Secret Billionaire's Stubborn Cowgirl (The Secret Billionaires 1)

Turning the envelope over in her hands, Lucy wondered if she should read it—or burn it. Was she just being contrary? Or scared? She thought about what her mom had just told her tonight, about not waiting too long. She also thought about Zach’s smile and how she felt when he touched her. Sitting up, she tore open the envelope and pulled out two sheets. One looked like an electronic airline ticket to New York. The other had Zach’s handwriting.

Lucy—I won’t call you dear since I think that’d only piss you off even more at this point.

Lucy smiled. Well, at least he knew her that well.

Since you wanted me gone I am. If that’s what I have to do to show you I do listen and I’m not here to run your life—or ruin it. I think we could have something good, but the next move is yours to make. Use the ticket, burn it, or trade it in for cash—and give that away, too, if you don’t want anything from me. I know money is important to you—and now you’re going to say it’s only because you don’t have it—but I also know what we have between us is...well, that’s not something I can put in a note. Come see me if you’re up to taking a risk on a guy who wants you more than he needs you.

He signed the note with a big Z. Lucy read it over twice more, trying to figure out what she’d do. Getting up, she headed out to the front porch. It wasn’t that cold a night, but she grabbed the Afghan off the couch and threw it over her shoulders. Sunny came over and sat next to her. She threw an arm over his shaggy back.

He gave her face a lick and she wiped that off with the back of her hand. “If you’re staying, we’re going to have to have some rules about dog spit.” Sunny panted back at her. “And what do you think of Zach leaving you? Think it’s an excuse for him to come back? Or was he really thinking about you?” Ears perking, Sunny turned. A bush rustled and a rabbit darted out. Sunny took off after the rabbit.

Lucy sat outside until the cold chilled her. She walked around the side of the porch, heading to her bedroom. A hot bath didn’t help any, and she stared up at the ceiling from her bed, trying to figure out what to do. When the sky started to lighten, she got up and dressed.

She was just making coffee when Charlie came downstairs again, yawning. Stopping in the doorway, Charlie blinked and said, “You’ve been up all night?”

Lucy nodded. “Do I look like it?” She put the coffee on to perk and faced Charlie. “I’ve been trying to figure out what I should do.”

Coming over, Charlie put a hand on her shoulder. “Well, there’s your problem right there. Thinking. What I want to know is what you’re feeling?”

Picking up the airline ticket Lucy held it out. “Like I’d be a dang fool not to at least see him one more time.”

Charlie patted her shoulder. “We’ll see about booking a flight out of here as soon as we can. I’ll even drive you to the airport. For now, you best go pack.”

Chapter Fourteen

It took Lucy three days to find a flight. Charlie finally told her to stop making excuses—one flight was good as another, and told her to pick a time or tear up the ticket. She picked a morning flight without connections. Now, looking down on the luggage that Charlie lent her for the trip, she wondered just what she was doing here in New York. Bright pink and girly, the wheeled overnight bag had to be the farthest thing from what Lucy would buy or what she’d pictured Charlie using. But it held enough clothes for a long weekend. She’d just about turned around at the airport when Charlie was dropping her off, but by then Charlie was pushing her, telling her she’d never forgive herself for chickening out.

“But, Charlie—a plane.” Lucy had shaken her head and had had to pull together all her courage. It turned out she didn’t need that much. The plane trip turned out to be a lot like riding in an overcrowded bus, and she’d been on enough of them as a little girl. But standing outside the airport, the smell of diesel and car exhaust in her nose and with the roar of traffic around her, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

She didn’t know anything about New York, except for what she’d seen of it in a couple of movies. She should have at least looked up a few things on the computer. There seemed taxies enough outside the airport, and she might as well head straight to Zach’s office. He’d put the address on the electronic airline ticket—it seemed she was flying courtesy of Collins, Collins and Abernathy.

What was she going to say to him when she saw him? What would he say back? Would he be happy to see her? Her nerves bunched tight. Well, only one way to find out.

Lifting a hand, she waved for one of the waiting taxi to come on over.

Ten minute later she still wasn’t in the city, but caught in traffic—and she knew she’d never be able to live here. Even with the taxi windows rolled up and the air conditioning blowing, she could hear the noise from outside. Sirens wailed,

people rushed past or leaned out of their cars to yell at other drivers. She’d never seen so many people—or such tall buildings. And the buildings just kept rising up around her, making dark canyons of the streets.

When the taxi pulled to a stop, she stared up at the glass and steel structure. It looked sleek and impressive—and made her feel even more out of place. The taxi ride had also take most of her cash—she was going to have to find another way to the airport to use up her return ticket if things didn’t go well. She pressed a hand to her stomach. Getting out, she pulled her luggage and her purse out with her. She also pushed her shoulders back and strode into the building.

Everyone seemed to be in a rush, and everyone seemed to have cell phones glued to their ears. Words sped past her faster than the people. Lucy blinked and glanced around—she wanted even more to turn tail, but she could hear Charlie’s voice in her head telling her not to be a dang fool.

“I’ve come this far,” she muttered. She saw a guy behind a desk who seemed to be staying put, so she walked over to him. “I’m here to see Zach Collins?”

The guy looked up and pointed to a short hallway. “Third elevator bank.”

“Third?” Lucy blinked. “Why do you need so many.”

He’d turned away, but now he looked at her again. Her cheeks warmed. She’s worn her best dress, a green wrap-around with a v-neck and a tight waist. Now she wondered if she looked out of place—most of the women here seem to be in suits, all of them looked to be wearing black. She tugged at the collar of her dress and adjusted her purse strap. The guy in front of her turned to a short, oriental woman. “Suze, will you show her to the right place.”

The other woman gave a nod and headed with a brisk step down the marble-clad hallway. Lucy had to hurry to keep up. Suze pressed the floor for her and stepped out of the elevator. “This is the express. It’ll take you straight up to Collins, Collins and Abernathy.” She flashed a strained smile and Lucy started to wonder if everyone in New York was grumpy. With all this noise and fuss, she could see why.

Palm damp, she gripped her luggage handle tighter. She should have gotten a hotel first, should have done some shopping and bought a nicer dress, should have...hell, she shouldn’t have even come here. She glanced over her shoulder, gave a gasp and stumbled back. Glass on the back of the elevator showed the entire city spread out. A wave of dizziness and nausea washed through Lucy. Turning back to the elevator doors, she wished this thing would go faster. Her pulse skittered—she so wanted her feet back on solid ground.

The elevator gave a soft ping and the doors opened, and Lucy stepped out into a lobby.

Even more people rushed past her, hardly even glancing at her, but giving her luggage a wide berth. Lucy headed for what looked like a receptionist. “I’m here to see Zach Collins.”