[English] Love, Lust & A Millionaire

Love, Lust A Millionaire
Page 21



I blew her a kiss and went back to my room. I heard my phone ding. There was a text message from Liam.

“You’re killing me with Laurel. Keep up the good work. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I try.”

Chapter 15

Oliver

As I was sitting behind my desk, going over a proposal for an upcoming multi-million-dollar deal, my office door opened and Laurel walked in.

“Oliver, I’ve fired the band and they’re pissed. They won’t give the deposit back.”

“Doesn’t matter. Let them keep it for the inconvenience,” I spoke as I stared at the computer.

She walked over to my chair and ran her finger along my shoulder for a moment before planting herself in my lap.

“Why don’t we have a little office ****?” She smiled as she unbuttoned her shirt and softly kissed my neck.

“Laurel, I—”

“Shh, baby.” She placed two fingers over my lips. “I’m already wet and ready for you.” Her lips brushed against mine as I cupped the back of her neck and forcefully kissed her.

My hand traveled to her breast as I pulled the cup to her bra down and took her hardened nipple between my fingers. She moaned as she got up from my lap and undid my pants, forcing her hand down the front of my underwear.

“What’s going on, Oliver? You’re not even semi-hard,” she spewed.

“I’m sorry, Laurel. I’ve got a lot on my mind with this deal.”

She stood up and buttoned her shirt. “Are you sure that’s all it is?” She walked out of the office angrily and slammed the door behind her.

I rolled my eyes as I buttoned my pants. I didn’t have time to deal with her right now. I pulled out my phone and sent a text message to Delilah.

“How’s Sophie feeling?”

“She’s feeling better. She’s been painting all day.”

“Good to hear. I’ll be home in a while to talk to her about Vermont.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

As I set down my phone, Liam walked in.

“I just saw Laurel in the lobby and she looked pissed as hell. What did you do to her? I’m sure whatever it was, she deserved it.” He smiled.

I sighed. “Nothing. She’s overreacting as usual. Did you need something?”

“I talked to McAllister just a few minutes ago and he’s ready to sign the deal for the sale of the building over on 77th. I got the price down like you wanted. We’ll make a fortune off this building once it’s restored.”

“Ah, good.” I smiled. “Best news I’ve heard all day. I told Delilah about Elaine last night.”

“What? Why?”

I shrugged. “We were out on the patio, talking, and she asked. I don’t know; it just felt right telling her.”

Liam slowly nodded his head. “I see. Keep denying those feelings of yours, big brother. I gotta run. I’m meeting Isabelle for dinner. Keep your fingers crossed that I get lucky tonight.” He winked before walking out of my office.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Shutting down my computer and placing the file in my briefcase, I left the office and headed home.

****

Delilah

I was on the phone talking to Jenny when Oliver walked in the living room.

“Let me call you back later. Oliver just walked in.” Click. “Hey.”

“Hi. You didn’t have to hang up on my account.” He gently smiled.

“It’s fine. It was only Jenny.”

“How come you haven’t had her over yet?”

I twisted my face and ****ed my head. “I don’t know. Maybe because I work here.”

“It’s your home too, Delilah, and if you want to have your friends over, it’s fine with me.”

“Oh, in that case, can she come over tonight?”

“Of course she can. Now, let’s go talk to Sophie.”

I sent a quick text message to Jenny as we walked up the stairs.

“Come over tonight! I’m dying for you to meet Oliver.”

“Sounds fun. What time?”

“How’s seven?”

“I’ll be there. Text me your address.”

We walked into Sophie’s room and I abruptly stopped when I saw her painting. I gulped. It was a painting of me in what looked like Central Park.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed as she hugged him.

“Hi, baby. Is that your painting?” he asked her as he turned and looked at me.

“Yeah. Do you like it? It’s Delilah in the park,” she said with excitement.

“Sophie, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to paint like that?”

“I don’t know. I just know how. Delilah, do you like it?” She was beaming from ear to ear.

“I love it, sunshine.” Tears started to fill my eyes. I couldn’t believe she’d painted that.

“Look, you’re holding your guitar. I can do a better guitar with more practice.”

“It’s beautiful, Sophie.” I reached down and gave her a big hug.

Oliver sat down on the bed and asked Sophie to join him.

“Your Aunt Kelsey called and she would like you to come visit her and Uncle Matt at their farm in Vermont for a couple of weeks. How do you feel about that?”

“I remember going there once. They have horses and chickens and goats.”

“Yes, they do. You can go horseback riding. I would drive you there and Aunt Kelsey said she’d drive you back home. But you’d be staying with them for a couple of weeks. They miss you.”

Love, Lust A Millionaire
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I blew her a kiss and went back to my room. I heard my phone ding. There was a text message from Liam.

“You’re killing me with Laurel. Keep up the good work. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I try.”

Chapter 15

Oliver

As I was sitting behind my desk, going over a proposal for an upcoming multi-million-dollar deal, my office door opened and Laurel walked in.

“Oliver, I’ve fired the band and they’re pissed. They won’t give the deposit back.”

“Doesn’t matter. Let them keep it for the inconvenience,” I spoke as I stared at the computer.

She walked over to my chair and ran her finger along my shoulder for a moment before planting herself in my lap.

“Why don’t we have a little office ****?” She smiled as she unbuttoned her shirt and softly kissed my neck.

“Laurel, I—”

“Shh, baby.” She placed two fingers over my lips. “I’m already wet and ready for you.” Her lips brushed against mine as I cupped the back of her neck and forcefully kissed her.

My hand traveled to her breast as I pulled the cup to her bra down and took her hardened nipple between my fingers. She moaned as she got up from my lap and undid my pants, forcing her hand down the front of my underwear.

“What’s going on, Oliver? You’re not even semi-hard,” she spewed.

“I’m sorry, Laurel. I’ve got a lot on my mind with this deal.”

She stood up and buttoned her shirt. “Are you sure that’s all it is?” She walked out of the office angrily and slammed the door behind her.

I rolled my eyes as I buttoned my pants. I didn’t have time to deal with her right now. I pulled out my phone and sent a text message to Delilah.

“How’s Sophie feeling?”

“She’s feeling better. She’s been painting all day.”

“Good to hear. I’ll be home in a while to talk to her about Vermont.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

As I set down my phone, Liam walked in.

“I just saw Laurel in the lobby and she looked pissed as hell. What did you do to her? I’m sure whatever it was, she deserved it.” He smiled.

I sighed. “Nothing. She’s overreacting as usual. Did you need something?”

“I talked to McAllister just a few minutes ago and he’s ready to sign the deal for the sale of the building over on 77th. I got the price down like you wanted. We’ll make a fortune off this building once it’s restored.”

“Ah, good.” I smiled. “Best news I’ve heard all day. I told Delilah about Elaine last night.”

“What? Why?”

I shrugged. “We were out on the patio, talking, and she asked. I don’t know; it just felt right telling her.”

Liam slowly nodded his head. “I see. Keep denying those feelings of yours, big brother. I gotta run. I’m meeting Isabelle for dinner. Keep your fingers crossed that I get lucky tonight.” He winked before walking out of my office.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Shutting down my computer and placing the file in my briefcase, I left the office and headed home.

****

Delilah

I was on the phone talking to Jenny when Oliver walked in the living room.

“Let me call you back later. Oliver just walked in.” Click. “Hey.”

“Hi. You didn’t have to hang up on my account.” He gently smiled.

“It’s fine. It was only Jenny.”

“How come you haven’t had her over yet?”

I twisted my face and ****ed my head. “I don’t know. Maybe because I work here.”

“It’s your home too, Delilah, and if you want to have your friends over, it’s fine with me.”

“Oh, in that case, can she come over tonight?”

“Of course she can. Now, let’s go talk to Sophie.”

I sent a quick text message to Jenny as we walked up the stairs.

“Come over tonight! I’m dying for you to meet Oliver.”

“Sounds fun. What time?”

“How’s seven?”

“I’ll be there. Text me your address.”

We walked into Sophie’s room and I abruptly stopped when I saw her painting. I gulped. It was a painting of me in what looked like Central Park.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed as she hugged him.

“Hi, baby. Is that your painting?” he asked her as he turned and looked at me.

“Yeah. Do you like it? It’s Delilah in the park,” she said with excitement.

“Sophie, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to paint like that?”

“I don’t know. I just know how. Delilah, do you like it?” She was beaming from ear to ear.

“I love it, sunshine.” Tears started to fill my eyes. I couldn’t believe she’d painted that.

“Look, you’re holding your guitar. I can do a better guitar with more practice.”

“It’s beautiful, Sophie.” I reached down and gave her a big hug.

Oliver sat down on the bed and asked Sophie to join him.

“Your Aunt Kelsey called and she would like you to come visit her and Uncle Matt at their farm in Vermont for a couple of weeks. How do you feel about that?”

“I remember going there once. They have horses and chickens and goats.”

“Yes, they do. You can go horseback riding. I would drive you there and Aunt Kelsey said she’d drive you back home. But you’d be staying with them for a couple of weeks. They miss you.”

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“Okay. I miss them too. Can I bring my paints?”

He put his arm around her and squeezed her tight, kissing her on the top of her head. “Of course you can bring your paints.”

“You’re driving me?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Can Delilah come with us?”

Oliver looked up at me. “Sure. If she wants to.”

“I’d love to drive with you to Vermont, Sophie.” I smiled as I knelt down in front of her and took her hands.

“When am I going?”

“Once your ear infection clears up and you’re feeling one hundred percent better.”

“Okay. Can I get back to painting now? I have to add a few things.”

Oliver and I both laughed. “Sure, sweetheart. We’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

I stared at the painting as I walked out of the room. I’d never seen anything like it before. Once we left the room, I grabbed Oliver’s arm.

“That’s not normal.”

He looked down at my hand on his arm and then up at me with a grin. “I know.”

“Oh, sorry.” I let go of his arm.

“I think once Sophie gets back from Vermont, we should have her IQ tested.”

“Good idea. Oh, by the way, my friend, Jenny, will be coming over around seven.”

“Good. I can’t wait to meet her.” He smiled as he walked into his office.

Chapter 16

“Well, hello there, Miss Fancypants.” Jenny smiled as she stepped into the foyer. “Look at this palace you’re living in. Far cry from our Chicago days.”

“No kidding.” I laughed.

I showed her around the first level and then took her upstairs to the living room, where Sophie was watching TV.

“Hey, Sophie. How are you feeling?”

“Hi, Jenny. I’m feeling better.”

I led Jenny to Oliver’s office, where he had been since he came home.

“Oliver, this is my friend, Jenny. Jenny, this is Oliver Wyatt.”

Oliver got up from his desk and walked over to where we were standing, extending his hand out to her.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Jenny.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Clara just informed me that dinner is ready. Shall we head downstairs?”

We walked out of his office and he walked over to the couch and took Sophie’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s time for dinner and then off to bed for you.”

“Can I show Jenny my painting after dinner?”

“Of course you can. She’d love to see it.” I smiled.

After finishing up dinner, I took Jenny up to Sophie’s room to see her painting.

“That’s beautiful, Sophie. Wow. You’re very talented.” Jenny turned around and looked at me with wide eyes.

As Sophie was showing Jenny her books, Oliver walked into the room.

“You go spend time with Jenny. I’ll get Sophie ready for bed.”

“Are you sure? It’s no problem. I can do it.”

“Go.” He smiled.

I gave Sophie a kiss goodnight. “Don’t forget to say your prayers before you go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Delilah. Good night, Jenny.”

We walked out of her room and down to the living room. “Seriously, Delilah. What’s up with Sophie? What child can paint like that at five years old? I can’t even draw stick people.” She frowned.

I sighed. “I know. Oliver and I are blown away. After she gets back from Vermont, we’re taking her to have her IQ tested. I think she’s like a genius or something.”

We grabbed a couple of wine glasses and the bottle of wine that was left over from dinner and sat outside on the patio.

“So while Sophie’s in Vermont, you’ll be here alone with Mr. ***pot?”

“Yeah. I guess I will be,” I spoke as I raised my eyebrow. “It’ll be good because then I can go out every night and play my music.”

“That’s a plus. Or maybe you can stay in and get some action.” She winked.

I shook my head as I let out a light laugh. “There will be no action. He’s my boss. But I do need to get laid. I’ve been thinking way too much about *** lately. Especially when he’s around.”

“Then give in to the temptation and **** him. Get it out of your system.”

“Yeah, right. I’m pretty sure that once you **** Oliver Wyatt, there is no getting him out of your system.”

She laughed. “I think you’re right.”

After talking for a couple more hours and a couple glasses of wine, she went home because she had an early class in the morning.

“Give Stephen a big kiss from me.” I smiled as I hugged her goodbye.

I shut the door, grabbed my guitar, which I had left in the living room, and took it outside on the patio, shutting the door behind me. A few moments later, as I was playing the strings, the door opened and Oliver walked out onto the patio.

“It’s late. Aren’t you tired?”

“Yeah. I am. I just wanted to play for a bit.”

“I like Jenny. She’s nice and seems to have a good head on her shoulders.”

“Thanks. She’s the best.”

“Well, good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

As he started to walk away, I lightly grabbed his hand. He turned around with a startled look on his face.

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“Okay. I miss them too. Can I bring my paints?”

He put his arm around her and squeezed her tight, kissing her on the top of her head. “Of course you can bring your paints.”

“You’re driving me?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Can Delilah come with us?”

Oliver looked up at me. “Sure. If she wants to.”

“I’d love to drive with you to Vermont, Sophie.” I smiled as I knelt down in front of her and took her hands.

“When am I going?”

“Once your ear infection clears up and you’re feeling one hundred percent better.”

“Okay. Can I get back to painting now? I have to add a few things.”

Oliver and I both laughed. “Sure, sweetheart. We’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

I stared at the painting as I walked out of the room. I’d never seen anything like it before. Once we left the room, I grabbed Oliver’s arm.

“That’s not normal.”

He looked down at my hand on his arm and then up at me with a grin. “I know.”

“Oh, sorry.” I let go of his arm.

“I think once Sophie gets back from Vermont, we should have her IQ tested.”

“Good idea. Oh, by the way, my friend, Jenny, will be coming over around seven.”

“Good. I can’t wait to meet her.” He smiled as he walked into his office.

Chapter 16

“Well, hello there, Miss Fancypants.” Jenny smiled as she stepped into the foyer. “Look at this palace you’re living in. Far cry from our Chicago days.”

“No kidding.” I laughed.

I showed her around the first level and then took her upstairs to the living room, where Sophie was watching TV.

“Hey, Sophie. How are you feeling?”

“Hi, Jenny. I’m feeling better.”

I led Jenny to Oliver’s office, where he had been since he came home.

“Oliver, this is my friend, Jenny. Jenny, this is Oliver Wyatt.”

Oliver got up from his desk and walked over to where we were standing, extending his hand out to her.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Jenny.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Clara just informed me that dinner is ready. Shall we head downstairs?”

We walked out of his office and he walked over to the couch and took Sophie’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s time for dinner and then off to bed for you.”

“Can I show Jenny my painting after dinner?”

“Of course you can. She’d love to see it.” I smiled.

After finishing up dinner, I took Jenny up to Sophie’s room to see her painting.

“That’s beautiful, Sophie. Wow. You’re very talented.” Jenny turned around and looked at me with wide eyes.

As Sophie was showing Jenny her books, Oliver walked into the room.

“You go spend time with Jenny. I’ll get Sophie ready for bed.”

“Are you sure? It’s no problem. I can do it.”

“Go.” He smiled.

I gave Sophie a kiss goodnight. “Don’t forget to say your prayers before you go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Delilah. Good night, Jenny.”

We walked out of her room and down to the living room. “Seriously, Delilah. What’s up with Sophie? What child can paint like that at five years old? I can’t even draw stick people.” She frowned.

I sighed. “I know. Oliver and I are blown away. After she gets back from Vermont, we’re taking her to have her IQ tested. I think she’s like a genius or something.”

We grabbed a couple of wine glasses and the bottle of wine that was left over from dinner and sat outside on the patio.

“So while Sophie’s in Vermont, you’ll be here alone with Mr. ***pot?”

“Yeah. I guess I will be,” I spoke as I raised my eyebrow. “It’ll be good because then I can go out every night and play my music.”

“That’s a plus. Or maybe you can stay in and get some action.” She winked.

I shook my head as I let out a light laugh. “There will be no action. He’s my boss. But I do need to get laid. I’ve been thinking way too much about *** lately. Especially when he’s around.”

“Then give in to the temptation and **** him. Get it out of your system.”

“Yeah, right. I’m pretty sure that once you **** Oliver Wyatt, there is no getting him out of your system.”

She laughed. “I think you’re right.”

After talking for a couple more hours and a couple glasses of wine, she went home because she had an early class in the morning.

“Give Stephen a big kiss from me.” I smiled as I hugged her goodbye.

I shut the door, grabbed my guitar, which I had left in the living room, and took it outside on the patio, shutting the door behind me. A few moments later, as I was playing the strings, the door opened and Oliver walked out onto the patio.

“It’s late. Aren’t you tired?”

“Yeah. I am. I just wanted to play for a bit.”

“I like Jenny. She’s nice and seems to have a good head on her shoulders.”

“Thanks. She’s the best.”

“Well, good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

As he started to walk away, I lightly grabbed his hand. He turned around with a startled look on his face.

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“I just wanted to thank you for letting Jenny come over.”

He wrapped his fingers around mine. I didn’t expect that and my body caught fire.

“You’re welcome. Like I said before, your friends are always welcome here. It’s your home too.” He softly smiled.

“Oliver, I—”

“Sweet dreams, Delilah.” He let go of my hand and walked back inside the house, leaving me blown away by his touch.

****

A couple of days had passed and Sophie was feeling much better. As we were sitting at the piano together, pressing some keys, I had an idea.

“Wanna dance, sugar plum?”

“Yes! I love to dance!” she said with a wide grin.

I got up from the piano and set my iPhone in the docking station that sat below the TV. I pressed play on “Love Today” by Mika, one of my favorite dance songs. I looked at Sophie and held out my hand. We started dancing to the beat of the music around the room. As we were laughing, singing, and jumping around, suddenly, Liam joined us and grabbed my hand, twirling me around and pulling me close to him. He let go of me and grabbed Sophie, dancing around with her in his arms. I looked across the room. Oliver was leaned up against the wall with his arms folded, smiling at us. Next to him was Cruella, shaking her head in disgust as if we were doing something wrong. As soon as the song ended, Liam gave Sophie a kiss and put her down.

“That was one hell of a dance.” He smiled at me.

Sophie giggled and ran up to hug Oliver. “You were amazing, princess. I love your moves.”

“Why didn’t you dance with us, Daddy? Uncle Liam did.”

“That’s because your Uncle Liam is way cooler than your daddy.” Liam smiled.

“Don’t kid yourself,” Laurel said as she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, come on, Laurel. You know you want this big, bad—”

“Ahem,” Oliver said as he looked at Sophie.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“In your dreams, Liam.” She shot him a dirty look.

“You mean in my nightmare. Because that’s exactly what it would be.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Oliver shouted. “You two get in my office now. We have to discuss the fundraiser.”

Laurel and Oliver walked away and I high-fived Liam. He strutted to Oliver’s office with a grin on his face. A while later, as I was in the kitchen making a cup of coffee, the three of them came down the stairs.

“Make sure to save me a dance at the fundraiser Saturday night.” Liam winked.

“I sure will.”

“Come on, Oliver. Let’s go,” Cruella commanded in her wicked tone.

“I’ll be going out this evening. If anything comes up with Sophie, don’t hesitate to call.”

“Everything will be fine. Have fun.” I smiled. A fake smile. The smile that showed I was happy on the outside but sad on the inside.

I didn’t want him to go out. I liked him being home. Even if he stayed locked up in his office, at least he was here. Watching Oliver Wyatt walk away with Laurel sparked a jealousy inside of me. A jealousy that shouldn’t have been there. I was starting to feel lonely.

I went upstairs, helped Sophie get ready for bed, looked through her Monet book with her, and then sang her to sleep. When I entered my bedroom and closed the door, I decided to get in my pajamas and lie across the bed to watch a movie. Maybe watching The Notebook wasn’t such a good idea. I sighed as I heard raised voices coming from downstairs. I quietly opened my door and stood at the top of the stairs while Laurel and Oliver argued.

“You can’t stand there and tell me it’s nothing else. We haven’t had *** in what seems like forever.”

“Is this why you followed me home, Laurel? We finished this discussion back at your place!”

“No we didn’t. You walked out and left me standing there without any of my questions being answered. You obviously have a problem, Oliver. Maybe you should see a doctor.”

“A doctor? Are you ****ing out of your mind? I told you that I’ve been under a lot of stress lately with this deal. If it falls through, I’ll lose millions. I’m sorry that I’m not up to performing for you.”

“Bull****! This all started when that nanny you hired moved in.”

I covered my mouth with my hand. I couldn’t believe I was listening to this.

“Jesus Christ, Laurel. Do you hear yourself? Why the hell would I be interested in her? She’s Sophie’s nanny and that’s it. Are you jealous of Delilah or something?”

“No. Why would I be jealous of someone like her?”

“Well, you’re basically accusing me of sleeping with her.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” she said.

Oh. ****. Did he cheat on her?

“It was one time, Laurel, and I was drunk. I apologized and you forgave me. I thought we put that behind us?”

“The fact that it happened will always be in the back of my mind.”

“I think you’d better go before we both say something we’re going to regret.” His voice lowered. “The fundraiser is in a couple of days and we’re both stressed out. Let’s just get through this, okay?”

“Whatever, Oliver. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I heard the clicking of her expensive heels leaving the house.

I went back to my room and grabbed my guitar. As I strummed the strings, I couldn’t help but feel hurt when I heard Oliver ask Laurel why the hell would he be interested in me. He was right. Why would he be interested in someone like me? He was rich, powerful, successful, and ***y as ****. I was a poor girl from a rundown drug-dealing neighborhood in Chicago. I’d misread his signals or possible intentions. I heard a light knock on my door.

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“I just wanted to thank you for letting Jenny come over.”

He wrapped his fingers around mine. I didn’t expect that and my body caught fire.

“You’re welcome. Like I said before, your friends are always welcome here. It’s your home too.” He softly smiled.

“Oliver, I—”

“Sweet dreams, Delilah.” He let go of my hand and walked back inside the house, leaving me blown away by his touch.

****

A couple of days had passed and Sophie was feeling much better. As we were sitting at the piano together, pressing some keys, I had an idea.

“Wanna dance, sugar plum?”

“Yes! I love to dance!” she said with a wide grin.

I got up from the piano and set my iPhone in the docking station that sat below the TV. I pressed play on “Love Today” by Mika, one of my favorite dance songs. I looked at Sophie and held out my hand. We started dancing to the beat of the music around the room. As we were laughing, singing, and jumping around, suddenly, Liam joined us and grabbed my hand, twirling me around and pulling me close to him. He let go of me and grabbed Sophie, dancing around with her in his arms. I looked across the room. Oliver was leaned up against the wall with his arms folded, smiling at us. Next to him was Cruella, shaking her head in disgust as if we were doing something wrong. As soon as the song ended, Liam gave Sophie a kiss and put her down.

“That was one hell of a dance.” He smiled at me.

Sophie giggled and ran up to hug Oliver. “You were amazing, princess. I love your moves.”

“Why didn’t you dance with us, Daddy? Uncle Liam did.”

“That’s because your Uncle Liam is way cooler than your daddy.” Liam smiled.

“Don’t kid yourself,” Laurel said as she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, come on, Laurel. You know you want this big, bad—”

“Ahem,” Oliver said as he looked at Sophie.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“In your dreams, Liam.” She shot him a dirty look.

“You mean in my nightmare. Because that’s exactly what it would be.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Oliver shouted. “You two get in my office now. We have to discuss the fundraiser.”

Laurel and Oliver walked away and I high-fived Liam. He strutted to Oliver’s office with a grin on his face. A while later, as I was in the kitchen making a cup of coffee, the three of them came down the stairs.

“Make sure to save me a dance at the fundraiser Saturday night.” Liam winked.

“I sure will.”

“Come on, Oliver. Let’s go,” Cruella commanded in her wicked tone.

“I’ll be going out this evening. If anything comes up with Sophie, don’t hesitate to call.”

“Everything will be fine. Have fun.” I smiled. A fake smile. The smile that showed I was happy on the outside but sad on the inside.

I didn’t want him to go out. I liked him being home. Even if he stayed locked up in his office, at least he was here. Watching Oliver Wyatt walk away with Laurel sparked a jealousy inside of me. A jealousy that shouldn’t have been there. I was starting to feel lonely.

I went upstairs, helped Sophie get ready for bed, looked through her Monet book with her, and then sang her to sleep. When I entered my bedroom and closed the door, I decided to get in my pajamas and lie across the bed to watch a movie. Maybe watching The Notebook wasn’t such a good idea. I sighed as I heard raised voices coming from downstairs. I quietly opened my door and stood at the top of the stairs while Laurel and Oliver argued.

“You can’t stand there and tell me it’s nothing else. We haven’t had *** in what seems like forever.”

“Is this why you followed me home, Laurel? We finished this discussion back at your place!”

“No we didn’t. You walked out and left me standing there without any of my questions being answered. You obviously have a problem, Oliver. Maybe you should see a doctor.”

“A doctor? Are you ****ing out of your mind? I told you that I’ve been under a lot of stress lately with this deal. If it falls through, I’ll lose millions. I’m sorry that I’m not up to performing for you.”

“Bull****! This all started when that nanny you hired moved in.”

I covered my mouth with my hand. I couldn’t believe I was listening to this.

“Jesus Christ, Laurel. Do you hear yourself? Why the hell would I be interested in her? She’s Sophie’s nanny and that’s it. Are you jealous of Delilah or something?”

“No. Why would I be jealous of someone like her?”

“Well, you’re basically accusing me of sleeping with her.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” she said.

Oh. ****. Did he cheat on her?

“It was one time, Laurel, and I was drunk. I apologized and you forgave me. I thought we put that behind us?”

“The fact that it happened will always be in the back of my mind.”

“I think you’d better go before we both say something we’re going to regret.” His voice lowered. “The fundraiser is in a couple of days and we’re both stressed out. Let’s just get through this, okay?”

“Whatever, Oliver. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I heard the clicking of her expensive heels leaving the house.

I went back to my room and grabbed my guitar. As I strummed the strings, I couldn’t help but feel hurt when I heard Oliver ask Laurel why the hell would he be interested in me. He was right. Why would he be interested in someone like me? He was rich, powerful, successful, and ***y as ****. I was a poor girl from a rundown drug-dealing neighborhood in Chicago. I’d misread his signals or possible intentions. I heard a light knock on my door.

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“Come in.”

“Hi. I heard you playing. I didn’t think you were still up. Are you okay? You look like you’ve been crying.”

“I just finished watching The Notebook and it gets me every time. No matter how many times I watch it, I still cry.”

“I’ve never seen it.”

“You’ve never seen The Notebook?” I asked in surprise.

“Nope. I don’t have time to watch movies.” He walked over to the bed and sat down next to me.

“Well, that’s a shame, Mr. Wyatt, because movies are magical. I’m a movie freak.”

“Maybe someday I’ll get around to watching it. How was Sophie tonight?”

“She was great. You know, she hasn’t had any behavioral problems since I started living here.”

“I’ve noticed that. We can talk more about it tomorrow. I’m exhausted and had a long day. Sleep tight, Delilah.” He walked out of the room.

“Sweet dreams, Oliver,” I whispered.

I set down my guitar and climbed into bed. My mind was still reeling over the argument I heard between Oliver and Laurel. I was still in shock that he had cheated on her. After what he had experienced when he was seventeen years old and the hurt and pain he felt, I couldn’t believe that he would turn around and do that to someone else. Maybe he wasn’t the man I thought he was.

Chapter 17

Oliver

I stepped into the shower and sighed as I thought about Laurel and our fight last night. I wasn’t in any mood today to talk to her and I knew she’d be blowing up my phone soon enough. After putting on my suit and tie, I walked downstairs to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.

“Morning, Clara.”

“Good morning, Mr. Wyatt.”

“Are Delilah and Sophie up yet?”

“We sure are.” Delilah smiled as she and Sophie walked into the kitchen.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Good morning, Miss Sophie.” I picked her up and gave her a kiss.

The three of us went and sat down in the dining room for breakfast.

“Delilah, the fundraiser tomorrow night is black tie. Do you have a formal dress to wear?”

She looked at me as she bit down on her bottom lip. God, was she beautiful.

“No. Nothing formal. I’ll call Jenny later and ask her. I’m sure she has something.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cre*** card. “Here. Take this and go buy a new dress today.”

“No, Oliver. I can’t.”

“You can’t or you won’t?” I asked as I ****ed my head.

“I won’t let you buy me a dress for the fundraiser. That’s ridiculous. I can buy my own dress. Thank you.”

“Take the card. Now,” he commanded. “It’s not up for discussion. Besides, I think Sophie needs some new clothes.” He gave her a wink.

She giggled. “I want to go shopping with you and look at pretty grown-up dresses, Delilah.”

She looked at Sophie and then at me with narrowed eyes. “Fine.” When she took the card from my hand, our fingers lightly touched and I felt my **** twitch. “Buy a dress, jewelry, and a pair of shoes. Remember, you’re going to be performing in front of a large crowd.”

“Can I come, Daddy?” Sophie asked innocently.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but this is for grownups only. Francesca is going to come and play with you tomorrow night while we’re gone.”

“Okay. I like Francesca.” She smiled. “But not as much as you, Delilah.” She reached over and touched her hand.

“Aw, baby. I love you.” She leaned over and touched Sophie’s nose with hers.

Hearing her say those words to my daughter was bittersweet. Delilah was a godsend and I was happy that I’d found her. Thank you, Sophie, for acting up in the restaurant and getting her fired. I finished up breakfast and then headed to the office.

****

I finally closed the multi-million-dollar deal and I was ecstatic. To celebrate, Liam and I went to the golf course.

“Laurel told me that the band is still going to be there at the fundraiser, but they won’t play until after Delilah performs.”

“What?”

“You didn’t know?”

“No. She didn’t tell me that. But we haven’t been getting along lately.” I swung and nailed a hole in one.

“Damn you, Oliver.” Liam sighed. “Why haven’t you been getting along? Besides her being a bitch and all.”

I looked over at the smirk on his face and rolled my eyes. “Let’s just say I haven’t been able to perform well in the bedroom lately. I’ve been under a lot of stress with this deal.”

“Really? Or would a beautiful and ***y girl named Delilah have something to do with that?”

“Now you sound like Laurel. She basically accused me of sleeping with her and then she brought up the time I slept with Avril.”

“You know, bro, and don’t get pissed off at me for saying this, but have you told Laurel that you love her?”

“No. You know I don’t tell anyone that besides Sophie. You know I can’t find it in my heart to love another woman after what happened with Kristen.”

“Seriously, Oliver, why are you still with her if you don’t love her?”

I sighed. “I don’t know.”

“You were seventeen. Don’t you think it’s time to let that go?”

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“Come in.”

“Hi. I heard you playing. I didn’t think you were still up. Are you okay? You look like you’ve been crying.”

“I just finished watching The Notebook and it gets me every time. No matter how many times I watch it, I still cry.”

“I’ve never seen it.”

“You’ve never seen The Notebook?” I asked in surprise.

“Nope. I don’t have time to watch movies.” He walked over to the bed and sat down next to me.

“Well, that’s a shame, Mr. Wyatt, because movies are magical. I’m a movie freak.”

“Maybe someday I’ll get around to watching it. How was Sophie tonight?”

“She was great. You know, she hasn’t had any behavioral problems since I started living here.”

“I’ve noticed that. We can talk more about it tomorrow. I’m exhausted and had a long day. Sleep tight, Delilah.” He walked out of the room.

“Sweet dreams, Oliver,” I whispered.

I set down my guitar and climbed into bed. My mind was still reeling over the argument I heard between Oliver and Laurel. I was still in shock that he had cheated on her. After what he had experienced when he was seventeen years old and the hurt and pain he felt, I couldn’t believe that he would turn around and do that to someone else. Maybe he wasn’t the man I thought he was.

Chapter 17

Oliver

I stepped into the shower and sighed as I thought about Laurel and our fight last night. I wasn’t in any mood today to talk to her and I knew she’d be blowing up my phone soon enough. After putting on my suit and tie, I walked downstairs to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.

“Morning, Clara.”

“Good morning, Mr. Wyatt.”

“Are Delilah and Sophie up yet?”

“We sure are.” Delilah smiled as she and Sophie walked into the kitchen.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Good morning, Miss Sophie.” I picked her up and gave her a kiss.

The three of us went and sat down in the dining room for breakfast.

“Delilah, the fundraiser tomorrow night is black tie. Do you have a formal dress to wear?”

She looked at me as she bit down on her bottom lip. God, was she beautiful.

“No. Nothing formal. I’ll call Jenny later and ask her. I’m sure she has something.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cre*** card. “Here. Take this and go buy a new dress today.”

“No, Oliver. I can’t.”

“You can’t or you won’t?” I asked as I ****ed my head.

“I won’t let you buy me a dress for the fundraiser. That’s ridiculous. I can buy my own dress. Thank you.”

“Take the card. Now,” he commanded. “It’s not up for discussion. Besides, I think Sophie needs some new clothes.” He gave her a wink.

She giggled. “I want to go shopping with you and look at pretty grown-up dresses, Delilah.”

She looked at Sophie and then at me with narrowed eyes. “Fine.” When she took the card from my hand, our fingers lightly touched and I felt my **** twitch. “Buy a dress, jewelry, and a pair of shoes. Remember, you’re going to be performing in front of a large crowd.”

“Can I come, Daddy?” Sophie asked innocently.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but this is for grownups only. Francesca is going to come and play with you tomorrow night while we’re gone.”

“Okay. I like Francesca.” She smiled. “But not as much as you, Delilah.” She reached over and touched her hand.

“Aw, baby. I love you.” She leaned over and touched Sophie’s nose with hers.

Hearing her say those words to my daughter was bittersweet. Delilah was a godsend and I was happy that I’d found her. Thank you, Sophie, for acting up in the restaurant and getting her fired. I finished up breakfast and then headed to the office.

****

I finally closed the multi-million-dollar deal and I was ecstatic. To celebrate, Liam and I went to the golf course.

“Laurel told me that the band is still going to be there at the fundraiser, but they won’t play until after Delilah performs.”

“What?”

“You didn’t know?”

“No. She didn’t tell me that. But we haven’t been getting along lately.” I swung and nailed a hole in one.

“Damn you, Oliver.” Liam sighed. “Why haven’t you been getting along? Besides her being a bitch and all.”

I looked over at the smirk on his face and rolled my eyes. “Let’s just say I haven’t been able to perform well in the bedroom lately. I’ve been under a lot of stress with this deal.”

“Really? Or would a beautiful and ***y girl named Delilah have something to do with that?”

“Now you sound like Laurel. She basically accused me of sleeping with her and then she brought up the time I slept with Avril.”

“You know, bro, and don’t get pissed off at me for saying this, but have you told Laurel that you love her?”

“No. You know I don’t tell anyone that besides Sophie. You know I can’t find it in my heart to love another woman after what happened with Kristen.”

“Seriously, Oliver, why are you still with her if you don’t love her?”

I sighed. “I don’t know.”

“You were seventeen. Don’t you think it’s time to let that go?”

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“I did let it go, but it’s hard to trust again and I’m not sure I ever will.”

“Well, if you want my honest opinion, I think Delilah is different from anyone else. She seems very trustworthy and I think you have strong feelings for her.”

“I don’t have feelings for her. I just want to **** her and I don’t want your opinion, little brother. So back off.”

“All right. I’m backing off.”

****

Delilah

As Sophie and I were in the dress section of Saks Fifth Avenue, looking at the beautiful dresses, I heard a voice behind me.

“Looking for a dress for the fundraiser?”

“Hi, Laurel. Yes. I am.”

“Hello there, Sophie.” She smiled at her with a fake smile.

Sophie looked down. “Hi,” she whispered.

“Hey, Soph. Do me a favor and go look on that rack right there and see if any pretty dresses catch your eye for me.”

“Okay.”

I wanted her away from Laurel because I couldn’t risk her telling her that Oliver gave me his cre*** card.

“I see you’ve gotten your dress.” I pointed to the white garment bag hanging over her shoulder.

“Yes. I did.”

“May I see it?” I asked politely.

“No. You may not,” she said with an evil smile.

“Alrighty then. It was nice to see you, Laurel. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.”

“You’re not excused and I’m warning you, nanny. You better stay away from my boyfriend. Do you understand me?” she spoke through gritted teeth.

This was getting interesting. “I don’t know what you’re talking about and I don’t want to know.”

“Oh, you know damn well what I’m talking about. I see the way you look at Oliver like some schoolgirl slut who has a crush on her hot and ***y teacher. He’s mine and you better keep your hands off of him or I’ll make your life a living hell. You’re nothing but white trash from the wrong side of the tracks.”

I swallowed hard, and if Sophie wasn’t there, I would have punched Laurel in the face already. But I needed to keep my cool and remain calm. She wasn’t worth it. She was only making herself look stupid.

“Okay, Laurel. I fully understand what you’re saying and you have nothing to worry about with me. I’m not interested in Oliver whatsoever.”

“You better not be.” She turned, said goodbye to Sophie, and walked away.

“Was she being mean to you?” Sophie asked.

“No, sweet girl. She wasn’t being mean. We were just talking. Now let’s go find a dress.”

That would be the last time Laurel threatened me.

****

Oliver was in his study when Sophie and I came home from shopping. We were gone longer than anticipated, but we had dinner and then stopped at Central Park for a while. She was anxious to get home and start painting. I lightly tapped on his office door and he told me to come in.

“Here’s your cre*** card.”

“Thank you. Did you find something to wear?” he asked with a slight smile.

“I did. I also ran into Laurel at Saks.”

“Oh. Everything okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be? She’s a lovely woman.”

Oliver stared at me and I could tell I amused him. “I take it that she must have said something to you.”

“Just a friendly hi.” I smiled. I wasn’t about to tell him what I really thought of her. If he couldn’t see what kind of person she was, then that was his problem and own stupi***y.

“Can I see the dress you bought?” he asked.

“Sure you can. Tomorrow when I put it on.” I winked and walked out of his office.

“Delilah, wait!” Oliver spoke.

I turned around and went back to his office. “Yes.”

“I closed that big deal today.”

“Congratulations, Oliver. That’s wonderful.”

“Thanks. Liam and I are going out to celebrate in a bit. Would you like to come with us? Maybe you can give Jenny a call and she and her boyfriend can meet us. We’ll go hit up a bar.”

“What about Sophie?”

“I’ll ask Clara to stay. She will. Especially if I give her a bonus for doing it.”

“I really should stay home and practice some songs for tomorrow.”

“You don’t need to practice. You’re a natural. Come with us. It’ll be fun.”

As I stood there and stared at him, I bit down on my bottom lip, contemplating whether or not it was a good idea. But going to a bar with my friends sounded fun.

“Laurel isn’t going?”

He chuckled. “No. She’s busy tonight. So you and Liam both don’t have to worry about her.”

“Okay. I’ll go. It sounds fun.”

A wide smile splayed across his face. “Excellent. I’ll call Liam and talk to Clara.”

“And I’ll go get ready.” I smiled as I turned and walked up to my room.

Chapter 18

We met Jenny and Stephen at The Pony Bar in Hell’s Kitchen. I had been here once before and really enjoyed the different beers they had.

“Do you want a beer?” Oliver asked me as the waitress walked over to our table.

“Sure. Whatever’s on tap is fine.” I smiled.

Oliver took the seat next to me and Liam sat across the table next to Jenny and Stephen. As soon as the waitress brought us our drinks, I held up my glass.

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“I did let it go, but it’s hard to trust again and I’m not sure I ever will.”

“Well, if you want my honest opinion, I think Delilah is different from anyone else. She seems very trustworthy and I think you have strong feelings for her.”

“I don’t have feelings for her. I just want to **** her and I don’t want your opinion, little brother. So back off.”

“All right. I’m backing off.”

****

Delilah

As Sophie and I were in the dress section of Saks Fifth Avenue, looking at the beautiful dresses, I heard a voice behind me.

“Looking for a dress for the fundraiser?”

“Hi, Laurel. Yes. I am.”

“Hello there, Sophie.” She smiled at her with a fake smile.

Sophie looked down. “Hi,” she whispered.

“Hey, Soph. Do me a favor and go look on that rack right there and see if any pretty dresses catch your eye for me.”

“Okay.”

I wanted her away from Laurel because I couldn’t risk her telling her that Oliver gave me his cre*** card.

“I see you’ve gotten your dress.” I pointed to the white garment bag hanging over her shoulder.

“Yes. I did.”

“May I see it?” I asked politely.

“No. You may not,” she said with an evil smile.

“Alrighty then. It was nice to see you, Laurel. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.”

“You’re not excused and I’m warning you, nanny. You better stay away from my boyfriend. Do you understand me?” she spoke through gritted teeth.

This was getting interesting. “I don’t know what you’re talking about and I don’t want to know.”

“Oh, you know damn well what I’m talking about. I see the way you look at Oliver like some schoolgirl slut who has a crush on her hot and ***y teacher. He’s mine and you better keep your hands off of him or I’ll make your life a living hell. You’re nothing but white trash from the wrong side of the tracks.”

I swallowed hard, and if Sophie wasn’t there, I would have punched Laurel in the face already. But I needed to keep my cool and remain calm. She wasn’t worth it. She was only making herself look stupid.

“Okay, Laurel. I fully understand what you’re saying and you have nothing to worry about with me. I’m not interested in Oliver whatsoever.”

“You better not be.” She turned, said goodbye to Sophie, and walked away.

“Was she being mean to you?” Sophie asked.

“No, sweet girl. She wasn’t being mean. We were just talking. Now let’s go find a dress.”

That would be the last time Laurel threatened me.

****

Oliver was in his study when Sophie and I came home from shopping. We were gone longer than anticipated, but we had dinner and then stopped at Central Park for a while. She was anxious to get home and start painting. I lightly tapped on his office door and he told me to come in.

“Here’s your cre*** card.”

“Thank you. Did you find something to wear?” he asked with a slight smile.

“I did. I also ran into Laurel at Saks.”

“Oh. Everything okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be? She’s a lovely woman.”

Oliver stared at me and I could tell I amused him. “I take it that she must have said something to you.”

“Just a friendly hi.” I smiled. I wasn’t about to tell him what I really thought of her. If he couldn’t see what kind of person she was, then that was his problem and own stupi***y.

“Can I see the dress you bought?” he asked.

“Sure you can. Tomorrow when I put it on.” I winked and walked out of his office.

“Delilah, wait!” Oliver spoke.

I turned around and went back to his office. “Yes.”

“I closed that big deal today.”

“Congratulations, Oliver. That’s wonderful.”

“Thanks. Liam and I are going out to celebrate in a bit. Would you like to come with us? Maybe you can give Jenny a call and she and her boyfriend can meet us. We’ll go hit up a bar.”

“What about Sophie?”

“I’ll ask Clara to stay. She will. Especially if I give her a bonus for doing it.”

“I really should stay home and practice some songs for tomorrow.”

“You don’t need to practice. You’re a natural. Come with us. It’ll be fun.”

As I stood there and stared at him, I bit down on my bottom lip, contemplating whether or not it was a good idea. But going to a bar with my friends sounded fun.

“Laurel isn’t going?”

He chuckled. “No. She’s busy tonight. So you and Liam both don’t have to worry about her.”

“Okay. I’ll go. It sounds fun.”

A wide smile splayed across his face. “Excellent. I’ll call Liam and talk to Clara.”

“And I’ll go get ready.” I smiled as I turned and walked up to my room.

Chapter 18

We met Jenny and Stephen at The Pony Bar in Hell’s Kitchen. I had been here once before and really enjoyed the different beers they had.

“Do you want a beer?” Oliver asked me as the waitress walked over to our table.

“Sure. Whatever’s on tap is fine.” I smiled.

Oliver took the seat next to me and Liam sat across the table next to Jenny and Stephen. As soon as the waitress brought us our drinks, I held up my glass.