The Billionaire’s Bun In Her Oven - Ellie Rowe Page 0,39

them believe he’s a good man — again. Even Zsa Zsa knows better! I never outed him for being an angry drunken asshole, and I regret it more than ever.

“Cynthia?” My eyes dart up and I see Kyle looking at me, his snide smile back in place. “You’re looking well.”

His eyes roam over my body and I tug my skirt down reflexively. “Have you come home for good this time?”

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. I’m so angry. And I hate to say it, but I feel… scared.

Something about Kyle always turns me to putty. For a long time, I thought it was because I loved him, and he loved me. By the time I realized what was really behind that feeling, it was too late.

“My Mother called. I’m visiting,” I fumble over my words like a kid.

“That’s sweet of you to come when she calls. You were always a good girl, Cynthia.” He flashes a smile and Mother looks at him like he just paid her a huge compliment.

“Well, I was… I thought it could be… something urgent —”

“What was that? I’m having trouble hearing you, why don’t you come up on the porch? We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

I lower my eyes to the ground and start to take shaky steps toward the stairs when I feel a warm hand in mine.

“Afternoon, all!” Stephen greets brightly. “Mrs. Easton, Mr. Easton, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He takes my hand and gives me a quick kiss on the back of it. I start at the gesture and he makes a subtle face at me.

Oh right! Boyfriend. We stroll up the stairs together and he extends a hand to my father. “Mr. Easton, I’m Stephen Longvale,” he smiles and offers a firm handshake that I know my father noted and appreciated.

“And Mrs. Easton, I’m delighted to meet you, I see so much of Cynthia in you!” he grins and extends a hand. She eyes him warily, but takes his hand like a Grande dame and offers a gentle shake of her wrist.

“Charmed,” she says, appraising him. I’m shocked to see her expression change. Does my mother think he’s hot?

“I’m —” Kyle starts, but Stephen has turned back to my father.

“Cynthia told me all about your estate, genius work the way you expanded out to the suburbs.” I hadn’t told him that at all. Stephen must have done his homework. My father blushes and waves him off.

“Well, you know, the secret was that I did it before anyone else! Sure, the suburbs are now wildly popular, but it was those first brave pioneers who made the most of it!” Stephen nods, listening intently.

I just stand back and watch as he completely takes over the show. My father already looks in love. It’s not often he finds anyone who gives a damn about his work, and my Mother isn’t speaking, which is a feat in itself.

Stephen laughs with my father, then steps back again to take my hand. I can’t help but look over at Kyle who’s staring daggers at me. It takes all my self-control not to stick my tongue out, but he’s had all he can take.

“Excuse me,” he cuts in, and Stephen stops to look at him, as if seeing him for the first time.

“Ah! My mistake, I didn’t see you there. Stephen Longvale,” he smiles, but makes no motion to shake his hand.

“Kyle VanDomelan. I’m an old family friend of the Easton’s, I’ve known Cynthia here since we were children,” he says pointedly.

“Well, you’re pretty lucky. I wish I’d known her my whole life.” A little thick, I think, but I smile at Stephen. I’ll take all the fake compliments I can get.

“Shall we head inside?” My father beams and gestures to the door, proudly showing off his home.

“That sounds wonderful! After you!” Stephen says to Mother. She smiles at him (oh my God, she smiled) and takes my father’s arm. Stephen and I follow, him linking his arm through mine. I look back to see Kyle following grumpily along.

I return my gaze to Stephen, and I swear to God, there must be stars in my eyes. He really is great with parents.

Thirty

Stephen

What an asshole.

Every time this Kyle opens his mouth, that’s all I think. It’s like an 80s movie villain come to life, as if Dickweed and Sleaze had drunken sex, made a baby, then abandoned him in a dumpster where he was found and raised by Privilege.

In other