The Billionaire's Second Chance: Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Page 3

  She gritted her teeth, disgusted with herself for wasting so many years of her life pining for a man who lied to her without even the blink of an eye. She sighed and started down the hall toward her old bedroom when a knock sounded at the front door, startling her. She tiptoed to the peephole and looked through, her stomach doing a flip when she saw Sawyer standing there. She hesitated, wondering if she should open it when he knocked again.

  “Lil, I know you’re in there. I pulled up just after that guy dropped you off. Please open up. I need to talk to you.”

  She blew out a breath and straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin slightly before opening the door to give Sawyer a cold stare. “You followed me?” she demanded.

  He slid his hands into his pockets and raised a shoulder. “I didn’t trust that guy and wanted to make sure you were safe.”

  “That guy is named Mike.” She gave a humorless laugh. “And you’re one to talk about ‘trust.’” She crossed her arms, staring him down.

  Sawyer shifted. “Look, I didn’t mean to lie about how I knew Gavin. I really did help him with his landscaping.”

  “And you failed to mention that you’re his neighbor? Did you think I wouldn’t find out or something?”

  “I admit, it was stupid. I just,” he raked a hand through his hair, “I haven’t really told anyone from Eureka about where I live now.”

  She tilted her hip. “Why? What’s the big secret? And how can you afford a place like that anyway?” The questions poured out of her like a waterfall breaking free of a dam. There were so many questions she’d wanted to ask him over the years that they were flooding out all at once.

  “It’s not a secret, I just didn’t want people to treat me differently.” He paused and met her gaze. “I didn’t want you to treat me differently.”

  She pursed her lips. “Really? Because last I checked, you couldn’t care less about what I thought. Isn’t that why you broke up with me? So you could be free of me and ‘live your life’ without worrying about me or what I thought?” To her horror, tears stung the backs of her eyes. Do not cry in front of him, she silently reprimanded. Do NOT. She was the CEO of a successful company now, not some weepy teen. She could handle this situation without getting emotional.

  She swallowed hard, shaking her head. “Sawyer, you haven’t given me a second thought since the day you ended things, so why should I believe that you care how I treat you now?”

  He stared at her with determination in his eyes. His jaw flexed once before he stepped forward, pulling her into his arms and crushing his lips to hers.

  Lily froze, eyes wide in astonishment as electrifying heat spread through her like a brushfire. The blaze started in her chest and touched every part of her, filling her with warmth.

  Too soon, Sawyer pulled back, holding her arms. “I’ve thought about you every day, Lily. Every. Single. Day.” He locked onto her with a steady gaze. “So don’t you think for one second that I don’t care. Your opinion is the only one that matters to me.”

  She stared back, defiant and unblinking. “Then why, Sawyer?” she demanded, taking a deep breath to control her racing heart. “If that’s true, why did you break up with me?”

  He dropped his hands; his face lined with pain. “I thought I was doing what was best for you.”

  She blinked and anger ignited in her chest, rising and swelling like a molten tide. She took a step back. “What was best?” she repeated, narrowing her eyes as she tried to keep her voice even. “I cried myself to sleep for weeks, Sawyer. Months even. How dare you say you did this for me. You crushed me.”

  Sawyer reared back like he’d been slapped, but she wasn’t finished. She shook her head, fighting against the lump in her throat. “What you did left me so wounded that I was scared to try loving anyone again. Don’t you dare say you did that for me.” Her chest heaved with emotion as she wrapped the anger closer around her like a thick, suffocating blanket.

  Sawyer’s brown eyes tightened with regret. “I’m so sorry, Lil. I promise I never meant to hurt you.”

  She held up her hand to cut him off. “I don’t want your apologies. I don’t want anything from you.” She sucked in a breath. “There’s no point in dredging up the past.” She lifted her chin, leveling him with a gaze. “But if you think you can just come to my front porch and kiss me and apologize and everything will be all better, you are sadly mistaken.”

  He shook his head. “I know one apology won’t make it all better. There are things I need to explain if you’ll give me the chance.” He paused, weighing his words before one corner of his mouth lifted roguishly. “But if you expect me to apologize for that kiss, you are sadly mistaken.”

  She huffed and rolled her eyes, trying to hide how fast her heart pounded at the look he gave her. It was almost the same look he’d given her the first time he’d kissed her on the playground all those years ago. “Sawyer McCall, you are insufferable.”

  His smile deepened. “I’ve been called worse.” He dipped his chin, giving her a coaxing look. “Come for a ride with me,” he said, holding his hand out to her.

  She looked beyond him to the shiny black Harley Davidson parked at the curb. He’d always wanted a Harley.

  “There are things that need to be said, and we’re long overdue for a chat.”

  His warm eyes were so inviting, and part of her itched to hop on the motorcycle with him … but the Irish pride in her wouldn’t back down. She tossed her hair behind her shoulder. “My dad taught me never to get on a motorcycle with a stranger,” she quipped. “And besides, I have a date to get ready for tonight.”

  He frowned. “Tonight? I thought you only came into town this morning. You already have a date?”

  She shrugged and folded her arms.

  Sawyer’s brow darkened. “With Mike?”

  She nodded, secretly loving that he was jealous. “So if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.” She started to close the door, but he held out his hand to stop it.

  “Wait, Lil. I get that you’re mad.” He blew out a breath and shook his head. “And honestly, I can’t blame Mike for asking you out—but give me a sporting chance too. Please?” His eyes pleaded with her. “Will you go out with me tomorrow night?”

  “I fly home tomorrow night.” Her heart twisted and she secretly wished she hadn’t agreed to go out with Mike, but it was for the best. What good would it do to reopen the past with Sawyer when she was leaving again? They were worlds apart, and one date wouldn’t change that.

  “A lunch date then?” he pressed.

  “Sawyer—” She hesitated, her head at odds with her heart.

  “Just one little lunch date for old times’ sake?” He gave her that boyish grin he knew she couldn’t resist, and she sighed.

  “Fine. For old times’ sake.”

  His face relaxed. “Thanks, Lil. I promise you won’t regret it.”

  She pressed her lips together. “We’ll see.”

  He took her hand, keeping eye contact as he gently placed a kiss on her knuckles. A warm shiver ran up her spine at his touch. It wasn’t fair—he remembered exactly what got to her … only this time he wasn’t an eighteen-year-old boy. This time he was a grown man too handsome for his own good, and the little bit of scruff on his jaw heightened her senses even more.

  “Tomorrow,” he said, his eyes dancing before he waved goodbye and started toward his Harley. His shoulders were broader, fitting nicely beneath the leather jacket he wore, but his walk was still the same Sawyer.

  Her Sawyer.

  She brushed the thought aside. “Tomorrow,” she repeated, waving back before folding her arms across her chest. No matter how charming his speech had been, or how intoxicating his kiss, he wasn’t her Sawyer anymore. And the sooner she got that into her head, the better.

  4

  Sawyer paced back and forth in his kitchen. He should go somewhere. Maybe take the Harley for another drive or his new wave runner out for a bit. Anything to get his mind off of Lily and her date with that
Mike guy.

  He heard the front door open and for a second, his heart lifted. Could it be Lily? The thought was far-fetched, especially since she didn’t know where he lived.

  “Sawyer?”

  He recognized his mom’s voice. “I’m in the kitchen,” he called back.

  Trisha appeared moments later, carrying a grocery bag.

  “What’s all this?” he asked, moving to take the groceries from her.

  “I knew Roberta wasn’t cooking for you tonight, so I thought if you were home, I might make us some dinner. Do you have plans?”

  He smiled. “I do now.” He gave his house staff the weekends off, remembering how much he’d disliked working weekends with his landscaping business. Besides, as the only resident of his estate, it wasn’t like he needed much. Normally he didn’t feel alone in the big house, but tonight was different. He was grateful his mom had somehow sensed he wanted company. “What did you bring?” he asked, peeking inside the paper bag.

  “Since it’s Friday, I thought we’d go all out. I bought some tri tip steak, mixed vegetables, and potatoes for homemade fries. How does that sound?”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “It sounds like you bought my favorites. What’s the occasion?”

  “It’s nothing,” she said, attempting to look innocent as she pulled food from the bag, avoiding eye contact.

  “Come on,” Sawyer pressed. “Something’s definitely up. Are you trying to convince me to go on a singles’ cruise again?” he teased. She’d tried and failed to get him to go on one more than once.

  She laughed. “Not this time. But I did happen to hear that Lily O’Brien was back in town.” She looked at him sideways.

  Sawyer nodded once. “I see.” Suddenly this impromptu dinner made more sense. With the gossip in Eureka Springs, it was only a matter of time until she found out.

  She put her hands on her hips. “You don’t sound surprised, so I’m guessing you already knew?”

  “Yep.”

  She peered at him, clearly frustrated by his lack of response. “Well,” she persisted, “don’t you think it would be nice to see her while she’s in town?”

  “I already have.”

  Her eyes widened. “You did? When?”

  “I went to Sadie’s book signing and Lily was there. We talked for a bit.”

  “And?” she pressed, leaning forward.

  And I’m afraid I’ll never get over her. He squinted, forcing a casual smile. “And she’s doing really well.”

  Trisha scoffed and playfully swatted his arm. “Sawyer Bradley, that is the most unsatisfactory response you could possibly give me. You and Lily were practically inseparable. I know there’s more to it than that.”

  He sighed and leaned back against the counter, folding his arms against his chest. “It was good to see her again. She’s the same powerhouse Lily she always was—making a big name for herself in New York.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I already knew that. Her makeup is all I use anymore.” She pointed to her lips. “I put this lipstick on at eight o’clock this morning, and it hasn’t budged. Considering how much I talk; you know that’s a miracle.”

  Sawyer chuckled. “Indeed.”

  Trisha smiled before her face grew serious again. “Does Lily suspect that you played a part in her success?”

  He shook his head. “There’s no reason she ever needs to know. You haven’t said anything to anyone, have you?” His mom was the only person he’d confided in about his anonymous investment in Lily’s company, and he’d sworn her to secrecy.

  Trisha zipped her lips. “I haven’t breathed a word … but I think you should tell her.”

  “There’s no need. Her company is doing well, and my investment paid off, so it’s a win-win.” He would have taken the risk either way. He’d kept tabs on Lily’s fledgling company, and when he heard it was struggling to get investors, he’d quietly made the investment; determined to see her dreams come true.

  “I’m happy for Lily that things are going so well.” His mom studied him for a moment. “You’re entitled to keep your secrets, but I still think you should tell her.” She shook her head. “I never could understand why the two of you broke up. You were crazy for each other.”

  He looked away, pretending to study the lake through the window. “Our paths led in different directions.”

  She made a dismissive sound. “Well, they’re crossing again now. Maybe fate is giving you another chance.”

  His heart stuttered at the idea. “Maybe.” There was movement on the dock across the lake—Gavin’s dock. Sawyer strained his eyes to see, but even from this distance he knew it was Lily. It looked like she, Mike, Gavin, and Sadie were getting ready to go out on Gavin’s boat. A slow smile spread across his face as he watched them. Maybe fate was giving him another chance after all.

  5

  “This is a beautiful boat,” Lily said, admiring Gavin’s sleek ski boat from the dock.

  “Thanks.” Gavin smiled from his place near the stern as he and Mike made sure everything was ready. “You should have seen your sister the first time she learned to waterski. She was a pro right from the start.”

  Sadie laughed. “I don’t think I’d go that far, but I do love it. You’re going to love it too, Lily.”

  “I’m excited to try.” Where her sister was usually a little more on the cautious side, Lily was always up for anything. She was a bit of an adrenaline junkie, and she was impressed that Gavin had brought out a more adventurous side of Sadie.

  “Gav, I’m not seeing the life jackets,” Mike said, checking the storage compartments.

  Gavin frowned. “It’s been a while since I’ve taken the boat out, so it’s possible that one of the staff might have stored them in the shed over there.” He moved to get out of the boat, but Sadie held up her hand.

  “I can get them.”

  He nodded. “Thanks, love.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Lily offered. She’d been waiting for an excuse to corner her sister all night.

  “Okay.” Sadie motioned for her to follow her and they walked along the dock toward the steps leading to the expansive backyard.

  Once they were out of earshot, Lily nudged her arm. “I know I told you this already today, but I’m so happy for you and Gavin.”

  Sadie beamed. “Thanks, Lil.” She held up her sparkling engagement ring, her eyes dancing with joy. “I still can’t believe this is happening. This has been the best day of my life, and I’m so glad you were here to share it with me.”

  “Like I said, I wouldn’t have missed it.” Lily gave her a side-armed hug. “I just wish I could stay longer to help you plan.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be calling you plenty,” Sadie assured.

  “And you promise to fly out to New York for the dress shopping, right?” Lily pressed.

  “I promise.”

  They reached the shed and Sadie entered a code into the keypad, unlocking the door. Lily helped her gather four life jackets that looked like they would fit, biting the inside of her cheek before deciding to bring the subject up. “I ran into Sawyer today.”

  Sadie froze. “I saw him at the signing.” She straightened, slowly facing Lily. “How did it go? Did you talk to him for very long?”

  Lily tilted her hip, not willing to beat around the bush. “Why didn’t you tell me you ran into him months ago? I had to hear about it from Mike.” She shook her head, not hiding the hurt in her voice. “You knew he was Gavin’s neighbor and you kept that from me all this time?”

  Sadie winced, her hazel eyes tight. “I was trying to protect you, Lil.”

  “From what? It’s not like we’re dating anymore.” She lifted her hands. “I’m a big girl now, Sadie. I can handle hearing about an old flame.” Mostly.

  Sadie gave her a look. “You know Sawyer is more than just an ‘old flame.’ You were crushed for months after the breakup. I didn’t want to open up an old wound. Especially since he was—” She paused and bit her lip.

  Li
ly folded her arms and stared her down. “Since he was what? With another woman on the boat?”

  Sadie’s face went slack. “Mike told you that too?”

  Lily nodded. “And not only that, he told me that you told him and Gavin that I’d never really gotten over Sawyer.”

  Sadie slapped her forehead. “I’m gonna kill him. Why would he tell you all of that?”

  “Why did you tell him all of that?” Lily countered.

  “I’m sorry.” Sadie draped both of the life jackets she carried over one shoulder and touched Lily’s arm. “I didn’t mean to break your confidence, but when we saw Sawyer on the lake, I had to explain my reaction to seeing him. I honestly never thought I would see Gavin or Mike again after the memoir, and I never expected any of it to circle back to you.” She gave her an apologetic look. “Forgive me?”

  Lily searched her face for a moment and then blew out a breath. “Fine. I forgive you. But no more secrets between us, okay?”

  “Okay.” Sadie crossed her heart. “I’ll promise no more secrets if you’ll promise this is the only time you’ll go out with Mike.”

  Lily laughed. “You’ve really got something against him. What’s the deal?”

  “I don’t have anything against him,” Sadie protested. “But when Gavin introduced him as a flirt, he wasn’t kidding. I’d love nothing more than for you to enter the dating scene again—just not necessarily with Mike. He’s something of a ladies’ man, and I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

  “There you go, playing protective big sister again,” Lily teased. “I’m fully aware that he’s a flirt, and I’m in no danger of getting hurt by him.”

  “Then why did you agree to go out with him?”

  Lily shifted. “It sounds petty, but basically I wanted to get back at you for keeping secrets, and at Sawyer for lying to me.”

  Sadie’s eyes bulged. “He lied? About what?”

  “He told me he met Gavin because he’d done landscaping work for him, failing to mention the little detail that he’s his neighbor.”