Doctor's Date with a Billionaire Read online

  Table of Contents

  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

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  Author's Note

  Mailing List

  Introduction to Veterinarian's Date with a Billionaire

  About the Author

  Doctor’s Date with a Billionaire

  Amelia Addler

  ANJ Press

  Pittsburgh

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

  DOCTOR’S DATE WITH A BILLIONAIRE

  ANJ Press, First edition. MAY 2019.

  Copyright © 2019 Amelia Addler.

  Written by Amelia Addler.

  Cover design by Charmaine Ross at CharmaineRoss.com

  For Nate

  my thoughtful, funny, handsome, silly, strong husband.

  I’m lucky that the dog rested his head on your chest

  all those years ago to let me know

  that you were a good guy.

  You are more amazing than anyone I could dream up.

  Chapter 1

  Jason looked at his watch and sighed. His dad was late, as usual. He tried to focus on the menu and decide on lunch, but he kept catching himself looking around the restaurant instead; he was worried he’d been followed.

  Nobody looked suspicious, and truth be told, he didn’t know what he would do if there was someone suspicious. It made him nervous nevertheless.

  After what felt like an eternity, Marty “Make it Happen” Brash finally arrived.

  “Sorry I’m late,” his dad said in a low voice. “I have to be extra careful these days.”

  Marty was out on bail, and in a few short weeks he would stand trial to answer for decades of financial crimes and fraud.

  “It’s okay.”

  Jason wasn’t sure how to feel. Part of him hoped that his dad wouldn’t show up to lunch. Then the only time he’d have to face him would be at trial.

  “What’s new with you?” Marty asked, sitting back casually.

  What an absurd question. They hadn’t seen each other in three years, yet he acted like they were just catching up.

  Jason decided that it was best not to drag it out. “There are some things I need to tell you.”

  Marty peered down at his menu. “How’s work?”

  “It’s fine,” Jason said, crossing him arms. “Nothing exciting.” He couldn’t stand faking pleasant conversation with his dad, pretending that everything was okay.

  Marty continued. “What’s good here? Do you think the turkey burgers are decent? I’m supposed to watch my cholesterol.”

  “I’m not really sure.”

  “What lonely soul even came up with turkey burgers?” his dad mused.

  Now Jason knew that he was stalling on purpose. “There’s something I think you deserve to know. You’ve hurt a lot of people. And I’ve agreed to testify against you at trial.”

  Marty didn’t react right away. He kept looking at the choices in front of him, eyes scanning back and forth. After a moment, he set the menu down. “I know, son.”

  Jason sat back, surprised. He’d dreaded having to say that out loud for the past few weeks – no, actually it was a dread he’d had for years.

  When he was younger, he didn’t realize that his father was actually a conman. At first, Jason was even unwittingly part of his father’s schemes.

  It started when he was in high school when his dad needed help with the computer.

  “There are always problems with these computers,” he’d say. “How am I supposed to get anything done?”

  Jason showed him how to use a word processor and spreadsheets to keep track of things, including expenses, payments, and business partners.

  Jason had no idea what any of the numbers or names were linked to. At that age, he didn’t quite understand what fraud was. He didn’t know that his dad was the go-to guy for white collar crime. All he knew was that it took his dad forever to do anything on the computer, so he had to keep track of everything for him.

  As he got older, Jason learned that none of his dad’s businesses or banking deals were legitimate. He quickly removed himself from anything to do with the “family business.” He was ashamed that he was ever involved. After dropping out of college, Jason got an apprenticeship as a carpenter. He never looked back.

  It wasn’t until FBI agents showed up at his door that he truly understood the stunning depths of his dad’s crimes. Jason wasn’t in any trouble, and while that was good news for him, it made the agents worry it was a long shot that he’d say anything against his father.

  When they showed him how much money his father stole, and how much it hurt innocent people who were too trusting with their savings, Jason was disgusted. He agreed to cooperate and offer any information he had. He couldn’t live with himself otherwise.

  Yet he didn’t expect his dad to be so calm about it.

  Jason broke the silence. “You’re not…angry?”

  Marty sighed. “No. I’m not angry. Not with you.”

  Jason didn’t know what to say. Did his dad understand the seriousness of the accusations against him? Did he understand that with the evidence the FBI had, he would probably be in jail for years?

  Marty continued. “Things got out of control, you know, out of hand. When you were little, and you don’t remember this, I was just like any other guy working at a bank. And when I saw that there were chances to make more money, I couldn’t resist. I figured that we weren’t hurting anybody – just a few suckers. I know it’s hard to believe now, but everything I did, I did because I wanted a better life for you.”

  Jason gritted his teeth. Was his dad trying to guilt him now? That would be a nice touch on their already delicate father-son relationship.

  Part of the reason that Jason offered to help his dad in the first place was because he wanted to spend more time with his dad. He was always working, and Jason wanted to learn from his father and follow in his footsteps. He wanted to make him proud.

  Jason shook off the memories. He was an adult now, and he couldn’t let his dad play mind games with him. “Is this some sort of a trick?”

  “No, no,” his father replied hurriedly. “Not this. This is real. I’ve had a lot of time to think about everything – how I ended up here. Why I ended up here. I lost sight of what’s important. I have a lot to be ashamed of.” He paused to rub his forehead. “Long story short, I’m not angry at you at all. I’m only angry at myself.”

  Jason took a deep breath and sat back. His dad could charm his way out of almost any situation, but it really didn’t seem like he was spinning a tale this time. It seemed genuine.

  Jason studied his face. For the first time i
n his life, his dad looked tired. He had bags under his eyes. His posture was slumped. He’d always been full of life, full of schemes. Today, he looked defeated.

  How long had he been like this? For the past few years, Jason pulled away from anything that had to do with his dad, so he hadn’t seen him at all. He spoke to him occasionally, for holidays and birthdays. After years of trying to convince him to stop with all the schemes, he finally gave up. Eventually, Jason knew that his only chance at a normal life was to leave it all behind, his dad included.

  “Okay then,” Jason finally replied. He had no choice but to believe him.

  A waitress stopped at their table. Jason put in an order for coffee and his father ordered a soda. She asked if they were ready to order and they looked at each other, wide eyed, doing that universal shrug as if to say “I am if you are!”

  The exchange seemed so normal, so casual, that Jason couldn’t help but note the absurdity of it all. No one from the outside would be able to see the cracks in their relationship. They looked like two guys having a relaxing lunch, ordering a pair of bacon burgers.

  “So much for your cholesterol,” said Jason.

  His dad shrugged. “I’ll do better next time.”

  As they waited for their food to come out, Jason answered what felt like a barrage of questions about his work and his life. It was like his dad was trying to make up for the last few years when all he seemed to care about was making more money.

  When he was twenty, he would have loved for his dad to be so interested in his life. But all of this interest was about thirteen years too late.

  After twenty minutes, their burgers arrived, stacked high and crowded with french fries. Jason looked around the restaurant – it didn’t seem like anyone was watching them. The FBI agents warned him to be careful, but perhaps he’d taken the paranoia a bit too far.

  “Now Jason,” Marty said, squirting some ketchup onto his plate. “I know that I’ll probably be going away for a bit. Could be the rest of my life, who knows how many years I have left.”

  Jason cringed. It was one thing to think about his dad living out the rest of his years in prison, but it was an entirely different thing to hear it said out loud.

  He cleared his throat. “Yeah. That’s what I heard.”

  Marty dipped a french fry in ketchup. “And I know that you don’t agree with how I did it, but like I said, everything I did was for you. I don’t want you to have to wait until I croak to get the money I’ve saved.”

  Jason set his coffee cup down. “Dad – ”

  “Hear me out,” he said, cutting him off. “There’s nothing shady about this. I talked to my lawyer and I can leave you everything. You won’t have to work as a carpenter anymore.”

  “I love being a carpenter,” Jason replied. “And I don’t need the money.”

  Marty shoved a clump of fries into his mouth, chewing as he spoke. “Jason, I don’t think you realize how much money I’m talking.” He dropped his voice. “Two billion dollars.”

  Jason crossed his arms. It was more than he expected, but it didn’t sway him. The higher the number, the more people his dad scammed. “I won’t accept any of it.”

  His dad gasped.

  Jason shook his head. “I just can’t, Dad.”

  Marty shook his head frantically, pointing to his throat.

  “Are you choking?” Jason asked, hearing the panic in his own voice.

  Marty’s face turned red.

  Jason didn’t know what to do. He stood up, darting to his dad’s side, trying to remember what the procedure was in a situation like this. His mind was totally blank. He stood there, mouth open, gaping at his father with no idea how to help him.

  Out of nowhere, a cascade of long hair crossed in front of Jason’s sight. The next thing he saw was a pair of arms wrapped around his father’s chest, the hands folded into a fist that thrusted under his sternum.

  “Alright big guy,” the woman called out. She continued speaking between thrusts. “We are not – going to let – you choke!”

  A soggy clump of french fries flew from Marty’s mouth onto the floor. He gasped for air and the woman patted him on the back.

  “See?” she said with a smile. “I told you I wouldn’t let you choke.”

  Jason stood there, his mouth still hanging open. His mind was too slow to catch up with what happened. He still felt panicked, even though he could see that his dad was breathing – no, laughing.

  “Dad, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” He dabbed at his forehead with his napkin. “Just tried to shove too many fries in at once, I guess.”

  He laughed and the woman laughed with him. She even let out a little snort.

  “I’m glad you’re okay,” she said. “Does anything hurt?”

  “Not at all,” Marty replied, patting his belly. “I’ve been saved by an angel.”

  “Oh yeah right,” she said with a giggle.

  “You know,” Marty said without missing a beat, “I always hoped my son would find a strong woman!”

  Jason stared at him, horrified. How was it that his dad maintained the ability to completely embarrass him after all of these years? Was it like riding a bicycle, a skill he’d never lose?

  She handled the awkward comment with grace. “That was my workout for the day, so thank you.”

  She smiled and turned to leave.

  Jason wanted to say something, but still couldn’t think straight. He was stunned with what happened.

  She really was strong. And he was surprised that she was able to get her arms around his dad’s big belly. She was tall, maybe even as tall as his dad. For some reason, that was all that his brain could focus on.

  He continued gaping as she disappeared through the front door. The moment to thank her passed. Jason sat down at the table and focused his eyes back on his dad.

  “One fry at a time, okay?”

  “Forget the fries,” his dad said, mouth full. “This burger is delicious!”

  Chapter 2

  Alex rushed to her car. She was already running late before stopping into the diner to grab lunch, and then she saw that guy choking! She couldn’t just leave him there. Luckily, it was an easy rescue. It only took a few Heimlich thrusts and the man was back to his burger. Alex stuffed the rest of her donut into her mouth as she started her car.

  She got to clinic with just enough time to say hello to the front end staff, wash her hands, and check her schedule for the day. She was excited to see that her first patient was one of her favorites.

  “Mrs. Higgins! It’s so lovely to see you,” Alex said as she walked into the room.

  Mrs. Higgins flashed a little smile. “And it’s always nice to see you Dr. Small.”

  “What brings you in today? Nothing wrong I hope?”

  “Oh no, you know me. Tough as a bag of nails. A 90 year old bag of nails.”

  Alex laughed. “Yes, of course. But you know that you can always tell me if you’re having any trouble.”

  Mrs. Higgins smiled. “I know, kiddo. That’s why I keep coming to see you.”

  Alex completed a physical exam and reviewed all of Mrs. Higgins’ most recent blood work. It was all wonderfully normal. Mrs. Higgins had nothing new to report, except for some pictures of her great-grandchildren.

  Alex loved baby pictures. She oohed and gushed over their chubby cheeks.

  Mrs. Higgins tucked the pictures back into her purse. “Dr. Small, you know that I worry about you.”

  “Me? Why?” she replied, though she knew what was coming.

  “You can’t be a day over 26, but you won’t be young forever. Don’t forget to find a nice man to start a family with.”

  Alex almost corrected her to say that she was 31, not 26, but she stopped herself when she realized that it would only make her situation seem worse.

  “I’m working on it,” she said with a wink.

  Mrs. Higgins stood up and fetched a plastic container from her purse. “I made these this mo
rning, just for you and the girls.”

  Chocolate chip cookies. Alex loved Mrs. Higgins’ cookies, but it made her feel guilty that this sweet 90 year old woman was getting up early to bake for them.

  “You’re too good to us. You know that we all love your baking, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to trouble yourself like that just to come in and see us.”

  Mrs. Higgins pulled her in for a hug. “Oh hush, an old lady likes to feel useful once in a while.”

  Alex escorted her to the front lobby, carrying the container with her. The rest of the staff spotted the cookies at once and demanded that she open them immediately. Alex obliged; she was happy that Mrs. Higgins could see how much her efforts were appreciated.

  The rest of Alex’s day flew by; she always liked coming up to this clinic. She was part of a group of doctors who traveled between a handful of the rural clinics in the area, and her schedule at this spot in particular was always packed.

  After she finished medical school, she wanted to move back home to be close to her parents. She interviewed at several primary care offices in her hometown of Albany, New York, but none of them felt quite right.

  The offices were fine, of course; the other doctors seemed nice and the staff was hardworking. Yet none of them had a mission that inspired her as much as the rural health clinic group – the doctors there traveled around to ensure that the people of upstate New York got the care they deserved.

  It was a shame that there was such a shortage of doctors in the area. Her interview there felt like a dream come true and she accepted the job offer immediately. Alex was happy to contribute, even in her small way.

  Since most of the clinics were north of Albany, she had to live a bit further from her parents, but she didn’t mind. The scenery more than made up for it – it was an absolutely breathtaking part of the country.

  She didn’t have a chance to take a break that day until 5 PM when her last patient of the day was a no show. She was surprised; Mr. Willow had never missed an appointment before.

  “Do you want me to give him a call?” asked Jean, one of Alex’s favorite nurses.