Best Intentions: A Christmas Billionaire Romance (The Best Girls Book 5)

  Best Intentions

  A Christmas Billionaire Romance

  The Best Girls Series

  Book Five

  By

  Tamie Dearen

  Best Intentions

  by Tamie Dearen

  Copyright © 2017

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means now known or hereafter invented, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

  Contents

  Foreword

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Books by Tamie Dearen

  If you haven’t read the first four books in the Best Girls Series, grab the five-book boxed set for less than the cost of three books!

  Get a free copy of The Best Girls’ prequel, The Best is Yet to Come, available exclusively to Tamie Dearen subscribers.

  I hope you enjoy Olivia and Collin’s story and, as always, the happily-ever-after!

  Follow on BookBub for the latest releases!

  To Mom, who never ceases to amaze me with her love and selfless service.

  Chapter 1

  Olivia blinked hard, trying to bring the words into focus. She’d read the same line four times. Conceding defeat at last, she closed her computer. As she arched her back and stretched her arms overhead, she examined the ornate ceiling in the reading room of the New York Public Library. A loud rumble from her stomach gave a rude reminder of the lunch she’d skipped, but luckily, most of the people within hearing distance had already vacated the library as the eight o’clock closing time approached.

  She startled at a chuckle from the table behind her. “When I heard that deafening growl, I expected the source to be a vast beefy gentleman.”

  I recognize that voice. Deep, velvety, chill-inducing…Collin Sterling!

  She turned to glare, but her breath caught in her throat when she locked gazes with him. Flecks of gold sparkled in his deep green eyes as his mouth twisted in a half-smile. A lock of sandy brown hair fell across his forehead, somehow looking as if it had been placed there for a photo-shoot. With a few days’ growth of beard adorning his strong, masculine jaw, she found herself fighting a sudden urge to run her fingers along it.

  What am I thinking? He’s not really attracted to me. Dating is nothing but a game to him. Gathering her resolve, she painted a fake glower on her face.

  “It’s called borborygmus, and the volume isn’t dependent on the size of the person or their gender.” Olivia used her strongest, don’t-even-think-about-flirting-with-me voice, daring him to argue with her.

  “I must say you’re fortunate your borborygmus just began, lest the complaints of the other library goers would’ve had you ousted from the premises.”

  Olivia glanced around the room, empty but for the two of them, suddenly suspicious of her stomach’s eavesdropper.

  “What are you doing here, anyway, Collin?”

  “Haven’t I as much right to be here as you? Or is this room reserved only for medical students? I must have missed the sign.” He used the stuffy phrasing he preferred whenever he teased her.

  “You have a right to be here, the same as me. But it’s Tuesday night. I would expect to find you in some nightclub with a beer in hand and a woman on each arm. What brings you here?”

  “Your assumptions are not only stinging, but wholly inaccurate. Firstly, I am a one-woman-at-a-time sort of man. Secondly, not a drop of alcohol has touched my lips in more than a year. And thirdly, I came here tonight seeking a quiet place to study for my constitutional law class. I thought I’d found the perfect spot, until the roar of your stomach interrupted my concentration.”

  “You’re in law school?” It wasn’t the only surprise revealed in his speech, but it was the most astonishing.

  “Why is that so shocking? Are you one of those female chauvinists who believe men shouldn’t be attorneys?”

  “Surprises me that a rich playboy would be willing to do the work required for law school.”

  “I’ve got more surprises where that one came from.” He grinned, waggling his eyebrows.

  Olivia let out an exasperated groan, trying to hide how his flirting made her stomach flutter. “I’d rather remain in ignorance, if you don’t mind.”

  “Ignorance is bliss, so I can see why you’d seek to remain there.” He leaned closer, his half-lidded eyes sending a warming streak into her system. “But I could offer you an even greater bliss, if you’d only give me the opportunity.”

  Her muddled brain couldn’t form a proper comeback, so she glared at him, calling him a bad name under her breath.

  “I didn’t quite hear you, though I promise I’m properly wounded by your cunning rebuttal.” His lips twitched, and laughter lurked behind his eyes. “But if looks could kill, you’d need a good defense attorney.”

  “Well, it certainly wouldn’t be you.” Olivia lifted her chin. “I’ll hire Charlie to defend me.” Charlotte Best, aka Charlie, was one of Olivia’s best friends and a step-cousin to Collin. Collin had done his level best to break up her engagement. Somehow, Charlie had forgiven him, but Olivia couldn’t bring herself to trust the guy. Though sometimes… like tonight… she wished she could.

  “I’ll have you know Charlie and I attend the same law school. She is, however, a year ahead of me. And I’ll admit, despite my considerable talent, I might not be able to handle a murder trial in which I was both the defense attorney and the victim.”

  “Lucky for you, there are too many witnesses here. It appears you will live to torment me yet another day.”

  Collin had been hounding her to go out with him at every opportunity for the past year, even showing up on occasion at the hospital where she’d worked as a registered nurse in the emergency room. But with the start of medical school in August she’d had to give up her long exhausting shifts at the hospital, so she hadn’t seen him for a couple of months. As much as he drove her crazy, she rather missed their sparring sessions.

  “If you’d only give me an opportunity, you might find my company is not as distasteful as you think. Just go out with me, one time. What can it hurt?”

  “Even if I wanted to—and I don’t—I haven’t got time to go out with you. I’m in med school, in case you’ve forgotten.”

  “I’m in law school. I study all the time as well. Even if you’re busy, you still have to eat. I’m only asking you to dinner.” He shrugged his broad shoulders, and she resented him for making her notice them.

  Olivia buried her face in her hands, mostly because it was so hard to resist his pleading eyes, especially when a hint of dimples played at the corners of his mouth. “How many times do I have to tell you? How many different ways can I say it? I’m not interested in you, Collin.”

  Strong hands peeled her fingers away, forcing her to look at h
is sad puppy-dog pout.

  “Look at me, Olivia. How can you say no to a face like this?”

  She felt her resolve softening. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to go out with him just one time. Surely, if they spent a few hours alone together, he’d have to admit they were simply too different. Like oil and water, they could never mix.

  His enticing lips stretched into a smile as the hope grew on his face. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss those lips—just one time. To have those strong arms wrapped around her, pressing her against his iron chest. What am I thinking? I can’t let that happen. I can’t afford to fall in love with a guy who’s not right for me. One who would drop me like a rock as soon as I expressed any interest.

  “No, Collin, you have a face only a mother could love. Do I look like your mother?”

  He winced like she’d hit him in the face, and her heart sunk into her stomach, knowing she must’ve hit a touchy subject.

  “No, Olivia. You’re nothing like her. At least, I didn’t think you were.” His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as if he were swallowing something painfully large.

  “I…I didn’t mean to—”

  “Pardon me, Olivia.” He stood abruptly, scraping the chair on the floor with a screech. “Though I never meant to offend you, it seems I can do nothing else.”

  No sooner had he spoken the words than he slung his backpack over one shoulder and strode away, his footsteps echoing in the nearly empty reading room. Shocked, she watched his retreating form, while her mind grasped in vain for a proper response. He disappeared, never turning to look over his shoulder.

  Her throat constricted as a surge of guilt propelled her to her feet. She knew Collin’s dad was single and always assumed his parents were divorced. What if his mother was dead? How could she be so stupid? She snatched her laptop bag and hurried after him, still composing an apology in her head. She had to sound sincere, but not too encouraging. She didn’t want Collin to think she liked him. Even if I kind of do like him a little.

  On her way to the main lobby, a reflection flashed in an ornate mirror. She halted, gasping at her disheveled appearance. Her long brown curls hung in a mass of tangles, blown about by a heavy north wind during her earlier commute. She rubbed at the smudge of mascara under one eye, apparently all that remained of the limited makeup she’d applied before breakfast. She hurried on, running her fingers through her hair.

  Pivoting, she joined the throng of patrons exiting the library. Though she had a good vantage point, standing five feet nine inches tall, Olivia couldn’t spot her target among the mass of people. Just as she was about to give up hope, she saw a tall man in a brown leather coat slip out through the door. I think that’s him.

  Darting around her fellow library patrons, Olivia pushed through the exit into the chilly night air. She wrapped her scarf around her neck, lunging after the brown coat, which moved with the crowd into the darkness at the bottom of the massive concrete steps. Breathing heavily from her efforts, she descended the stairs and caught sight of Collin making his way down the sidewalk.

  Grateful for her comfortable boots, she shuffled behind him, watching for ice. Ducking her head against the bitter cold wind, she turned to follow in the direction he’d gone, spotting him a half block ahead, moving at a rapid pace. With long strides she attempted to gain ground, but as he disappeared around the corner, she realized she’d have to run to catch him. She noticed the sidewalk was practically deserted in this direction, and the streets were rather dark. A prickle of apprehension set the hairs on the back of her neck at attention.

  Trotting around the corner, she spied the tall coat-clad man fifty yards away, descending the stairs across the street into a subway station. She thought to abandon her quest, when she heard the rapid clomp of a man’s footsteps behind her, echoing in the urban canyon of tall buildings and concrete, and recognized her precarious situation.

  What am I doing out here? I know better than to walk alone on a deserted street at night.

  Deciding the subway was her closest safe refuge, she jay-walked—or jay-ran—as fast as she could, across the street, angling toward the subway entrance.

  Almost there.

  A shout sounded behind her, and she picked up the pace.

  Then she was in the air, hurtling toward the street, before it even registered that her boot had slipped on the ice.

  Pain flashed in her back. In her head. She saw stars on her eyelids.

  The patter of footsteps was louder, as her pursuer drew closer. She tried to get up and flee, but her body wouldn’t obey her brain. Groaning, she lay still. Helpless. Waiting.

  “Olivia—are you okay?” A warm hand lifted hers, patting her palm. “Olivia?”

  Blinking her eyes open, she saw Collin’s face looming over her, his forehead wrinkled with concern.

  “Did you change coats?” Olivia accused. “You were wearing a brown one a minute ago.”

  Collin glanced at his cobalt blue parka and then tilted his head, studying her with knotted eyebrows. “I think you may have a concussion. Did you hit your head?”

  “No, I didn’t hit my head.” She pushed up on one elbow and probing the tender back of her head with her fingers. “The street hit my head.”

  “Ah, of course! Pardon my inaccurate blunder. I meant to ask if your head had impacted with the concrete.” The moonlight illuminated his face, sporting a smirk, despite his pretense at concern.

  “I’m perfectly fine. I think my back took the brunt of it.” She struggled to sit up, wincing at the raw spot on her spine. Even buried beneath a sweater, an undershirt, and a thick coat, the pavement had done a job on her.

  Strong arms slid under her armpits from behind, lifting her to her wobbly feet. As he propped her up, the earthy smell of his cologne wafted into her nose.

  “What are you doing walking all alone at night on a street like this, anyway?” he scolded, his breath tickling her ear in a tingly sort of way.

  “I was following you.” Desperate to escape his overwhelming nearness, she whipped around to glare at him, a motion that set the streets spinning, until his hands reached out to steady her.

  “Following me?” His eyebrows lifted, widening his eyes. “How could you be following me when I was following you?”

  “Why were you following me?” Her confusion was masked by sudden suspicion.

  “Because you obviously don’t have the common sense God gave to a tadpole, alone at night in a totally deserted area, running on the ice.”

  “It’s not totally deserted,” she defended, a swing of her chin indicating two men exiting the stairs at the subway station.

  One eyebrow lifted, practically screaming his skepticism. “Fine. You were alone on an almost deserted street.”

  “You still haven’t explained why you were following me,” she accused, mostly to throw him off while she thought up a suitable answer.

  “Why were you following me?” he countered.

  “To…” What can I say? I can’t tell him I was going to apologize—not now. “To give you a message to give to Charlie tomorrow. Don’t you see her every day at law school?”

  “I usually do, but why can’t you send her a text?” Collin released her arm, standing poised as if she might topple over at any moment.

  “I could text her, but I want to be sure she gets the message.”

  “Okay. What do you want me to tell her?”

  His intense gaze seemed to penetrate her mind. She felt a bead of sweat on her forehead, despite the frosty air, while she scrambled for something of import to pass on to Charlie. Collin bent to pick up her bag, scooping the spilled contents back inside. Thankfully, it gave her more time to think.

  “Tell Charlie I won’t be at lunch tomorrow. Big test coming up, and I need to study.” It was true, although Olivia had already sent a text, canceling with her lunch mates. The technical truth of her statement didn’t prevent her from heaping a double scoop of guilt into her cup.

  “Ah yes. Your weekly Wednesd
ay lunches with my cousin and your sister.” His smile faltered for an instant, and when it returned it didn’t reach his eyes. She glanced at him as he stood holding her satchel out, waiting wordlessly while her mind wandered around like a nomad.

  “Thanks.” She took the bag from his outstretched hands, tucking the strap over her shoulder.

  “I see you still attack your poor defenseless fingernails with your teeth when you’re stressed.” Collin cocked his head to the side, his lids drooping as his eyes perused her form in a leisurely inspection that brought a flush to her face. “Perhaps you shouldn’t skip your lunch tomorrow—you look a bit thin.”

  His brows furrowed as he stared like he could see through her bulky layers to her protruding bones. True, between work and studying, she hadn’t exactly had time to eat healthy.

  “Thanks so much for the body critique, but that’s none of your business.”

  She waited for his snarky retort. “I’d certainly like to make it my business.” Or maybe, “If you don’t want me to critique your body, I’d be glad to do something else with it.”

  Silence.

  Though he didn’t move a muscle, she felt him withdraw.

  “You’re right, it’s not my business. I apologize for interfering.” His jaw flexed as if he were biting back further words.

  She couldn’t help wanting to see him smile again. “I guess I should say thanks for helping me up, even though I wouldn’t have fallen if you hadn’t been chasing me.”