I Choose You: A Secret Billionaire Romance Read online

  “You know, I wouldn’t normally want something like ice cream at ten in the morning,” he said, tipping his head toward the screaming. “But sometimes a craving hits and you just have to get an orange creamsicle.”

  “I love orange creamsicles,” I said, grinning like a kid. “Especially for breakfast.”

  “It’s settled then.” Jacob grabbed my hand and we walked quickly toward the ice cream truck.

  My heart skipped a beat as our fingers intertwined. I wasn’t expecting to be holding hands with him so quickly, but I liked it. I didn’t want to pull away. His touch felt right.

  We joined the back of the line, holding hands the entire time until we finally got to the window to place our order. I actually hated letting go of his hand, even though I was rewarded with a delicious sugary treat. He ordered three of the orange treats and paid with cash.

  “I haven’t had one of these since I was a kid,” I said, carefully opening the plastic wrapper as we walked away.

  “I have to be honest…” Jacob replied, taking a big bite out of his. “I actually get one every time I see an ice cream truck. I would have screamed out like those kids did, but I didn’t think that would make a very good impression.”

  I laughed. “I wouldn’t have judged you. Everybody has their quirks and maybe yours is ice cream in the morning. Do you also need two of them for yourself?”

  He shook his head. “One's for Athena.” Before I could object, he held the ice cream out. Athena took two big bites before I squealed, “Stop!” and pushed away the ice cream. Jacob dropped it and Athena licked it up off the ground, obviously not stopping for anything. I thought it was adorable.

  We strolled back to the fountain side by side. I kept hoping he'd reach for my hand again. The song from the ice cream truck faded into the distance as it pulled away, looking for the next group of sweet-tooths to profit off of. We took a seat on a wooden bench near the fountain and Athena sat on my feet, leaning into me.

  “Do you really like playing Monster GO?” Jacob asked after a moment. “You said you can see the appeal, but I’m wondering if you actually enjoy it. If you're not having fun playing it, then we don’t have to. There’s obviously no pressure to play.”

  “I like it well enough. I think if I had designed the app, then I’d probably have done a couple of things different.” I shrugged and took another bite of my morning dessert.

  He lifted his eyebrows and faced me. “Really? Like what?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. It would be nice for the streets to have their names on them, like a real map. It would also be nice to have a searchable map, you know so that you could see if something were going on at your destination or even plan a trip based on what you can find on the map.”

  Jacob nodded in agreement. “I heard that the developers looked into it, but decided it would be too much of a drain on people's limited data plans.”

  “It could if you did it the traditional way,” I told him. “But, if you just adjusted the interface a little, it wouldn't take much data at all. There's another app, it's actually for driving directions, that has something similar that would work perfectly.”

  “Sounds like they should look into it again.” He smiled again. “It's a good idea. I hadn't even thought of looking at non-game apps for ideas.”

  “It’s just the way my mind works,” I replied. “I’m always analyzing things like this. Sometimes I do it to websites, or to computer programs. I try to think about what I’d change to make something better or more enjoyable. I know I’m making myself sound like a total nerd here. It’s just something I do.”

  “I love it and totally understand,” he confessed. “I’m a bit of a nerd myself.”

  “Without your glasses, you don’t look like it.” I teasingly narrowed my eyes and took another bite of my ice cream with a grin. It was cold and delicious.

  “Neither do you,” he replied with a smile. “You have some on your face.”

  He reached over, gently wiping a smudge of orange from my cheek. I wasn't even quite sure how it had gotten there, but his touch sent a chill through me and I felt my heart flip flop.

  “Thanks,” I said, my voice coming out breathless and girlish.

  Jacob had his creamsicle in his right hand as he reached his left over my shoulder. His fingers dropped down, gently touching the top of my arm. I scooted a little closer to him, his magnetic eyes drawing me closer.

  Everything stopped. The kids laughing in the background faded out, the birds quieted down. Even Athena’s panting seemed to silence. All I could hear was my heartbeat, thudding inside of my chest. There was tension in the air, but it was the good kind of tension. The kind that made my hands and feet tingle with delight, adrenaline bursting into my veins.

  He leaned in a little closer. I could feel his breath against my cheek. The smell of his cologne wafted off of his shirt. My eyes closed halfway as I anticipated Jacob making his move. He went in for a kiss, bringing his lips toward mine slowly and sensually. We almost touched. There was a centimeter at most between us. It was going to be amazing and incredible and the best kiss of my entire life.

  “Hey, what are you guys doing?” a voice said from behind us.

  I didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. I’d have recognized that annoying little voice anywhere.

  Tommy, I thought.

  “Are you guys going to kiss or something?” Tommy asked, stepping around to the front of the bench.

  Jacob pulled away and cleared his throat. He shifted in his seat, trying to play it cool. It was the first time I'd seen him even a little bit flustered, but he shrugged and was suddenly totally collected yet again.

  “No, we were just hanging out, playing some Monster GO,” Jacob explained.

  “Tommy, what in the hell are you doing here?” I asked, doing my best to stay calm.

  “Last I checked, we live in a free country,” he said, as he crossed his arms to stand his ground in front of me. “I finished cleaning my room and Mom said I should come find you. It was just lucky I looked here first.”

  “Tommy, I’m going to give you three seconds to turn around and go home.” I stated, my words slow and measured. Inside, I was ready to pummel the kid for interrupting what would have been an amazing first kiss.

  “Or what?” he snapped back. “What, Alicia? What are you going to do?”

  “Three.” I narrowed my eyes.

  “Whatever, I’ll just tell Mom if you try to hurt me.” He took a small step back, but kept his chin up defiantly. “I told you I wanted to come play Monster GO.”

  “Two.”

  “I’m not moving,” Tommy said, but he glanced around like he was planning his escape.

  “One,” the last word came out of my mouth and I took a step forward. Tommy’s faux bravery faded instantly and he ran quickly away, screaming out at the top of his lungs. A few people in the park looked over. I had only taken one step forward, but it was enough to get my point across.

  “You know, I don’t mind if your little brother hangs out with us,” Jacob said quietly. “It’s not a big deal.”

  I sighed and sat back down on the bench. Tommy had run over to the oak tree nearby and was standing there with his tongue out at me.

  “He wasn’t supposed to come with me today,” I said. “He promised that he’d stay home and leave me alone for a little while. He's a great kid, but I'm just not used to having someone too young to drive around all the time. It's different living with him than it is just coming home for a holiday.”

  “Let me go talk to him,” Jacob offered. “I have a way with kids.”

  I turned to face him, flashing an expression that showed just how insane I thought he must be for offering something like that. When Tommy wanted something, he could be as stubborn as me. It was definitely a family trait. “You sure?”

  Jacob just chuckled as he stood up from the bench. “I'm going to give it a try.”

  He turned and made his way toward Tommy. This ought to
be good, I thought. I sat on the bench, petting Athena. I had no idea what Jacob was going to do to convince Tommy to leave him alone for a while.

  The two were out of earshot, but in perfect view. Jacob strolled up and knelt down. I saw them exchange a few words. A few seconds later, Tommy smiled as he nodded quickly. They gave each other a high five and then immediately after, Tommy turned and skipped away, making his way back across the park in the direction of home.

  What the…? I thought. No way.

  Jacob came and sat back down on the bench with a relaxed smirk. The man was pure confidence with the ability to back it up.

  “How did you just do that?” I asked in complete disbelief. “What kind of magic do you have?”

  He just shrugged like it was nothing. “I told him that it was incredibly important that I spend the time with you to get you leveled up in the game.”

  “That’s it?” I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. There was no way that was all he said.

  “Pretty much.” He shrugged and grinned at me.

  I playfully slapped Jacob’s shoulder. “I know for a fact that it took more than that to get him to go away. I know Tommy, and he’s not easily persuaded. What else did you say?”

  “You really want to know?” His blue eyes sparkled as he waited for me to answer. “It's my amazing secret ability.”

  “Yes, tell me,” I begged. I needed to know how he had performed this miracle.

  Jacob shrugged. “I gave him ten bucks.”

  “Seriously?” My jaw opened and stayed there.

  “Yeah. Ten bucks for ten minutes alone with you,” he admitted. He grinned sheepishly as he smoothly wrapped his arm over my shoulder once again. “It was worth every penny.”

  “I can’t believe you did that,” I said, laughing so hard I nearly fell off the bench. It was one of the funniest things I had ever heard, and also a pretty darn good way of getting Tommy to get out of our hair. “But I like the technique. It’s also another reason why I need a job so I can make some money. Maybe I can start getting Tommy to listen to me with a little bit of cash...”

  He didn't wait for me to stop talking, he just leaned in and brought his lips to mine. He took what he wanted, what he knew I wanted, without waiting another second.

  I gasped, as the air was practically pulled out of my lungs in shock. Our lips were electric, sparking with energy as they touched. I closed my eyes and brought a hand to Jacob’s cheek. For a moment, he and I were the only ones in the entire park. The entire world, for that matter.

  The passion between us was so apparent. It felt like we had known each other for decades, not days. This was more than just a basic first kiss. It was a first kiss that promised more kisses. It promised going beyond kissing. It was the kind of thing that made me feel more alive than I had in a long time.

  After what seemed like a beautiful eternity, we slowly broke the kiss. But we only stayed apart long enough to grab a breath of air and glance into each other’s eyes. Our lips collided once more. A moan crept up into my throat, so soft that it didn’t make it to my mouth. My senses exploded as we opened our lips just enough to let the tip of our tongues touch, dancing passionately.

  Our phones vibrated. I would have kissed him like that all day if I had had the chance. We slowly opened our eyes and pulled apart. The interruption was annoying, but since it had affected our moment anyway, we decided to see what the notification was all about.

  “There’s a Monster nearby,” Jacob laughed. He casually glanced down at his phone before slipping it back into his pocket. “But who cares about that?”

  He kissed me again. Our phones continued to vibrate, attempting to notify us of the Monster that was close. I didn’t care, though. It was just a game, and what mattered in that moment was what was right in front of me.

  My hands drifted from Jacob’s cheeks, to his shoulders and around to his chest. My fingers landed on the top button of his shirt. I paused there, wishing I could undo just the top button and let myself in to feel some skin. I wanted to. I wanted nothing more than that. But I couldn’t. We were in a public park, and I knew that Tommy was likely somewhere nearby, spying on us.

  Thinking of my little brother reminded me that I had responsibilities. I couldn't just sit and make out in the park like some teenager. Even though it was fun. The morning was ending, and I needed to get home.

  “Can I see you again?” I asked, pulling back slightly and watching his reaction. “This was fun.”

  “Absolutely,” Jacob replied. His smile was warm and genuine. “I’ll bring us some replacement creamsicles next time we hang out.”

  My eyes widened and I looked beside me to where I had dropped my frozen treat. During that passionate kiss, the orange Popsicle had become the last thing on my mind. It laid on the bench, melting in the hot sun. Jacob had dropped his as well, and it was now on the grass being enjoyed by Athena.

  “Whoops.” I bit my lip, feeling a little bit silly that I had let myself get so drawn into the kiss that I had forgotten about the outside world entirely.

  “Totally worth it,” Jacob said, with a grin. “Want to do it again tomorrow?”

  My heart fluttered and I knew I had a dopey grin plastered all over my face. “Yes.”

  Jacob's face lit up. He had the most amazing smile I had ever seen.

  “Tomorrow? Same time?” Jacob asked, hope filling his voice.

  I did the mental math as quickly as possible. I could still apply for my jobs and do this. In fact, I would do just about anything to do this again. “Yes, that would be perfect.”

  Jacob grinned and he offered me his hand to stand up from the bench. I didn't want him to let go, but I knew I would need to go home eventually.

  “Your ten minutes are up,” Tommy announced, walking up boldly. “I can give you another ten if you want...”

  Jacob chuckled. “I like your business sense, kid, but I should probably attempt to get some work done today.”

  “Your loss,” Tommy informed him.

  “Most definitely my loss.” Jacob met my eyes. “I'll see you later, Alicia.”

  I grinned. “See you later, Jacob.”

  I couldn't wait.

  Chapter 4

  “Now you’re doing it, too, Alicia?”

  My mom’s voice caused me to look up from my phone. She set a plate in front of me. We were having T-bone steak, with corn and mashed potatoes for dinner.

  “What did you say, Mom?” I asked, setting my phone to the side. “Sorry, I was distracted.”

  “You’ve been staring at your phone for the past ten minutes.” Mom frowned at me “Are you playing that same thing that Tommy has been playing for the past couple of weeks?”

  I looked to my right, where Tommy was seated, busily playing Monster GO. When I glanced back toward my mom, I nodded. “I am. And I have to admit, it’s more fun than I thought it would be.”

  “See, sis. You should listen to me next time I tell you about a game. I know you think I’m just your stupid little brother, but I can teach you a thing or two about life.” He smiled smugly as he continued playing the game.

  “I’m glad you and Tommy have been able to find something that you’re both interested in.” Mom paused and then crossed her arms. “But since we’re about to eat, I’m going to have to ask you to put your phones away for me. I want to have a nice sit-down dinner with my family.”

  “Sounds good,” I said, as I set my phone on the table.

  It took a little bit of persuasion, but finally Tommy did the same thing. Dad popped around the corner and took a seat at the head of the table as Mom laid out the food.

  “How is my wonderful family this evening?” he asked, settling in and putting the napkin on his lap.

  “Doing well,” I said. I felt like I had stepped back in time to my high school days. The feeling wasn't a bad one.

  “Fine,” Tommy replied, eyeing his phone resting next to him.

  “We’re great, honey, how are you?” Mom asked. She sat
down and smiled around the table.

  “I’m okay. Have a long week ahead of me, but I know that it’s worth it.” He took a bite of steak. “I’m going to put in for a promotion soon, and I’m hoping these extra hours will show the boss that I deserve a managerial position.”

  “No matter what happens with the promotion, we’re all still proud of you,” Mom said, setting her knife down with a smile.

  It felt just like old times. I was no longer twenty-two. I was somewhere between twelve and eighteen. A child, safe and secure while my parents took care of the world. It was as if I'd stepped back five years in time. Nothing felt like it had changed, even though my world was entirely different.

  “Thanks, honey,” Dad said. He paused for a moment and brought his attention toward me. “Speaking of work-related things, how’s the job hunt coming along, Alicia? Any new leads?”

  I chewed up my first bite of steak and then swallowed. I couldn’t tell him that I had wasted the entire day. I'd spent the morning with Jacob and then the afternoon talking with Caroline and playing my new game.

  “Nothing yet.” It was the only thing I could really say.

  “You’ll find something,” Mom said, before my dad could chime in.

  I was sick of getting asked all the time about the job thing. It wasn't like I wasn't looking and it certainly wasn't like I was a child that needed constant reminder. Yet again, the feeling of time travel prevailed.

  Luckily, my parents diverted their attention and asked Tommy about his day, which took the spotlight off of me. Meanwhile, my thoughts went to Jacob. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough. I wanted to see him again. I wanted to talk to him, hear him laugh, kiss him, make him smile, and share our worlds.

  We ate our meal and when we were all finished, I leaned back and patted my belly. “I’m stuffed.”

  “That was really good, Mom,” Tommy said.