Building Billions - Part 2 Read online

  I wanted things to stay like this between us, as innocent and as new as our first time together.

  Chapter 8

  Ashley

  My eyes fluttered open as the sun poured through the window. I felt Jimmy’s warm body underneath mine, and a smile crossed my cheeks. It felt so good being in his arms, cradled against his strong body all night. It was so nice that we could finally be together like this after navigating the first question of Nina and officially putting it out there that they were no longer together.

  I nuzzled into him, and his grip tightened on me. He groaned and rolled over, his nose connecting with mine. He was so handsome, especially with his hair mussed with sleep. I ran my hand through it, watching as his nose scrunched up.

  I did it a few more times, taking in the involuntary movement before his eyes slid open.

  “Good morning,” I said.

  “What a wonderful sight.”

  His voice was heavy with sleep, and it shot chills down my spine.

  “Sleep well?” I asked.

  “Better than I have in a long time,” Jimmy said. “You?”

  “With ease,” I said. “I figured I could get up and make us some coffee.”

  But before I could move, Jimmy threw his arms around me.

  “You’re not getting out of this bed,” he said.

  “But I need caffeine.”

  “And I need you,” he said. “Right here. Next to me.”

  I froze at his words and allowed them to descend on my mind. Did he mean what he had just said? I scooted on top of his body and pressed a kiss to his neck. His groan caused me to plant another one, and another, and yet another still. I kept kissing him until his hands were running up and down my back and his cock was pressing into my thigh.

  Then our lips connected, and I could feel the truth behind them.

  “If you’re not careful, you might get something you didn’t bargain for,” Jimmy said.

  “Coffee first. Then we can talk,” I said with a grin.

  With a fake sigh and an exaggerated eye roll, Jimmy got out of bed. I followed him into the kitchen and sat at his breakfast nook, watching as he started to make coffee. His long legs were flexing with strength, and his languid arms were long and dexterous. Every movement he made was done with a grace I’d never seen in a man before. The strength of his back was pulling against his bare skin, and every time he turned to me, my eyes fell to his abs.

  Jimmy was a beautiful man.

  And he was all mine.

  “Like what you see?” he asked.

  “You’re full of it,” I said.

  “Don’t worry. I like what I see too,” he said.

  I looked down and saw that I was a shake away from spilling out of my top. I gasped with shock and tucked myself back into my dress as a chuckle fell from Jimmy’s lips. My face flushed with embarrassment as the coffee began to percolate, and I felt his hands cup my cheeks and raise my gaze to his.

  “You’re a beautiful woman, Ashley. Never hide that from me.”

  “I was almost out of my dress,” I said.

  “And it isn’t anything I would’ve complained about,” he said with a wink.

  I shook my head as the coffee finished up, and he made a mug especially for me. The tired silence between the two of us was comfortable, and a fleeting thought crossed my mind.

  I could get used to this.

  I sniffed in the glorious smell and gazed at the man in front of me. His legs were tangled with mine underneath the table as we stared into one another’s eyes. It was amazing, how I could feel so vulnerable and exposed yet so comfortable in that state around him. He grinned at me from beyond his mug, and I blushed. Then, a familiar sound caught my ear.

  “I think my phone’s ringing,” I said.

  “Hold on. I’ll get it for you.”

  Jimmy got up from the nook, and I watched him walk away from me. His ass was nice and tight, filling out his boxers as his shoulders flexed. How that man could be as gorgeous as he was confused me to my core. A man like him shouldn’t exist.

  It should’ve been illegal.

  I took my phone from Jimmy, and he sat back down across from me. I furrowed my brow at the number and then picked up my phone.

  And the peaceful morning I was sharing was shot.

  “Hello?” I asked.

  “Hey there, Ashley.”

  “Mom?”

  “Yes, it’s Mom. Who else would it be from this number? I need help getting some groceries for our meals this week, and I was wondering if you could come over and help.”

  I felt my heart sink as I held out my phone and took another look at the number.

  She was calling from her room in the nursing home.

  “Mom, are you sure you need to go get groceries?” I asked.

  I watched Jimmy’s eyes go from playful to worried in a split second.

  “Of course, we need groceries, Ashley. How am I going to cook meatloaf without any breadcrumbs?” my mother asked.

  “Okay, Mom. I didn’t realize we didn’t have breadcrumbs. I’ll come pick you up, okay?”

  “That’s fine, but hurry on over. I want to beat the Monday morning slouchers.”

  I wanted to tell my mother it was Saturday, but I decided against it.

  I hung up the phone and threw back the rest of my coffee. Standing up from the nook, I strode to Jimmy’s room to slip into my heels and walked into his bathroom, running my fingers through my hair. I reached for a cotton swab and ran it under some water to touch up the makeup I’d gotten smeared everywhere, and all the while, Jimmy was watching me from the doorway of his bathroom.

  “I need to go see my mother,” I said.

  “I wasn’t going to stop you from that. You know this,” he said.

  “She must not be having a good day,” I said.

  “Just let me know where to take you, and we’ll be there.”

  “Jimmy, this isn’t—”

  “I’m not asking to meet her. I’m simply asking you to let me tag along for moral support for you. I can’t imagine what you're going through, and I want to be there for you during those times. Allow me that.”

  I looked over at him, and his stern eyes buckled my resolve. I nodded, and he pushed off the doorway, heading for the suit he wore last night. He was dressed faster than I could get myself together, and I helped myself to his mouthwash to try and make my breath a little more presentable.

  “Sorry,” I said as I spit.

  “Don’t be. Help yourself to anything. I’m ready when you are,” Jimmy said.

  “You don’t wanna brush your teeth or anything?” I asked.

  “I’ll keep a safe distance. Your mother’s more important right now.”

  My heart melted as he held his arm out for me. The two of us made our way to his car, and I showed him where to go. We pulled into the parking lot, and I told him to stay there. Then, I got out and went into the nursing home.

  Everyone was gathered at the front door trying to calm my mother down.

  “You don’t understand. My daughter’s picking me up. We’re going grocery shopping.”

  “Hey there, Mom.”

  The nurses all shot me a sympathetic look as I reached out and took her hands.

  “What took you so long? The Monday slouchers are going to be there, and we’re going to get caught up in their slow lines,” my mother said.

  “Mom, it’s Saturday,” I said.

  “Oh. Well, then we’re in the middle of the Saturday morning rush. Your father doesn’t understand these things. Thinks I’m crazy and overbearing, but it’s true. Certain types of people shop on certain days, and you never want to get caught up in it.”

  “Mom, you don’t have to go grocery shopping,” I said.

  “And why not?” she asked.

  “Because you’re in a nursing home, remember? We sold the apartment two years ago?”

  I watched a blank stare come across my mother’s face before she started looking around her, taking i
n the white walls with colorful decorations and the nurses standing around us. I could tell she couldn't remember. I could tell she was struggling. The smile on her face was empty as she turned her gaze back to me, her hands sliding from mine.

  “Oh, yeah, I know that,” my mother said. “Why wouldn’t you think I know that?”

  “How about we go back to your room, and I’ll tell you all about my week, okay?” I asked. “Maybe have someone bring us a snack?”

  “A snack might be nice. Maybe some pudding or some crackers.”

  “That sounds really good. Why don’t you follow this nice lady here, and I’ll be there in a second,” I said.

  I watched the two of them walk away before I turned my head to the woman standing next to me.

  “How do you think she would handle company?” I asked.

  “What do you mean?” the nurse asked.

  “I have someone here who wants to meet her, a guy I’ve been seeing.”

  “Good for you,” the nurse said.

  “But I’m not sure if she’s up for it,” I said.

  “I think she’ll be okay. She’s been partially lucid like this for most of the day, but we couldn’t get her to back down from the groceries. Seeing someone new might do her some good.”

  “Okay,” I said. “That ... that sounds good.”

  I went out to the car and beckoned for Jimmy. He got out in his tailored suit, and I could see people already beginning to stare. I pushed him into the nursing room, and the women at the front desk were drooling over him.

  I felt a small surge of pride fill my chest as we walked down the hallway.

  “Mom?” I asked. “Can I come in?”

  “Ashley?” she asked. “When did you get here?”

  I threw a look up to Jimmy, and he tucked my hair behind my ear. His touch was so comforting during something like this, and his hand fell to the small of my back. He didn’t push me into the room or try to lead me in any way. He was waiting for my permission, waiting for my lead.

  “There’s someone I want you to meet,” I said.

  My mother turned her head as Jimmy and I entered the room.

  “Well, it’s about time you introduced me to this husband of yours. And he’s handsome too.”

  “Oh, Mom. No. This is—”

  “Jimmy Sheldon. It’s wonderful to meet you,” he said.

  “And polite. I never thought my daughter would find someone. How did you get her out of the apartment?” she asked.

  “A little bit of dinner and the promise of wine,” Jimmy said.

  “You better not be pumping my daughter full of alcohol for your own selfish purposes. I may look fragile, but I know a thing or two about the delicate form of the male body.”

  I felt my eyes widen as Jimmy sat down next to her.

  “I don’t know why Ashley insisted on not introducing us sooner. I hardly got to know you before the wedding.”

  “No. Mom. You don’t—”

  But Jimmy held up his hand before a smile crossed his cheeks.

  “That’s my fault. I travel a lot for my work. I’m a businessman, and it takes me all over the world.”

  “But not into the arms of other women, I hope. You’d have to answer to me if that happened,” my mother said.

  “Never. Your daughter never has to worry about that with me.”

  “The wedding was so beautiful, Jimmy. Those flowers hanging from the ceiling and that white tuxedo you were in. Oh, it made me so happy.”

  “Did you like Ashley’s wedding dress? I thought the princess look was perfect for her,” he said.

  I sat on the empty bed beside my mother’s and watched Jimmy curl his hand around my mother’s. She was hallucinating everything, drawing off a mixture of dreams and memories from her own past, and Jimmy was rolling with it like nothing was wrong.

  “The train was a bit long, but it was beautiful. And the reception. Oh! The food. I’ve never tasted food like that in my life.”

  “Had it flown in from Cuba,” Jimmy said. “Did you like the spice to the fish?”

  “Yes, I did. Ate way too much of it, if you ask me. I had no room for cake afterward.”

  “I hope you took a slice with you. It was decadent,” he said.

  He looked up at me, and I tried to hold back the tears rising in my eyes.

  “What was your favorite part?” Jimmy asked.

  “Of what?” my mother asked

  I felt my heart sink as I sighed and closed my eyes.

  “Of your day,” Jimmy said.

  “I got out a little bit to read in the sunshine. It’s been a gorgeous day. I hope it doesn’t rain. I don’t like the thunder that comes with the rain.”

  “There’s no rain in the forecast, so you should be good to go,” he said.

  “Thanks, um ...”

  “Jimmy,” he said. “Jimmy Sheldon.”

  Then they repeated the process all over again. Ogling over a wedding that never happened as the light in my mother’s eyes faded and sparked. It was like trying to start a car, only for the battery to fail. In one moment, she was holding a conversation, and in the next moment, she had no idea who she was looking at.

  I was thankful Jimmy was there because it was one of those days where I wasn’t sure I could handle it on my own.

  Chapter 9

  Jimmy

  I woke with Ashley in my arms for the second morning in a row. Holy shit, I could get used to that. I pulled her body close to mine, clad in nothing but one of my shirts. I pressed a small kiss to the nape of her neck and watched goosebumps rise to the surface. She groaned and stretched, her leg pressing between mine. She was the most beautiful woman on the planet in the mornings. With her auburn hair tangled up and her sleepy green eyes trying to focus. She was raw in the mornings, untainted with the stress of work. She rolled over and smiled at me, and I smoothed her hair out of her face to help her see.

  “Morning, Jimmy.”

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  “You know you don’t have to call me that every morning, right?” Ashley asked.

  “Fine. Good morning, gorgeous.”

  She giggled and shook her head, her beautiful smile encompassing her cheeks. I saw a lot of her mother in her whenever she smiled. Meeting her mother yesterday had been such a treat. I knew she was nervous about it, but I hadn’t been. She had met Markus, who was more of a father to me than anything else, so it was only natural I meet her mother.

  But I could see why she kept her private life away from her mother.

  The topic of conversation didn't bother me. In fact, it actually gave me a few ideas for my own wedding. I could see myself eventually marrying Ashley. She was an incredible woman who warmed my soul as well as my body. Waking up to her these past two mornings had put the cherry on top of my weekend with her. I enjoyed every single moment I spent with her, and I enjoyed the intelligence and professionalism she brought to my company.

  And as I gazed into her eyes that were reflecting the morning sun, my heart skipped a beat.

  I was falling in love with Ashley, and I didn’t want it to stop.

  “Coffee?” I asked.

  “Mmm, sounds wonderful,” she said.

  “You stay here and wake up. I’ll get up and make it.”

  “If I could figure out how to use your fancy coffee maker, I’d make it for you.”

  “Or you could stay in bed and be gorgeous.”

  “Or you could get a pot coffee maker like everyone else,” she said.

  “Now what would be the fun in that?”

  I made my way into the kitchen and began making coffee. I pulled out a couple of bagels, toasted them, and spread a thick layer of cream cheese around them. I heard the pitter-patter of steps coming down the hallway, and I shook my head. I knew that woman wouldn’t be able to stay in bed much longer.

  “Coffee and bagels? My hero,” Ashley said.

  “Keep talking like that and my ego might blow the windows off this place,” I said.


  “At least you’re honest about it.”

  I looked over at Ashley and took her in. She’d thrown her hair up and stuck her glasses on, and she was more beautiful than I could’ve ever imagined. My button-down shirt hit her at her mid-thigh, taunting me with just enough of her curves to get my engines roaring. Her legs were smooth, and the sleeves were rolled up so she could use her hands. My shirt was baggy as hell on her, and she wore it with a pride I basked in.

  “Coffee with cream and sugar for you, and a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese.”

  “Hope you have a spare toothbrush I can borrow,” Ashley said.

  “Don’t worry. My guest bathroom is full of things you can use to clean up,” I said.

  “Do you have plans for the day?”

  “Nope. Sunday’s the one day I take off from the company. Unless an emergency takes place, it’s my day to do as I wish.”

  “Well, I have to go check on my puppy at the resort.”

  “I didn’t know you had a dog.”

  “I haven’t mentioned Chipper?”

  “Nope.”

  “Awww, I’m a terrible puppy owner. Yeah. I got him about a week or so ago. He’s a beagle puppy,” she said.

  “I take it this resort you speak of is a place for him to go and play with other dogs?”

  “It’s lots of things. They groom him and feed him, and yeah, he gets to play with other dogs. He gets pampered while he’s there, and it makes me feel less guilty that he’s there while I’m at work,” she said.

  “I’d like to meet this puppy sometime,” I said.

  “Well, once I move into my new place, we could stay there one night, and you can meet him.”

  “When are you moving, by the way?”

  “The end of next week. Saturday, actually.”

  “I want to be there to help,” I said.

  “You don’t have to do that, Jimmy.”

  “Well, I’m going to, so there. What time?” I asked.