Page 53 of Secret Billionaire

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Faye sighed wearily as she locked the door behind their last customer. She sat on a bar stool and watched as Jesse lined up the last of the freshly washed mugs. “I don’t know about you but I’m exhausted.”

“Dog-tired. Show business is harder than it looks.”

She had just taken a sip of beer and choked on it, her eyes dancing in merriment. She snorted with laughter. “You are quite the showman. I had no idea you were such a ham. I can hardly imagine what tales you have from your college bartending days. On second thought I’m sure I don’t want to know.”

“I never kiss and tell.”

“Good to know.”

“You’re staying with me tonight right?” Jesse said.

“Yes, I was planning on it. Hey what do you think got into Ty tonight. He looked like he’d seen a ghost.”

“Not sure, but I’m too tired to think about it. Let’s get out of here.”

* * *

The following morning Jesse woke up first and quietly slipped out of bed to make a donut run to the local bakery…hopefully before they sold out of their fresh baked pastries. He left a note for Faye in case she got up before he returned. He hopped onto his motorcycle and took off.

The parking lot was empty, and he whistled happily as he entered the shop, relieved to have beat the church crowd. He placed his order with the young girl behind the counter, who cheerfully filled the pastry box with a half dozen assorted delicacies. As he stepped outside, he slipped on his sunglasses. As he walked toward his bike, he heard a familiar and unwelcome drawl, his neck muscles immediately tightening.

“Jesse.”

He turned. “Hey Kelsey.”

“You’re looking fine as all git-out. I miss you.”

“Is that so. Odd, because you didn’t seem to miss me much when you were fucking someone behind my back. I’ve got nothing to say to you.”

“That’s too bad. I suppose you think you’re above me now.”

“Why would I think that?”

“Oh, I don’t know…maybe because you’ve moved up the social ladder.”

His eyes narrowed, “What in God’s name are you even talking about?”

“Just curious…how’d a construction worker like you hook the billionaire heiress? I mean you’re gorgeous and all but…”

“I haven’t a clue where you’re going with this.”

“Beautiful Faye? You know Faye Bennett? The one you’re currently fucking?”

He tilted his head, eyes narrowed. “Faye LeBlanc?”

“Ha! Faye LeBlanc? Is that what she told you?” She studied his face, her eyes narrowing with sudden understanding. “You don’t even know do you?”

“I guess not. What is it you’re trying to tell me?”

“That girl you were fooling around with in the back aisles of Lowe’s… I know her. She’s a member of the Yacht Club. I wait on the Bennetts all the time. I’m her brother Griffin’s favorite bartender.”

His forehead creased. “Brother…Griffin?”

“Yes, you mean she hasn’t brought you home to meet the family yet? Probably ashamed. Mr. Bennett would probably have a fit seeing his only daughter hooking up with a construction worker.”

His face darkened, “Bennett as in Bennett developers?”