Hot Billionaire Played: So Hot Billionaires, #15

HOT BILLIONAIRE PLAYED

By Melody Love

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 Melody Love

Click here to get a FREE book for a limited time

Chapter 1 – Harry POV Friday

I placed my hand on the clutch and shifted into first gear. It had been twelve years since I’d driven on a road in Bar Harbor. I stared out the window when I reached the red light on East Rockhill Road. It looked the same as it did before I was deployed. Manny’s Barber Shop was still on the corner and Lobster Locus was still nestled beside the northern courtyard. I could see the high coast line and rugged cliffs of Maine off in the distance.

I wonder what Mom is going to say. I spoke out loud to settle my nerves. I had spoken to my mom on the phone almost every month, but I hadn’t seen her since leaving for South Carolina. It felt like it had just been yesterday when I packed my duffel bag to leave for basic training. I couldn’t even process how much had happened since I’d been away, but I was filled with excitement to be heading back home.

The guys at Fort Johnson had told me that the first year was always the hardest, that a lot of guys didn’t make it for either emotional or physical reasons. I hoped that I could handle the pressures of military training and knew that even though I’d prepared in advance, nothing would prove my tenacity in ways that I’d have expected. It turned out that the demands were much more than I had expected but not too much for me to need a discharge.

I drove up the winding road that led to Cliffside Drive and the house I’d grown up in as a kid. A few red maple trees dotted the landscape and even though it was dark, I could see the crimson leaves when I pointed my headlights toward them. I loved Maine in the spring and considered myself fortunate to be returning home at this time of year. Most of the guys from Fort Johnson were from the west coast and I wondered if we’d maintained our friendships once we went our separate ways.

I pulled up to my home and sat behind the wheel for a second, nervous to see my mother. I had so many mixed emotions that it made it hard to even think about what to say or do. I turned off the ignition and stepped out of the car. It was warm and breezy, the perfect kind of weather for sitting outside and having a beer, I thought as I walked eagerly up the driveway. I was only at the base of the porch steps when I saw my mom’s silhouette in the living room window.

Mom? The window was open a crack and I could see her walking back and forth, her hair pulled up in a twist. She wore a long, cranberry colored dress and her posture was resolute and firm, just as I’d remembered her. I smiled, excited to see her expression when I walked through the door. I wrapped my hand on the wooden door handle and pressed the latch. The click got her attention and she rushed to see who was entering.

Harry? she covered her mouth with her hand. Oh my God, Harry, she cried. It’s you! She threw her arms around my neck and gave me a hug, tears rolling down her face. It’s been so long, Harry, she sobbed. I choked back a tear and hugged her with all my might, feeling the love and longing of twelve years dissolve into one silent embrace.

Mom. I missed you. I held her for another minute and then stood back so she could see my face.

Harry, you look so handsome, said my mother. Oh, I don’t even know what to say or do, she said, clasping her hands together and then hugging me once more. I laughed and then walked to the dining room table.

Mom, sit down, I said. She was still nervously pacing around the room and I figured that if I sat down, maybe she’d follow my lead.

Oh, Harry, she exclaimed. I’m too excited to sit down, she said. I’ve been waiting all these years to see you back home again and here you are. I don’t even know what to say. Okay, let me get myself together, she said and sat down across from me. What can I get you? Coffee? Tea? Do you like tea? Beer? she asked, popping up from the table. I shook my head and chuckled.

A beer sounds great, I said. Do you have a Maine Lager in there? I asked, reminiscing about the days that my father and I would sit on the back porch, sipping cold ones. talking about cars and fishing.

I’ve got your favorite, said my mother from the kitchen. She came back into the dining room with a Maine Lager and a tall glass that had the name Carl etched on the side. It had been my father’s glass.

Thanks, Mom. This means a lot, I said and stared at his name for a moment before holding the cool glass in my hand.

I think this evening calls for a toast, said my mother as she held a glass filled with red wine.

To home, I said.

To home, said my mother, a tear trickling down her cheek. Even after all these years, it still hurt to think about all my father was missing. I tried not to cry in front of my mother because I didn’t want to upset her but it was impossible. I turned away as tears rolled down my face. Here I was, a grown man who had just put in twelve years of service as a sergeant in the army and now I was sobbing like a baby.

I’m sorry, Mom, I said, wiping the tears from my cheek. My mother stood behind my chair and rubbed my shoulders.

Harry, he would have been so proud of you, she said with a smile. I nodded my head. I knew she was right. For the two years leading up to my deployment, my father had told me how much the army would provide me with options, how I would be thankful for enlisting. He was a military man, himself, so he also had a certain level of pride when it came to serving our country.

I know he would have been, I agreed and took a sip of my beer. I thought about him every day that I was out there and especially during the rough times, I said. It feels so strange being back out here without him, I said. My mother nodded her head.

I understand. It’s been hard, she cried. I’m just so grateful you’ve returned, she said. It means so much to have you back home, she added.

I can still remember the last day he talked to me, right before I left, I said as I drank my beer. He told me not to get too worked up over the small stuff. I smiled, thinking back with fondness to his calm demeanor and optimistic attitude. We were supposed to go fishing that weekend, I added.

I know, said my mother. I can still see him, plain as day, standing at the steps to the basement, sorting out the rods and tackle boxes, she said. I’m sorry, Harry.

He had pulled out all of the fishing nets, buckets and maps next. I remembered. It was a Saturday morning, foggy and crisp. I was packed for deployment and this was going to be our last outing, a fishing trip on Maple Island. But he dropped dead five minutes after he had turned off the basement lights.

Mom, I promise that I’m going to stay home now, I said, trying hard to shake off the tragic memory. My mother smiled.

I hope so, Harry. It’s been so lonely here without you. I mean, I know that you can’t replace Dad, but I would love to have some company around here, she said, sipping her wine and then sitting back down at the dining room table.

I know, Mom, I said. Part of me had always felt guilty for going to South Carolina. I had been granted a temporary leave of absence so I could attend my father’s funeral, but I left the weekend after he was buried.

Well, why don’t you finish your beer and then go head upstairs? I’m sure you’re tired after a long day of traveling, said my mother. She was right. I was downright exhausted from the eighteen-hour drive. I had pulled it off in one day but I was ready to hit the sack. I took the last sip of my beer and then got up from the table.

You’ll have to tell me more about the business when I get up in the morning. I’d like to hear about how it’s going, I said. My father had left behind a profitable developing company and my mother had been managing it by herself ever since. She had never gone to college or taken business courses, but she someone had the wherewithal to hold the seams together when it came to keeping the business afloat. That all changed last year when she decided that she was going to start selling shares.

I didn’t want her to sell any shares or change anything internally within the company because I wanted us to keep the business in my father’s name. It felt almost sacrilegious to me to even consider altering any of the structures he had set up in order to make it profitable. We had spoken about possible options afterward and decided that if we could both come to an agreement this year, we might have the ability to keep it up and running.

Yes, said my mother. I’ll tell you all about it when you wake up, she said, rubbing her eyes. I got up from the table and tossed my empty bottle in the recycling bin. Then I walked into the living room and looked at the pictures hanging on the walls. None of them had been moved since my father died.

I stopped and stared at one of the photos taken at my high school graduation. My father had his arm around my shoulder and we were both smiling ear-to-ear. I closed my eyes, remembering that afternoon. My father had been so proud seeing me receive my diploma. After the ceremony, my family and I had eaten at the best seafood restaurant in all of Bar Harbor. I drew in a deep breath, trying to bring back the tangibility of that day.

Harry? called my mother. Haven’t you gone up to bed yet? she asked, wandering in the room. I couldn’t take my eyes of that picture.

I’m heading up now, I said, still staring at my father. He and I looked like twins in the picture. We both had thick, wavy hair and deep-set brown eyes. After twelve years of military training I now had his broad shoulders and his muscular biceps, too. It was hard to believe that he’d been gone for almost thirteen years.

I hope you get some rest, honey, said my mother. I nodded my head and looked away. She knew that I had taken my father’s death especially hard. I saw a counselor on a daily basis in South Carolina, right on the base, for almost six months after he passed. It didn’t help much. For them, it was more of a control tactic to ensure that I wasn’t going to flail on them in the middle of training. I didn’t get the sense that any of them really cared about my well-being. In their eyes, I was just a sergeant who needed to keep his emotions in control.

My mother bowed her head and stood silently for a moment, then left the room. I took one last look at the photo and then turned toward the foyer. It was eerie being in the house without my father, like sharing the familiar space with a ghost. After a long pause, I finally walked out of the silent room and walked quietly up the wooden steps that led to my bedroom.

Chapter 2 - Paige POV Sunday

I had been looking forward to this day all week. I loved getting together with my girlfriends, especially in the spring time. I had a balcony that overlooked the harbor and a huge dining room that was perfect for entertaining guests. I had invited my best friend, Anita over for lunch and was excited to have the chance to relax for the rest of the day. My friend, Gretchen, was also hoping to stop by.

Girl, what have you done in here? Anita’s eyes widened as she poked her head in my apartment. "Your place looks like something out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine," she said as she walked around, gazing at my décor.

Come on in! I exclaimed, running to greet her. I’m glad you could make it. This is going to be amazing. I made some lobster bisque soup, garlic bread, and shrimp scampi. I know it’s a little overboard for just lunch but you can bring home whatever’s left, I smiled, eager to share a meal with my best friend.

Anita and I were often so busy with work that we seldom had time to get together, even though we both craved it. She had a high-pressure job as a corporate sales-agent and was hoping to change careers soon. I loved Anita’s charisma and diligence, so last month I asked her if she would consider joining me in real-estate. She told me without hesitation that she loved the idea.

That’s your door, said Anita as she walked around the couch. I’ll go get it, she said and flitted to answer it.

What’s up, girl? asked Anita when she saw Gretchen.

Hi, said Gretchen. Smells amazing in here.

Thank you! I said as I rounded the corner to greet her. I’m glad you could make it, I said to Gretchen, then motioned for her and Anita to come in the living room. You two just sit back and chill. I’ll have food served in about ten minutes, I said.

You’re the best, Paige, said Anita as she twirled one of her thick, curly tresses. I brought some wine. She pulled out a bottle of chardonnay from the tote she’d brought with her, then set it on the table.

My favorite, I said with a smile. Here. Let me grab a few glasses, I said and reached in the cupboard. I believe we need to have a toast, I said once the glasses were on the counter and the wine bottle opened.

To? asked Anita with a curious smile.

To prosperity and friendship, I said, pouring three glasses of wine.

That’s perfect, said Gretchen.

To prosperity and friendship, said the three of us simultaneously as we clinked our glasses together. We all took generous sips of our wine and I quickly got back to my meal preparation. Anita and Gretchen pulled up stools and sat at the counter.

We will have to try out all your gorgeous throw blankets and pillows after we eat, said Anita with a smile. I am appointing your home the official queendom for all of us, she added with a toss of her head. Gretchen and I laughed.

You two are welcome in my queendom any time you like, I said. It was the truth. I would do anything for my girlfriends, especially Anita and Gretchen. They had both been there for me through the years and the three of us had been inseparable at one point, It was only work and adult responsibilities that had made it more challenging for all of us to spend time together now.

Paige, you gotta at least let me help you by setting the table, said Anita as she opened up my cupboard doors. I smiled at her enthusiasm.

Well, if you insist, I said. The silverware is in that drawer, I said, pointing to the right. And I have some great ceramic bowls right up there, I said, motioning to the right. Anita had the table set in no time. Gretchen poured us all waters and then the three of us sat down, eager to dive into the feast.

Ladies, I feel blessed to have both of you here, I said as I folded my hands. It has been a long work week and I am super excited that we could coordinate and get together. I took a sip of my wine and then stood up to serve the shrimp scampi. Who is ready for dish number one? I raised my brows.

Right here, said Anita as she lifted up a finger. I spooned out a serving on to her plate. Looks absolutely delicious, she raved and then took a bite.

Gretchen? I asked. She nodded her head with a smile.

Looks and smells delicious, Paige, she said. I sat down and then passed around the garlic bread.

There is lobster bisque simmering on the stove-top when you’re ready, ladies, I said and then spooned myself a helping of the shrimp scampi. The three of us ate our food in silence, a good sign that it met everyone’s approval.

Paige, why are you in real-estate when you could have your own restaurant? asked Gretchen as she reached for second piece of garlic bread. I smiled at the compliment.

Girl, if I was convinced that I could make as much money selling shrimp scampi as I make now selling mansions, I’d be all over it, I said with a laugh. But for right now, real-estate is what pays the bills.

That’s why I’m climbing aboard, said Anita as she took a sip of her wine. I need the steady income and I want to get my foot in the door at a place where I can advance, she said with affirmation.

You’re tired of sales? Gretchen asked Anita.

I’m beyond tired of sales. Let me just tell you. I could do the job backwards and with my eyes closed, but I’m just over it. The clientele is getting to me and I feel like I just need a change, said Anita.

I can totally understand, said Gretchen. I love my animals too much to ever change careers, she added. Gretchen worked as a veterinarian right downtown and everyone who had a pet knew her.

You have such an important job, Gretchen, I said as I took a sip of my wine. I mean, animals are family members and you take care of all our furry friends, I said. We need you to stay put, I added and then poured myself more wine.

Ah. Thanks, said Gretchen, humbly. I got up and took out three crock bowls, then spooned lobster bisque into each one.

Ladies, no Seafood Sunday would be complete at my queendom without a customary bowl of lobster bisque soup, I said and took a bow. Anita and Gretchen laughed. Please indulge, I said as I placed the bowls in front of them.

Anita and Gretchen both tasted the soup. Paige? asked Anita. I’m going to have to hire you as my personal chef if you don’t quit real-estate and open up a restaurant. Okay? she asked. Gretchen laughed. Because this soup is the bomb, she said. I smiled and sat down.

Thank you, I said. The honor is mine, like I said before. You two mean the world to me and I feel like we are all so busy now with our careers. Days like this are special to me and I’m lucky to have you both as my friends, I said, feeling emotional.

You need a break from that job, said Anita. you work more than anyone else I know, including myself, she said.

I know. It’s been really intense lately, I sighed. It was true. I was the head of the agency now and I was responsible for the sale of several multimillion-dollar vacation homes on the coast. My commissions were what kept me from burning out; otherwise, I would have quit years ago.

The three of us had second helpings and then we all polished off the bottle of wine. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon and I honestly couldn’t have been happier. I was excited to hear that Anita still wanted to jump on board with my agency and I knew she’d make a great fit for our brand.

Ladies, I know it’s getting late in the day and you have to head out soon, but I made some cannolis and I also have espresso and cappuccino, I said. Anita and Gretchen both got up and cleared the dinner dishes.

I’m a taker on the cannoli. You know that, said Anita. She loved my desserts and I always made sure that she got to taste test whatever I baked.

Then I’ll have to try one, too, said Gretchen.

I know I had to twist your arm. Right? laughed Anita as I brought out the dessert plates and forks. Gretchen laughed.

How about espresso? I asked. Anita and Gretchen both nodded their heads. Perfect. I’ll have two right up, I said and then measured out the coffee grinds. I loved using my French press and it made for a fun conversational piece, too.

Ladies, we have to do this more often. Can we make a pact? asked Anita. Gretchen and I both nodded.

Let’s make a date now, said Gretchen, pulling out her phone. What do you have scheduled on May fifteenth? she asked as she viewed her phone calendar.

I think I’m free as long as it’s not a Friday, I said and walked an espresso to the table.

I think I’m available, too, said Anita.

Okay. I’ll put it on my calendar, said Gretchen.

Next time, I’ll have ya’ll over to my place, said Anita.

Sounds prefect, I said and sat down at the table. The three of us sat and talked for the next hour. I felt lucky to have forged such a close bond with both of my friends and I hoped that we would remain close for many years to come. After we had finished our espressos and cannolis, I carried the dishes to the sink and we all lounged in the living room.

If I didn’t have so many houses to show this week, I’d invite you both back over this week for some drinks, I said with a sigh. Anita leaned back on my pillow and closed her eyes. But I’m glad we had the chance to hang out, I added.

I’m enjoying this view you have, said Gretchen as she curled up on the recliner and looked out the bay window. I love seeing the trees and the coast from up here, she said. I did, too. On clear days, you could see clear across the harbor. I enjoyed watching the seasons change from my little perch on the third floor.

Ladies, before I fall asleep right here, I’m going to head on out, said Anita. She pushed herself up from the couch and reached for her shawl. I had a great time, Miss Paige, she said and gave me a hug.

Thanks for coming, I said as I walked her to the door. Gretchen got up and walked behind her.

I’m taking off, too, Anita. I have a cat coming in tomorrow morning at six, she said. Thank you for the amazing dinner and dessert, she said and gave me a hug.

You two are both welcome and you know you’re free to come here any time, I said as they inched out the