Surrender to My Prodigal Billionaire

Chapter 7 - A Truce Among Enemies

Drake

Nicolette is quiet the entire drive. I'm almost certain she fell asleep within the first half hour. I could wake her up and make her talk to me - anything would be better than listening to the nauseating conversation coming from the backseat, but decide against it. The less I need to hear her attitude, the better.

She shouldn't have been here in the first place. This was supposed to be my getaway. But hearing that our guy weekend had turned into me being the third wheel, there was no way I was going to suffer alone.

I will admit, Nicollete surprised me. The moment Ellen called me, I knew this one was different. Any other woman would have been asking for the morning off to get ready. But not Nicolette. No, she chose to go b***h and whine about it to Ellen in hopes of avoiding me at all costs. Unlucky for her, Jordan likes her and thought Molly would like to have another woman there, so he was all too happy to tell Ellen it was a work trip.

Even though I wanted to relax, it wouldn't hurt to get a jump on the meeting for next week. This is the biggest job of my career so far. If all goes well, dad may finally see that I'm ready to take over. With him out of my hair, I'd be able to breathe easier all the way around. If this one were to slip through my fingers, I worry dad would never agree to leave.

The sun hangs low in the sky as we pull up in the driveway. Out of all the things my dad has done in his life, buying this place is at the top. The only fond memories of my childhood were spent here. My sister and I counted down the days when we would come here during summer vacation. Dad still worked, but it wasn't nearly as much and mom was always happier because of it.

Leaning over, I nudge Nicolette's shoulder a few times. I watch as her eyes flutter open and it takes her a minute to realize where we are. Her eyes widen as she gawks at the cabin and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

"You said we were going to your cabin."

"And here it is." I smirk as I gesture in front of us.

"This is not a cabin. This is a wooden mansion!"

Unable to suppress it this time, I let out a loud chuckle. Jerking her head to stare at me and scowl only makes it funnier for me and soon I'm left in the car alone cackling like a mad man.

Once I have myself under control, I meet the others at the back to help unload our bags. That is another glaring sign that Nicolette is not like the rest. While Molly has three bags, Nicolette has one small duffel bag. When I took it from her back at her place, I wondered if she had even put anything in it at all. Like it may have been just a prop to make it appear that she was going to stay all weekend, but would bolt the first chance she got. Jokes on her though, there was no way in hell she was going to leave me with the love-sick couple. I'd chase her if I had to.

"Are you done?" she spits as I come up beside her.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't laughing at you....well, I was, but no one has ever reacted to it that way." I shrug.

Maybe I'm just immune to it. It is the biggest one up here, but I wouldn't call it a mansion like she had. The porch was big enough for a few chairs and a grill and the deck overlooked the lake - which was its best feature. Other than that, it was just a five-bedroom, three-bath cabin. No special bells and whistles about it.

I tell her as much, and she just shakes her head. I don't miss the small smile that crosses her face. I know she thinks I'm insane, but at least she isn't biting my head off at the moment.

"Oh, by the way, you know Jordan. And this is his friend, Molly."

"Nice to meet you," Nicolette smiles at her, but Molly ignores her.

Glancing at Jordan, he seems as confused as Nicolette and I are. What the hell is her problem? She was a chatterbox when we first got in the car, but now that I think about it, she did clam up when we picked Nicolette up. Except for the disgusting baby talk with Jordan, she has been acting off.

Getting inside, I take the time to go around and open up the windows to air it out a bit. With work, I don't get up here as much as I would like to anymore. Dad has people come in and clean it along with keeping the fridge stocked in case one of us comes up, but most of the time, they are just tossing it all the next week.

Jordan shows the girls where their rooms will be while I grab the ingredients for dinner. I had planned to not start working on anything until tomorrow. Just have a simple dinner and head into town to see what was going on, but with how Nicolette had been acting, I'm certain she would have my head if we took the night off.

Jordan and Molly come back and make drinks while I start the grill. We have a nice chat and I find that Molly is actually a nice woman. Maybe the interaction earlier was just from being sick of being in the car for so long.

Every once in a while, I peek back at the door, but never catch the slightest glimpse of Nicolette. Jordan notices and finally speaks up.

"She was going to take a shower and unpack. I told her we would let her know when dinner was ready."

Sure, she can say she is doing all that and really be climbing out the window and running back home. I almost suggest it, but decide better of it. The burgers are almost done, so one of us will be getting her shortly.

Molly and Jordan take on the task of setting the table and laying out the sides from the fridge while I start up the stairs. Walking down the hall, I start to become annoyed. My parents' room is at the very end. On either side of it are my sister's and mine. The other two have always been for guests. As I pass them first, I notice Molly and Jordan's things in one, but the other is empty. If that asshole gave her my room, I will end him.

Almost turning around, I see that my sister's door is closed and curse under my breath. Of course, he gave her the room across from mine. It is almost as if he wants me to fail. Scratch that, he enjoys making me suffer. He and I are both well aware that Nicolette would sooner claw her own eyes out than touch me. For all I know, she took a billboard out to let everyone know.

Knocking lightly, I wait patiently until the door opens and I'm knocked backwards. Here I thought she was beautiful all made up, but this...this is much better.

Standing with her chestnut hair hanging damp over her shoulder, face clear of makeup, and wearing nothing but a tee shirt and cotton shorts, she is a gorgeous sight.

"Can I help you?" she says as she crosses her arms and glares at me, breaking my trance.

"Um...yeah. Ah, dinner is ready." I grumble before spinning on my heels and marching down to the kitchen.

This was a horrible f*****g mistake.

Dinner is awkward and I send up a silent pray when it is finally over. Molly keeps acting as if Nicolette kicked her puppy, Jordan gushes over everything that Molly and he have in common, and I try to think of any excuse why we will have to head back early.

"So what's the plan?" Jordan interrupts my thought and I c**k my eyebrow at him. "What are we doing now? Heading into town, fire pit, or getting s**t-faced?"

"Work." Nicolette grins his way.

"No. That's no fun." Jordan whines as Molly huffs.

This is going to be a weekend from hell if this keeps up. Not wanting anymore stress or tension, I stand and start clearing the table.

"Why don't you and Molly head into town? Show her all the spots that we always hit up. Nikki and I will stay here and get a head start. We can go out as a group tomorrow if we make enough headway."

Realizing what I just said, I choose to pretend nothing has happened, but I should know better with Jordan here.

"Great. You and Nikki are lifesavers." With a little laugh, he and Molly head out the door, leaving the two of us in uncomfortable silence.

Thankfully, she doesn't add on and starts to help me. Once we have loaded the dishwasher, I grab my briefcase from the front door while she heads upstairs for her laptop and notebook. Meeting in the living room, I opt for the couch while she takes the recliner, and we get situated at the coffee table.

The clicking of her fingers on the keyboard grates at my nerves. It is the only sound for a half hour before I couldn't take another second.

"Let's get something straight - you don't like me and that's fine, but we are going to have to communicate to get this job done. If we just ignore each other, then it will just continue being miserable for both of us."

Hanging her head, she lets out a soft sigh. The sound shoots straight to my d**k and I have to control myself. This woman is off -limits. Even if she liked you, take into consideration what is at stake.

"You're right," she concedes. "I came in to this without the greatest outlook when I already had a lot to deal with. I am sorry, but I will try to be better."

Looking at her, I can tell she is sincere, so I decide to make amends and apologize as well.

"I'm sorry that I can be a bit..."

"Cocky? Self-centered? Rude? Narcassitic? Arrogant?"

"I was going to say forward, but it appears that truce lasted longer than I expected."

Nicolette starts laughing until the point of tears. "Oh, come on. Lighten up. You opened the door on that one."

Trying to fight it at first, I give her an icy glare that does nothing but egg her on. Finally, I have no choice but to join in as the smile breaks across my face.

We both settle down after a bit and it is silent again, only this time, it isn't stiffling.

"OK, spill it. What is so different with this one that you have to lug me all the way up here? Is it some eccentric millionaire that you want to help unload his pockets or maybe he just has a hot daughter?" Nicolette questions, never bothering to look up from her laptop.

"Neither. This is just like any other business deal," I tell her nonchalantly. That makes her look at me and I know she doesn't believe me in the least.

"Bullshit. You did not drag me, Jordan, and discount Barbie up here for any normal meeting. This has to be something big."

"I knew it!" I exclaim as I bounce a bit in my seat, glowing in my own victory. "You and Molly hate each other! I could tell from her body language. What is it? Old high school rivals?"

Throwing her hands up in the air, she tosses herself backwards and leans her head on the rest. "So you saw it too?! What the hell is her deal? I've never seen her before in my life. I wasn't rude to her, yet she shoots daggers at me like I kicked her damn puppy."

I almost admit to her that I thought the same earlier, but keep it to myself. She is getting louder the more she rants and, for once, it isn't at or about me. I'm fine with letting that be the theme for the weekend.

"I'll talk to Jordan later and see if he has any idea or if she said something to him. But for now, why don't we go over the key points for the meeting?"

Accessing me closely, she acts like she is looking for something. I'm not quite sure what I said wrong, but she must decide she is right as she sits up abruptly. "Nice try. You will not distract me that easily. Now, out with it! Why is this one such a big deal?"

Knowing that she won't let it go, I tell her how this one is the same for the most part. It is who it is that makes it more important.

Ivan Sinclair was one of the largest names in the area. Our name was recognized by most, but everyone knew him. Not only had he done a lot of the development in Chicago, but also a good portion of the state. From the outside, it appeared that he was a force to be reckoned with. But, I had some inside information. Old Ivan wasn't doing as well as he once was. The main objective of our meeting with them on Friday was to let him know as much before offering a deal he wouldn't be able to refuse. Then, our names would be associated and, in return, our profits would grow beyond what we projected by this time years from now.

In the end, we would have the benefit of their name and reputation while he got our business sense and financial backing to restore them to what they once were. A partnership made in heaven. With the small added bonus for me that I would be able to prove to my dad that I knew what the f**k I was doing and he could ride off into the sunset with mom. With any luck, traveling far away from here a majority of the time.

Nicolette takes a moment to consider what I have told her. I can see her gears working, but I'm not sure if it is to figure out if I'm telling her the truth or if she is trying to work up a winning idea.

Biting her lip, she nods like she has found the answer. "We can get you that agreement, but I'm going to need alcohol."

Watching her get up and head for the kitchen, she peeks back over her shoulder and notices my face. "What? It helps me think? Now, do you want something or not?"

Stretching my neck, I try to relieve the throb that has been growing there for the last few hours. Nicolette wasn't lying when she said she does her best work a little tipsy. Well, I'm assuming she didn't. This may be what she would have come up with stone cold sober - but she has been pleasant and less stuck up, so I'm not going to question it.

Going over what we have laid out one more time, my confidence begins to grow. While I wasn't too concerned in the first place, it now seems like it will be a slam dunk. My usual routine is to make them understand that they need us more than we need them. That may have done the trick with Ivan, but it wasn't a guarantee.

"Then you are all set for Friday?" Nicolette asks as she goes to refill her drink.

"Pretty sure there isn't a single thing out of place. Thanks again for all your help. Are you sure you have no experience?"

"Hate to break it to you cupcake, but you just took all the suggestions of a bad server at best." she giggles coming to take her chair again. "When Ellen ran into me, I was just fired from yet another job."

Listening intently, she explains what happened the day before she walked into my office. My anger rises as she retells how her manager felt the need to degrade her in front of the entire restaurant. I know that she can be a pain in the ass, but that is not how a leader is meant to act. But after hearing it all, it is crystal clear why Ellen picked her. Hell, it was as if she fell right into her lap. If she was strong in her beliefs of not having a relationship with a co-worker and brazen enough to confront him in front of a place full of onlookers - she could easily handle me. It was already apparent that she didn't want anything to do with me, but now it made sense why. The only problem now was the 'what if' bouncing in the back of my mind. Would she have been swayed easier if she hadn't ended up being my assistant? Deep down, I already know the answer. She didn't like me before she met me. Which is a question I can approach.

"We already established that you never met Molly before to get such a reaction from her," I began, "But had we met before?"

"Nope. Your office was the first time I had seen you - although I did a search on the internet about you that morning. It was quite....informative."

Ah..it all makes sense now. I had done that a time or two about myself to see what the new headline would be. The media never painted me in a flattering light - accurate - but never flattering. It explains her distaste for me. Between what she saw and heard of me added to her previous boss, I'm shocked she didn't quit on the spot. Though I haven't known her long, she doesn't strike me as a woman who will put up with anything.

Wanting to get away from the topic at hand, "Since we are done with the proposal, what do you want to do now?"

Nicolette mulls it over before she shrugs. "You can take me home tomorrow. Let me salvage some of my free time."

My heart falls a little. I thought we were making progress. Even though I knew there would never be a shot at getting her into bed, I found myself enjoying spending time with her. It was an odd feeling to talk to a woman as more of a friend than a conquest. What the hell was happening to me?

"You did a great job tonight. Why don't we stay, but you can use it at your disposal. I'm sure Ellen gave you a company card. Go to town tomorrow. Treat yourself! You earned it."

Nodding, she gives me a small smile. "You're right. Glenda has it under control."

Glenda? I don't remember her mentioning her before. Possibly a roommate? The silence carries on and I frantically think of something to say to keep the conversation. I'm not ready to call it a night yet.

Looking over at her, my eyes travel to her lips and no matter how I try, I can't look away. She notices and tenses. Clearing her throat, I tear my attention away.

"It was a long day. I'm going to head to bed." Nicolette rushes out as she tries to stand. Only her foot gets caught under her and I reach out and help her get stable before she has a chance to hit the coffee table.

"Thanks," she whispers before swallowing hard.

Not missing the way her breathing picks up, I decide to just go for it. There is something there and I'm certain she knows it too.

As I lean in slightly, she suddenly becomes rigid and pushes me gently. "See you in the morning. Goodnight."

She hurries up the stairs without a backward glance and I feel like a complete fool. What the hell was I thinking? We had just come to an agreement to try to be civil and I mistook her kindness as an open invitation. f*****g moron!

Locking up, I leave the front light on for Jordan and go upstairs as well. It will be fine tomorrow. I can always apologize or maybe she won't bring it up. Either way is fine with me.

Stopping at her door, I lift my hand to knock, but after a beat, I pull it back down. Closing my door behind me, I get ready for bed with only one thing running circles in my head.

How do I keep Nikki from getting under my skin anymore than she already is?