THE RICH BILLIONAIRE'S SECRET

Conrad

She rubbed her eyes, dried her tears, placed her phone on the counter, and turned back to Leo. Daisy infused as much happiness into her voice as she could muster, “Do you want lots of cheese on our pizza?”

Leo raised his hands and yelled, “Yes!”

A light tapping on Daisy’s bedroom door woke her up in the early morning hours. Daisy jumped up and looked at her clock on the nightstand. Am I late? Oh, let me call Me. Cards.

Daisy grabbed her phone and scrolled through her contact list as she tried to wake up fully. The streetlight offered some light in her dark bedroom.

“Daisy, are you awake?” Emma asked before she entered. “Oh, you were on the phone? Sorry.”

Daisy dropped her phone in her lap and rubbed her eyes. Reality hit her hard. She wasn’t late. Mr. Carda wasn’t expecting a call. Daisy was unemployed. She shook her head.

“I know it’s super early, but I’m so excited.” Emma pumped her left fist in the air. “Guess what? Never mind. I got you a job.”

“Huh?”

Emma laughed. “A job. You know, one of those things that pays you a lot of money because you are the best chef in New York.”

Daisy waved her left hand before leaving the bed. She walked past Emma. “Let’s get some ice cream. I need a dessert to hear something too good to be true.”

****

It was leftover pizza instead of ice cream. Daisy and Emma sat in the kitchen at the island table. According to the clock on the stove, it was a quarter after five in the morning. Emma sipped her soda before she said, “You remember me mentioning Natalie, right? Anyway, she told me about a man named Mr. Engel. He needs a personal chef.”

Daisy slowly shook her head while chewing.

Emma continued with a giggle, “I told her you’re an expert in French cuisine, but recently worked at an Italian spot. Natalie said Mr. Engel went to Marcella’s a lot and was so excited—”

“I don’t know the first thing about being a personal chef, Emma.” Daisy placed her half-eaten slice of pizza on the plate.

“Do you know how to cook?”

Daisy glared at her.

“The answer is yes. You’ll just need a little time to adjust. This is a great job with a great salary.”

There’s no way I’m going to bypass this, Emma. I just don’t know what I’m doing.

“I’m so glad it’s settled because I told Natalie that you would be there on Monday.” Emma clapped her hands and winked at her.

****

The last time Daisy walked around Tribeca, she had been bursting with anxiety, trying to plan raising Leo around Mr. Hoff’s potential schedule. This time, she strolled the quiet streets of Tribeca like she was meeting a friend for coffee, not going to a job interview. Instead of dressing up, Daisy wore dark slacks, comfortable shoes, and her chef’s jacket from culinary school.

Daisy took a moment to enjoy Tribeca’s beautiful architecture of towering high-rise buildings and restored factory buildings turned into lofts. Today wasn’t as cold, which was nice. Daisy sipped the last of the coffee and threw the cup into the garbage can. This interview will take about fifteen minutes, which will give me enough time to return home and complete some online job applications before I pick Leo up from school.

A car horn sounded, which made Daisy look towards the street. A driver yelled out of her window at a jaywalker. Daisy looked at her phone to make sure she had the right address. The building was a converted factory of beautiful 19th century pale stone and classic architecture. A tall woman with her hair in a clip paced in front of the building. When she turned, Daisy saw that the woman wore black-framed glasses and had a studious expression. They made eye contact. Daisy opened her mouth to say hello, but the woman rushed to her.

“Daisy, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Natalie.”

She accepted Natalie’s hug.

“Oh shoot,” Natalie said with a laugh. “Conrad always reminds me that not everyone is a hugger. I’m sorry if I offended you.”

Daisy dismissed her apology with a wave of her left hand. “You have nothing to apologise for, Ms. Natalie.”

“Oh, stop with the Ms. Natalie stuff. We’re around the same age. Call me Natalie.” She motioned for Daisy to follow her. “Emma’s so cool, isn’t she? She sent me your picture...”

****

Okay, Emma’s family is wealthy. So, I’ve seen great places before stepping into this penthouse, but I’ve never seen anything this stunning.

Daisy stood in the centre of the super large living room with black contemporary furniture neatly placed in the centre of the room. The lush, purple area rug showcased the glass and metal table. Daisy watched the birds fly past the wide, arched window.

“Let me show you around before we start the interview.” Natalie motioned for her to follow.

They walked past several doors before entering the kitchen. Nathan gasped. The kitchen was a chef’s dream. Every kitchen gadget imaginable was in this kitchen. Suddenly, as Daisy walked around the kitchen under Nathalie’s watchful, she daydreamed about cooking.

“Mr. Engel enjoys breakfast in the kitchen. Dinner is served in the dining room, which I will show you in a few minutes.” Natalie walked to the island table before she continued, “Mr. Engel prefers lunch on the weekends cooked and ready for whenever he wants it.”

Is this what personal chefs enjoy?

Daisy slowly nods while she inspects the cookware and other kitchen accessories.

“Is everything to your liking? Mr. Engel will be happy to add anything you need,” Natalie sounded worried.

“Uh, no. Everything is great.” Daisy quickly answered. She walked to the smaller arched window next to the kitchenette. It offered a beautiful view of Tribeca.

“After I show you the pantry and dining room, you’ll make a two-course dinner,” Nathalie happily told her.

Daisy frowned. A dinner? A two-course dinner? Huh? Emma didn’t say I’d have to cook.

“Emma,” Daisy stopped as she turned to look at Natalie. Suddenly, her statement left her mind. In fact, it felt like she was transported to a place she only went at night, in bed, when she needed satisfaction only he could give.

Nathan pointed behind her. “This is Mr. Engel, your new boss, hopefully.”

Blink. Look away. Close your mouth. Act like you don’t know him.

Daisy tried to follow her mind’s commands but continued making eye contact with Mr. Engel and ignoring the sudden heat between her legs. Those eyes. The way he felt inside her could never compare to the few men who had the privilege of making love to her.

He strolled to her, stopped less than a foot away, and said, “Please, call me Conrad.”

Daisy accepted his handshake, then shifted her stance. Conrad’s warm hand surrounded hers, which made her stomach flip flop. He tightened his grip, then slowly moved his thumb up and down the back of her hand. Daisy resists the flashback of how Conrad made love to her. However, Daisy’s body remembered his every thrust.

“Ms. Lang?” His eyes lingered on her face as he gave her a saucy look. “Is that correct?”

“Yes,” Daisy breathlessly said.

Conrad chuckled, then stopped. He stared at her, eyes squinting as he tried to place her.

Please don’t remember me. Please don’t remember me. Oh my God, you remember me.

Conrad pulled his hand from hers and stepped back. “Natalie, please let Ms. Lang know she has access to the kitchen and all the food in the pantry.”

“I’ve told her that, Mr. Engel.”

Daisy held her breath as she watched Conrad walk to the door. Once Conrad left, Daisy exhaled. A second later, he returned.

“We will have a decision for you in the coming days,” Conrad announced, taking more time to stare at Daisy. “Best of luck.”

Natalie waved her hands to get Daisy’s attention. “Let me show you the dining room, Daisy. It’s amazing.”

****

“Don’t worry, Daisy. You’ve got this,” Emma exclaimed.

Daisy stopped cleaning the kitchen as Natalie and Conrad ate in the dining room. She’d thought it would take an hour to throw something together and pick up Leo from school. However, she had to put forth her best effort. So, she made authentic tortellini soup for the first course. Daisy made enough for Conrad to have a cold dish of it for lunch within the next week. Natalie told her to make Conrad’s favourite, osso buco alla Milanese, which took some time. That’s the moment Daisy wished Conrad preferred pizza instead of something complicated.

“Is Mr. Engel some old guy?”

“Old?” Daisy laughed, “Far from it.”

“Daisy, you’ll be fine. Is dinner over? I’ll drop Natalie a text and give you a heads-up in a few.”

Before Daisy could speak, Emma ended the call. She turned around to see Conrad standing on the other side of the island table. He intensely studied her.

Daisy gasped.

“Mr. Engel?” Daisy clenched her phone to her chest.

Conrad c****d his head to the side and continued studying her. After a few minutes, he told her, “I’m sorry to interrupt. Do we know each other?”

Daisy leaned forward and pressed her stomach against the counter’s edge. Her eyes darted from left to right while she thought of a lie.

“Maybe we’ve met in passing?” He leaned forward.

Daisy stepped back.

They stared at each other. She noticed the curiosity in his eyes. The same type of curiosity she’d seen in Leo’s eyes when he asked about his father.

Her phone rang. Quickly, Daisy answered it.

“Mommy, are you coming back soon? You didn’t pick me up like you promised.”

Daisy looked away, then turned to her left. “Hey, Baby, I’m sorry I wasn’t there, but I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay,” Leo said. “Bye.”

She looked at Conrad as she placed her phone in her back pocket, then squinted. Conrad continued to make eye contact with her. She shivered because of the coldness in his eyes.

Does he know?

Conrad tapped his index finger on the counter, then commented, “Sorry to interrupt.”

****

Daisy walked into Conrad’s living room ready to leave. She’d finished cleaning and writing a note about the leftover food in the refrigerator. The sunset created a beautiful glow in the living room. She pulled her ponytail holder from her hair.

Natalie entered the living room and cheerfully said, “Don’t forget to bring those documents with you the next time I see you.”

Daisy noticed a small stack of papers on the living room table next to her purse. She flipped through them.

“Direct deposit?”

Natalie clapped. “You’re hired. I will contact you in the coming days to set up your hours. Mr. Engel is excited to read the menu you created.”

Daisy didn’t hide her surprise but accepted Natalie’s hug.

Natalie stepped back and flashed a wide smile. “All the paperwork is in order. Mr. Engel has doubled the salary offered. We’ll see you Saturday.”

Daisy left the penthouse feeling like she was wandering around Tribeca. She wasn’t. Her mind was in a fog as she continued worrying. Daisy couldn’t believe her salary was three times the amount Mr. Carda paid her. At this rate, she could afford a small apartment for her and Leo. Daisy’s body relaxed because she had a way to care for Leo financially. However, she couldn’t stop worrying. Did Conrad recognize her?

“Thank you for carving out some time in your busy day to speak with me. I just have a few questions about your preferences.” Daisy stared down at her notebook and tightly held her pen.

Conrad’s dining room was grand with its long dining table, cushioned chairs, and elaborate lighting. Daisy sat at one end of the table as Conrad sat at the opposite end. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat back. His intense stare made Daisy squirm.

“I never miss an opportunity to set the record straight,” Conrad said, his voice sounding distant.

“Again, thank you,” Daisy glanced at him and said, “I want to provide you with menus worthy of the money you’re paying me. You mentioned you loved Italian food. Are there any dishes you don’t like? Any food allergies you have?”

Conrad shook his head. “No allergies. I love all the Italian dishes I’ve tried. I’m sure Natalie has given you a substantial list of dishes I’ve tried and liked.”

Oh, are you telling me I’m wasting your time? Listen, don’t think I’m meeting with you because I want to flirt with you.

She gave him a challenging stare and told him, “Forgive me if I’m wasting your time. It was such a short list, that I wasn’t sure you’d tried a lot of Italian dishes.”

He chuckled and leaned forward. “I apologise for being so uncultured in Italian food. I’d prefer to eat pizza every night, but Mother stopped letting me do that when I was five years old.”

Daisy laughed. “That’s a good one.”

There’s a long silence.

Conrad lowered his gaze and continued to study her. His expression hid his emotions.

Daisy nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her left ear and glanced away. He cleared his throat, which made her look at him.

“I trust you, and I’m interested in sampling different meals besides osso buco alla Milanese, which is my favourite.” Conrad paused as he grinned. “Compliments to the chef.”

Daisy nodded and beamed.

Conrad frowned as he sat back and placed his fist under his chin. “I am worried about one thing.”

“Mr. Engel, I can have the menu ready for you by tomorrow. Since I know your favourite dish, it will be easy to create dishes for the month and submit it to you.”

He shook his head and leaned forward again as he said, “That’s not it.”

You know about Leo, don’t you?

Conrad stood and buttoned his suit jacket. He finally explained, “My family comes here frequently for family dinners. Their tastes differ from mine.”

She relaxed. “Well, that’s easy. Tell me what they prefer, and I’ll make it. I was trained in French—”

“That won’t be a problem. Ms. Lang, how about you take tomorrow off and work Saturday night, instead?” He walked to the door. “May I call you Daisy?”

“Yes, I’d like that.”

Conrad grinned. “Have the monthly menus to me by the fifth day of the month and, I will approve them quickly. For Saturday, casual attire is fine. We’ll meet here and have a driver take us there.”

“Wait, Mr. Engel--”

“Call me Conrad.” He exited the dining room.

Daisy looked from the door to Conrad’s empty chair and back again. What did I miss?

****

Daisy flipped on the lights in the kitchen to illuminate the space. She loved the extra lighting because it made the kitchen look like it was on a cooking show. Sometimes when she cooked, she daydreamed about having a cooking show on some cable network. It would be called something like ‘Daisy’s Dishes’ or ‘Dining with Daisy’.” Maybe she would call it, ‘Lang’s Kitchen.’ Yes, that sounded too corny.

Daisy tossed some extra mozzarella cheese in the bubbling Marinara sauce and stirred it. She checked on the spinach, eggplant lasagna in the oven.

“Something smells great in here.” Natalie rushed into the kitchen.

She looked back at Natalie and laughed. “Thank you.”

“What are you doing here this late?” Natalie stood next to the island table. “And can I have whatever you’re cooking?”

Daisy turned off the front eye to let the sauce cool. She dished some noodles on a plate.

Natalie stood next to her and pointed to the sauce on the stove. “I’ll take some of that too.”

After Daisy poured the sauce on the place, Natalie hurriedly wrapped it up and waved at Daisy. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Daisy frowned, then laughed. After she shrugged, she went back to making lunch and dinner for the next two days. Wednesday was her usual day off. She was thrilled about her old schedule until she thought about Mr. Carda.

Okay, nothing is going to happen Tuesday. It’s a new situation. Conrad will not fire me.

She finished cooking and wrapped and labelled everything according to Conrad’s specifications. It took an hour to finish cleaning the kitchen. The front door opened and closed. Daisy laughed when she put the cleaning supplies away in the kitchen closet. She heard another door open and shut.

Natalie wouldn’t rush into the kitchen for the smell of bleach.

Daisy grabbed her jacket and purse from the kitchenette table. Another door opened and closed in the distance. Daisy walked into the hallway. She stopped.

I better use the bathroom before I get on the train. Actually, I have the money. I should get a ridesharing car to take me home.

Daisy opened the bathroom door and gasped.

“f**k!”

“Oh,” Daisy said as she stared in the doorway staring at a naked Conrad massaging his erect manhood.

Conrad covered himself with his hands before he grabbed his pants from the floor to cover himself better. “What the hell are you still doing here?”

Daisy bit her bottom lip and tried to act horrified. A shot of need shot through her as she surveyed his body, a body she got to know so well, years ago. His magnificent chest, ripped abs, and fine hair that trailed to his manhood looked caused an aching need within her core. Her eyes travelled back to Conrad’s face. His horrified expression slowly changed to intrigued.

After a sigh, Daisy stammered, “I—you have nothing to worry about because I didn’t see anything.”

Conrad cleared his throat and raised his pants higher. He curtly nodded. “I’m sorry for yelling at you.”

“You,” She paused and glanced down and was disappointed she couldn’t see his p***s anymore. I need to stop it. He could accuse me of s****l harassment or something. s**t, does he feel as good as I remember?

Daisy stepped further into the hallway and pointed to the kitchen. “I made meals for the next two days. I will see you Thursday.”

****

Tuesday surprised everybody. Winter was coming, but not today. The autumn day was sunny and warm. Daisy decided to stop by a park after she picked Leo up from school.

They raced around the park’s playground having fun. At first, it wasn’t a workout. Daisy ran slow enough for Leo to think that she couldn’t catch him. Unfortunately, she couldn’t slide through a small space like Leo. When he raced left and between the slide and swing set, Daisy had to rush past the kids swinging high to avoid getting hit and catch up with Leo.

Daisy scooped up Leo which caused him to laugh so hard, he hiccupped. He squirmed out of her grasp, and they walked back toward the swing set before Daisy’s phone rang. She answered the call as she grabbed Leo’s hand and walked toward the bench area.

“Hey, Natalie,” Daisy said as she tried to catch her breath. “If you’re calling about the menu, I submitted it early to give Conrad a chance to look at it.”

“Menu? Menu?” Natalie paused before she said, “Oh, no. I’m calling because Mr. Engel wants you to work the same schedule next week. Willow wants dinner next week instead of this week. Congrats on the additional day off.”

Is Willow Conrad’s girlfriend?

“Willow?”

Natalie quickly answered, “Willow is Mr. Engel’s mother. The dinner Mr. Engel planned so that you learn more about the Engel family’s food preferences is pushed back to next Saturday. Talk with you later, Daisy.”

“Mommy, can we make a pizza tonight? Emma ate all the slices that we put in .”

“It’s called a refrigerator, and Emma didn’t eat all the pizza. You had your share.” Daisy kissed his temple. “Yes, we can but we have to stop by the store first.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Leo jumped off the bench.

****

“How lucky are we, Leo? Mommy let you make pizza again.” Emma said as she walked into the living room and stuffed her mouth with a slice of pizza.

Daisy laughed. She was sitting on the couch watching a Netflix show when she saw Leo, who walked behind Emma holding a paper plate in one hand and a small slice of pizza in his opposite hand.

Leo put his plate on the table, took a bit from his pizza and placed it on the plate. “Mommy, do you want a slice of pizza? You can get you and me a slice.”

“Damn, the boy is good.” Emma flopped on the loveseat.

“I’m good,” Daisy told him, “And you are too.”

“Oh, Mommy, can I get my drink?”

“Yes, but you can’t have it all.”

Leo raced to the kitchen.

Daisy stretched out on the couch when the Saturday dinner popped into her mind. She snapped her fingers together and said, “Emma, Conrad pushed the dinner to next Saturday. I hope that doesn’t ruin your plans.”

Emma threw the crust on her plate and frowned. “You know I visit my parents the last week of the month.”

Daisy sat up and studied Emma until she remembered next week was the last week of the month. Leo returned with his twenty-ounce bottle of soda and a cup. Daisy took the soda and cup. Her mind raced as she poured a third of the soda into the cup.

You have to be kidding me, Emma. Don’t do this to me. Who am I going to get to babysit Leo?

Leo took the cup and placed it on the table. Daisy kept the soda bottle.

“I’m really sorry, Daisy.” Emma placed her plate on the stand next to the love seat. “Maybe Mr. Engel can move it back to Saturday.”

Daisy nodded and smiled. Her shoulder sagged, and she leaned back. What am I going to do now?

****

Daisy pulled up her sweater’s sleeves as she stared at her laptop. She tucked her legs under her as she sat in front of the living room table conducting research on some Italian dishes she thought Conrad might enjoy. Her mind wasn’t on the task she’d usually love: researching food.

It was Wednesday.

Earlier that morning, Daisy had left two messages for Conrad about Saturday’s dinner. He hadn’t replied.

It was Wednesday afternoon.

She grabbed her phone and called Conrad again. Once again, she listened to his deep, sexy recorded voice.

Beep.

“Hi Conrad, I wanted to follow up with you next Saturday. By any chance, can you push it back to the following Saturday? I have a conflict. Thanks.”

Daisy tossed her phone on the floor next to her and covered her face. She stifled her scream. The best-case scenario is that I find someone to babysit Leo. The worst-case scenario is that I, what, take him with me? No way. It’s not like I won’t tell Conrad about Leo. I need time. Daisy sighed.

Her phone rang.

“Hey, Natalie. I called—”

Natalie interrupted, “Yes, Mr. Engel instructed me to contact you. It’s a no. Willow has the date set in stone.”

Daisy covered her eyes. “Are you sure?”

“What is your situation?”

“Emma can’t babysit my son on that night.”

Natalie giggled. “Well, that’s no problem.”

She sat up straight as hope raced her body. She asked, “You don’t mind babysitting Leo?”

“Of course, I won’t. I have to work,” Natalie happily told her, “You’ll bring him with you. See, problem solved.”

Daisy shook her head. No, the problem is not solved.

****

Today was Thursday evening and Daisy was no closer to finding a babysitter for Leo. Her circle of one, Emma still, decided to check with her parents. Maybe if things went Daisy’s way, Leo could travel with Emma to her parent’s house for the weekend.

Daisy stood in the kitchen and stared out the window at the dark lavender sky as rain pelted the window. It had snowed earlier. She worried the dark sky brought cold, freezing weather with it. There was no fun in slipping and sliding home.

Her phone rang.

Conrad’s booming voice made her jump and turn around. He strolled into the kitchen and motioned to her phone on the island. Conrad told her, “I’m ready for dinner.”

She nodded and reached for her phone. Although Daisy expected Conrad to leave. However, he watched her as she answered her phone. Daisy gave him a challenging stare.

Are you noisy or jealous, Conrad? Let’s see.

“Emma, is everything okay?”

Conrad shoved his hands into his pants pockets, turned and left.

“It’s a no-go with the fam. Daddy wants to go hiking and Mum wants to go shopping. Both are no places for kids.”

Daisy pressed her lips together and shrugged. “Thanks for trying.”

“Alright, I’ll see you at home.”

Daisy slid her phone in her back pocket, washed her hands, and made Conrad’s dinner. She walked to the dining room and served Conrad. He placed his tablet on the table and surveyed his dinner. Daisy smiled when a grin teased his lips.

Conrad looked up at her. “I can’t wait to taste it. Please, join me.”

“I would but I have to go home.”

He curtly grabbed his folk. “Your boyfriend keeps you on a tight schedule.”

Daisy walked to the door, then stopped. It was a split-second decision, but she told the truth. “I have a son, not a boyfriend.”

Conrad’s head went back as if she’d slapped his face. His sexy eyes narrowed, and he studied her. Another grin teased his lips as he appeared to relax. He told her, “Is that why you blew up my phone the other day?”

Daisy leaned against the door and crossed her arms over her chest. “Natalie told you, right?”

He shook his head as he chewed. “Natalie told me she resolved the issue.”

There was a brief pause between them.

Conrad glanced at her. “Are you sure you don’t want to have dinner? My personal chef is phenomenal.”

Daisy laughed. “I appreciate the kind words.”

He sipped his drink, then looked at her. His smouldering eyes lingered on her face.

This time she didn’t look away. She moved an invisible strain of hair away from her cheek.

“I bet you’re even more beautiful with your hair down.”

“It’s like you're even more beautiful holding your pants in front of you.”

Conrad chuckled as his face turned beet red. “I’m a single man who needed a hand that night. Next time, I’ll check the kitchen before I... enjoy myself.”

Daisy bit her bottom lip as her face felt flushed.

“Are you sure you can’t stay for dinner?” he said in a husky tone.

After a few minutes, Daisy glanced away. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Conrad shook his head, then clarified, “Saturday. I’m working late tomorrow.”

She nodded. In a soft voice, she told him, “Goodnight.”

****

According to the clock on Daisy’s nightstand, it was a quarter after four in the morning. Her small bedroom felt like a cave. She kicked her blankets to the end of the bed and stared at the ceiling. Daisy wanted to turn on her side but didn’t. She wasn’t alone in bed. Leo had crawled into her bed at some point during the night. Daisy was startled awake when Leo mugged her in the face. That had been over two hours ago.

Now, all she can do is think about Saturday night. Daisy thought about every option to get out of going to the dinner. I can’t lie, or can I? Everyone becomes unexpectedly ill. I could do the same. No, that won’t help. Conrad knows that I had a babysitting dilemma. I don’t want to lose this job within the first month.

Why don’t I know anyone? Daisy sighed. No, I’m not leaving my baby with just anyone. I can’t be mad at Emma, either. She has her own life. Besides, Emma does so much for me already. She’s my best friend, not my personal assistant.

.