Page 24 of The Nanny's Bossy Billionaire

“Well, you need to answer,” Stella says, and I pick it up.

“Hello,” I say in a slightly shaky voice.

“This Brooke?” His voice is still as raspy as I remember. “Yes. This is her.”

“You’ve been a busy little whore, haven’t you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Not that I’m complaining,” he says. “We got the money you got your rich boyfriend to pay us off with is all.”

“What?” I’m not sure I heard him correctly.

“Yep, every last dime. Nice doing business with you, and anytime like, you and your limp dick brother wanna owe us some more money, we’re here for you. We’ll treat you nice like.”

I hear the dial tone.

“What did he say?” Stella asks.

I’m reeling with shock when I say, “It appears Xavier has paid off the debt. Everything.”

“I thought you turned him down.”

“Yeah. I tore up the check.”

“And yet here you sit. Debt free.” Stella shakes her head in disbelief, smiling.

“I can’t believe it. I’m free.” I get up and pace the room.

“Yes, you are, girlfriend.”

“But why would he still do that after everything I said to him? And I refused him for the date.”

“Maybe he’s not as bad as he seems,” Stella says. “And now you owe him a thank you. Perhaps you might even consider being his date for this wedding.”

“But I don’t wantto,” I whine. “Stella, it’s a wedding. A formal, public event. What do I know about being some billionaire’s wedding date?”

“Somehow Xavier doesn’t strike me as someone who plays by anyone’s rules. You won’t have to be anything except yourself, otherwise he can fuck off. Right?”

“I’m sure he’s already speed-dialed some other girl more suited to his needs.”

Stella shakes her head. “Chicken,” she says affectionately. “You’re scared. Well, it’s just a ‘thank you’ it’s going to be then,” she says.

I nod, not quite believing the turn of events. I suppose I could call to say thank you. It’s the courteous thing to do. Or maybe send a card. It shouldn’t be hard since I won’t have to see him face to face.

My phone vibrates again. This time it’s Steve. Stella leaves me to finish the phone call, mouthing something about meeting someone. I blow her a kiss.

Steve is incredulous and apologetic and ecstatic and guilty about my boyfriend paying off the debt. I correct him the first time, but I lose the strength to keep explaining the relationship, or lack of one, between Xavier and me when he continues calling him my boyfriend. By the end of the call, I’m drained and I just want to go to bed. There is just one worry gnawing at me.

Steve is free now but for how long? Gambling is an addiction that is almost impossible to kick. I told him my concerns.

“I know, and I’m so very ashamed for dragging everyone into this. I’ve already checked myself into Gamblers Anonymous and my sponsor is very supportive. I think he can help me.”

“I hope so, Steve. Well done fortaking those steps, I’m proud of you,” I say.

And for all our sakes, I hope he’s right.

On my lunch break the next day, I call Xavier. His number was one of those Zoey listed out for me. His assistant Gail picks up and informs me he’s in a meeting but will return the call as soon as he’s out.

---