Page 37 of Billionaire In Vegas

I nodded in understanding. “That’s why your inheritance is such a big deal to you.”

He nodded. “I’m not some spoiled rich boy. I mean, I was. But life has a way of throwing things at you, pulling the rug from under you that makes you stop and pay attention.”

“Don’t I know it! I woke up naked next to a stranger in Vegas who I thought was a billionaire but turns out is a broke CEO of a nonprofit.”

“Disappointed?”

“Not even a little. You’re an enigma, Mr. Foster.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment given other things I’m sure you’ve called me behind my back.”

“You misjudge me. I only talk badly about you when you’re within earshot. What’s the fun of trash talking you when you can’t hear me?”

I smiled broadly as he laughed. “You’re a woman of integrity, Lacey.”

He took my hand, surprising me.

“What are you doing?”

“I want to introduce you to my crew, you know since you’re my wife and all.”

I felt honored for some reason, but I told myself not to give into the feeling. Our marriage was a farce; he was only doing his due diligence.

I was lost in thought and was surprised when he pulled me into a conference room where a meeting was underway. There were about six people sitting around a long oval conference table engaged in animated conversation that abruptly stopped when they noticed me.

I saw a few grins and appraising looks and was suddenly self-conscious. I reached up to make sure my hair wasn’t a complete mess and smiled brightly at the group in front of me.

“Everyone, this is Lacey, my wife.”

“So the rumors are true? I thought you’d dreamed it all,” said a young dark-skinned man with a light Caribbean accent. He wore glasses and a dress shirt with a tie. He was dressed more for a corporate environment instead of a casual day at the office like the others who wore jeans and plain t-shirts.

“Lacey, meet Aidan. He’s my VP. And apparently he thinks I’m delusional and made you up.”

Aidan smiled wide and said with a shrug, “It wouldn’t be the first time. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I wasn’t sure if I should have offered my hand or just nod, so I returned his smile and waved my fingers at him. God, I was awkward.

I then nervously did the same with the others who went around introducing themselves and explaining who they were in the operation. And then Jude surprised me by saying, “Alright Lacey, so I’ll let you get acquainted. Aidan, can you join me in my office?”

And as soon as they disappeared the others sat there in silence staring at me.

“Sooo….” said one of them whose name I couldn’t remember. “You’re Jude’s wife…”

I nodded and nervously looked down at my ring. “Yep. I guess I am.” I felt so stupid. I guess? Gosh, what was wrong with me? I was about to cast doubt in everyone’s mind that our marriage was real.

“I mean, yep. I’m Mrs. Jude Foster,” I laughed nervously and sank into a chair. “Soooo….” I said changing the subject “What’s Jude like as a boss? Tell me all the dirt.”

“He’s cheap. He hasn’t bought us lunch in weeks.”

The rest of them began to laugh and I realized it was a joke. I awkwardly laughed with them.

“But seriously, Jude’s a great boss. This is by far the best team I’ve been on and hey, he’s really nice to look at, not that you haven’t noticed.”

I laughed, finally loosening up. “I guess he’s okay looking,” I said with a casual shrug.

We sat around joking and getting better acquainted. Jude peaked his head around the corner.

“Want to help out with the operation today?”