivienne glaring at me, but it wasn't my fault their mother didn't like her.
"Come, come, let’s all go inside."
She ushered us into her home and I could not have been prepared for what I was about to see. I had never seen such an opulent home in my life. Not even on television. The entryway had stunning marble floors and was so ornate and beautiful. The foyer’s gallery was at least 80 feet long and I felt as though I was in a museum.
"You must all be ravenous. Paul is preparing a wonderful breakfast for us, so why don't you freshen up and then join me in the breakfast nook in 45 minutes."
We all walked up the circular staircase to the second level and followed Joshua down the hall. My room was next to his, and Vivienne and Jake were around the corner in their rooms which were across the hall from one another. Joshua followed me into my room and I turned around to face him. I gave him a light, playful tap on his arm as I whispered to him.
"Why didn't you tell me we were coming to see your mother?!”
He let out a small chuckle. "I wanted to see your natural reaction to meeting her, not a prepared response."
"Well, your mother is lovely."
"She seems to like you." He didn't offer any more information. "We better freshen up and get downstairs. I will knock on your door when we should head down there."
"Okay."
Joshua left and I slowly looked around the room. It was beautiful. My bed was enormous and must have had 10 pillows on it. I went into the adjoining bath to take a shower and it was just gorgeous. There was marble everywhere, huge mirrors, small gourmet soaps and assorted tiny bottles of scented lotion. I felt as if I was in a spa.
After I showered, I put on a casual summer dress and a matching light sweater, and was putting the finishing touches on my makeup when I heard a light tapping on my door.
I hope he thinks I look nice for his mother.
When I opened the door, he did it to me again. He took my breath away. He stood there, tall, gorgeous and strong wearing a white polo and black slacks and I realized something. I had never seen him in casual clothes.
You are simply gorgeous.
He looked really comfortable and relaxed.
His eyes slowly roamed over my body, taking in my choice of clothes, and I could see the appreciation in his eyes for what I chose to wear. I didn't want to wear anything too casual as I didn't want to offend his mother.
"You look very pretty. Are you ready to go downstairs?"
I was speechless. It was such a nice compliment.
Something must be in the water. He's being too nice.
I realized I was standing there like an idiot, not saying a word. I cleared my throat and answered him.
