Her Two Wilde Billionaire Bad Boys (Wilde, Nevada 3)

“A bake sale?” He took the paper and read the article. The headline sent him over the edge.

“What?” Lance demanded. “Read it.”

“Two Homeless Men Wait Tables At Norma’s Diner for Food.” He died laughing and continued reading through the tears. “Local businesswoman Carlotta Sollomovici, owner of the diner, told several citizens she was impressed by the two men and wanted to lend them a helping hand. The Ladies Auxiliary of Wilde has organized a bake sale that will be held this Saturday to benefit the two new arrivals to town. Maude Strong, president of the club, said this event is exactly what they’d been looking for since their mission has been to stamp out homelessness in Nevada. ‘These two unfortunate souls need our help,’ she said. ‘We hope you will open your hearts and wallets at the bake sale.’”

“Oh my God, these are the sweetest people I’ve ever known,” Lance said through his own chuckles. “We’ve got to clear this up.”

“That explains the big tips we were getting.” Chuck realized just how unique Wilde was. “It almost makes me want to be poor.”

That sent them all into another crazy fit.

Michael finally composed himself, taking a seat and pouring a cup of coffee. “You see why I brought you here. Wilders care. They have the biggest hearts in the world.”

Harry grabbed his hand. “I’m glad you came and settled down here, honey.”

“Me, too.” Michael turned to them. “Sorry to drop this on you but I have to leave this morning.”

“I thought you had business you wanted to discuss with us,” Lance said.

“I do, but this is an emergency. I’ll be back first thing Monday morning. I’m taking Harry with me. We haven’t had much time alone together.”

“No we haven’t.” Harry grabbed Michael’s hand. “What’s going on?”

“The caretaker at the house on Lake Tahoe called. Raccoons got inside. Apparently one died in the wall. They tore up some of the furniture, too. We’ve got to check it out. I thought we could make a weekend out of it.”

“That sounds wonderful, honey.”

Chuck looked at the former Peter Pan of the jet set. He’d found happiness in this rural part of Nevada. Michael was happy. Really happy. Could he be, too? “Oh my God. The flowers we ordered are supposed to be delivered this morning.”

“Flowers?” Harry asked.

“It’s something me and Chuck do when we’re pursuing a beautiful woman.” Lance jumped to his feet. “We’ve got to get to the diner before they arrive. We need to clear this up with Carlotta.”

He stood. “I agree. She’s such a sweet woman. Let’s go.”

“Why do you have to rush?” Michael asked. “One bouquet of flowers won’t shock anyone, even from two homeless guys like you.”

“We didn’t send just one.”

“Lance and Chuck have done it again. I remember your motto. ‘Why do when you can overdo.’” Michael doubled over, lost to another round of laughter. He tossed them some keys. “This is to my Aston Martin. Take it. Harry and I will join you shortly, after we pack. I don’t want to miss this. We can hit the road for Tahoe after.”

They ran out the door and headed back to Norma’s, to Carlotta, and to Danielle, the woman who had come to him in his dreams.

Chapter Five

Danielle swung her legs off the bed as she heard her automatic coffee maker kick on. God, that was some dream.

Carlotta had called and told her she didn’t have to be at the diner until afternoon. Carlotta and Anna, who was feeling much better, were going to manage the lunch run on their own to make up for leaving her on her own the day before.

She grabbed her robe and walked into the kitchen. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air. She grabbed her mug, filling it with the delicious brew. She inhaled the aroma before taking a sip. She hadn’t had a morning of leisure in a long time. I’m looking forward to it.

Grabbing a second cup from the cabinet, she filled it to the brim with the steaming liquid and walked to the door. Everyone in Wilde took the newspaper, and she was no exception. The town’s mystique reminded her of an earlier era when homes had a single black-and-white TV set and families sat down and ate together.

She opened her door and spotted Dr. Alex Champion in his car parked on the street. She bent down and grabbed up the paper. Alex waved and she headed to him.

He stepped out of his car, scanning every direction.

“I brought you a cup of coffee, Alex. I figured you might like it since you worked the overnight bodyguard shift.”