Page 2 of Next Door Billionaire's Surprise Baby

With those parting words, I turn to look ahead and start driving, leaving the old life I'd always known behind for a new one.

Thankfully, the road leading to the vibrant city of Austin is an easy one. Even though I have my GPS to direct me, it still helps that I don't have to take multiple interstate highways. The ride has been quiet so far. Skye fell asleep some minutes into the trip, and without her constant squeals and garbles, I've had enough time to think.

I think about the series of events that have led me to this point in my life, and my mind goes back to how Tim and I met. Just like me, he grew up in the same small town. He attended the same school as I did, but because we weren't in the same circles, we barely spoke to each other back then.

But that all changed the year I left for college.

Seven Years Ago

My phone lights up with the notification of an incoming call, and I stare at the screen to see it's my best friend calling.

I answer with a groan, "Please don't tell me you're also going to the party."

Her high-pitched voice rings out with excitement, "Duh! Yeah, and you're coming along." and she insists, "Whether you like it or not."

I let out a noise of disgruntled protest. This is why I was skeptical about coming back home during winter break.

It's been three months since high school graduation and a good percentage of us left for college. I'd expect that everyone would move on with their lives and forget about their mostly fake high school friendships, but no. It seems the three-month separation only served to heighten everyone's anticipation for a reunion during the winter break.

The best way they thought to reunite was by organizing a backyard party, and on short notice, too!

"It's going to be fun, Chloe," my best friend, Fiona, encourages, "Now make sure you're ready by six, alright?"

I don't even get a chance to protest further before she ends the call. With a sigh of annoyance, I throw myself onto the bed, and my eyes immediately fall on the clock.

I only have twenty minutes to get ready.

An hour later, I'm wandering around at the party in jeans and a sweater. Music is blaring loudly from the speakers, and almost everyone I see has a cup of beer in their hands.

Totally uninterested in the loud, teenage version of 'fun,' I weave through the crowd looking for Fiona. After searching for her for a while without any luck, I give up and decide to sit somewhere until I'm ready to find her again.

I make my way to the backyard porch and immediately notice that I'm not the only one there. There's a dark-haired guy with eyeglasses sitting comfortably on the deck bench, and his eyes are focused on something in front of him.

As I get closer, I notice he has a notepad on his lap and is writing something on it. He doesn't look up until I'm seated, and when he does, I recognize him right away.

It's Tim Simmons—the only guy in our class who was able to balance being a jock and a nerd properly.

When he looks up at me, I'm immediately taken aback by how handsome he is. I mean...he has always been good-looking but still somehow managed to become hotter over the course of three months.

His eyes, dark and glittering, hold mine as he smiles, "Hey."

We've never spoken to each other before, so I'm a bit surprised to hear him greet me.

"Hi," I answer back. He nods and returns back to his notepad. Then, he asks, "Are you enjoying the party?"

I shrug, "Not really."

He lifts his head to wink at me, "Then I suggest you look for the nearest exit because things are about to get a lot more interesting."

As a college student, I immediately knew what he meant. I just hope I'm able to find Fiona in time before getting stoned from weed.

"I'm Tim, by the way," he tells me, and I manage a little smile at him, "I'm Chloe."

He gives a one-sided grin and simply comments, "I know."

Then he once again turns back to his notepad. I peek slightly and see that he's writing down numbers and calculating them as if he is studying for the exam.

In the middle of a party? I was instantly enchanted by how focused he appeared at that moment.

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