The Billionaire's Hired Girlfriend

Chapter 14

Alex was exhausted. Her feet ached. She just wanted to scream and kick off the shoes. She blamed the four-inch high heels or stilettos or whatever they were called for this because she was unaccustomed to them. Sneakers and slippers were her best friends. When she had no one to talk to during their long dinner party, she dreamt of her thick, fluffy Sylvester the Cat slippers. She dreamt of how warm and cozy and soft they'd be on her feet.

Her eyes were also irritated because of the dry weather. It was worse when she wore her contacts. She wanted to take them out and put in some eye drops to relieve the irritation.

At least for the past two hours she found the conversation with Tom McCartney immensely stimulating. They talked about politics, which she knew nothing about. She, however, managed to tell him a little bit about John Key, the prime minister of New Zealand. She also felt quite good when she happened to mention Obama and how smart he was.

Tom had a pleasant personality, like Jayden, and she liked him immediately. She thought he felt the same way toward her. At least she hoped so. The longer she looked at Tom, the more she was certain Jay inherited most of his father's traits.

She glanced over the table at Jay, who was sitting beside Britney. Beth seemed to be egging them on. Then Britney moved closer to Jayden, kind of shoving her generous boobs toward him. Thank God Jay didn't seem to be paying her any attention, at least the type of attention a man pays to a woman.

"Tell me about life in New Zealand," Tom said, picking up his wine glass.

"Oh, not much to tell, to be honest," Alex replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I love going to the farmers market, though. I assume you have it here, too? It's fun. Just out and about, buying fresh veggies from the farmers themselves. Rather entertaining, too."

"Ah, yes. I've never been to one. Always been too busy," Tom replied.

"I find the simplest things I do most enjoyable. I also love to observe people. Like right now," she said, eyeing Jayden and Britney.

Tom glanced in that direction.

"Have they known each other long?"

"Who?" he replied, pretending ignorance.

"Them," Alex said, nodding her head toward Jayden and Britney across the end of the table.

"They met when they were young," Tom replied. "Don't worry. Jay's not that stupid."

Alex turned to look at him, her eyes questioning. "He isn't?"

"Of course not. Britney is wasting her time," he said, eyeing his son. Jay was studying them and not listening to Britney's continuous yapping.

"Yeah, she is," Alex agreed. Jay will never be turned on by that type of woman—or any other woman for that matter.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity for Alex, dinner was over and the guests slowly thanked Mr. and Mrs. McCartney for the lovely dinner and then left. And, yes, Alex had never felt so much joy as when she saw the door to her bedroom.

She rushed in, kicked off the stilettos, and threw herself on the large, soft bed. She sighed and simply gazed up at the golden chandelier, marveling at the bright lights. It felt so good to lie there and do nothing. Her pleasure died a quick death when she felt the sting in her eyes starting to play up again, and she knew she had to take out the lenses.

She rolled off the bed and her knees landed on the floor, her upper body still on the bed. She gave out another loud, weary sigh.

Jay entered the room at that moment. After closing the door quietly so he wouldn't disturb her, he leaned his body against it, his hands in the pockets of his trousers. He cocked his head to one side as he studied her. She looked as though she had fallen asleep in her sitting position with her head resting on the bed.