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The Millionaire's Proposal: Family Ties
The Millionaire's Proposal: Family Ties
The Millionaire's Proposal: Family Ties
Ebook214 pages3 hours

The Millionaire's Proposal: Family Ties

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USA Today bestselling author, Cheryl Phipps, brings you the second book in The Family Ties series.

 

Publicly dumped by her fiancé and fired from the job she loved, Georgia's also homeless. With no-where to turn, a live-in job in a cabin far from town seems ideal. Not so, her sexy employer who drives her crazy in ways she's not prepared to deal with.

 

For Dane Turner, who's finding it hard to relate to his teenage daughter, and has a book deadline looming, the gorgeous teacher is one necessary distraction he can do without. 

 

That said, why is keeping his distance so darn hard?

Family Ties Series

The Millionaire Next Door

The Millionaire's Proposal

The Millionaire's Seduction

5* Review "Heartwarming and Sexy Romance"

 
LanguageEnglish
PublisherCheryl Phipps
Release dateSep 13, 2014
ISBN9780994104335
The Millionaire's Proposal: Family Ties
Author

Cheryl Phipps

Cheryl Phipps is a New Zealand author of romantic suspense and contemporary women’s fiction. She loves weaving sensual stories that celebrate the joy of love, family and resilience, as well as delivering a heart-racing, happy ending.

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    The Millionaire's Proposal - Cheryl Phipps

    Chapter One

    Y ou make it sound like I’m selling myself. Georgia’s fingers raked through unruly auburn curls as she took the business card from her best friend.

    Don’t be so dramatic. Your artistic temperament is showing, Lori teased. I merely stated that the man is filthy rich, and could certainly afford to pay you a decent amount. It’s not like you don’t need the money, right? 

    Lori briskly stirred her coffee as if the matter was settled. One more turn of the damn spoon, and Georgia would not be responsible for her actions.

    Of course I need the money, but how can I move in with someone I’ve never even met, let alone know anything about?

    The spoon clattered to the table.

    Where on earth have you been? Dane Turner’s famous. He’s an amazing thriller writer, a New York Times bestseller, who’s won at least a dozen awards. How can you not know who he is? You’re an English teacher, for goodness sake. Lori leaned towards her, one eyebrow arched. Did I mention he’s gorgeous and divorced as well as rich?

    I know who he is. That’s not the same as knowing anything about his character. He could be a serial killer, or worse, and being good-looking is not a pre-requisite for a decent boss. Georgia glared at her. As we both know!

    Well, he does know an awful lot about how to kill a person, Lori teased. Now, don’t look like that, you know I’m just kidding. 

    I’m glad you find this amusing, but I need more details before I decide.

    I suggest you do your research pretty darn quick. He wants someone from this Friday, and he’ll need an answer before then if he has to find someone else. Morgan stuck his neck out to get you this opportunity, and Dane’s willing to hire you on my darling husband’s say-so, without an interview. That’s a huge leap of faith for a man in his position. Lori put her hand over Georgia’s and squeezed gently. "I understand it’s only been a few weeks since you lost your job, but you have to do something, and this is perfect for you.

    I’m sorry if I’m not sounding appreciative, and please tell Morgan I am grateful. I wasn’t expecting something like this, and it’s so sudden that I really don’t know what to do. 

    Whatever you do about this job, Georgia, you have to take better care of yourself.

    What do you mean?

    Without being too blunt, my friend, you are one sorry sight. Lori made a sweeping gesture at Georgia. 

    Following her hand, Georgia looked down at what she wore. The t-shirt was one she normally used for gardening, complete with stains and a rip on the sleeve. Faded sweatpants hung from her hips, emphasising a significant loss of weight that she’d been vaguely aware of. Still, at least everything was clean.

    You look nothing like my bohemian fashion plate. Lori thrust a compact mirror into her face.

    She was surely referring to the outfits Georgia designed, and sewed, of flowing skirts in colors of the seasons and vests of natural fabrics. Or, maybe not. 

    Georgia never wore a lot of make-up, but she definitely could use a bit of something today. The paleness of her face accentuated black rings under her eyes which stared dully back at her. Lastly, her hair needed a good wash. For the last few days she’d barely gotten out of bed, and wouldn’t have today if Lori hadn’t insisted on seeing her. The house was a mess so she’d forced herself to get dressed and meet her friend at the café.

    I haven’t been well, she said lamely, as she handed back the compact.

     You’re feelings are hurt, Mark betrayed and embarrassed you, but you’re not sick. Where’s my strong, resilient friend hiding? After all you’ve been through with foster homes and having to work to pay for your studies, you can’t let this be the thing that brings you to your knees. It’s time to snap out of it, and taking this job is a step in the right direction. Mark’s not worth one more minute of your time and effort, and dwelling on that day is only making you miserable. She smiled, taking the sting from her words. I understand that being dumped by your fiancé in front of your peers and losing a job you love is pretty much a worst-case scenario, but you’re a tough cookie. Things will work out.

    Georgia was touched by her friend’s understanding and the much-needed tough love. Lori had been there for her when there hadn’t been anyone else, they were as close as sisters, and she was right. How had she let a man get her to this point, when previously nothing in her life had?

    Georgia straightened her shoulders. Whatever she decided to do about this job, one thing was for sure: a man wouldn’t have that much effect over her ever again.

    Give me a little time to think it over.

    Lori hugged her hard and left to go back to work. Sighing, Georgia picked up the card with her prospective employer’s details.

    Dane Turner 

    Writer

    There was also a cell phone number, but no more information. She flipped it over to see Morgan’s scribble on the back. 

    Dane needs a tutor for his sixteen-year-old daughter ASAP. It’s for several weeks at his cabin. This should be right up your alley, and the perfect way to get out of town for a bit. Good luck.

    She thrust the card into her pocket. What the heck was ‘right up her alley’? She loved children, but teaching them and then going home was a far cry from being around one, twenty-four-seven. Not to mention being semi-isolated, miles away in a cabin.  

    Morgan and Lori had not only witnessed the gory details of her humiliatingly public break-up, but had been trying to get her out of this funk she’d descended into ever since. She was grateful that somebody cared, but it didn’t help ease the despair of being jobless. Or the fact that she’d had no offers of work, even though her resumé was pretty darned good. Word had obviously gotten around about her dismissal.

    It still evoked nightmares of how she’d reacted to finding out her fiancé was having an affair with their boss. Apparently, you couldn’t get away with calling the principal of a major school a tramp in front of the entire staff, and keep your job.  

    Still, she could do without the pitying glances from those who knew, when she did venture out, and perhaps it would give her breathing space to get her life sorted out, but she hated the thought that it would look like she was running away to lick her wounds. Actually, running would feel good right now and she was dressed for it.

    Leaving the café, Georgia turned in the opposite direction to Lori. Breaking into a jog, she set off across the park, hoping fervently that she wouldn’t bump into anyone from the school. Leaves swirled with the wind, changing direction with each gust, much like her thoughts. Should she take the job?

    Twenty minutes later, she was about to cross the road when she noticed a car parked outside the apartment. What was he doing here? She hid behind a tree, watching Mark banging on the door and peering through the window. After a while, he scribbled a note and tucked it under the doormat. He looked up and down the street before driving off, and Georgia breathed a sigh of relief.

    Waiting until he was out of sight, she ran across the road, snatched up the note, and went inside to lean against the relocked door. Unfolding the paper, and reading the terse words, Georgia realized her dilemma had been solved. Mark was furious that she’d changed the locks, and wanted her out of the house next week. Running a hand through her tangled hair to steady herself, Georgia picked up the phone before she lost her nerve.

    Good morning, Dane speaking.

    The sexy voice made her hesitate, but she was out of options. 

    Good morning. This is Georgia Wilson. I’m calling about the tutoring job for your daughter.

    You’re Mr. Reid’s friend?

    Yes, Morgan Reid. He does the graphics for your books. Why had she said something so darn obvious?

    Morgan told me to expect your call. I hope you understand that I’d be happy to take his word on almost anything, except my daughter’s well- being. If you’ll send me your resumé today, I’ll do a few checks and get back to you as soon as I can.

    Of course, I understand totally.

    Great. I’ll let you know as soon as I can. As you probably know, this has all happened very quickly and, if you do decide to take the job, then I’d need to pick you up this Friday at one o’clock.

    Friday … Okay, that should be fine.

    I’d expect you to stay for the balance of the semester, but I’d like to stipulate a probationary period of one month, and you should bring whatever text books and aids you deem necessary for Sophie.

    A probationary period sounds fine. Could you please send me your daughter’s records so that I can get an idea of her level of education?

    I’ll send you what I have but the school is not being very cooperative.

    They spoke for a few more minutes, and when Dane asked if she had any questions, she drew a blank. He assured her that if there was anything she could think of, they could address it at a later date, and that was that. She was really doing it! Unless what he found out about her changed his mind.

    Chapter Two

    By Friday, Georgia was a complete wreck. Dane had phoned to offer her the job, although he sounded like he had reservations, and she had been in a whirlwind of packing ever since. 

    Two large suitcases and a large package, containing her teaching aids, lay at her feet outside the front door. The rest of her possessions were now in a storage facility so there was no going back, and she was glad. It struck her that she’d never been truly happy in that house. Sterile was a good word for it, sterile and cold, which had nothing at all to do with the temperature. Georgia felt her strength returning as she waited. Clearly, losing her job had been the worst part of all of this. So, had she ever really loved Mark the way she should have?

    She turned to face the road, squaring her shoulders. She was moving on. This was a new chapter and she would make the best of it, as always. 

    As she checked her watch, a shiny, black limousine drew up to the curb. At least he was on time. A well-dressed man with a friendly smile got out and strode purposefully towards her. He looked nothing like the photo on Dane’s website.

    Miss Wilson? He held his hand out.

    Yes. She took the firm grip.

    Pleased to meet you, Ma’am. I’m Joshua, Mr. Turner’s personal assistant. 

    Picking up both cases easily, he stowed them in the trunk as she stood uncertainly on the pavement. Joshua then opened the back door, and she peered hesitantly into the cavernous interior. Not realizing she was holding her breathe, she let it out in relief to see that she would be traveling alone. She’d been dreading facing her new boss in such close proximity. The leather seats were as comfortable as they looked, and she marvelled at the luxury, something she had never imagined would be afforded to her, ever. She was so engrossed in her surroundings that Joshua’s voice startled her. 

    It should take us around two hours from here, Miss Wilson. Please make yourself comfortable and help yourself to the snacks and drinks.

    Joshua had closed the door, and was back in the driver’s seat before Georgia realized she hadn’t asked the myriad of questions that had come to her since speaking to Dane. 

    She was nervous about meeting such a famous person, but the first thing she needed to address when she met the author was to ensure that she would be able to have at least some time to herself. Hopefully, she’d be afforded some privacy and wasn’t expected to share a room with anyone. 

    It hadn’t occurred to her until recently that the only thing she knew for certain was the age of her student. Also, Lori’s words about him being loaded, and that she wouldn’t be working for peanuts appeared to be true. Anything was better than nothing at this stage, but with the amazing salary, and hopefully a good reference, she might get a permanent position. Then, if she could pay off her loans she’d finally be able to save for a place of her own - a dream she’d been holding onto for a very long time.

    Perhaps Joshua wouldn’t mind answering a few of her questions while he drove. He’d seemed very nice and they were out of the city, which meant less traffic demanding his attention. Georgia shuffled across to the other seat and tapped on the smoke-colored glass divider. It slid down quietly.

    How can I help you, Miss Wilson?

    I was wondering if I could ask you a little about Sophie.

    His eyes lit up in the rear view mirror.

    She’s a great girl. I’m sure you’ll find her very easy to teach.

    Do you know why she’s been taken out of school at this time of year?

    Mr. Turner will no doubt fill you in on the details, but I do know that Sophie loves to be near her father.

    And Mrs. Turner, does she live close?

     I’m not sure where Mrs Turner lives, and she doesn’t see her daughter often.

    Joshua sounded cooler than before. A delicate subject, perhaps? Better to know now than put her foot in it with her new boss,

    Does Mr. Turner have any other staff?

    The friendliness was back.

    Maria is the housekeeper and, like Sophie, you couldn’t dislike her. She’s worked for Mr. Turner since Sophie was a baby and they’re very close.

    And you, Joshua, what do you do for Mr Turner?

    This time he laughed.

    Pretty much whatever he wants.

    Oh, that sounds interesting.

    It is and I love it. Don’t get me wrong, it can be pretty full-on but no two days are the same, and that suits me fine. I get to travel and meet interesting people.

    Sounds like you have the perfect job.

    There are a few downsides, but that’s true whatever your vocation.

    Just then his phone rang and, excusing

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