The Billionaire's Family Secret (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 15) Read online

  The Billionaire’s Family Secret

  Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove

  Danni Lee Nicholls

  Copyright © 2020 by Danni Lee Nicholls

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  The Billionaire’s Family Secret

  Dear Reader,

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  About the Author

  Also by Danni Lee Nicholls

  The Billionaire’s Family Secret

  She wants to leave behind the shame of her family’s past.

  He needs to overcome the guilt of one bad decision.

  The secrets they share can rip through their world or forge their love into something strong enough to face any storm.

  Working for Trev Michaels definitely has some perks. A great summer job with a nice family and a deepening romance with a billionaire.

  Does it get any better than that?

  But it doesn't take Leah long to discover that everyone in the Michaels’ household carries at least one secret.

  When Leah is forced to expose one of those secrets to the authorities, what happens next has the power to tear apart the tender romance she and Trev have created, pushing them both into hard revelations that can only be softened by love.

  This captivating, sweet billionaire romance will hold you through terrible truths to find the other side of love’s gentle allure and secure promise.

  Dear Reader,

  I’m so glad you’ve picked up my book, The Billionaire’s Family Secret.

  If you’ve read my earlier work, you know that I don’t shy away from difficult topics. In this novel, I write about a drowning and a possible suicide. These episodes take place mostly off the page but there is a flashback where the survivors deal with the memory of that day.

  In all truth, it’s these tough emotions that draw me to troublesome subject matter. For romance to truly flourish, my characters have to struggle through some painful experiences. It makes their decision to come together both intentional and purposeful and gives their love more meaning. I hope you find this to be the case in The Billionaire’s Family Secret.

  I learned so much while writing this book. I hope you enjoy it.

  As always, thanks for reading,

  Dannie Lee

  Chapter 1

  Leah Thomas’s eyes widened as she walked into the front entrance of the home of who she hoped would be her new employer, but she didn’t have time to take in the luxury that greeted her.

  “This way, miss.” The gentleman who’d answered the door held her attention with his kind blue eyes and thinning white hair. He was dressed in a suit, and Leah wondered if he would be her patient. So far, she had nothing but questions when it came to this job opportunity.

  “Please, have a seat.” The gentleman’s voice was refined. “May I get you anything? A glass of sweet tea, perhaps, or some water?”

  Suddenly, Leah’s throat was parched. “Yes, please,” she replied. “Water will be nice.”

  Before she sat down, the man returned with a frosty offering, ice clinking against the glass. Leah smiled and took the glass, downing half its contents in several gulps. The cold liquid revived her as it flowed through her body.

  She smiled at the man. “Will you be my patient?” she asked.

  The gentleman chuckled, his face dissolving into a papery, wrinkled smile. “Me? Heavens no. I believe you’re here to look after Mr. Michaels’s parents. He’ll be with you momentarily.” The man disappeared without a sound.

  Leah settled on the sofa and looked over the room. High-coffered ceilings with dark beams contrasted with a creamy background. A huge stone fireplace connected the ceiling to the mahogany floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows ran the length of the room, and the view of Beaver Lake and the hills beyond took Leah’s breath away. Still holding her glass, she stood and walked to the window to take in the late spring day from the cool, comfortable home.

  Everything was spotless, and Leah wondered who cleaned this place. Her mother would need to work here full-time if she wanted to keep up with a job this big. Leah squashed the niggling discomfort that bubbled to the surface of her thoughts. This wasn’t the time to think of her family.

  “The view is really something, isn’t it?” Another man’s voice came from behind Leah, startling her into dropping the glass of water. It shattered on the hardwood floor, sending ice and glass skittering across the room while a puddle of water formed at her feet.

  Heat rose from her belly, searing her skin and making her hands clammy. “I’m so, so, sorry. I—” She dropped to her knees to clean up the mess but didn’t have a rag. Desperately, she began picking up shards of glass. Maybe she needed to use the hem of her blouse.

  The man got down beside her. “Please, don’t fret.” His voice was soft and forgiving as he helped Leah to her feet. “It’s my fault. I startled you.”

  Leah continued to stare at the mess of glass and water. “If I’d stayed put on the couch, the whole mess would’ve been avoided.”

  A middle-aged woman materialized from nowhere, carrying several fluffy white hand towels. She dropped to Leah’s feet and hurriedly wiped up the mess. “Don’t move,” she said softly. “I’ll pick the glass from your slacks.”

  Even though Leah couldn’t see her face, she recognized the duty, and a creep of shame rose up Leah’s neck. This woman did the same kind of work as her mother, cleaning the messes others made. The coloring in her face deepened. She was responsible for this particular wreckage. She held still while the woman picked off shards of glass from her white jeans.

  The man bent down to inspect Leah’s knees. “Are you hurt?” he asked, looking up.

  Leah’s mouth fell open as her attention moved from the maid to the man’s face. His blue eyes, framed in long dark lashes, were full of concern. His brown hair fell over his ears, and his aquiline nose was perfectly centered, with a strong jaw rounding out his perfection. She lowered her eyes, away from his gaze, hoping her face wasn’t as flushed as she thought. “No. No. I’m fine,” she choked out. Even if her knees were cut, Leah doubted she’d feel anything after gazing into those brilliant blue eyes.

  The cleaning woman stood, holding several towels’ worth of ice, water, and glass. Gently, she took the shards from Leah’s hand.

  “Thank you, Marguerite,” the man said.

  Leah turned her attention back to the maid. She was dressed in black cotton slacks and a white T-sh
irt. Her long hair was folded into a comfortable and efficient bun, and her eyes were black and snappy.

  The woman smiled at the man and then at Leah before silently padding away.

  “See? No harm done,” the man said.

  Leah studied the mahogany floor. A small dent remained where the glass had hit the wood before shattering. She kept the observation to herself.

  “I’m Trev Michaels.” The man put his hand out.

  Leah grasped his fingers, appreciating his firm grip before hurriedly releasing him. Her reason for being here didn’t involve flirting with an attractive man or getting lost in his gorgeous eyes. She was here to interview for a job as a caregiver to the elderly parents of Mr. Michaels—if he would have her after her clumsy introduction. “I’m Leah Thomas.”

  “Yes.” Trev ushered Leah back to the sitting area.

  She tried to regain her composure as she sat in a chair, leaving the sofa for Trev.

  Once settled, Trev began again. “Your résumé is impressive. This coming school year, you’ll be a senior at the University of Arkansas studying nursing, but it sounds as if you want to go on to medical school with a specialty in geriatrics.”

  Leah grinned, the earlier humiliation retreating from her mind. The very thought of becoming a doctor made her happy. “Yes. I’m hoping that by becoming a nurse, I’ll be able to pay at least part of my way through school.”

  Trev returned her smile. “According to your résumé, you’ve already made the dean’s list and you’re on track to graduate with honors.” He placed his left ankle across his right knee and stretched his arm across the back of the couch, settling into his seat.

  Leah’s heart skipped. Trev Michaels wore his clothes easily; a pair of jeans and a royal-blue linen shirt matched his eyes perfectly. The sleeves were rolled to the elbow, showing strong arms and perfect hands. His tousled brown hair brushed his collar. She glanced at his feet encased in a pair of loafers. Were those white athletic socks poking out from underneath the hem of his pants? Leah tried not to smile at the fashion faux pas for a man so put together. She cleared her throat. “Yes. I work really hard for my grades.”

  Trev followed Leah’s gaze and smiled. “You’ve noticed my socks.”

  Leah bit her tongue. How many ways could she screw up this interview? “Umm, yeah.” She ducked her head.

  Trev’s deep laugh resonated within Leah, causing her to look up. What did he find so amusing? This interview wasn’t going the way she’d envisioned. They weren’t supposed to be talking about socks. She hoped he wouldn’t ask her where she did her shopping, because she wasn’t exactly in a position to pass fashion judgment on anyone with her white Goodwill jeans, her faded yellow blouse, and her own worn footwear.

  Taking a deep breath, she loosened a little and raised the hem of her pants. “See? I wear socks, too,” she confessed.

  “And tennis shoes,” Trev teased.

  Leah warmed with the exchange. This wasn’t an agency where everything had to be prim and formal during the interview process. She could relax a little. She let go of the tension and settled into her chair. “Being able to move around is more important to me than fashion,” she said. “And …” She hesitated. “I kind of have a thing for feet. I like mine to be comfortable.”

  Trev grinned at her, his eyes lighting up with pleasure that came to Leah on some primeval frequency. “Well now, Miss Thomas, that’s something we have in common. I wear socks for the same reason,” Trev replied. “Much to the consternation of my sister, who loves all things fashionable.”

  “Oh, please, call me Leah.” Leah chastised herself for the sweetened tone of her voice. She didn’t need to get too friendly. She would be working for Trev Michaels, not dating him.

  “Okay, then, Leah. Let me tell you what’s going on here, and we can decide if it’s a good fit.”

  Leah nodded, but she hated to leave the flirty and attentive exchange. Another chastisement. She hadn’t dated since Justin, and if that relationship was any sort of indication, flirting wasn’t her strong suit. Best stick to business. She folded her hands in her lap.

  Trev continued, “My parents are in their early to mid-sixties, and they’re not in great health. They had children later in life. I have an older brother who lives in London with his family. He oversees the international arm of our real estate business. Me and Allison—that’s my younger sister—live here with our parents.”

  Leah considered venturing an opinion. Folks in their early to mid-sixties could lead active, busy lives. She changed her mind. She’d already said too much. “Go on.”

  A cloud came over Trev’s expression. “My parents were in an automobile accident about two years ago in Seattle. We were all living there in separate homes at the time. My father suffered a broken femur.”

  Inwardly, Leah winced. “That’s a tough break for anyone, especially an older person.” She was glad she’d kept her mouth shut earlier.

  “My mom came out of it physically unscathed, but since that day, neither one of them have thrived. I wanted to stay in Seattle, because the medical care was excellent with the University of Washington and other great facilities within minutes of where they lived. But they’re from this area, and they wanted a quieter living, so we moved to my vacation home here in The Cove.”

  Leah bristled. She hated the way everyone dismissed healthcare in this state. “The medical community in this part of Arkansas is excellent. Bella Vista, Bentonville, and the surrounding areas have very good doctors and the latest technology.”

  Trev concurred. “Of course. I didn’t mean any slight. It’s just that we had the medical needs of my parents figured out in Seattle, and I thought it’d be best for them to stay with what was familiar instead of trying to branch out into a new medical arena when they were already suffering.”

  “Yes, I can understand your concern.” Leah shifted in her seat. Truly, she needed to learn to keep her opinions to herself. “So, what would be my duties here?”

  “I’m looking for someone who can look after my folks while I’m working and maybe do some coordination of care. They might need physical therapy or occupational therapy. They might even need to see someone for their mental health. The accident took a terrible emotional toll.” He paused. “I just want them to live their lives to their full potential, and I feel like that’s been thwarted since the accident. I was hoping that once we moved to The Cove, they might reconnect with old friends or feel like exploring, since they’re from here and wanted a slower-paced environment, but that didn’t happen. I work all day, and my sister …” His voice faded. “She moved with us to take care of my parents, but frankly, she hasn’t been happy since leaving Seattle, and she and my parents…”

  Leah’s mind filled with wonder. The real estate business must be booming for Mr. Michaels to afford such an extravagant living—at least two homes, with one in pricey Seattle. They had maids and butlers, or whatever title was used by the elderly gentleman, scurrying about, silently showing guests where to sit and cleaning up their messes. She cleared that topic from her head. It didn’t matter what Mr. Michaels did, as long as her paycheck didn’t bounce. The thought soured her. Sometimes, the richest clients were the last to pay. It was her mother’s experience with her work, although her mom also said that no one in The Cove had the problem. Several of her mother’s coworkers had clients from The Cove, and they came with a sterling reputation. She bit the inside of her cheek as she tried to find a more suitable subject to query. “Would I need to coordinate care with your sister?”

  Trev’s voice cooled. “No. Not at all.”

  “What would be my hours?”

  “Mostly from eight to five, Monday through Friday.”

  “Mostly?”

  “There might be a night or two when I’d need you to work late, say around nine or so. I know that’d be a long shift, but lunch and dinner will be provided, and if you wanted, you could spend the night. There’d be some notice, so you could plan ahead, and as you can see, there
’s plenty of room. You’d have your own private space.”

  Leah blinked to cover her surprise. Spend the night in this opulence? She tried not to think of her small one-bedroom apartment in Eureka Springs with its tattered, faded curtains and worn carpet. Instead, she focused on Trev Michaels, but his piercing blue eyes didn’t offer her any relief. Spending the night under the same roof as her employer sounded like a bad idea, although she couldn’t pinpoint a reason. Best to just move on with the conversation. “I appreciate the heads-up.”

  “So.” Trev stood as he clapped his hands together. “Would you like to meet my parents?”

  Leah followed Trev’s lead and stood. She didn’t even have to think. A job that allowed her to have weekends off and provided meals? Maybe she could throw in a request for gas money. Unless his parents were complete ogres, Leah was ready to start this minute.

  “Oh, and you can call me Trev,” Mr. Michaels said. “Everybody does.”

  A budding familiarity warmed Leah in spite of the warning that rang in her head about becoming too friendly with her employer. She scoffed at the possibility. There wouldn’t ever be any romantic knot tied between her and Trev Michaels. Their respective bank accounts kept her safe from that. The only thing that brought them together was Leah’s hope to work for the family. In spite of their teasing exchange about socks, flirting with her boss wouldn’t be part of her job description.