Bedding the Billionaire

Sutton

“You’re late, Sutton.”

I winced internally as I listened to my boss chastise me for being late. Flinging my bag under the dingy counter at Abberly’s bar, I looked up from my crouched position to see Gabriel Reece glaring at me.

Rather than answer him, I yanked my apron out of my bag and went to work tying it on. Sadly, the next time I glanced over at him it was just in time to see his nasty ass staring at the way my t-shirt pulled tight across my chest as I tried on my apron.

Perve.

“We have a start time for a reason, Sutton” he stated in that lofty tone of his.

Seriously, who was the man kidding? There wasn’t another soul in town who would put up with his shit and we both knew it.

“I’m sorry,” I grit out between clenched teeth. I knew better than to give an excuse, even if it was a valid one. Gabe didn’t care if I had an excuse, he just liked riding my ass. It started in Kindergarten and he hadn’t got bored of it yet.

“Look, this is getting to be a problem,” he began, scratching his chest. I didn’t even want to know what the stains were that currently decorated his shirt. There had been a time when Gabe was somewhat attractive. That time was long gone.

“I’m never late,” I started, but he cut me off with a raised hand.

“Sutton, Sutton, Sutton.”

I hated the way he said my name. It was as if he were speaking of dog poop or erectile dysfunction.

“Yes, Gabriel?” I answered frostily.

I could swear that there was a glint of smugness that entered into his cold eyes as he continued to stare me down. Finally, he spoke, “You are late—again. I told you the next time you came in here late I would be taking it off your wages.”

lodged in his ass. But the familiar grumbling of my stomach forced me to hold my tongue. I needed the money that this terrible job provided. It was the reason, the only reason, I agreed to work for

before turning back to glare at him, I answered smartly, “It’s three minutes after the

wasn’t bringing home the big bucks. I could see by his reaction that I wasn’t far off the mark. Gabe looked ready to wring

concept, so even you should understand it. If you

to me. Ruth Ann treated me

menus, clearly trying to eavesdrop. As my eyes continued to scan

Max has been waiting nearly a half hour for his drink.” Gabe shot me a smug look when I immediately

“Why didn’t you say something instead of tearing up at me?” I grumbled just loud enough

excitement lit inside of me. Max was another of my favorite people in Otterville Falls. In a rush, I wound my long dark hair into a messy bun and secured it with a pen. Then I raced over to the bar

already sat there for thirty minutes, I went ahead and poured another drink. Then I carefully balanced the tray on one arm and strode across the old wood planks completely unaware that

Maxie!” I called out with a wink, ignoring his growl of disapproval as I

he replied gruffly.

I had heard any number of rumors about him over the years. The people in Otterville Falls loved a good mystery and Max

Mama had a special kind of relationship. I can’t even begin to tell you what that meant because honest to goodness I have no flipping idea even to this day. Max knew what Mama was, and when he rolled into town on his big motorcycle and stopped at our trailer, I knew what was going on. But I also knew that Mama

“You need money?” he asked in his gruff way.

the same way I always did. “Nah, I’m doing fine. Thanks, Maxie.”

and went back to his drink. But I didn’t miss the slight twitch to his lips that indicated a smile was

grin, I grabbed my notebook out of

five. Best friends, roommates, and having never married, you rarely saw one without the other. The

asked. “Would you like the regular or do

you have found a way to get that boss of yours to lose his boxers, I am betting

I gagged a little.

That’s sexual harassment.” Lord knew that Gabe got a kick out of the ladies thinking he was a hot stud. I personally couldn’t see what they were talking about.

“I would like to harass him—sexually,” she licked her old lady lips lewdly, and I couldn’t

stand in your way,” I said, pointing to the office. “Go get your man.”

at me and turned back to her menu. “Maybe tomorrow. I am