Page 22 of How to Train Your Billionaire

Frankie:He’s insufferable!

What does she not understand about this? I just want someone to make it make sense. How is life fair that Hayes gets to be gorgeousandrichandcharming ... all while having the heart of a shrew.

Tessa manages to remove the devil horns and crops Charles out of the photo before sending it back to me.

Tessa:10/10 would ride this ride

Sadly, she’s not done.

Tessa:For real though, that man is next level hot! He’s a walking fire emoji.

Frankie:Gross. If you’re done drooling, I need to figure out a way to coexist with him and his little girlfriend. I don’t know how long they’ll be here. Maybe I need to end my boy-ban and get on some dating apps here—meet someone myself.

Tessa:Why am I getting the impression you’re jealous?

Frankie:Jealous? Ewww. No

I continue typing.

Frankie:More like annoyed

Yes, annoyed and frustrated. This is supposed to be my job, and that’s something that I take seriously. I actually think I’m damn good at it, and I’m pretty sure Charles agrees. And now we’re two for two with Hayes barging in and making everything about him.

If this is my story, he’s the villain. The way he watches me from a distance, scowling and frowning when Charles and I share an inside joke. Does he not want his uncle to be happy? I can’t understand hisanger, it’s so misplaced. But there’s nothing I can do besides live with it, because everywhere I turn, there he is.

Tessa:Okay because I was going to say, Hayes is not your type and based on everything you told me—a complete tool.

“Francesca?” The sound of Hayes’s voice comes through the closed bedroom door.

I open it and peek out. “Yes?”

“What’s the Wi-Fi?”

I bite the inside of my cheek. I don’t know what possessed me to actually follow through on that dumb joke from earlier—but when we got here, I changed the network name.

It made me smile. And honestly? It kind of felt like something Charles would secretly appreciate.

“ItHurtsWhenIP.”

Hayes remained stone faced. Not a chuckle, not the crack of a smile. Nothing. Nada. This man probably thinks I’m certifiable.

“The password is HideYoKidsHideYoWi-Fi.”

“Great. Thanks.” He turns to leave, and I release a slow groan.

It’s funny, dang it!Why can’t he just be normal?

Chapter Ten

Expect the Unexpected

Hayes

Why can’t she just be normal?

That is the question that lingers in my brain long after my encounter with Francesca. But I don’t have time to dwell on my uncle’s odd new assistant. I have friends to entertain.

That first evening, I take Olivia and Malachi out to see the sights. The sleepy tourist town of Kona is certainly not known for its nightlife, but it’s the best shot for finding beach bars open past nine. We drink mai tais and dine on poke bowls at an ocean-side bistro.