Tempting The Billionaire (The Sherbrookes of Newport Book 13) Read online

  “Okay. That makes no sense at all. Care to explain?”

  “Josh and I have been together for a while. Even before those pictures of us in Hawaii showed up.”

  If she didn’t feel so guilty about lying, she would have laughed at Addie’s stunned expression. “Really? Exactly how long is a while?” Addie asked.

  “We met in July when he was in New York, and we’ve been together ever since.” Good thing they’d discussed this last night, saving her from making it up as she went.

  “July!” There was a decent chance Steven in the office next door had heard her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  She’d expected this question. “Since I wasn’t sure how long it would last, I wanted to keep it out of the tabloids as long as possible. Keeping it a secret from everyone seemed like the safest route.”

  Across the desk, Addie frowned, and her shoulders slumped. “I wouldn’t have told anyone.” In the beginning of her and Trent’s relationship, Addie had had her own run-in with the media, so she understood how relentless it could be.

  “I wasn’t worried you’d tell a reporter, but you might have let it slip to Trent. And I wasn’t sure how he’d react, so until I knew there was something real between us, I didn’t want him to know.” She hadn’t expected Addie to be upset because she hadn’t confided in her. But at least to her, the excuse she’d pulled out of thin air sounded genuine.

  “Then the two of you planned the vacation in Hawaii?”

  Time to drop the rest of the surprise. Courtney twisted the ruby ring on her left hand and hoped Addie bought the rest of the story. “It was actually Josh’s idea, but yes, we planned to meet there right after Scott’s wedding. And while we were there, he proposed.”

  “Proposed?” Addie shifted in her seat and leaned an elbow on the desk. “As in asked you to marry him?” she asked, propping her chin up with her hand.

  Courtney nodded and held out her left hand.

  “You’ve been engaged since December?”

  If Addie was having this much trouble accepting the news, what would happen when she told her mom?

  “Congratulations, I guess.” Confusion still tainted Addie’s voice.

  “I know most people would have shared the news long before now. We wanted to wait. You’re the first person other than Josh’s publicist to know.”

  “Then you don’t want me to tell Trent?”

  The fewer people she had to have this conversation with the better. “You can tell him. I’m meeting with my mom soon to tell her. Tomorrow, Pauline, Josh’s publicist, is going to alert the media outlets.”

  Reaching for her hand, Addie examined the ring Courtney selected to act as an engagement ring. “He has good taste, anyway. Have you decided on a wedding date?”

  “We don’t want a long engagement. I’m going to ask Uncle Mark if he can perform the ceremony on February first.”

  She realized Josh would prefer something sooner, but unless they eloped, something her mom might disown her for doing, she needed some time to plan. And since they weren’t going to have anything elaborate, a few weeks should be enough time—at least her cousin Derek and his wife had managed to pull off a nice wedding in a few weeks’ time last year. Scott and Paige hadn’t had a lot of time to plan either, and their wedding had gone off without any issues.

  “That’s only about a month away. I’m glad I’m not the one who has to tell your mom.”

  Courtney wished she wasn’t either. “Since Josh is in town, I’m going to bring him with me on Saturday night. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah, of course. And if you need any help with planning, I’m here for you.” Addie stood and pulled on her coat. “See you this weekend.”

  Courtney watched her friend leave. Once the door closed behind her, she sagged back in her chair and blew out a breath. For the most part, the conversation had gone well. Although Addie was surprised, it didn’t appear as if she doubted any part of the story. “Time for the second act,” she muttered after a glance at her watch.

  Angela, her mom’s personal assistant, smiled when Courtney approached. A woman in her mid-sixties, she’d been with the foundation for as long as Courtney could remember.

  “Mrs. Belmont said to have you go straight in,” Angela said as she reached for the ringing phone on her desk.

  Although she couldn’t complain about her office, her mom’s office was at least three times the size. In addition to a desk and a matching credenza, the room contained an oval-shaped conference table, a separate sitting area that her mom used for more relaxed meetings, as well as a private bathroom. Several pictures of Cooper, her only grandson at the moment, sat on the credenza. And no matter the time of year, there were always fresh flowers in the office. Today’s arrangement consisted of white lilies, peach roses, carnations, and green echeveria succulent. It was anyone’s guess what might be in the office next week.

  “Hi, Courtney. I’ll be right with you. I’m finishing up an email.”

  No need to rush.

  Rather than sit near the desk, Courtney crossed the room and got comfortable on one of the two dove-gray sofas. As promised, Marilyn joined her almost immediately.

  After sitting on the sofa across from Courtney, she put her cup down on the coffee table between them. “It seems like I haven’t talked to you in ages.”

  While they both worked for the foundation these days and saw each other almost daily, it had been a while since they sat down and engaged in a conversation that didn’t involve work.

  “Have you talked to Scott?” her mom asked.

  The next two people she planned to drop the news on were her brother and sister, but she hadn’t wanted to reach out to them until after telling her mom. “Not recently.”

  “He called last night. Paige is having twins.” Mom sounded as happy as a child who was about to get her first puppy.

  She’d known Paige was pregnant. It had been the main reason for their short engagement. The idea her new sister-in-law might be expecting twins had never crossed her mind. While thrilled for the couple, she was glad it was Scott and Paige who were about to welcome twins into their lives and not her. She’d seen how much work Cooper could be, and he was just one child.

  “They’ll be here with Cooper for a few days,” Marilyn added. “Assuming you and your sister aren’t busy, I thought we could have a family get-together. I will call Juliette later. Do you have plans for the weekend?”

  One never knew what Juliette might be up to. “I’m supposed to have dinner with Addie and Trent Saturday night.”

  “I know Paige and Scott plan to head home on Sunday, so I’ll see if your sister is available for brunch before they leave and get back to you. This morning you said you wanted to talk to me about something. What is it?” her mom asked.

  Moistening her lips, Courtney prepared herself for whatever reaction she might receive. “I’m engaged. Actually, Josh and I have been since last month.” Somehow saying the words was easier this time around.

  “Engaged? Josh who? And why haven’t your father and I met him?”

  She’d assumed her mom never saw the pictures from Hawaii. Her statement seemed to confirm that fact. Either that, or Mom didn’t know J.T. was a stage name.

  The first answer was on the tip of her tongue, but before she could speak, Marilyn continued.

  “Engaged since last month and you’re only telling me now? I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”

  “We’ve been together since the summer. I wanted to keep our relationship out of the spotlight for as long as possible, so we didn’t tell anyone. If I hadn’t been sick on Christmas, I would have brought him by.”

  She’d woken up Christmas morning with her throat on fire and a fever of 102. It’d been the first Christmas she hadn’t seen her parents. Still not 100 percent, she’d opted to skip the family’s New Year’s Eve party in Newport. At the time, she’d cursed her bad luck. Now, the fact she’d been sick helped sell the story.

  “Do I know him?” />
  “You’ve met his brother, Evan Williamson. He participated in the bachelor auction. And you’ve probably seen Josh in movies. He goes by J.T. Williamson.”

  Recognition spread across Marilyn’s face. “The actor from Over The Edge?”

  Did she have to make the word actor sound so distasteful?

  “Doesn’t he have a reputation of being, well... you know, a player?”

  They might be in a fake relationship, but she still felt the need to defend Josh. “We both know people can change, Mom. I know you love Trent, but even you have to admit his reputation was just as bad before he met Addie. Jake wasn’t a saint either.”

  “You’re right,” her mom conceded, folding her hands in her lap. “Still, it would have been nice if your father and I met him before he proposed. Since your brother will be here, let us plan to get together this weekend even if your sister can’t come so we can meet him.”

  She hated canceling on Addie, but the sooner she made the introduction and soothed her mom’s hurt feelings the better. Courtney knew Addie would understand. “I’ll reschedule with Addie and Trent. Josh and I will be by on Saturday night.”

  “Perfect. Hopefully, your sister can make it too.” Mom picked up the coffee she’d carried over with her but hadn’t touched since sitting down. “Have you discussed a wedding date? Personally, I think a summer or spring wedding would be better. Less chance of the weather causing problems.”

  And now came perhaps the worst part of the conversation. “February 1. I plan to ask Uncle Mark to perform the ceremony.”

  “Winter weddings can be beautiful too. Next February gives us more than a year to plan. And by then the election will be over, so it’ll be more likely that Warren and Elizabeth can attend.”

  As much as she’d love her uncle Warren and aunt Elizabeth to be at the wedding, even if he wasn’t in the middle of campaigning, the chances of him making it on such short notice were slim.

  “We’ll want to start looking for a dress soon. Do you think you’ll have the wedding and reception at Cliff House?”

  More than one of her cousins had used the family mansion, which currently belonged to her uncle Warren, in Newport for their weddings. Honestly though, she hadn’t spent a single moment thinking about the where yet. She’d been far too busy concentrating on the conversation she was currently having. Tonight she’d bring up the matter with Josh.

  “Mom, we’re getting married this February, not next year.”

  The cup hit the table with a thud and some coffee sloshed over the side. “Are you pregnant?”

  If she said yes, it might help her mom accept the short engagement. In a few months though, when it became obvious she wasn’t expecting, she’d have a much bigger issue on her hands. “No.”

  “Then what’s the rush? It takes at least six months to plan a decent wedding.”

  “Not true, and you know it. Derek and Brooklyn only had a few weeks to plan, and their wedding was perfect. Scott and Paige managed everything in less than six months.” She checked each one off on her fingers. “Should I go on?”

  Marilyn pressed her lips together and picked up her coffee again. “I still don’t see the need to rush. At least wait until May or June.”

  “Mom, neither of us wants to wait, so unless Uncle Mark isn’t available on the first, that’s when we are getting married. I’d love your help with the planning.”

  With a sigh, her mom nodded. “I’ll help in any way you need. But don’t be surprised if your dad calls you later tonight and tries to change your mind about the date.”

  If he didn’t, she would be surprised. But she had much bigger worries than a conversation with her dad, starting with the six-foot-one flesh-and-blood temptation that would be sleeping under the same roof as her starting tonight.

  Six

  Josh’s call to his dad after breakfast went straight to voice mail. The same thing happened when he tried his mom, although he’d expected as much in her case. The woman was impossible to get in touch with. While he left them both messages, they’d been vastly different ones. Considering the message he left his dad, Josh expected a call back before lunchtime. One never came though. Even now as he pulled into the garage at the Mayfair, he still hadn’t heard from the man, and he wondered if he should try him again. Thanks to Pauline, news of his and Courtney’s engagement would be front and center on multiple media sites tomorrow, including the ones associated with Today Magazine and the Star Report. He’d prefer if his dad and stepmom didn’t find out he and Courtney were getting married from any of those. Oddly enough, he’d received a text message from his mom promising to call when she had a chance. In reality, that meant the call might come tonight or in another two weeks. It really was anyone’s guess.

  Popping the trunk, he removed his two suitcases. The cell phone in his back pocket went off as he settled them on the pavement. He slammed the trunk closed before pulling out the device.

  “You couldn’t have called an hour ago,” he muttered when he saw Dad on the screen. “Hey, Dad.” Rather than head into the warm building, he climbed back into his car. He’d prefer to keep this conversation private and, at the moment, inside his car was the only place he could guarantee he wouldn’t be overheard.

  “Sorry I didn’t call you back sooner. This is the first chance I’ve had today. Did you get news from your lawyer?”

  “No, what I want to talk to you about has nothing to do with Adalynn,” Josh explained. “Before you hear about it from someone else, I wanted to tell you I’m engaged.”

  Silence followed Josh’s statement, and he checked his watch while he waited for a response. Courtney had told him to come by around six. It was almost six now.

  “This seems sudden. You didn’t say anything about proposing to anyone when we saw you last night.”

  Across the parking garage, the stairwell door opened, and a couple stepped out. If they saw him and thought it odd that he was sitting in his car, they didn’t show it. Instead, they walked past him and climbed into a vehicle further down the row.

  “I asked Courtney back in December. At the time, we decided to wait to share the news.”

  More silence greeted his comment, and Josh got ready for a lecture.

  “Congratulations, I guess,” his dad finally said. “We won’t have time this week, but when Laura and I get back, we’d love to meet her.”

  The fact his dad and stepmom were soon leaving for almost a month had completely slipped his mind. He’d prefer his dad be at the wedding, but he wasn’t willing to postpone it to make it possible. “When are you getting back?”

  “We’re supposed to fly home on the twenty-ninth, but we might extend our vacation a few extra days.”

  “The wedding is on the first.” He’d received the text message from Courtney after lunch letting him know her uncle would do the ceremony then.

  More silence. Stewart Williamson was known for always having something to say. The fact he’d rendered his dad speechless so many times in one conversation demonstrated just how shocked his dad was by the news.

  “I know patience isn’t one of your strong points, but on this, I suggest you wait a few more months before getting married. How long have you even known this woman? Before now you’ve never mentioned her.”

  No way was he telling him the truth, and he didn’t want to take the time to share the story they’d concocted. “Long enough, Dad. And we’ve already decided. Evan’s agreed to be my best man, and I’m going to call Shannon later and tell her. Hopefully she can make it.” His younger sister was finishing up a PhD program in Connecticut, so she might not have the time to come home.

  “Listen, Dad, I need to go. I’ll talk to you later.” He didn’t give his dad a chance to respond before disconnecting the call, because he was sure he’d get another comment about rethinking their wedding date. Stepping out of the car, Josh shoved the phone back in his pocket and hoped his dad didn’t call back wanting to continue their conversation.

  He picked up hi
s pace when he saw a woman step inside the elevator at the other end of the lobby. She must have seen him approaching, because she held it for him.

  Maneuvering his suitcases against the wall, Josh smiled. “Thanks.”

  “What floor are you going to?” Her finger hovered near the control panel where the button for the tenth floor was already lit up, but her eyes never strayed from his face.

  “Penthouse, please.”

  Her eyes dropped down to the suitcases and then back to his face as she jabbed the button. “You look familiar, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in the building before. Are you staying with friends?”

  It wasn’t any of this individual’s business, but soon enough everyone would know anyway. Besides, answering her was better than being rude, and if he made one rude comment to anyone, the entire world might find out. “No, I’m moving in.”

  “Oh.” The woman’s mouth made a perfect O shape. “Well, welcome.” She extended her hand. “My name is Meg.”

  Shaking her hand, he wondered how much longer until they reached the tenth floor. Too Long. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You look like J.T. Williamson,” she said before he could give her his name. “I read he was in the building last night too. Was it you?”

  Josh nodded, fully expecting Meg to ask for a picture like the woman from the night before. “Please call me Josh.”

  If Meg planned to ask for a photo, she didn’t get the chance, because the doors opened, revealing a carpeted and thankfully empty hallway. “This is my floor. Have a nice night. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

  Before the doors closed again, he saw Meg pull a cell phone out of her purse. His instincts told him she was calling a friend to share she’d just met J.T. Williamson.

  He had the elevator to himself for the rest of the ride. When he rang the doorbell, Courtney opened the door almost immediately, as if she’d known he was on his way up. With her phone against her ear, she gestured for him to enter but didn’t stick around to make sure he did.