Billionaires Club Page 5

  She looked at all the scratches on her arms. They weren’t bleeding but were red. “In the cupboard to the right side of the sink.” Sandy stood by him as he got the kit out and she washed her arms with soapy water.

  “You going to be okay?”

  “I feel gross and dirty from him touching me with my clothes on. I didn’t want this day to happen—ever. We were supposed to be good friends. He wanted me to show him Seattle again. He only talked about himself.”

  Clint got a towel and dried off Sandy’s arms. “You going to report it?”

  “It wouldn’t matter. His dad would buy his freedom. I want to erase tonight as if it never happened.”

  “Does it include me?”

  Sandy got a band-aid and put Neosporin on it to cover one deeper scratch. “If tonight didn’t happen, then you wouldn’t have had to rescue me. I didn’t know if I’d see you again after the dinner cruise.” She was a bit grouchy and turned to look at the wall. Her back was facing Clint. “You off building around the world? I figured my kiss wasn’t good enough for you.”

  “No. I had some important matters to take care of.” He took a step up and wrapped his arms around Sandy. She leaned back against his chest. “I’m nervous. Emotions are a pain in the ass.”

  “They’re scary and hard to control.”

  Clint turned Sandy around. “My heart wants you.”

  She put her hands on his chest and gazed into his eyes. “I want you too.” She erased the situation with Aaron in the alley and let herself be taken away by the man she loved.

  They were silent as Clint guided Sandy out the door, across the gravel, and into his building. They got out of the elevator and walked to the penthouse he had shown her a couple weeks ago. He opened the door and let Sandy go in first. “Do you like?” He came in, shut and locked the door. “I did it in the colors you liked.”

  Sandy looked around at the room. It was furnished with a maroon couch on top of a beige carpet. The walls were a lighter color but had some pictures of Puget Sound. “The décor is temporary until the owner does their own preferences.”

  “They’re all my colors.”

  He came up to her. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “But what if I didn’t fall in love with you and some other lady hated the colors?”

  “I took my chance. I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you, and I hope I don’t have to fight to keep you as mine.”

  “I’m glad you did.” At the moment, Sandy wouldn’t have cared if she lived in the garbage dumpster as long as she had Clint. She kissed him and made a gesture she was ready.

  He pulled her shirt off during their kiss and moved to the master bedroom, where a king size bed was ready for them. Her night had turned from darkness to light, erasing the dark clouds from the past.

  Sandy remembered how she felt when Aaron took her innocence. Different, cheap, and used. However, with Clint, she felt like it was the first time, and she wasn’t embarrassed lying naked in bed. It felt natural. She turned on her side and rested her head on Clint’s shoulder.

  “Got an alarm?”

  “I can set my cell. Why? In a hurry?”

  “Need to be up and at work at five.”

  “And I thought six in the morning was early enough. Four-thirty fine?”

  She moved her free hand over Clint’s body. “I’m not leaving this spot until I have to.”

  “I like your answer.” They kissed.

  The next three hours passed, filled with sleeping and snuggling. After a shower on the lady’s side of the bathroom, Sandy dressed and went to work. As she arrived and prepped the kitchen ready to bake, she wondered what would happen next with Clint.

  Sleeping together made a statement that they were a serious couple in Sandy’s books, but how would her life change? Would they still be casual, or would Clint want her to move in with him? Then, the thought of selling the café when Laura moved away with Bob came to mind. “I hate unknown answers.”

  Laura had a sense when to enter the kitchen when Sandy spaced and talked to herself. “Answers about what?”

  “More decisions to deal with.”

  “Like what?” Laura took the milk and eggs out of the fridge and set them on the counter. She watched her niece and saw a change. “Not enough sleep, I can see. Good?”

  “Not enough of the evening, but I’m fine. I need a nap after we close.” She smiled a look of satisfaction.

  Laura tilted her head. “Did you come home last night?”

  Sandy couldn’t keep her mouth shut. She grabbed Laura’s arms and squealed. “I did it. I slept with Clint.”

  “You make it sound like you won a game. Heck, you just met him.” She shook Sandy’s hands off her arms. “How was it?”

  “Oh, my gosh darn heck. I’m still in heaven. He’s a keeper, rich or poor. I want him.”

  “Looks like you got him. Hope he keeps you and it wasn’t a game for him.”

  ‘Don’t get me thinking negative. Get to work up front while I prep the breakfast.” Sandy playful slapped Laura’s butt.

  “I’m the boss, but will do as told.” Laura obliged.

  Chapter 6

  It turned out to be a slow day at Sandy’s Café, and around eleven a.m., Laura sent Sandy up to get some sleep. First thing Sandy did was text Heather to share the news. She went on to tell her about Aaron and what he did to her, but Clint was a knight in shining armor who rescued her.

  Sandy dozed off. A text from Clint arrived, greeted by her light snore. She missed it until an hour later and stressed that he’d thought she stood him up. She explained in the message back that she was sleeping, and asked if all was okay.

  Clint told her not to worry and asked her to go with him to his parents’ house Friday night for dinner and meet his older sister, Ann, and his two nephews, Steve and Conner. Sandy accepted and the nerves upped in her gut.

  She texted Heather again and told her the news. Meeting the parents was like a pre-engagement meeting to see if they all got along and liked each other. Heather, for the hundredth time, told Sandy to mellow out and stop stressing.

  Bob showed up on Tuesday night again with no notification and took Laura wedding ring shopping. The time for his new job and move was still up in the air, but the excitement was felt.

  The next day during a slow time at work, Sandy received a text. She giggled, thinking Clint couldn’t get enough of her. He said he had to make an overnight trip to Portland and would get back to her when he got settled for the night. She opened the text with shock.

  Aaron: Hi. I’ve been thinking about the other night and want to apologize. I thought it would be easy to jump back into our relationship we had in high school. Boy, I was wrong. We aren’t kids anymore. Forgive me? Want to go out with me and some of my friends this weekend?

  Sandy stared at the message and felt sick. How could he? How could he think I’d forgive him and jump back into his arms? I don’t have any feelings left for him. She felt his presence at times and hoped he wasn’t stalking her. If so, she knew Clint would take care of the problem.

  Sandy: I don’t think I can ever forgive you, and no. I’m busy.

  Aaron: Mellow. I know in time you’ll calm down and forgive me like when we’d argue in high school. After a few days, you’d come crawling back to me. I’ll be waiting.

  Sandy: Not this time.

  Aaron: I’ve heard that same statement several times.

  Sandy came close to deleting the messages but thought it would be smart to save with date and time in case something came up in the future. She pushed the speed dial for Heather but knew better not to complain or whine to her with every problem in her personal life. She herself needed to grow up.

  As promised, Clint called Sandy as she lay in bed wishing he was with her. He explained to her a new contract was signed and he and crew would be set in Portland for several weeks, but since it was a short distance, he would come back on weekends to see Sandy.

  He reassured her Friday was still s
et for the date at his parents’ house and not to worry. He knew his parents liked her and so would his sister. Moreover, if Sandy liked to play card games, she was set to be loved forever.

  The next day another text showed up on Sandy’s cell.

  Aaron: I miss you and am waiting for your return.

  Not too long after, a delivery from a nearby flower shop arrived, bringing a bouquet of roses from him. Sandy ran out the back door and tossed them in the dumpster. “It’s where you belong. In the trash.”

  The traffic between Seattle and Olympia after four o’clock in the afternoon was torturous, so the earlier one left, the better, or the hour drive could turn into two hours plus. Clint arrived at the back door of Sandy’s Café at three thirty p.m. and knocked.

  Sandy had heard his truck pull in and jumped up from the chair in the kitchen ready to open the door. She latched onto him as if he’d been gone for weeks. She couldn’t control her emotions.

  “Hey there. I’ve only been gone four days and how I got it set up, I can be here more often. I still need to go over a few things in the building behind us to make sure it’s ready to open.” He kissed her.

  “I do have an extra key for my penthouse if you want to stay in it.” He pulled a key out of his front pocket and handed it to Sandy. “My door is always open for you.”

  Sandy put the key in her purse. “Really?”

  “I’d like to make a homecoming gift with you now, but we need to go and beat the traffic.”

  She exhaled the built-up excitement. “I can wait.” He smiled.

  Clint drove through Olympia on the way to his parents’ house set by Puget Sound. He pointed out the buildings he had helped build. They weren’t fancy looking buildings but had a touch of class, and Sandy liked the style.

  Before he came to another stop light, Clint pulled to the side of the street and parked by a building. “This is the building Brie died in.”

  Sandy had nothing to say, so she nodded.

  “After the accident, I made up my mind not to build or go up on unfinished floors. My dad took over with my team and finished the building. He then came to me and said, ‘Clint. You can’t go on running away from your fears and grief. Life goes on and you need to pull yourself out of the hole you pushed yourself in. You can only change yourself.’

  Clint stared at the building as he talked. “Over a year I went the long way around to bypass this building. If I saw it, I’d get depressed again. I knew it wasn’t my fault. Not too long after the year, I had a dream of Brie telling me to go on with my life. She was gone and I’m here. I felt it was okay to move on and love someone else.” He looked back at Sandy, who was glued in her seat, looking at Clint’s face. “You pulled out my emotions like a magnet.”

  Sandy knew it was difficult for most men to express themselves. At least she knew Aaron never did, only by gestures, gifts, and touch. “I’m happy you’re happy.” Another stupid comment.

  He touched the side of her face softly. “We need to go. My mom’s picky about being on time.”

  “I have a feeling your mom is going to pick me inside out. She’ll end up knowing more about me than I do.” Not good if she does snoop around. I need to tell Clint when we get back to his penthouse tonight. I can’t keep my secret any longer. I should’ve told him before we slept together. It was unplanned, the timing wasn’t right.

  “Don’t worry. She’ll want to know you as a friend to her, not my girlfriend. Plus, my sis and bro-in-law will be there too, to lessen the tension you might feel.”

  The rest of the short drive was filled with general chatting and Sandy felt comfortable talking about any subject. She was also amazed at the big houses facing the Sound. She’d seen big houses, but the newer ones built in Olympia were bigger. She was more in awe as Clint pulled into the driveway of a house that must have been over six thousand feet square feet. It was three stories, and Sandy could tell it had a basement.

  Sandy was speechless when Clint opened her door and helped her out. He kept hold of her hand as they walked to the front door. “Looks like we beat Hans and Ann.”

  “Hans?”

  “Shortened from Hansen. His parents liked the last name as a first name.” He opened and closed the front door and raised his voice. “Company’s here.”

  Sandy expected a butler in uniform to walk out behind the stairwell wearing a black suit, white shirt with black tie, and a white towel hanging from his arm as he held it up to his chest. She was wrong. June came out of the kitchen off to the left with a big smile.

  “So happy you could make it, Sandy. Hansen and Ann will be here shortly. You’ll love them too.”

  Sandy saw June give her a satisfied look. It made her feel uneasy. As in why would I love them? The tone of her voice was a little off. Sandy figured it was her being nervous. Heck, she was in a rich man’s house. They had it all.

  “Take Sandy to the front gathering room while we wait for your sister.” She turned and went back into the kitchen.

  Clint still had Sandy’s hand and led her to the front room. It was midsize with a white stone fireplace and a white grand piano in the corner by a bay window. On one wall sat a tall wooden case full of books. A couch, two love seats, and end tables made the shape of a square U in the middle.

  On the fireplace mantel sat family pictures. Sandy went to look. Ann and her family appeared to be magazine models. Beautiful. She glanced at all to the end and saw a group picture with Clint’s arm around a lovely lady. “Is this Brie?”

  Clint picked up the picture for a closer look. “This was a week before her death. It was the day after we were engaged.” He ran his thumb over Brie’s face and placed it back on the mantel.

  “I can see the sparkle in your eyes. She was gorgeous.” Sandy went over to the bay window and sat. She looked out and watched boats floating by.

  Clint came and sat by her. “And so are you.” Before Sandy could reply, a suburban pulled into the driveway. “You’ll like my big sis.” He leaned over before he stood and gave Sandy a quick kiss.

  Steve and Conner, ages ten and twelve, ran into the house. “Gramma, Gramps. We’re here.” They stopped when they noticed a stranger standing by Clint. “Unkie C. Who’s this?” Conner pointed.

  He squatted down to give Conner a hug and stood to high five Steve. “This is Sandy.” Hansen and Ann came into the room. Introductions were made and they were informed dinner was ready. They went to the kitchen and out on the deck.

  Clint was right about Sandy liking Ann. She was talkative and had funny stories she shared of the wild and crazy things she and Clint did in their youth. Most the time Ann did something wrong, she blamed it on Clint so he’d get in trouble.

  Hansen didn’t say much, but made a comment here and there showing he was interested in the conversation, but he knew better than to interrupt his wife. After dinner and dessert, the boys went downstairs to the playroom. It had a big flat screen TV, video games, pool table, foosball table, and a couple empty tables for board games and puzzles. Clint said he’d show the room to Sandy before they left.

  Chet brought out a bottle of wine and a tray of crackers, cheese, olives, and dip. He told Sandy he called Sandy Beach Café’s building owner and was told it was up to par and there were no emergency repairs or fixing to do.

  He asked Clint about his building across the alley. Clint said it was ninety percent done. They need to fix some pipes on the main floor and the for-rent sign would go up in two weeks at the latest. While Clint worked on the new buildings in Portland, he left part of the crew in Seattle to finish it.

  During a gap of conversation and drinking, June broke the silence and gave a firm expression to Sandy. “Tell me. Are you after Clint to take his money? Do you still have the urge to steal? You’re only a waitress.” She said as she put her glass down.

  Sandy choked on her cracker and Clint patted her back. She, let alone the other adults present, looked surprised.

  “Steal?” Sandy squeaked.

  “I googled
your parents’ accident. What a tragedy, and I’m sure Clint told you his.”

  “Thanks?”

  “But I clicked on your name and it gave me a history of your wild side. Are you latching to Clint for his money?”

  “Mom.” Clint’s voice was annoyed. “How could you? I’m the one who’s pushed the relationship.” But Clint’s facial expression looked confused.

  “You want to explain?” June ignored everyone’s comments.

  “I, ah, it was.” Tears streamed down Sandy’s face. “My fault.” She pushed her chair back, grabbed her purse and ran through the house and out the front door. She continued to run a couple blocks down the street toward town when a car pulled up in front of her and stopped.

  The driver’s door opened and Sandy saw Aaron jump out and run up to her. “Sandy. What are you doing in Olympia? I was going to bring you here with my friends.” He then noticed Sandy had been crying. “What happened?” He led her to his car and helped her in.

  “Sandy!” Clint yelled.

  She turned to look and saw Clint had come after her and wasn’t too far away on the sidewalk. It made her shake on the verge of hyperventilating. “Get me out of here and take me home.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “No. I don’t like you, either.” She tightened her seatbelt, leaned the seat back some, turned to get a better look out her window and stared into space. On the drive back to Seattle, Sandy dozed off and didn’t wake up until Aaron pulled into his garage.

  “Where are we?”

  “My place. You’ll be safe here.” He got out and opened her door. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to attack you. I have a spare bedroom you can use, and I’ll take you to your place in the morning on my way to work.”