Dreamy Billionaire Neighbor (Worth a Billion) Read online

  Dreamy Billionaire Neighbor

  Dyanne Gordon Green

  Copyright © 2019 by Dyanne Gordon Green

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover design: Victorine Lieske

  Editor: Stephanie Parent

  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 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Also by Dyanne Gordon Green

  Chapter One

  Colby Morris had it made. He was young, rich beyond reason, kind, and handsome. So, how come he had never enjoyed a lasting relationship? He’d had dates and plenty of them, but nothing ever developed further than a few dinners out.

  He sat before the gas fireplace in his den, the only room in the fancy condo where he felt truly at home and the reason he initially bought the place. Something must be wrong with him. Very wrong. After all, even guys like his younger brother, Ben, were in long-term relationships.

  “I’m a loser,” he said with a sigh as he kicked the footrest.

  His phone rang and he saw his brother’s smiling face fill the screen. “Just what I need right now—Ben’s cheerfulness,” he muttered before he answered. “Hey, Ben, what’s up?”

  “Bro! I did it!” Ben’s voice was more exuberant than usual.

  Colby’s jaw clenched as he spoke. “So, what did you do this time? Win a Pulitzer? Climb Mount Everest? Locate Atlantis?”

  His brother chuckled. “No, man, I popped the question and Becky said yes! I’m getting married! Isn’t that great?”

  “That’s awesome news, Ben. Congratulations! I’m really happy for you,” Colby told him. He would never begrudge his brother the happiness that Colby, himself, desired so badly in his own life. “When’s the big day?”

  “We haven’t set the date yet, but Becky wants to be married sometime this fall. That’s her favorite time of year, you know.”

  “We still have that pact, right?”

  “Heck yeah, bro. You’re going to be my best man, no doubt about it. And I expect to be yours when that day comes, too. By the way, any special lady in your life yet?”

  “I’m still waiting for the right one. You know me—here I am almost thirty, and I’m still too picky about everything.” It wasn’t really true, but it sounded like a good reason for his long-time single status. “Twenty-nine and counting. Remember when we thought thirty was old?”

  “I sure do, and I still think that,” Ben said with a laugh. “Not really. I’m getting too close to it myself.”

  “You’re still a pest.” Colby couldn’t help but laugh along with Ben, reminding him of his status as a pestering younger brother.

  “And you’re still a creep! Hey, I need to call a bunch of other people including our beloved parents, but I wanted to let you know first.”

  His own long-ago nickname made Colby cringe. Maybe that was his problem—he really was a creep, even though it was only something his brother made up when they were kids.

  “You still there?” Ben asked.

  “Yeah, sorry. Congratulations again, little brother! You deserve to be happy.”

  “Thanks, bro. Later.”

  Colby reached for the fireplace remote and shut it off, then stood and stretched. “No sense worrying about it anymore. I need to resign myself to my fate as a loser and a creep. What a great combination!” He turned off the lights and headed to the kitchen for a glass of milk before going over his notes for the next day’s meeting.

  “Yep, losers drink milk,” he said as he filled a glass. He brought it to his lips and took a sip just as there was a knock at the door.

  “Who in the world could that be?” he wondered as he set the glass down and went to answer it.

  “I’m so sorry to bother you, but, I can’t believe this.” The pretty brunette stood there, her mouth open, her eyes wide. “You look just like, oh, this is so strange.”

  He wrinkled his forehead as he stared at her. “Is something wrong?” he asked and braced himself in case this crazy woman stormed his condo. “If you’re looking for someone, I’ll save you some time right now. I don’t know many people in this building. Sorry.”

  “Please forgive me. I’m Ellie Harris and I just moved in next door.” She held out her hand and Colby tentatively shook it, but didn’t offer his name.

  “May I help you with something?”

  “Hopefully. What kind of cell phone do you have?”

  Caught off-guard by the unusual question, he answered, “An iPhone, why?”

  “That’s perfect! You wouldn’t happen to have an extra charging cord, would you? My phone is almost dead and I haven’t a clue where I packed my cord.” She laughed. “I’m such a goof! I should’ve listened to my mom when she said to bring it with me in the car.”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Moms know best. Yeah, I’ve got one. Hold on a minute and I’ll get it for you.” Though he felt a little silly, he closed the door while he went to retrieve the extra cord.

  “Here you go,” he said when he returned and held it out to her.

  “You, dear neighbor, are a lifesaver! Thank you!” She grinned and clutched the cord to her chest as if it were a rare treasure. “I’ll return it first thing in the morning if that’s okay.”

  He had to admit she was not only pretty but funny, too. The kind of woman he’d always found attractive.

  “Keep it as long as you need it,” he told her. “I take it you just bought the place?”

  “Oh, no, I’m taking care of it for my aunt and uncle. They bought it six months ago, furnished it, but never got to move in because my uncle Nathan was called overseas for a consulting job. Auntie Jane always goes with him. Anyway, my lease was up at the apartment I’d been renting and voila! It worked out perfectly.”

  “Well, Ms. Ellie Harris, I’m pleased to meet you and if you need anything else, please let me know.”

  “You make a girl feel welcome, Mr. um, I didn’t catch your name.”

  “Colby Morris.”

  “Thank you, Colby Morris.” She flashed him a sweet smile.

  He waited until he heard her door close before closing his own. “Well. She didn’t seem to think I was a creep,” he said with a smile. His face darkened and he shook his head. “Give her time, give her time.”

  He finished his milk, then sat at the kitchen table to review the meeting notes. “Wait a minute. What was it she said about me looking like someone?” He turned back around and stared at the door.

  “Should I go ask her?”

  Chapter Two

/>   Ellie had studied Colby’s face as he’d spoke. The shape of his eyes, his nose, and lips were the same. The only difference, and it was a slight one, was the color of his eyes. Colby Morris had ocean blue eyes instead of warm brown ones. She shook off her thoughts and got down to the business at hand—unpacking, even though it was getting late. She was used to staying up and would be considered a night owl if given half the chance.

  Stepping over her vacuum cleaner, she looked for an outlet where she could plug in her phone. Once she had it charging, she put her hands on her hips, surveyed the room, then reached for a nearby box.

  “Kitchen.” She read the scrawled word aloud and picked up the box. “That’s exactly where you’re going and I won’t take no for an answer.” She giggled. “Who speaks to boxes?”

  She emptied it in a hurry as she thought again about her neighbor. Colby Morris was the spitting image of Augustus Ezekiel Smith. That wasn’t really his name, but it was what she called the man of her dreams. With two such powerful names, she had to choose the most common last name she could think of at the time.

  After she flattened the first box, she retrieved another, also marked, “Kitchen.”

  “Augustus Ezekiel, have you finally made it out of my dreams and into my world?”

  There was a tentative knock on her door. At first, she though she imagined it, but when she stilled herself, she heard it again.

  “Who is it?” she called through the door, wondering why these fancy condos didn’t have peepholes. She guessed rich people didn’t need them.

  “Your neighbor,” Colby called back.

  She quickly opened the door and smiled. “Well, howdy! Please come into my crazy mess—if you dare!” She stood back to allow him entrance.

  “Thanks. It doesn’t look too crazy in here.”

  She watched his expression and almost giggled aloud. “Oh, yes it is. Admit it.”

  He smiled. “Okay, maybe a little crazy. I hope I’m not disturbing you,” he said.

  Her features contorted and she snorted a few times. “I was quite disturbed before I ever moved here!”

  Colby burst out laughing. “You’re hysterical.”

  “Why, thank you. I’ll be here all week!” She immediately regretted acting the fool. It was no wonder guys didn’t like her much—all the kidding around was too silly. She’d promised herself she’d tone it down, but obviously, she was as bad as ever.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  “Don’t be, I like it.”

  She cocked her head slightly and smiled. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? A glass of wine? Water?” She looked this way and that, then murmured, “Choose the last one, okay? And I hope you brought your own glass.” She was doing it again.

  He grinned at her. “No thanks, but I do have a quick question. When you came to my door, you seemed surprised, like you recognized me or something. Have we met before?”

  Her heart pounded. “Oh, yes, well, you do resemble someone I used to know.” It was a feeble response and she knew it. She could only hope he’d fall for it.

  “Really? They do say we all have a twin somewhere in the world. In fact, they have a name for it, don’t they? Something weird sounding …”

  “Doppelganger,” she offered.

  “Yes! That’s what they call it. Some folks think it’s a ghost who looks like you. Kind of otherworldly. Others say it’s only someone who looks like you.”

  “You certainly know your trivia,” she said.

  “I read a lot.” He looked a bit sheepish.

  “Well, this doppelganger stuff is all superstition to me, which I don’t happen to believe in.” Great. I’m chastising him. “I mean, it’s fun and all, I just don’t think stuff like that is real. It’s not in the Bible.” Now I’m preaching to him. Where did that come from anyway? I haven’t even opened my Bible in almost two years. Will I ever learn to shut my mouth?

  “I don’t know that much about the Bible, but it sounds like you do.” His smile faded and his shoulders slumped.

  They both fell silent.

  “I guess I’d better get back to my condo. I have work to do before morning and I don’t want to keep you from your unpacking. Did the charger work okay?”

  “Yes, thanks again.”

  “You’re welcome.” He opened the door and stepped into the hallway. “Have a good evening. Remember, if you need anything, just let me know!”

  “I will. Night.” She closed the door and stood there. “Well, I messed that up, didn’t I, Augustus Ezekiel.”

  Ellie spied a box with her messy scrawl stating it contained, “Memories.” She slowly opened it. A rush of emotion caught in her throat and she sucked in her breath. Carrying the box to the couch, she sat down.

  “Okay, Augustus Ezekiel, look what I found.” Holding the small drawing book in her trembling hands, she dared to open it. There it was: her completed sketch of her dream man. It had taken her four years to draw Augustus Ezekiel, but once she had a good idea of his features, compiled from many sources, she’d rendered a sketch that would put any artist to shame. It was her only accomplished piece of artwork. Everything else was elementary.

  Colby Morris did look like the man in her drawing, but not as much as she first thought when he’d opened his door. Still, the resemblance was strong, even though something important was missing. Could he be a relative? She laughed. How could a dream man have relatives? What was it? She squinted, trying to make the picture look more like her neighbor, but the tactic didn’t work.

  She carefully placed the book back into the box and immediately stood. Looking around, she saw the coat closet and marched over to it. The box fit neatly on the top shelf. She stood there for a moment, then pushed it to the far back corner of the shelf. Satisfied, she closed the door. Out of sight, and maybe, out of mind. At least for now.

  “There isn’t time for such nonsense,” she said. “It’s a silly coincidence, that’s all.” Only thing was, while she didn’t believe in superstition, she believed even less in coincidence.

  Ellie stayed up past midnight unpacking and loading cupboards and drawers. There were still several kitchen boxes, and she knew what they contained—dishes, lots and lots of dishes. She’d leave those for later. Several of the other boxes went to her bedroom, and a few to the guest room until she decided what to do with the contents.

  After the last box was at least put into the proper room, she stretched her aching back and leaned left, then right. “I’m going to pay for this in the morning,” she told herself as she headed to her bedroom, only to find the bed unmade.

  “Oh, great! I don’t know which box the linens are in.” She sat down with a sigh, too tired to go on a hunting expedition, much less make up the king-sized bed. She saw a large throw at the top of a partially opened box and grabbed it. “You, my soft little friend, are going to keep me warm tonight.” She took it to the living room, thankful her aunt Jane had left throw pillows on the couch. Once she was comfy, she turned out the light and was asleep in an instant. Augustus Ezekiel Smith was there in her dreams, as usual. Or was it Colby Morris? She smiled in her sleep and turned over, snuggling up to the back of the couch.

  Chapter Three

  For once, Colby woke feeling happy and it confused him a bit. His day usually started with a lot of sighing and a spirit of despair. He was so tired of being alone, and the days tumbled one into another as he worked himself lower and lower into the deep rut he’d created. He was sure that rut would bury him one day. But not this day.

  He got up and headed to the kitchen for coffee. One good thing about living in the condo was even though he was worth over a billion dollars, he didn’t have to hire staff. He liked it that way. More independent than other wealthy folks he knew, he preferred doing things for himself. He knew his way around the kitchen and was a decent cook, even trying new recipes he’d found on the Internet. The only real conveniences he indulged in were a weekly housekeeper and a laundry service.

  Ellie came to mind
and he smiled. “She must be the reason for the change in attitude.” He brought his mug to the kitchen and sat to watch the birds outside the window. Against condo rules, he’d put up a small feeder that suctioned to the window and rested on the narrow ledge. So far, he’d had finches, a couple of chickadees, and a cardinal as breakfast guests. Every now and then, a lone wren would show up, chasing the others away.

  The doorbell rang and he jumped up. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, and smoothed his pajama bottoms before cautiously opening the door.

  “Good morning,” Ellie’s melodious voice sang to him. “I hope I didn’t wake you, but I wanted to return this before I head off to work.” She held out the charger.

  “Hi, and thanks, but you really didn’t have to return it so soon. Are you sure you don’t want to wait until you find your cord?”

  “I imagine I’ll find it tonight and, if not, I’ll just have to buy another one. I can’t keep yours forever, can I?” Her smile lit up his doorway.

  What a way to start the day, he thought with a silly grin on his face.

  “So, here you go,” she said.

  He realized she was still holding out the cord and he reluctantly took it. “Okay, well if you do need it again, just let me know.”

  “Will do. Have a great day!” She turned to leave.

  Before he could stop and consider his words, he blurted, “Wait! I imagine you don’t have your kitchen put together yet, and I’m off today, so why don’t I make dinner for us? You know, it’s the neighborly thing to do.”