A Billionaire's Treasure (The Ellsworth Brothers #1) Read online

  A Billionaire’s Treasure

  An Erotic Novella by Cece Baker

  © 2015 All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without express written permission of the copyright holder.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Thank you for purchasing the first in the Ellsworth Brothers series!

  To show my appreciation I am offering you a free gift along with your purchase.

  Simply click the link below.

  http://cecebaker.wix.com/landen-ellsworth

  SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read the free gift until AFTER you read the book.

  Thanks and enjoy,

  Cece Baker

  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 1

  Thea awoke with a start. Did she oversleep? The clock read 5:42 am. “Ugh. Too early to get up and too late to get more decent sleep,” she muttered aloud. A boisterous feline retort came from the next room. “Great, Sinatra probably thinks it’s time for his breakfast.”

  Sinatra is a 4-year-old orange tabby who adopted Thea two years ago after her breakup with her boyfriend, Craig. That is if you can call a freeloading, lazy, good-for-nothing asshole a boyfriend. Her friend, Jill had warned her that he was a loser, but Thea refused to see that in him. Unfortunately, because she always saw the best in people, she had kept him around for three and a half years. In her defense, she hadn’t known that he’d been mooching off her for that long until she discovered that he had never been job searching at all. She came home ill from work one day only to find him sprawled on the couch hand down the front of his sweat pants, watching The Price is Right. “Loser. Nothing against The Price is Right,” she thought. “I mean, Bob Barker was a great advocate for pets everywhere. You know his spiel, ‘get your pets spayed or neutered.’ Maybe someone should neuter Craig.”

  Rubbing her eyes, she sat up in bed determined to make the most of the extra time. She could put on her sneakers and go for a walk, or dig out that old Jane Fonda step aerobics tape and really get her heart rate going, or…. Who was she kidding? Decision made, she got up to head into the shower knowing it would be longer than normal. She needed the extra shower time to relax and mentally prepare for the first day on her new assignment.

  Thea Jeffries was a respected home health care provider, and she’d just been hired to care for a woman afflicted with an advanced stage of multiple sclerosis.

  She helped bathe, dress and feed her clients as well as evaluate their surroundings for possible adaptions that could make life a little easier for them. She loved her clients. Working with people who really needed her help was so rewarding. Usually, it was the family who made her job difficult. She already assumed the same would be true with the family of one Mrs. Caroline Ellsworth. The Ellsworths were a very wealthy family since Mr. William Ellsworth started a construction company back in the ’70s. The family was well-known for the quality work they provided as well as their hiring of reliable, local workers. The word on the street was that the eldest son, Landen, had just taken over the helm of the family empire. She fleetingly thought what it might be like to wake up and go to a job like that. She shook her head as if to shake the thoughts away and began her morning ritual.

  Traffic was heavy as expected, but she made it to the Ellsworth home—estate was perhaps a better description—15 minutes early. She checked her hair in the rearview mirror, gathered her paperwork, water bottle and purse. She stepped out of her aged—but beloved—Accord in time to see a sleek red sports car tear out from behind the house. “Geez, she thought. “It’s only a driveway! No need to go 60 miles an hour. Some people.”

  She approached the main entrance cautiously wondering if she should be entering the home through this majestic door. Perhaps she should use a door in back of the fortress like all the other staff and folks in steerage. Letting that thought go, she straightened as she rang the doorbell and after several seconds a man opened the door. Not thinking, she asked hesitantly, “Mr. Ellsworth?”

  A deep “no” was the reply. “Mr. Ellsworth does not answer the door. And who are you?”

  Of course Mr. Ellsworth doesn’t open the door. Thea did a mental head slap and smiled slightly as she said, “Right. I’m Thea. Thea Jeffries,” extending her hand to shake. The man looked down at her hand, turned and said, “Ah yes, we’ve been expecting you. Please follow me.”

  Her heels clicked on the pristine marble floor in the entryway. She always dressed up on the first day of an assignment because she liked to appear professional and confident. Today was no exception. She wore her favorite outfit of a black, pinstriped pencil skirt, a crisp, freshly ironed white blouse with quarter length sleeves and a silky, multicolored scarf she’d bought on clearance at TJMaxx. She was thankful she’d dressed up today. She couldn’t imagine the reception she’d have received if she’d shown up in scrubs and tennis shoes.

  Thea was a full-figured woman with plenty of curves. Her body type was well suited for her given profession, for it required that she lift patients and assist them in moving around. She had a few extra pounds and was well-endowed in the chest area. Her wide hips were just made for birthing babies. Her face was pleasantly rounded and her shoulder-length, dark blonde hair was cut in a sassy bob with just a hint of a wave. She liked her look, and her confidence showed in how she dressed and cared for herself.

  She was led to a den with dark walls and furniture and as many books as a small branch library. A professionally dressed man with salt and pepper hair and piercing blue eyes arose from behind a large mahogany desk and immediately began speaking. “I suppose you are Ms. Jeffries? Yes? Very well. Mrs. Ellsworth is in her suite waiting to meet you. I asked the night nurse to get her up and dressed so that you can begin the day ready to learn her routine and needs. Arthur will show you to her suite. I’m off for the day, Arthur. I’ve got the MS Society charity ball meeting this morning, followed by my tennis lesson and a round of golf. I’ll probably stop by the office to see how my son is doing. That boy has some radical ideas that could very well ruin the business I built from nothing into the ground. I’ll be home by six. Please get Ms. Jeffries whatever she needs today. That will be all.”

  Wow. Did the man even take a breath?

  “It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Ellsworth,” replied Thea. “Typically on the first day of my assignment I meet with the entire family to discuss routine, procedures and expectations for your wife’s care.”

  A heavy silence fell over the room.

  “Ah, yes. I do recall hearing something about that. Arthur, are you aware of this request? At any rate, please have cocktails and hors d’oeuvres prepared and ready by six. We’ll meet then. The boys should be notified as well. Please see to that, Arthur. Will that be all, Ms. Jeffries?” Without waiting for a response he muttered, “Very well. I’m off then,” and quickly left the room.

  “That man can have an entire conversation by himself,” she thought. “No response necessary.” Arthur cleared his throat and Thea followed him out of the den.

  “Do you have a map I can use to find my
way around the house?” she asked jokingly. That garnered a frown and furrowed brow from Arthur. Feeling like a child who had just been reprimanded she pursed her lips and silently followed him up the stairs to Mrs. Ellsworth’s suite.

  She entered a large room filled with sunlight and saw a figure in a wheelchair looking out one of the many windows. “Mrs. Ellsworth?” she enquired brightly. “I’m Thea Jeffries. Your new home health care worker.”

  The woman in the chair turned and greeted Thea with a smile and a warm request: “Please, call me Caroline.”

  “Caroline,” she repeated. “And please call me Thea.” She was reminded of just how much she loved her clients. Instant connection. She and Caroline were going to become fast friends. She could feel it in her bones.

  With introductions complete she glanced around the spacious suite. In the center of the far wall was a large fireplace with an impressive mantel. Above the fireplace was a large flat screen television. On either side of the fireplace were built-in shelves full of books, family pictures, knickknacks and what looked like homemade gifts that had been crafted carefully by little-boy hands. Directly opposite sat a comfy leather sofa with two patterned easy chairs with end tables to the right. A teakwood coffee table sat in front of the sofa. Behind the sofa was a narrow console table also made of teak. A beautiful, fresh floral arrangement sat atop the console table along with some papers that seemed to have been dropped there haphazardly. A desk was positioned in front of one window so that anyone sitting there could work and admire the view of the trees and gardens outside. The room itself felt homey and warm, just like its resident.

  After lunch Caroline decided to lie down for a short rest. “This will give me time to explore my new surroundings,” thought Thea. She was especially curious about the pictures and items on the large bookshelves in the living room. There were many family pictures, some posed, but most candid. One was of a much younger Caroline and William on their wedding day.

  There were many pictures of their three boys at various ages at birthdays, on vacation or in Halloween costumes. Thea smiled when she saw a green clay dragon with only one ear, a tin can covered in construction paper, filled with pipe cleaner and tissue paper flowers, now well faded, and a large, flat rock in the shape of a heart. Curious, she picked up the rock and on the bottom there was some childish writing. It read simply: Landen.

  Thea gently laid the rock back on the shelf. Homemade gifts were the best, especially ones made with love by your very own children. Secretly, Thea hoped someday she’d have some gifts like these in her home.

  The rest of the day passed quickly yet uneventfully, and before Thea knew it the family meeting time had arrived. It was just before six when a young, startlingly handsome man entered the living room. He had a confident yet kind aura about him. His features were chiseled, just like his father’s, but he had his mother’s hair color, facial features and welcoming demeanor. His well-tailored suit was a bit rumpled, obviously from a long day spent at the office. Smiling and extending his hand to Thea, he introduced himself as Caroline’s youngest son, Westin.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Westin. I’m so glad you are able to join us for the family meeting,” replied Thea pleasantly.

  At that moment, a frazzled Mr. Ellsworth entered the suite. He immediately requested “the usual” of Arthur and sat stiffly in one of the armchairs.

  “Father, how are you?” inquired Westin.

  “Westin, my boy, I’m dreadfully tired. Your brother is wreaking havoc with my company, and….”

  His speech was interrupted by a loud, “Hey everybody! What’s up?”

  Thea glanced up from the paperwork she held in time to see another devilishly handsome man in designer jeans and a trendy button down shirt join the gathering. His large frame seemed to fill the entire room.

  She reached out her hand to introduce herself saying, “Hello, I’m Thea. Thea Jeffries. And you are….?”

  Thea was taken aback when the man took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. His eyes caught hers as he responded warmly, “Enchanted.” She blushed.

  “Hello, Drake.” William Ellsworth said sarcastically. “How nice of you to fit us into your schedule.” Drake did not respond immediately as he was too busy assessing Thea. His eyes slowly moved down the length of her body and back up again. Thea smoothed out some nonexistent wrinkles in her skirt and felt a chill run down her spine. After his perusal, Drake greeted his father.

  Thea straightened and cleared her throat. “Well, is that everyone? Should we get started?”

  Drake spoke up in a haughty voice, “So do we really think Landen is going to grace us with his presence this evening? What with his new responsibilities and all.…”

  “Enough, Drake” said Mr. Ellsworth sternly. Looking at Thea, Mr. Ellsworth explained, “My eldest son, Landen, has just been named the head of Ellsworth Construction. He’s a very busy man and will arrive as soon as he can.” Then under his breath and looking at his middle son he said, “At least he puts in a decent day of work, which is not something we can accuse you of, Drake. What have you done with yourself lately, anyway?”

  In an effort to gain control of the meeting she ignored their conversation and loudly suggested everyone sit down so they could begin. If and when Mr. Landen Ellsworth showed his face, he’d just have to catch up on his own, she thought grumpily.

  Chapter 2

  Taking the steps two at a time, Landen Ellsworth proceeded to his mother’s suite expecting to see yet another middle-aged woman wearing sensible white shoes, a snugly fitted nurse’s uniform and one of those flying nun hats perched precariously on her graying head.

  Reaching the doorway he stopped short. There was no grandmotherly type. Instead, a blonde thirty-something bombshell wearing a pencil skirt with a sexy slit up the side was addressing his parents and siblings. He watched, mesmerized, as she crossed and uncrossed her toned legs, the slit in her skirt offering a nice view of her upper thigh. He felt an immediate response in his dick, so he took a step back into the hallway to catch his breath and calm his growing erection.

  After a minute or two he regained his composure and entered the suite. He went directly to his mother and kissed her on her cheek. Conversation died immediately. “Don’t stop on my account,” Landen said hastily.

  “Nice of you to join us, Gary,” Drake said with a sneer in his voice.

  Landen let out chuckle. “Is that your new pet name for me, Dracula?”

  Thea was taken aback at the words the brothers exchanged. Had they suddenly reverted to sixth grade? She glanced up from her notes, and as soon as she saw Landen Ellsworth she caught her breath. There stood a sinfully handsome man, his wide shoulders evident even under his designer suit jacket. He was tall, taller than his two brothers and his dark brown hair was artfully mussed. As his gaze locked on Thea, she choked, but quickly regained her composure.

  Landen took the last seat on the sofa closest to Thea. Before she resumed the conversation she addressed the eldest son. “Right, well then. I mean welcome, Mr. uh, Ellsworth, I presume.”

  A wide grin spread across Landen’s face as Thea stumbled over her words. Slowly, as if to prolong the moment, he slowly stretched out his hand to her and said, “Landen. Please. Call me Landen.” Thea’s hand met his and the touch was electric. She withdrew her hand suddenly as if she’d been shocked.

  Unconsciously, she rubbed her hand on thigh as if she could simply wipe away the tingling in her palm. Calmly, Landen sat back on the couch as if nothing had happened. At this, Thea cleared her throat and began speaking, although her voice was a little breathy.

  Having reviewed all the medical and occupational needs for Mrs. Ellsworth’s care, the meeting wrapped up on an anti-climactic note. Thea moved immediately to Caroline’s side. The woman had obviously grown tired over the last hour. She was visibly fatigued and slumped over in her wheelchair. Quietly, Caroline said, “I think I’ll have a little dinner and then head to bed early.” Thea agreed and ex
pertly maneuvered Caroline’s wheelchair into the bedroom where the night nurse waited to take over her care. Thea chatted animatedly with the health care worker, describing the day and offering recommendations for the evening.

  “Have a good night, Caroline,” Thea said as she walked back into the living room. She noticed Landen talking with his youngest brother. Drake, however, approached Thea drink in hand as his blue eyes, just as piercing as his father’s, again ran appreciatively up and down the length of her body. He was dressed less formally than either of his brothers, suggesting he had not spent the day at an office, but rather in pursuit of more frivolous endeavors. A lunch meeting perhaps, eight holes on the golf course or maybe a day at the spa? She glanced up at him primly, hoping to avoid a conversation.

  “Now that your duties are complete, how about enchanting me a bit more over a cocktail or two?”

  “Thanks,” she replied hurriedly, “but it’s been a long day and I need to get home and get a good night’s rest.”

  “I would be happy to assist you in that endeavor. Getting to bed that is,” Drake said with a husky growl.

  Thea rolled her eyes as she went about gathering her belongings so she could indeed head home for the evening. Over her shoulder she spoke to Drake, “Thank you, but I’ll have to decline.”

  “Shot down, again, eh, Drake?” Westin interjected. “You’re losing your touch, old man.”

  “Who are you calling old? Besides, the night hasn’t even begun. It’s not a productive night until I’ve been rejected at least five times.” And with that, he strolled out of the room and down the stairs. With a smile, Westin also bid her good night and exited the suite.

  Thea said good night to Mr. Ellsworth, glanced up at Landen and caught his eyes. That’s when she registered that his too were blue, but unlike his father’s eyes, his were crystal clear like the water in the Caribbean Sea. She was mesmerized. Shaking her head she mumbled “Good evening,” turned and quickly left the room.