Longing For The Beach Billionaire Daddy
Chapter 43

*Shelby*

“Do you have a plan, Michael?” I asked in a hushed voice, swallowing hard. My heart was pounding in my ears, and I needed to take a few steps back, turning to collapse onto the couch.

I was so tired of feeling this way, but I couldn’t help it. My reputation was going to be ruined, that much was clear. The past pictures were not as obvious, but this one? Completely earth shattering.

How was I going to get a handle on this? All of my fears were staring me in the face, but after last night, I didn’t want to leave Michael. Honestly, I didn’t think I could at this point. No matter how much I knew I needed to.

Michael followed me to the couch, taking me on his lap and wrapping his arms around me. I didn’t realize tears were flowing down my cheeks until he reached over and wiped away some of the warm wetness, as I stared up into his eyes.

For a moment, everything was okay. I was drawn into his gaze, starstruck, and completely out of it. My negative emotions shifted toward happiness, all until he gave me his answer. “Not yet,” he whispered.

I gulped, inhaling sharply. Of course, he didn’t. He wasn’t in danger here, his reputation would survive. He was filthy rich. Me? I wasn’t like him. The idea of having to rely on him and his money caused me to shudder with despair and anger.

“Shelby, we will get through this,” Michael tried to reassure. “My head of security is on the case, and he is an expert in the field. He is on the brink of a breakthrough, and we will not let this ruin your dreams. I will do all in my power to make that happen. You will not put them aside for him, for me, nor anyone else but if or when you need to. Alright?” he asked.

I gave a slow nod, composing myself with a deep sigh. He finished, “Let me give him a call and see what details we have as of now. Can I put on a movie for you?”

I nodded, settling in front of a gigantic wide screen television while sinking into the cushy couch as he left the room to use his cellphone. All around me were beach-themed items, such as sparkling shells displayed on marble shelves. Dolphin and shark statues rested on stands, intricately carved from obsidian and other expensive stone.

The scent of this place was of sand and ocean salt, which admittedly relaxed me somewhat, though not entirely. My eyes absentmindedly stared at the screen, which was playing the beach episode of some reality TV show I had trouble paying attention to. I couldn’t help but drown in my thoughts.

After about a half hour, Michael returned to the room, causing me to perk up. My eyebrows rose, and I tilted my head expectantly. Inwardly, I was nervous. What if this was bad news?

His expression was neutral, as he really wasn’t the best at expressing what he wanted to say early. I was definitely in love with him, but that was one slightly frustrating thing I wish he could be better about. Nothing to help that now, though.

I asked, “Any word? Please tell me there’s hope that this guy will be caught.”

Much to my relief, Michael nodded. “The conversation went on for a while, but essentially, he’s pinpointed a location for where Blaine is. He has been given a cease and desist, but it’s been escalated. We are going to settle this once and for all in a confrontation. Authorities have been alerted to his activity, particularly slander and extortion.

“He is trying to get a large percentage of my fortune. Something that I doubt would stop him, nor would be productive by any means,” he said. I nodded in agreement, as blackmail like that never ended up well for people who gave in. Beyond that, I nearly collapsed with relief.

“Alright. When will he be taken care of? Is there a timeframe?” I asked. Michael nodded, tapping a finger on his chin.

“Within the next day. Are you going to be alright?” he questioned. I wasn’t sure, but nodded anyway. My shoulders sagged, and I let out a soft sigh. At least this nightmare would soon be over.

I hoped. I needed to be free of this. To be able to start law school and my job at the firm without the stress of this following me there. Law school was going to be stressful enough.

Michael sat next to me for a moment, once again taking me into his arms. I buried my face into his chest, taking in the scent of his sandalwood cologne for a while before pulling away and gazing into his eyes.

“I want to do more,” I said. “But I need to talk to my friends a little bit. Do you mind?” I asked, and he shook his head. He gently grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me deeply, leaving me weak and full of desire.

The simplest touch from him was enough to drive me crazy.

He dismissed himself to continue tidying up while I grabbed my cell phone, bringing it to my ear and dialing Lin. She would be at the apartment I’m sure, Aubrey was busy so I knew she wouldn’t be able to talk.

“Hello?” Lin asked, no doubt anticipating not the best news, judging by the tone of her voice. I wanted to speak with both of them, but would have to settle for talking to just Lin. She was the type to give it to you straight, so maybe it was best Aubrey couldn’t make the call.

“He got a picture of me, Lin. This time you can see my face really well, with Michael, going on the jet,” I blabbered out. I proceeded to stumble over my words, explaining the usual spheal of worries regarding my reputation and future.

This was so common over the past few days that I got tired of my voice. Sure, it was understandable, but I was starting to become tired of stressing so hard over this. Still… reputation meant so much in the field I wanted to go into.

“Whoa, whoa, Shelby! It’s alright. Slow down, I’m here for you, girl. Did you say Michael is taking care of stuff? That’s good, right? You sound hysterical, have you been sitting and resting to gather your thoughts?” Lin asked. I hesitated, realizing I had gone into panic mode so quickly without stopping to think. She was right, I needed to calm down a bit.

“I am now,” I replied with a sigh. “The anxiety is making me dizzy. This all is making me so miserable. Look, I want to be with Michael. This past night was a dream, it confirmed everything I knew to be true. He is perfect in every way, and he listens to me, too. He knows how much this is bothering me. I am not going to put aside my dreams for him, though. I don’t know why these two conflict,” I muttered.

“Do they?” Lin asked, with a bit of hesitation. “How many law firms are going to judge you on your choices? Sure, Michael is a bit unconventional, given the age gap and billionaire thing. But if you stand firm, and show your merit, it shouldn’t matter. Reputation is a lot, but just how much? I don’t know much about this stuff.”

That got me thinking. Michael did say he would help me get into that law firm he had connections with and he made good on that promise. That would be relying on him, though, wouldn’t it?

I bit my l*p. I knew accepting help from someone who I wanted to be my future lover should be common sense. It is a partnership. I was slowly coming to the realization that perhaps things could work out. Perhaps I could get all of what I want. My dreams and my man at the same time.

“I don’t know anymore,” I said to Lin. “But I’m starting to understand that letting this get to me as much as it has isn’t healthy. Thanks for listening to my rambling, Lin. I wish Aubrey could have joined our talk. I’ll have to fill her in later.”

“Me, too, but we can tell her everything later when she’s not so busy,” Lin said. “I’m glad you’re coming to, Shelby. I was starting to get really worried.”

“I can’t blame you. But, I think I’ll be okay, in large part to our conversation,” I finished. There was a swirl of guilt within my chest for how often I must have worried my friends, but nothing could be done about it. Once Blaine was caught, my life could return to normal, and I could put all this behind me.

We ended our conversation, her tone much lighter this time. “Stay strong, Shelby, and try to relax as much as you can. If anyone needs a knuckle sandwich, you know who to call,” Lin said in somewhat of a joking manner. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Noted. Bye, Lin.”

I put down my phone and texted Michael that our conversation was finished. About five minutes later, he entered the room, concern written all over his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but I shook my head.

“I’m fine,” I said. “But I want to know what I can do to help with this whole Blaine situation. My talk with Lin helped a lot. I think I’m starting to realize just how tired I am of this is causing me panic.”

The gorgeous man gave a nod and half-smile. His body relaxed, and I realized he must have been tense for a while. He strolled over to take a seat next to me, cupping my cheek.

Eagerly, I accepted his k**s, closing my eyes for a moment and allowing myself to get lost in him. The sparks of sheer pleasure ran through me once more, especially as he deepened the k**s and ran his fingers through my hair.

Just kissing him was so thrilling, I couldn’t get enough. I ran my hands lightly over his chest as we continued to k**s each other with passion.

When we finally came up for air, Michael spoke up. “I’m glad it helped. As for what you can do to help… I have a plan.”