The Billionaire's Desire 3(2)

A man dressed in a butler's uniform met us at the front door.

"Mr. Hunter and Mr. Hunter, welcome back. David will see to it that you and your guests’ things are taken to your rooms."

Our rooms?

"Thank you Simon. I would like for you to meet Sarah Vaughn. And you remember Vivienne Worthington."

"Hello Miss. Yes, of course. It is nice to see you again, Ms. Worthington."

Just as we were getting ready to go inside, a stunningly beautiful older woman came rushing outside.

"Oh Joshua! Jake! It's so good to see you!!" She gave them both a huge hug and looked like she didn't want to let them go.

"Hello mother! We're not leaving just yet, you can let go," Joshua chuckled.

Mother?? He could have warned me!

Eleanor "Bunny" Hunter, was a strong, no-nonsense woman. I had done my research on the company when I began my internship and found a small bit of information about her. She was widowed quite a few years ago and leaned on her sons for support and to keep the company thriving. I didn't know that she had moved to California. I was under the impression that she lived in New York.

"Oh, I know. I'm just so happy to see you both!" She glanced at me before pulling away from her sons. "Oh how rude of me! Please introduce me to your guests!"

"Mother, you remember Vivienne." Jake looked slightly annoyed that his mother acted like she didn't recognize her.

Joshua's mother gave Vivienne a cool, dismissive glance.

Uh oh. That can't be good.

"Of course. How nice to see you again dear." The sarcasm literally dripped from her words. Joshua stepped in to smooth things over.

"Mother, I'd like for you to meet Sarah Vaughn, our newest associate."

Joshua's mother beamed at me and reached out to hug me.

"Sarah, it is so nice to finally meet you. I have heard many wonderful things about you dear."

So, Joshua has been talking about me!

"It is so nice to meet you Mrs. Hunter. Your estate is breathtaking."

"Thank you dear, how kind. Oh, and please, call me Bunny."

She seemed to genuinely like me which was an enormous relief. I could feel Vivienne glaring at me, but it wasn't my fault their mother didn't like her.

"Come, come, let’s all go inside."

She ushered us into her home and I could not have been prepared for what I was about to see. I had never seen such an opulent home in my life. Not even on television. The entryway had stunning marble floors and was so ornate and beautiful. The foyer’s gallery was at least 80 feet long and I felt as though I was in a museum.

"You must all be ravenous. Paul is preparing a wonderful breakfast for us, so why don't you freshen up and then join me in the breakfast nook in 45 minutes."

We all walked up the circular staircase to the second level and followed Joshua down the hall. My room was next to his, and Vivienne and Jake were around the corner in their rooms which were across the hall from one another. Joshua followed me into my room and I turned around to face him. I gave him a light, playful tap on his arm as I whispered to him.

"Why didn't you tell me we were coming to see your mother?!”

He let out a small chuckle. "I wanted to see your natural reaction to meeting her, not a prepared response."

"Well, your mother is lovely."

"She seems to like you." He didn't offer any more information. "We better freshen up and get downstairs. I will knock on your door when we should head down there."

"Okay."

Joshua left and I slowly looked around the room. It was beautiful. My bed was enormous and must have had 10 pillows on it. I went into the adjoining bath to take a shower and it was just gorgeous. There was marble everywhere, huge mirrors, small gourmet soaps and assorted tiny bottles of scented lotion. I felt as if I was in a spa.

After I showered, I put on a casual summer dress and a matching light sweater, and was putting the finishing touches on my makeup when I heard a light tapping on my door.

I hope he thinks I look nice for his mother.

When I opened the door, he did it to me again. He took my breath away. He stood there, tall, gorgeous and strong wearing a white polo and black slacks and I realized something. I had never seen him in casual clothes. You are simply gorgeous. He looked really comfortable and relaxed.

His eyes slowly roamed over my body, taking in my choice of clothes, and I could see the appreciation in his eyes for what I chose to wear. I didn't want to wear anything too casual as I didn't want to offend his mother.

"You look very pretty. Are you ready to go downstairs?"

I was speechless. It was such a nice compliment. Something must be in the water. He's being too nice. I realized I was standing there like an idiot, not saying a word. I cleared my throat and answered him.