[English] Love, Lust & A Millionaire

Love, Lust A Millionaire
Page 11



“Sophie, say hello to Laurel,” Oliver commanded.

“Hi.” She looked down and took a bite of her scrambled eggs. I got the feeling Sophie didn’t care too much for her daddy’s girlfriend.

“I had such a good time on our trip, baby.” She reached over and touched his cheek.

I looked down at my plate of food because I couldn’t stomach looking at the fake blonde anymore. He took her on his business trip. Maybe that was why he didn’t bother to call and check up on his daughter. Asshole.

“I can’t wait for our golf game with the Sullivans. It’ll be good to see Barb again.” Oliver gave her a small smile and then looked at me.

If he was going golfing with her and today was my day off, who was going to keep an eye on Sophie? I had an idea.

“Hey, Sophie. How would you like to go with me to the art museum today?”

Her face lit up. “Really? Can Daddy come with us too?”

“No, Sophie, he can’t. Your daddy and I already have plans for today,” Laurel spouted.

Oliver sat there and didn’t say a word. A feeling of sickness overtook me, knowing he hadn’t seen his daughter for a week and he chose to go golfing with that fake bitch instead of spending the day with Sophie, fully aware that it was my day off.

“I have nothing to do today, Sophie. Can I come?” Liam asked.

“Yes. If it’s okay with Delilah.”

“Is it okay with you if I tag along, Miss Delilah?”

Oliver shot him a fierce look of anger from across the table. I silently smiled inside.

“Of course you can come. It’ll be fun.” I smiled at him.

I finished my breakfast and got up from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I will go finish getting ready and then we can leave. Sophie, run upstairs and grab your sweater,” I spoke as I walked up to my room. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and sent a text message to Jenny.

“Hey. I have to cancel our lunch plans for today. I’m taking Sophie to the art museum.”

“Is hot stuff Oliver going with you?”

“No. He has plans with his girlfriend. Apparently she went on his business trip with him.”

“I understand what a ****ty father he is. Have fun and we’ll talk later.”

As I slipped on my shoes, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Oliver stepped inside and closed the door. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Today is your day off and you’re taking Sophie to the art museum. Why?”

“I really didn’t have anything else to do and I thought it would be good for her. It’s something she’d enjoy. Why? Do you have a problem with that?”

“I don’t. I was just curious and I already have someone coming to stay with her.”

“Then I guess you’ll have to call and tell her not to come today.”

“I’m sorry I can’t go, but Laurel and I had this golf outing planned for over a month.”

“No worries, Oliver. I know what a busy man you are. I’ll make sure Sophie has a great time.” I picked up my phone from the bed and it fell out of my hand and to the floor. We both bent down at the same time to pick it up. His face was inches from mine as he stared into my eyes. I gulped as twinges of excitement fluttered down below. He handed me my phone, turned away and stood up, opening the door and walking out of the room.

Chapter 9

When we walked into the museum, I thought Sophie was going to lose her breath. She was so excited as she looked around and begged me to find the paintings by Monet.

“I do believe those would be in the European Paintings Department, which is this way.” Liam pointed.

We found the area and stepped inside the room that displayed a lot of paintings by European artists. Liam was turning out to be a really nice guy. Did he have an agenda? I didn’t know, but I was going to be on my guard. He was the same height as Oliver. They sported the same build and their facial features were about the same. The only difference was that Liam had more of a sandy blonde coloring to his hair.

“So what did you think of Laurel?” he asked.

“You want my honest opinion?”

“Of course. I’m very curious.” He smiled.

“I think she’s a self-centered, self-absorbed, stuck-up bitch.”

Liam chuckled. “I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head.” He bumped my shoulder.

“I take it you’re not fond of Miss Laurel?”

“Not really. My brother can do better than her. She doesn’t give Sophie the time of day and that bothers me.”

“Much like Oliver, from what I’ve seen so far.”

“He’s trying, Delilah. It hasn’t been easy since Sophie’s mother passed away and she came to live with him. He doesn’t know how to be a father and he’s worried about her because of her behavioral issues.”

“She’s five years old. All five-year-olds have behavioral issues.”

“Laurel actually tried to convince Oliver to ship Sophie off to Vermont to live with her aunt. But Oliver wouldn’t hear of it.”

“So he does have some redeeming qualities about him.”

“He’s a good guy. I think he’s just a little misguided about life.”

“What about your parents?” I asked.

“Our parents took off to Germany as soon as I turned seventeen. My father was born there and always regretted leaving. Once we were old enough to take care of ourselves, they packed up and left. Nice parents, huh? Oliver had just graduated from high school and I was in my senior year. They signed over their house to us and took off. Oliver was working as a caddy at a golf course and overheard one of the members talking about flipping houses and how much money he had made. He talked to me about it and we sold our house, moved into a small apartment, and used the money to buy and flip houses. Oliver made his first million by the time he was twenty years old. He’s always been the smartest one in the family and even smarter in business. I went off to college, thanks to him, and by time I graduated with my MBA, he was buying and selling buildings and that’s how Wyatt Enterprises was made.”

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“Sophie, say hello to Laurel,” Oliver commanded.

“Hi.” She looked down and took a bite of her scrambled eggs. I got the feeling Sophie didn’t care too much for her daddy’s girlfriend.

“I had such a good time on our trip, baby.” She reached over and touched his cheek.

I looked down at my plate of food because I couldn’t stomach looking at the fake blonde anymore. He took her on his business trip. Maybe that was why he didn’t bother to call and check up on his daughter. Asshole.

“I can’t wait for our golf game with the Sullivans. It’ll be good to see Barb again.” Oliver gave her a small smile and then looked at me.

If he was going golfing with her and today was my day off, who was going to keep an eye on Sophie? I had an idea.

“Hey, Sophie. How would you like to go with me to the art museum today?”

Her face lit up. “Really? Can Daddy come with us too?”

“No, Sophie, he can’t. Your daddy and I already have plans for today,” Laurel spouted.

Oliver sat there and didn’t say a word. A feeling of sickness overtook me, knowing he hadn’t seen his daughter for a week and he chose to go golfing with that fake bitch instead of spending the day with Sophie, fully aware that it was my day off.

“I have nothing to do today, Sophie. Can I come?” Liam asked.

“Yes. If it’s okay with Delilah.”

“Is it okay with you if I tag along, Miss Delilah?”

Oliver shot him a fierce look of anger from across the table. I silently smiled inside.

“Of course you can come. It’ll be fun.” I smiled at him.

I finished my breakfast and got up from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I will go finish getting ready and then we can leave. Sophie, run upstairs and grab your sweater,” I spoke as I walked up to my room. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and sent a text message to Jenny.

“Hey. I have to cancel our lunch plans for today. I’m taking Sophie to the art museum.”

“Is hot stuff Oliver going with you?”

“No. He has plans with his girlfriend. Apparently she went on his business trip with him.”

“I understand what a ****ty father he is. Have fun and we’ll talk later.”

As I slipped on my shoes, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Oliver stepped inside and closed the door. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Today is your day off and you’re taking Sophie to the art museum. Why?”

“I really didn’t have anything else to do and I thought it would be good for her. It’s something she’d enjoy. Why? Do you have a problem with that?”

“I don’t. I was just curious and I already have someone coming to stay with her.”

“Then I guess you’ll have to call and tell her not to come today.”

“I’m sorry I can’t go, but Laurel and I had this golf outing planned for over a month.”

“No worries, Oliver. I know what a busy man you are. I’ll make sure Sophie has a great time.” I picked up my phone from the bed and it fell out of my hand and to the floor. We both bent down at the same time to pick it up. His face was inches from mine as he stared into my eyes. I gulped as twinges of excitement fluttered down below. He handed me my phone, turned away and stood up, opening the door and walking out of the room.

Chapter 9

When we walked into the museum, I thought Sophie was going to lose her breath. She was so excited as she looked around and begged me to find the paintings by Monet.

“I do believe those would be in the European Paintings Department, which is this way.” Liam pointed.

We found the area and stepped inside the room that displayed a lot of paintings by European artists. Liam was turning out to be a really nice guy. Did he have an agenda? I didn’t know, but I was going to be on my guard. He was the same height as Oliver. They sported the same build and their facial features were about the same. The only difference was that Liam had more of a sandy blonde coloring to his hair.

“So what did you think of Laurel?” he asked.

“You want my honest opinion?”

“Of course. I’m very curious.” He smiled.

“I think she’s a self-centered, self-absorbed, stuck-up bitch.”

Liam chuckled. “I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head.” He bumped my shoulder.

“I take it you’re not fond of Miss Laurel?”

“Not really. My brother can do better than her. She doesn’t give Sophie the time of day and that bothers me.”

“Much like Oliver, from what I’ve seen so far.”

“He’s trying, Delilah. It hasn’t been easy since Sophie’s mother passed away and she came to live with him. He doesn’t know how to be a father and he’s worried about her because of her behavioral issues.”

“She’s five years old. All five-year-olds have behavioral issues.”

“Laurel actually tried to convince Oliver to ship Sophie off to Vermont to live with her aunt. But Oliver wouldn’t hear of it.”

“So he does have some redeeming qualities about him.”

“He’s a good guy. I think he’s just a little misguided about life.”

“What about your parents?” I asked.

“Our parents took off to Germany as soon as I turned seventeen. My father was born there and always regretted leaving. Once we were old enough to take care of ourselves, they packed up and left. Nice parents, huh? Oliver had just graduated from high school and I was in my senior year. They signed over their house to us and took off. Oliver was working as a caddy at a golf course and overheard one of the members talking about flipping houses and how much money he had made. He talked to me about it and we sold our house, moved into a small apartment, and used the money to buy and flip houses. Oliver made his first million by the time he was twenty years old. He’s always been the smartest one in the family and even smarter in business. I went off to college, thanks to him, and by time I graduated with my MBA, he was buying and selling buildings and that’s how Wyatt Enterprises was made.”

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“Is it your company too?” I asked.

“Yep. We share it 50/50. Don’t ever mention my parents to him. He’s a bit sensitive when it comes to them.”

I looked over at Sophie, who was staring at the painting that Monet painted of his wife.

“That’s a beautiful painting, Sophie.”

“It’s his wife. She looks so sad. Just like my mommy always looked.”

I glanced over at Liam and he shook his head. Sophie walked over to another painting and we stood back.

“What was the relationship between Oliver and Sophie’s mother?”

He looked over and gave me a small smile. “That’s something you’ll have to talk to him about.”

We spent the day at the museum and Sophie’s mind absorbed all the information about the paintings and artists. When we arrived home, I said goodbye to Liam and Sophie and I headed inside the house. Oliver came walking down the stairs.

“How was your day?” he asked Sophie.

“It was so much fun, Daddy. I wish you could have been there.”

“Me too, sweetheart. I’m sorry. We’ll go another time.” He kissed the top of her head.

Sophie ran up the stairs and I went into the kitchen for a glass of water. Oliver followed behind.

“Laurel isn’t here?” I asked casually.

“No. I dropped her off at home after golf. Do you have plans tonight?”

“Yeah. Actually, I do.”

“How was Sophie at the museum?”

“She was great. Well behaved and in heaven with all the artwork displayed on the walls.”

I wanted to tell him about the comment Sophie made about her mother, but I was afraid he’d get mad if I brought her up. So I didn’t even bother. The impression I got in just the short time I’d been there was that there was no talking to Oliver about anything. It was his way or no way.

“I need to go and get changed for tonight.” I began to walk away and Oliver lightly took hold of my arm. I turned around and looked at him.

“Where are you going? Are you going out with Liam?”

Now that shocked me. “I really don’t think that’s any of your business, Oliver. It’s my night off.” He glared at me, pursed his lips, and then let go.

After changing into my jeans and a t-shirt, I slipped into my Vans, grabbed my guitar case, and stopped by Sophie’s room to say good night.

“Hey, buttercup. I’m going out for a while. I wanted to say goodnight.”

She set down her book and held out her arms. “Have fun, Delilah. Sing pretty.”

“I will. Be good while I’m gone. I’ll see you in the morning.” I kissed her head and left.

I opened the gate and walked down the street, hailing a cab and having the driver take me to Union Square. That was where Jonah and I would meet up occasionally and sing our hearts out for the good patrons of New York City.

****

Oliver

“Hello, Scott. Did you find out where she went?”

“Yes, Oliver. She’s in the subway at Union Station, playing her guitar and singing with some guy.”

“I’ll catch a cab there. Wait for me.”

“Will do.”

I stood around the corner and watched the crowd of people dance and tap their feet while they sang the song “Jackson.” I found myself moving to the beat of their music. She looked so beautiful with a wide smile on her face as she sang and played her guitar. I stood there for an hour while they sang together and then each of them sang solo songs. They finished their last song and then hugged and said goodbye. Was he her boyfriend? She said she didn’t have one. Did she lie to me? All these questions were going through my head and they shouldn’t have been. She put her guitar in the case and picked it up. She started to walk in my direction and stopped when she saw me standing there, smiling at her.

“Oliver. What are you doing here?” she asked in surprise.

“I came to watch you sing. Is that a bad thing?”

She shook her head. “How did you know I was here?”

“Scott told me,” I answered with caution.

“So you had him follow me?”

“Maybe.” She walked past me and started down the street. “Delilah, wait. Are you mad at me?”

She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned around. “Yes, Oliver. I am mad at you. This is my night off. I expect a little bit of privacy.”

I held out my hands to the side of me. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to watch you play. That’s all.”

“You can watch me at home. What I do on my night off is none of your damn business,” she yelled and continued walking.

****. I really pissed her off. I didn’t think she pissed off that easily.

“Delilah, please.” I caught up to her. “Please say you’ll have coffee with me.”

“Now? And who’s watching Sophie?”

“Sophie is asleep and Clara is there. Please. Let’s go grab a cup of coffee together. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. There’s a diner around the corner.”

We walked through the door and sat down in a booth by the window. The waitress walked up and took our drink order.

“I’ll have a cup of coffee and a slice of cherry pie.” She smiled.

“I’ll have the same.”

“You like cherry pie?”

“It’s my favorite pie in the whole world.”

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“Is it your company too?” I asked.

“Yep. We share it 50/50. Don’t ever mention my parents to him. He’s a bit sensitive when it comes to them.”

I looked over at Sophie, who was staring at the painting that Monet painted of his wife.

“That’s a beautiful painting, Sophie.”

“It’s his wife. She looks so sad. Just like my mommy always looked.”

I glanced over at Liam and he shook his head. Sophie walked over to another painting and we stood back.

“What was the relationship between Oliver and Sophie’s mother?”

He looked over and gave me a small smile. “That’s something you’ll have to talk to him about.”

We spent the day at the museum and Sophie’s mind absorbed all the information about the paintings and artists. When we arrived home, I said goodbye to Liam and Sophie and I headed inside the house. Oliver came walking down the stairs.

“How was your day?” he asked Sophie.

“It was so much fun, Daddy. I wish you could have been there.”

“Me too, sweetheart. I’m sorry. We’ll go another time.” He kissed the top of her head.

Sophie ran up the stairs and I went into the kitchen for a glass of water. Oliver followed behind.

“Laurel isn’t here?” I asked casually.

“No. I dropped her off at home after golf. Do you have plans tonight?”

“Yeah. Actually, I do.”

“How was Sophie at the museum?”

“She was great. Well behaved and in heaven with all the artwork displayed on the walls.”

I wanted to tell him about the comment Sophie made about her mother, but I was afraid he’d get mad if I brought her up. So I didn’t even bother. The impression I got in just the short time I’d been there was that there was no talking to Oliver about anything. It was his way or no way.

“I need to go and get changed for tonight.” I began to walk away and Oliver lightly took hold of my arm. I turned around and looked at him.

“Where are you going? Are you going out with Liam?”

Now that shocked me. “I really don’t think that’s any of your business, Oliver. It’s my night off.” He glared at me, pursed his lips, and then let go.

After changing into my jeans and a t-shirt, I slipped into my Vans, grabbed my guitar case, and stopped by Sophie’s room to say good night.

“Hey, buttercup. I’m going out for a while. I wanted to say goodnight.”

She set down her book and held out her arms. “Have fun, Delilah. Sing pretty.”

“I will. Be good while I’m gone. I’ll see you in the morning.” I kissed her head and left.

I opened the gate and walked down the street, hailing a cab and having the driver take me to Union Square. That was where Jonah and I would meet up occasionally and sing our hearts out for the good patrons of New York City.

****

Oliver

“Hello, Scott. Did you find out where she went?”

“Yes, Oliver. She’s in the subway at Union Station, playing her guitar and singing with some guy.”

“I’ll catch a cab there. Wait for me.”

“Will do.”

I stood around the corner and watched the crowd of people dance and tap their feet while they sang the song “Jackson.” I found myself moving to the beat of their music. She looked so beautiful with a wide smile on her face as she sang and played her guitar. I stood there for an hour while they sang together and then each of them sang solo songs. They finished their last song and then hugged and said goodbye. Was he her boyfriend? She said she didn’t have one. Did she lie to me? All these questions were going through my head and they shouldn’t have been. She put her guitar in the case and picked it up. She started to walk in my direction and stopped when she saw me standing there, smiling at her.

“Oliver. What are you doing here?” she asked in surprise.

“I came to watch you sing. Is that a bad thing?”

She shook her head. “How did you know I was here?”

“Scott told me,” I answered with caution.

“So you had him follow me?”

“Maybe.” She walked past me and started down the street. “Delilah, wait. Are you mad at me?”

She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned around. “Yes, Oliver. I am mad at you. This is my night off. I expect a little bit of privacy.”

I held out my hands to the side of me. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to watch you play. That’s all.”

“You can watch me at home. What I do on my night off is none of your damn business,” she yelled and continued walking.

****. I really pissed her off. I didn’t think she pissed off that easily.

“Delilah, please.” I caught up to her. “Please say you’ll have coffee with me.”

“Now? And who’s watching Sophie?”

“Sophie is asleep and Clara is there. Please. Let’s go grab a cup of coffee together. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. There’s a diner around the corner.”

We walked through the door and sat down in a booth by the window. The waitress walked up and took our drink order.

“I’ll have a cup of coffee and a slice of cherry pie.” She smiled.

“I’ll have the same.”

“You like cherry pie?”

“It’s my favorite pie in the whole world.”

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“Mine too.” Her grin widened. “So what did you want to talk to me about? Did I do something wrong?”

The only thought going through my head was how she could never do anything wrong. She was too perfect. I know nobody’s perfect, but Delilah was. At least to me. Damn. I was starting to get hard.

“No, Delilah. You didn’t do anything wrong at all. So far, you’ve done everything right.”

“What do you mean?”

“I want to thank you for taking Sophie to the museum on your day off. It’s all she talked about after you left. For the first time since she came to live with me, she seems happy.”

“You’re welcome, Oliver. We’re going to tackle Sophie’s issues one at a time.”

The waitress brought us our coffee and set our cherry pies down in front of us. “Who was that guy you were singing with?” I asked.

“He’s my friend, Jonah. We met shortly after I moved to New York City. I stole his music corner.”

“Ah. He’s a good performer as well.”

“Yeah, he is. He and his boyfriend also bartend at the Red Room.”

I let out a sigh of relief. He was gay. That was the best news I heard all night. As I watched her eat her pie, I couldn’t help but imagine her beautiful lips wrapped around my **** and her big beautiful blue eyes staring up at me as she moved her mouth up and down my length.

“So did you have fun with Liam?” I asked to get my mind off her mouth.

“Yeah. He’s a great guy.”

“He didn’t hit on you, did he?” I asked with seriousness.

She ****ed her head and smiled. “What if he did?”

“If he did, then I’d kick his ass. My employees are off limits to him. He knows the rules.”

“Does that rule apply to you too, Mr. Wyatt?”

What the hell was she doing? Why would she ask me that? Was she trying to be cute? Because if she was, she’d succeeded.

“Of course it does. But since I make the rules, I can change them at any time.” I winked.

She had piece of cherry pie filling in the corner of her mouth. I wanted to reach over and lick it away with my tongue but instead, I reached across the table and gently wiped it away with my thumb. She instantly brought her hand to mine and stared at me as if she was unnerved.

“I’m sorry. You had some pie filling right there.”

She lowered her hand. “Thank you.”

I gave her a small smile. “If you’re ready, we can get going.”

“I’m ready.”

We walked outside and climbed into the limo. When we arrived home, Delilah asked where we kept the aspirin.

“There’s a bottle up in the cabinet next to the stove.”

I followed her into the kitchen, and as I opened the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water, Delilah reached up in the cabinet but couldn’t find the bottle. I came up from behind and stretched my arm up over her. My body pressed against hers as I found the bottle. She turned around and looked at me.

“Clara put it up high and far back so Sophie couldn’t reach it. Hold out your hand.” I shook two white pills out and gave them to her.

She was leaned up against the counter and it was taking all the control I had not to kiss her. To feel how soft her lips were against mine. We stared at each other for a moment; my heart beating faster than usual.

“Here.” I handed her my bottle of water and backed away.

“Thanks.” She softly smiled as she popped the pills into her mouth. She handed me back the bottle of water. “I’m going to go up to bed now to sleep off this headache.”

“I hope you feel better.” I wanted to tell her that the best cure for a headache was obscene and maddening ***, but I also wanted to gently press my lips against her forehead and make her feel better.

She began to walk away and when she reached the stairs, she turned around and looked at me.

“Thank you for the coffee and cherry pie. Next time, it’s on me.”

Chapter 10

Delilah

My alarm went off at six a.m. and when I opened my eyes, my headache was gone. I didn’t fall asleep right away last night because I couldn’t stop thinking about Oliver and how it felt when his body was pressed against mine as he reached for the bottle of aspirin and the look in his ***y eyes when he handed me the pills. My feelings were becoming strong in the short amount of time we spent together, feelings I’d never felt before about anyone. Actually, I wasn’t really sure what was happening. All I knew was that every time he was near me or even in the same room, my heart beat a little faster and my body would tingle. I tried to imagine what he’d be like in bed. Was he gentle? Was he rough? I would bet my life on it that he would always have to be in control. I jumped out of bed because that was enough thinking about my boss that way. I needed to remember that I worked for him and took care of his daughter. The inappropriate thoughts I had needed to stop. Besides, he already had Cruella for a girlfriend.

****

I finished showering, got dressed, and went in to see if Sophie was awake. She wasn’t. As I left her room and quietly shut the door, Oliver came from around the corner, looking ****ing hot as hell in his dark blue tailored suit.

“Good morning. How’s your headache?”

“Good morning. It’s all better. Thank you.”

He gave me a small smile. “Is she still asleep?”

“Yeah.”

We walked down the stairs and I headed into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

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“Mine too.” Her grin widened. “So what did you want to talk to me about? Did I do something wrong?”

The only thought going through my head was how she could never do anything wrong. She was too perfect. I know nobody’s perfect, but Delilah was. At least to me. Damn. I was starting to get hard.

“No, Delilah. You didn’t do anything wrong at all. So far, you’ve done everything right.”

“What do you mean?”

“I want to thank you for taking Sophie to the museum on your day off. It’s all she talked about after you left. For the first time since she came to live with me, she seems happy.”

“You’re welcome, Oliver. We’re going to tackle Sophie’s issues one at a time.”

The waitress brought us our coffee and set our cherry pies down in front of us. “Who was that guy you were singing with?” I asked.

“He’s my friend, Jonah. We met shortly after I moved to New York City. I stole his music corner.”

“Ah. He’s a good performer as well.”

“Yeah, he is. He and his boyfriend also bartend at the Red Room.”

I let out a sigh of relief. He was gay. That was the best news I heard all night. As I watched her eat her pie, I couldn’t help but imagine her beautiful lips wrapped around my **** and her big beautiful blue eyes staring up at me as she moved her mouth up and down my length.

“So did you have fun with Liam?” I asked to get my mind off her mouth.

“Yeah. He’s a great guy.”

“He didn’t hit on you, did he?” I asked with seriousness.

She ****ed her head and smiled. “What if he did?”

“If he did, then I’d kick his ass. My employees are off limits to him. He knows the rules.”

“Does that rule apply to you too, Mr. Wyatt?”

What the hell was she doing? Why would she ask me that? Was she trying to be cute? Because if she was, she’d succeeded.

“Of course it does. But since I make the rules, I can change them at any time.” I winked.

She had piece of cherry pie filling in the corner of her mouth. I wanted to reach over and lick it away with my tongue but instead, I reached across the table and gently wiped it away with my thumb. She instantly brought her hand to mine and stared at me as if she was unnerved.

“I’m sorry. You had some pie filling right there.”

She lowered her hand. “Thank you.”

I gave her a small smile. “If you’re ready, we can get going.”

“I’m ready.”

We walked outside and climbed into the limo. When we arrived home, Delilah asked where we kept the aspirin.

“There’s a bottle up in the cabinet next to the stove.”

I followed her into the kitchen, and as I opened the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water, Delilah reached up in the cabinet but couldn’t find the bottle. I came up from behind and stretched my arm up over her. My body pressed against hers as I found the bottle. She turned around and looked at me.

“Clara put it up high and far back so Sophie couldn’t reach it. Hold out your hand.” I shook two white pills out and gave them to her.

She was leaned up against the counter and it was taking all the control I had not to kiss her. To feel how soft her lips were against mine. We stared at each other for a moment; my heart beating faster than usual.

“Here.” I handed her my bottle of water and backed away.

“Thanks.” She softly smiled as she popped the pills into her mouth. She handed me back the bottle of water. “I’m going to go up to bed now to sleep off this headache.”

“I hope you feel better.” I wanted to tell her that the best cure for a headache was obscene and maddening ***, but I also wanted to gently press my lips against her forehead and make her feel better.

She began to walk away and when she reached the stairs, she turned around and looked at me.

“Thank you for the coffee and cherry pie. Next time, it’s on me.”

Chapter 10

Delilah

My alarm went off at six a.m. and when I opened my eyes, my headache was gone. I didn’t fall asleep right away last night because I couldn’t stop thinking about Oliver and how it felt when his body was pressed against mine as he reached for the bottle of aspirin and the look in his ***y eyes when he handed me the pills. My feelings were becoming strong in the short amount of time we spent together, feelings I’d never felt before about anyone. Actually, I wasn’t really sure what was happening. All I knew was that every time he was near me or even in the same room, my heart beat a little faster and my body would tingle. I tried to imagine what he’d be like in bed. Was he gentle? Was he rough? I would bet my life on it that he would always have to be in control. I jumped out of bed because that was enough thinking about my boss that way. I needed to remember that I worked for him and took care of his daughter. The inappropriate thoughts I had needed to stop. Besides, he already had Cruella for a girlfriend.

****

I finished showering, got dressed, and went in to see if Sophie was awake. She wasn’t. As I left her room and quietly shut the door, Oliver came from around the corner, looking ****ing hot as hell in his dark blue tailored suit.

“Good morning. How’s your headache?”

“Good morning. It’s all better. Thank you.”

He gave me a small smile. “Is she still asleep?”

“Yeah.”

We walked down the stairs and I headed into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

Love, Lust A Millionaire
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“Good morning, Clara.” I smiled as I grabbed a cup from the cupboard.

“Morning, Delilah. Morning, Mr. Wyatt.”

“Good morning, Clara. Is breakfast almost ready?”

“It’s ready now. Go sit down and I’ll bring it to you.”

I poured Oliver a cup of coffee as well and took it into the dining room.

“Thank you, Delilah.”

I smiled as I sat down across from him.

“What are your plans with Sophie today?” he asked.

“I’m taking her to a playgroup.”

He took a sip from his cup and arched his eyebrow. “Good luck with that.”

Just as Clara set down our plates, Liam strolled in with a wide grin. “Good morning.”

“Hey, Liam.”

“Little brother.” Oliver nodded.

He took the seat next to me and asked Clara for some coffee. “Where’s Sophie?” he asked.

“Right here.” She giggled as she walked into the dining room and gave Liam a hug and kiss.

“How about your daddy over here?” Oliver smiled.

She walked over, gave him a smile, and wrapped her little arms around him. “Good morning, Daddy.”

She took the seat next to me and we high-fived each other.

“Are you feeling okay, Sophie?” I asked with concern because she seemed a little pale.

“Yeah. I’m just tired still.”

“Maybe you’re growing. Growing is exhausting.” I tickled her.

I caught Oliver staring at me from across the table. I could feel myself blushing. After we finished breakfast, Oliver and Liam left for the office. I told Sophie to go upstairs and get dressed because I was taking her to a playgroup. She seemed delighted and went up to her room. After helping clean up the breakfast dishes, I went to check on Sophie to see what was taking her so long. I opened the door to her room and found her asleep on her bed. I found it odd that she went back to sleep. We missed our playgroup, but that was okay. It was obvious that Sophie needed to get some rest. Maybe she had trouble sleeping last night. About three hours later, as I was sitting on the patio strumming my guitar, Sophie appeared.

“Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Did we miss our playgroup?” she whined.

I gave her a small smile. “Yeah, but that’s okay. We can go another day. It’s gorgeous outside. How about we go to Central Park for a while? I’ll call my friend, Jenny, and ask her if she’ll meet us there. I’m dying for you to meet her.”

“Okay. I’ll go brush my hair.”

I walked into the kitchen and asked Clara if she could pack a picnic basket for us to take. She obliged and I called Jenny.

“I was just thinking about you,” she answered.

“You were? Why?”

“I miss you. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“That’s why I’m calling you. I’m taking Sophie to Central Park for a picnic. Would you like to join us?”

“Oh. Perfect timing. I’m just leaving the market now. When are you going?”

“We’ll be leaving in a few. Meet us over on Cherry Hill mid-park in about a half hour.”

“Sounds good. I’ll bring the blanket.”

“It better not be that one you and Stephen have *** on.” I laughed.

“Very funny, Delilah. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Sophie came down, I grabbed the picnic basket and my guitar, and we walked outside where Scott was waiting for us. He dropped us off and I took hold of Sophie’s hand as we walked to Cherry Hill. Her shoe was untied, so I set my guitar and the picnic basket down to tie it for her. She lifted up her pant leg and I noticed a large black and blue bruise on her leg.

“Sophie. How did you get that bruise?”

“I don’t know. It just appeared.”

I looked up at her strangely, tied her shoes, and when we got to Cherry Hill, Jenny was already there sitting on the blanket.

“Sophie, I would like you to meet my best friend in the whole world, Jenny.”

“Hi.” She smiled.

“Hello there, Sophie. It’s nice to meet you.”

We sat and had lunch and Sophie asked me to play the guitar. I did for a bit and then she went off to read her book underneath one of the cherry trees.

“So, how are things with Oliver?”

“Fine.”

“Has he made a move on you yet?”

I sighed. “Why do you think that he’s going to hit on me? He has a girlfriend.”

“Have you met her?”

“Yeah. I nicknamed her Cruella.” I laughed.

“She’s that bad?”

“Yeah. I think she is. I can tell she doesn’t like Sophie being around.”

I looked over at the tree that Sophie was under, reading her book. She was asleep.

“That’s odd.”

“What?” Jenny asked.

“Sophie is sleeping again. We were supposed to go to a playgroup this morning, but she fell asleep on her bed.”

“Maybe she’s coming down with a virus.”

“Maybe. I should get her home.” I dialed Scott and asked him to come pick us up. “Can you take my guitar case and the basket while I carry her?” I asked Jenny.

“Of course.”

I walked over to the tree, took the book from her hands, and picked her up. “Come on, princess. Let’s go home.”

Chapter 11

Love, Lust A Millionaire
Page 14



“Good morning, Clara.” I smiled as I grabbed a cup from the cupboard.

“Morning, Delilah. Morning, Mr. Wyatt.”

“Good morning, Clara. Is breakfast almost ready?”

“It’s ready now. Go sit down and I’ll bring it to you.”

I poured Oliver a cup of coffee as well and took it into the dining room.

“Thank you, Delilah.”

I smiled as I sat down across from him.

“What are your plans with Sophie today?” he asked.

“I’m taking her to a playgroup.”

He took a sip from his cup and arched his eyebrow. “Good luck with that.”

Just as Clara set down our plates, Liam strolled in with a wide grin. “Good morning.”

“Hey, Liam.”

“Little brother.” Oliver nodded.

He took the seat next to me and asked Clara for some coffee. “Where’s Sophie?” he asked.

“Right here.” She giggled as she walked into the dining room and gave Liam a hug and kiss.

“How about your daddy over here?” Oliver smiled.

She walked over, gave him a smile, and wrapped her little arms around him. “Good morning, Daddy.”

She took the seat next to me and we high-fived each other.

“Are you feeling okay, Sophie?” I asked with concern because she seemed a little pale.

“Yeah. I’m just tired still.”

“Maybe you’re growing. Growing is exhausting.” I tickled her.

I caught Oliver staring at me from across the table. I could feel myself blushing. After we finished breakfast, Oliver and Liam left for the office. I told Sophie to go upstairs and get dressed because I was taking her to a playgroup. She seemed delighted and went up to her room. After helping clean up the breakfast dishes, I went to check on Sophie to see what was taking her so long. I opened the door to her room and found her asleep on her bed. I found it odd that she went back to sleep. We missed our playgroup, but that was okay. It was obvious that Sophie needed to get some rest. Maybe she had trouble sleeping last night. About three hours later, as I was sitting on the patio strumming my guitar, Sophie appeared.

“Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Did we miss our playgroup?” she whined.

I gave her a small smile. “Yeah, but that’s okay. We can go another day. It’s gorgeous outside. How about we go to Central Park for a while? I’ll call my friend, Jenny, and ask her if she’ll meet us there. I’m dying for you to meet her.”

“Okay. I’ll go brush my hair.”

I walked into the kitchen and asked Clara if she could pack a picnic basket for us to take. She obliged and I called Jenny.

“I was just thinking about you,” she answered.

“You were? Why?”

“I miss you. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“That’s why I’m calling you. I’m taking Sophie to Central Park for a picnic. Would you like to join us?”

“Oh. Perfect timing. I’m just leaving the market now. When are you going?”

“We’ll be leaving in a few. Meet us over on Cherry Hill mid-park in about a half hour.”

“Sounds good. I’ll bring the blanket.”

“It better not be that one you and Stephen have *** on.” I laughed.

“Very funny, Delilah. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Sophie came down, I grabbed the picnic basket and my guitar, and we walked outside where Scott was waiting for us. He dropped us off and I took hold of Sophie’s hand as we walked to Cherry Hill. Her shoe was untied, so I set my guitar and the picnic basket down to tie it for her. She lifted up her pant leg and I noticed a large black and blue bruise on her leg.

“Sophie. How did you get that bruise?”

“I don’t know. It just appeared.”

I looked up at her strangely, tied her shoes, and when we got to Cherry Hill, Jenny was already there sitting on the blanket.

“Sophie, I would like you to meet my best friend in the whole world, Jenny.”

“Hi.” She smiled.

“Hello there, Sophie. It’s nice to meet you.”

We sat and had lunch and Sophie asked me to play the guitar. I did for a bit and then she went off to read her book underneath one of the cherry trees.

“So, how are things with Oliver?”

“Fine.”

“Has he made a move on you yet?”

I sighed. “Why do you think that he’s going to hit on me? He has a girlfriend.”

“Have you met her?”

“Yeah. I nicknamed her Cruella.” I laughed.

“She’s that bad?”

“Yeah. I think she is. I can tell she doesn’t like Sophie being around.”

I looked over at the tree that Sophie was under, reading her book. She was asleep.

“That’s odd.”

“What?” Jenny asked.

“Sophie is sleeping again. We were supposed to go to a playgroup this morning, but she fell asleep on her bed.”

“Maybe she’s coming down with a virus.”

“Maybe. I should get her home.” I dialed Scott and asked him to come pick us up. “Can you take my guitar case and the basket while I carry her?” I asked Jenny.

“Of course.”

I walked over to the tree, took the book from her hands, and picked her up. “Come on, princess. Let’s go home.”

Chapter 11

Love, Lust A Millionaire
Page 15



Sophie slept for a couple of hours and then came down to the kitchen, where Clara was teaching me a new chicken recipe.

“Hey, Soph. You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m thirsty.”

Clara went into the refrigerator and poured her a glass of orange juice as Sophie climbed up on the barstool.

“Hey. Want to hear something fun?” I asked her.

“Sure.”

I took the plastic cup that was sitting on the counter, clapped my hands, and began singing the Cup song. Sophie sat across from me and laughed. When I finished the song, I heard light clapping from the entrance of the kitchen. I looked up and Oliver was standing there with a smile on his face.

“Very cute, Delilah.” He walked in and gave Sophie a kiss on the head.

“Thanks.” I blushed.

“I have a surprise for you, pumpkin,” he said to Sophie. “Follow me upstairs.”

We went up to the living room, where there was an easel, canvases, paints, and supplies.

“No way, Daddy!” she exclaimed as she ran over to it.

“Now you can paint all the pretty pictures you want.” He smiled.

“Oh, thank you, Daddy. I love you.” She threw her arms around him.

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

I stood back and watched her as she took out the paint brushes and examined each one.

“You just made her one happy little girl.”

“I hope so. How did it go today at the playgroup?”

“We didn’t go. When I went to go see what was taking her so long to get ready, she was asleep on her bed.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. So we met my friend, Jenny, in Central Park and had a picnic. It was weird because Sophie went and sat under one of the trees to read a book and she fell asleep.”

“Is she sick?” He looked at me with concern.

“She may be coming down with something. I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Well, let’s hope if it’s something, it doesn’t last long. Oh, and just to let you know, Laurel will be coming to dinner and so will Liam.”

“Okay. Is there a special occasion?”

“No, we were supposed to go out and talk about the event my company is hosting next week, but I wanted to stay home tonight. So I just had them come here.”

“Does Cru—Laurel work for you?”

“No, but she’s coordinating the fundraiser for us this year.”

Wasn’t she sweet? I rolled my eyes.

“Sophie, let’s take your paints and stuff upstairs to your room and get you set up.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

I helped Oliver carry the stuff to Sophie’s room and we set everything up in the corner by the window. It was the perfect place to paint. Sophie went and lay down on her bed.

“What’s wrong, Sophie?” Oliver asked her as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I don’t feel good, Daddy. My head hurts and I’m really tired.”

He turned and looked at me with concern in his eyes. I walked over to the bed and placed my hand on her forehead.

“She’s really warm, Oliver. Do you have a thermometer?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to go ask Clara.”

“Do you have any children’s Tylenol?”

“I don’t think so. Since Sophie’s been with me, she’s never been sick.”

I sighed. “Then I’ll have to run to the store and get some.”

“No need. I’ll send Scott. Tell me exactly what you need.”

“A thermometer and children’s Tylenol will do.”

He walked out of the bedroom and I turned to Sophie. “You’re going to be okay.” I smiled down at her as I pushed back her hair. “Let’s get you into your pajamas. You’ll be more comfortable.”

I got up from the bed and pulled her Ariel nightgown from the drawer. I helped her sit up and took off the clothes she was wearing. She slipped into her nightgown as I pulled back the covers and made her climb under them. A few moments later, Oliver walked in the room with the thermometer and Tylenol.

“That was quick.”

“There’s a drugstore on the corner,” he said as he handed me the thermometer.

“Open up, Soph, and put this under your tongue.” As soon as the thermometer beeped, I took it from her mouth and read it. “You, my dear, have a fever of 102.5. What’s the dosage say on the bottle, Oliver?”

“One and a half teaspoons.”

“Okay. Can you please pour that in the cup?”

I couldn’t help but laugh as he struggled with the cap. He couldn’t get it off.

“What the hell is up with this thing?”

“Give me it. It’s a childproof cap.” I immediately opened the bottle and poured it to the one and a half tsp. line. “Drink up, Sophie. You’ll feel better.”

She took the cup from my hand and drank it, making a sour face. I hurried and gave her the glass of water.

“Drink some water.”

She took a few sips and then lay down on her pillow and closed her eyes. I kissed her on the head and Oliver did the same. As we walked out of the room, we left the door open slightly.

“Do you think she’ll be all right?” he asked.

“She probably has a virus. We’ll have to keep an eye on her temperature. She may need to go and see doctor tomorrow.”

“She doesn’t have a doctor.”

Love, Lust A Millionaire
Page 15



Sophie slept for a couple of hours and then came down to the kitchen, where Clara was teaching me a new chicken recipe.

“Hey, Soph. You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m thirsty.”

Clara went into the refrigerator and poured her a glass of orange juice as Sophie climbed up on the barstool.

“Hey. Want to hear something fun?” I asked her.

“Sure.”

I took the plastic cup that was sitting on the counter, clapped my hands, and began singing the Cup song. Sophie sat across from me and laughed. When I finished the song, I heard light clapping from the entrance of the kitchen. I looked up and Oliver was standing there with a smile on his face.

“Very cute, Delilah.” He walked in and gave Sophie a kiss on the head.

“Thanks.” I blushed.

“I have a surprise for you, pumpkin,” he said to Sophie. “Follow me upstairs.”

We went up to the living room, where there was an easel, canvases, paints, and supplies.

“No way, Daddy!” she exclaimed as she ran over to it.

“Now you can paint all the pretty pictures you want.” He smiled.

“Oh, thank you, Daddy. I love you.” She threw her arms around him.

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

I stood back and watched her as she took out the paint brushes and examined each one.

“You just made her one happy little girl.”

“I hope so. How did it go today at the playgroup?”

“We didn’t go. When I went to go see what was taking her so long to get ready, she was asleep on her bed.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. So we met my friend, Jenny, in Central Park and had a picnic. It was weird because Sophie went and sat under one of the trees to read a book and she fell asleep.”

“Is she sick?” He looked at me with concern.

“She may be coming down with something. I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Well, let’s hope if it’s something, it doesn’t last long. Oh, and just to let you know, Laurel will be coming to dinner and so will Liam.”

“Okay. Is there a special occasion?”

“No, we were supposed to go out and talk about the event my company is hosting next week, but I wanted to stay home tonight. So I just had them come here.”

“Does Cru—Laurel work for you?”

“No, but she’s coordinating the fundraiser for us this year.”

Wasn’t she sweet? I rolled my eyes.

“Sophie, let’s take your paints and stuff upstairs to your room and get you set up.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

I helped Oliver carry the stuff to Sophie’s room and we set everything up in the corner by the window. It was the perfect place to paint. Sophie went and lay down on her bed.

“What’s wrong, Sophie?” Oliver asked her as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I don’t feel good, Daddy. My head hurts and I’m really tired.”

He turned and looked at me with concern in his eyes. I walked over to the bed and placed my hand on her forehead.

“She’s really warm, Oliver. Do you have a thermometer?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to go ask Clara.”

“Do you have any children’s Tylenol?”

“I don’t think so. Since Sophie’s been with me, she’s never been sick.”

I sighed. “Then I’ll have to run to the store and get some.”

“No need. I’ll send Scott. Tell me exactly what you need.”

“A thermometer and children’s Tylenol will do.”

He walked out of the bedroom and I turned to Sophie. “You’re going to be okay.” I smiled down at her as I pushed back her hair. “Let’s get you into your pajamas. You’ll be more comfortable.”

I got up from the bed and pulled her Ariel nightgown from the drawer. I helped her sit up and took off the clothes she was wearing. She slipped into her nightgown as I pulled back the covers and made her climb under them. A few moments later, Oliver walked in the room with the thermometer and Tylenol.

“That was quick.”

“There’s a drugstore on the corner,” he said as he handed me the thermometer.

“Open up, Soph, and put this under your tongue.” As soon as the thermometer beeped, I took it from her mouth and read it. “You, my dear, have a fever of 102.5. What’s the dosage say on the bottle, Oliver?”

“One and a half teaspoons.”

“Okay. Can you please pour that in the cup?”

I couldn’t help but laugh as he struggled with the cap. He couldn’t get it off.

“What the hell is up with this thing?”

“Give me it. It’s a childproof cap.” I immediately opened the bottle and poured it to the one and a half tsp. line. “Drink up, Sophie. You’ll feel better.”

She took the cup from my hand and drank it, making a sour face. I hurried and gave her the glass of water.

“Drink some water.”

She took a few sips and then lay down on her pillow and closed her eyes. I kissed her on the head and Oliver did the same. As we walked out of the room, we left the door open slightly.

“Do you think she’ll be all right?” he asked.

“She probably has a virus. We’ll have to keep an eye on her temperature. She may need to go and see doctor tomorrow.”

“She doesn’t have a doctor.”