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.”

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

glare at him, I answered smartly, “It’s three minutes after the hour, Gabe. What

so I hadn’t done the math. But at a waitressing hourly wage, I wasn’t bringing home the big bucks. I could see by his reaction that I wasn’t far off the mark. Gabe looked ready

three. This isn’t a difficult concept, so even you should understand it. If you are unable to be on time for your shift, you can find

me. Ruth Ann treated me like gold. Which was

my way past Gabe, I took in the current customers. I smiled when I saw two of my favorite older ladies glancing surreptitiously over their menus, clearly trying to eavesdrop. As my eyes continued to scan the room, I saw a few of the other tables were taken. Nothing too stressful. This would be an easy-peasy

been waiting nearly a half hour for his drink.” Gabe shot me a smug look when I immediately jumped into action.

something instead of tearing up at me?”

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.

the old wood planks completely unaware that my shoe was untied. Tripping, I nearly ended up in Max’s lap. Thankfully the older man was deft enough to catch the tray, save the drinks,

out with a wink, ignoring his growl

he

nodded and moved back to get a good look at him. Still handsome in his early fifties, Max had the look of someone that lived hard. I had heard any number of rumors about him over the years. The people in Otterville Falls loved a

when he rolled into town on his big motorcycle and stopped at our trailer, I knew what was going on. But I also

“You need money?” he asked in his

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

He rolled his eyes and went back to his drink. But I didn’t miss the slight twitch to his lips that indicated a smile was lurking somewhere under

With a grin, I grabbed my notebook out of my apron and moved to the

Reena. The two elderly ladies couldn’t have been a day over seventy- five. Best friends, roommates,

will it be?” I asked. “Would you like the regular or do you want to spice things up?”

to lose his boxers, I am betting that there is nothing spicy around here going on at

I gagged a

Gabe got a kick out of

to harass him—sexually,” she licked her old lady lips lewdly, and I couldn’t control snort of laughter that escaped

me stand in your way,” I said, pointing to the

me and turned back to her menu. “Maybe tomorrow. I am not feeling up