The Billionaire's Tomboy

Rachel

The alarm screeched with alarming ferocity before I stretched out my hand to keep it quiet.

The sunlight seeping through the light blue curtains highlighted the sparse decorations adorning the room. There wasn't any hint of a feminine color at all.

I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Today was going to be a good day because I and my brother are going to visit his best friend.

My brother, Norman had a best friend since his college years. I, my brother and his best friend, Chase had always been together because as far as I could remember, I had always been Norman's handbag. With me detesting feminine things and embracing things the society called masculine, I was practically with my brother and his clique.

I cleaned up before wearing jean trousers and a red t-shirt that made my green eyes pop.

I ran my hand through my short hair that hung around my head in ruffling curls. I felt keeping longer hair is very troublesome.

Taking care of my short hair is more relaxing. I didn't have to wait a long time for any hair to dry, I just have to go to the salon at regular intervals.

I lived with my family in a sprawling building with two stories. There was abundant space.

I could not remember how many times my mother reminded me to call my female peers over for a sleep over. my mother's expectations always fall short because I only hung out with the boys and I and the boys couldn't have a sleepover.

I could still feel the shock my younger self felt when I was told I couldn't have a sleepover with the boys. I used to wonder why I wasn't a boy then.

Although I am a grown up now and trying to second guess my gender has worn off, I still loved all the things boys do and more.

I descended the stairs, my room was at the topmost floor. I wanted to see the glittering lights highlighting the city's night life whenever I wanted to go to sleep and my family obliged my request.

I was my family's baby.

As I stepped into the huge kitchen, I halted my advance to sniff deeply. A busy figure arranged and cooked.

I tiptoed to the female figure before hugging her tightly.

"Good morning mom. What's for breakfast?" I asked as I leaned on my mother while nuzzling her neck.

My mother gave me a glare, "Unhand me this second. If something goes wrong with the food, can you take responsibility? Your dad and brother will kill you."

I loosened my hold before sticking my tongue out of my mouth.

"Don't worry. Dad and brother loves me so much, they wouldn't do anything to me." I defended playfully.

I surveyed the kitchen before checking the living room too. I couldn't find the figure I was looking for so I turned to my mother.

"Mom, where is Norman?" I asked.

My mother shrugged as I continued what I was doing, "I haven't seen him today. Check his room, he might still be in bed."

I nodded and I wanted to leave right away but my mother, Kelly stopped me.

My mother looked at my outfit disapprovingly with her emotions written clearly on her face.

"Why are you wearing this t-shirt and trouser again? How many times would I have to remind you that you are a girl and not a boy?" My mother scolded but I didn't take it to heart. I didn't even blush in embarrassment.

I knew my mother had always wanted a girl child so she can bond with the child. Dressing up and looking beautiful were one of the important parts too.

My mother was a born fashionista. She matched clothes and accessories like it was a common gift like breathing. She never looked gaudy or unkempt.

My mother had been looking for who to inherit her mantle but she was disappointed. I showed an apparent lack of interest for this things.

Although our relationship is as close as it could ever be, this part of our personalities did not mix well together.

My mother always complained anytime she saw me in outfits that don't highlight my endowments.

The green pupils that was similar to hers stared at me in dissatisfaction.

"I know mom. I am girl. You have told me to write this on the tablet of my heart for like the bazillionth time." I concluded before rushing upstairs swiftly.

I knocked on my brother's door but there wasn't any reply coming forth. Thankfully, I had a key to Norman's room because of our close relationship.

I opened the door.

A figure covered by the bed sheets came into my sight.

I flung my figure onto the person laying on the bed without any regard for my image.

"Norman! Wake up! Didn't you say we were going to visit Chase today? Why are you still in bed?" I was practically shouting out my questions into my brother's ears.

Immediately after finishing college, Chase travelled abroad and the only connection I had with him was through my brother.

He was a rich man son then.

I didn't know why he attended their college instead of private schools but I was thankful of our encounter.

I knew he treated me like a younger sister but I didn't treat him as an older brother at all. I did not know when my feelings began to change.

I started to notice the little things I used to forgo. I began to look forward to his words, actions and smiles with a longing that almost frightened me.

I didn't confess to him because I didn't want to endanger the relationship we had already cultivated.

Back then, because of my intelligence, I was able to skip a grade. Although I was still a grade lower than Norman and his friends, I still followed them everywhere. I shared their interests and likes.

Chase had been the top student in their grade and even the school at large. He was quiet but once a person forges a close relationship with him, the person would discover his bubbly and intelligent side.

He was like a wrapped box of Christmas present.

I had repressed my feelings for him but when I heard he was coming back to their city, I leaped for joy. I vowed to fufill all my bottled desires while clearing all obstacles.

I thought I could let him go but I was sorely mistaken.

Norman rolled out of bed with his green orbs staring at me in annoyance. My mother's green pupils was dominant in my family because among the two children my mother birthed, none of us had our father's blue eyes. It skipped us entirely.

"Chase said he had all of today as an off day so we can go anytime. Why are you in a hurry? If someone saw your behavior, they would think he is your best friend instead of him being mine." Norman grumbled before slinking into the bathroom for a shower.

I blinked, "He is my friend too. You are a man, where did you get this petty behaviour from?"

Norman stuck his head out of the bathroom and rolled his eyes. He made sure to do it extremely slowly so I could feel his mockery.

"From you." He returned the jab before returning to the bathroom.

Seeing I had fulfilled my purpose, I rose to my feet and helped my brother tidy his bed. I went downstairs when I was done.

My body felt like it was in a state of perpetual tension. I just wanted to see my crush. I missed him a lot. I wondered if he had changed or he had remained the same.

I went back to the kitchen to help my mother set the dishes on the table. I took my seat as my mother went upstairs to call down my father with my black hair swishing behind her figure.

Soon enough, my parents descended the stairs gracefully before taking their seats. Norman joined when he was done with dressing up.

I led the prayers before the whole family dug unto the meal. My mother made stew, rice and succulent meat.

I swallowed my food hurriedly. I always ate like this. A person that stumbles on this sight would think I was a soldier used to being on the move, which cultivated this habit.

A cough sounded and I slowed my pace down. I didn't have to look up to know this interruption came from my mother.

"Norman, see what you caused. If you had let her play with girls her age, she wouldn't turn out like this. All she knows is dressing up like this and locking herself in her room to do programming." My mother looked at her son in accusation.

Norman shrugged, "Without my interference, she would still turn out like this. What is the harm of living with a little action, thrill and sports?"

My mother gave him a side glare before turning to my father, Neil for support.

Akwardness flitted across my father's face for a second before disappearing.

He cleared his throat, "Kelly, leave Rachel to her devices. She would dress up if she wants to. You don't have to force her to do anything she doesn't fancy."

A small smile hung at the corner of my lips. I knew my dad would be in my side.

I finished my meal at a quick pace, though I was significantly slower due to my mother's fiery gaze.

I waited for Norman to be done before the two of us left the house.

I slid into the shotgun seat beside the driver's seat with practiced precision. I had gone on drives with Norman numerous times, it wasn't a new thing for me.

These past few years, the times we went on drives or for hangouts decreased because of our jobs and life. Norman still remained my beloved brother that took me everywhere like a conjoined twin but it still wasn't the same.

With me focusing on my love for computer science and Norman pursuing a career in automobiles, the taste of our youth seemed to fade a little.

My mind could not help but come back to Chase.

After the group of students that was in the same grade with Chase and Norman graduated, Chase travelled abroad immediately.

Anticipation burned my insides.

Soon enough, they drived into an estate area before they arrived at a building in one of the choice areas present in America as a whole.

I came out of the car without further delay. Norman echoed my action after killing the engine.

At the gate of the building, a girl dressed in a beautiful knee length cream dress coupled with blond curls that framed her face impeccably.

She seemed welcoming as she led them inside with familiarity but I picked up the faint traces of disdain the girl couldn't hide.

I had an inkling why the girl looked down on us. Chase's background was better than ours with a thousand as multiplier. I knew Chase came from old money that ensured at least ten generations after him could live comfortably even without doing a single job or work in their whole lives.

I ignored whatever hard feelings the girl might have as I observed the place my crush lived. Pretty plants that glowed with the meticulous care they received came into my sights. Two fountains were kept in strategic positions that made use of the limit of aesthetic sense,

We finally reached the main building. A set of double doors made from a material unknown to me separated us from the house's interior.

The girl that acted as our guide opened the door softly before she led them to a huge living room that could have doubled as a hall.

The girl disappeared and she was replaced by a middle aged woman in a maid uniform. Hints of similarity showed the woman and the girl was related but the woman looked kinder in comparison.

The woman served them tea and snacks.

"My name is Senna. If you need anything, just ring the bell beside you. I will answer you swiftly. Master would be with you shortly." Senna said before bowing deeply. She left after passing the required information.

And then, the man of my dreams strode in.

Rachel

I knew the moment Chase entered the hall. The atmosphere changed, it became charged with some sort of undercurrent that sizzled.

Subconsciously, I raised my head up to meet Chase' deep gaze. His eyes scanned me up and down thoroughly that for a moment, I felt naked.

Chase moved his gaze to Norman before sitting down on the chair facing I and my brother.

I watched Chase as he and Norman talked. I did not join them.

Previously, I was wondering if Chase had changed and now I had my answer.

The boyish features that made him the acclaimed ice prince of our college gave way to deeper and mature ones that oozed sensuality.

His grey eyes seemed to have darkened a little when he observed me but their color returned to normal swiftly so I did not know what he thought of my present appearance.

Chase looked like he had faced trials and that he overcame them. He seemed successful and I wondered if I had the capability to stand by his side.

Without any regard for whether I was a worthy fit for him, I was going to try my best to fight for my love.

Chase looked towards me, "Long time no see." His unfathomable gaze caused electricity to run under my skin.

It numbed me while jumpstarting my nerves at the same time.

I gave a brisk nod, "Yes. It's been very long."

I did not know why our conversation sounded distant and awkward. I could not help my apprehensiveness because Chase was a changed person now. I feel like I don't know the correct way to approach him anymore.

My feelings have overflowed and he had changed.

Norman stood up, "Chase! Where is the game room you told me about? Let's us go and try it out."

Happiness surged through me at my brother's sentence. I had been off games for far too long. Besides, it could act as a medium to soften the awkwardness oozing off me.

Chase took us to the huge game room in his mansion. Expensive and high end equipment decorated the room.

He powered the gigantic monitor occupying the center position and handed out two consoles to I and Norman. Chase brought out his laptop instead.

I was disappointed Chase didn't participate in our gaming but I consoled myself with the fact that he was just focusing on his business.

Few minutes into the game, I rose to my feet. I turned to Chase.

"Please, where is the bathroom? I need to use it." I said softly and he set his laptop down in order to lead the way.

Soon they arrived in front of a huge brown door. I looked on in confusion as Chase opened the door to reveal a bedroom that was more than double of my room's size.

A few thoughts started jumping around in my head.

Did Chase know of my feelings for him? Did he like me too? Why was he bringing me to his bedroom?

If anyone told me this isn't the master bedroom, I would deny and argue. The furnishing and arrangement was okay despite being low key.

I wouldn't believe it either if anybody said there wasn't other bathrooms in this huge house.

Some inappropriate thoughts began to mingle with the one already swirling in my head but I shook them away.

Chase was a gentleman through and through but I was afraid that even if he isn't a gentleman and he wanted to make a move, I would love to accompany him wholeheartedly.

This thought scared me tremendously. I was a pure girl. I did not have any relationship history and I was like a blank piece of paper. I may have a robust theory about the intimate interactions between a woman and a man but when it comes to the practical aspect, I was still a newbie.

I tried to keep myself composed as his handsome figure walked confidently before me. The muscles strained from his white shirt in a futile attempt and his long legs was the stuff of dreams.

Chase might have seen the question on my face along with the faint blush that appeared as an aftermath of my dirty thoughts.

His gaze threaten to drown me as he said, "Senna hasn't finished cleaning the rooms and bathrooms in the mansion. This is the best one."

I nodded before moving past him swiftly. It was like I wasn't quick enough because some of his overpowering scent clung to me like glue.

The bathroom was gleaming and its clean surfaces showed the splendor the owner had put into it. I whipped out my phone.

After Chase left, I tried to cut myself off from this feeling of love that sprouted within me unknowingly. During those times, I did not search him up no matter how my heart longed for him.

With his appearance in my life again, it seemed like all those restraints I imposed on myself disintegrated to ashes. I was back to that lovestruck girl that burned with the ardent desire to be his partner.

Google, my trusted search engine disappointed me this time. It did not have what I wanted to know about. There was little to no articles about Chase. Only articles of him coming back from overseas to assume the position of CEO for Steel Cell Group, a powerful company under his family.

Even this articles had no photos to speak of. Only one picture was used and reused in the news portals information.

The picture was a professional photo. It showed Chase in his corporate suit looking dashing and ambitious. It satisfied my itch but it still wasn't enough.

I wanted to know all of his experiences oversea. I wished to be there to console him doing his dreary moments and to be a companion in his joyous ones.

I wanted to be a part of him.

I exited the Google app and kept my phone. I sat on the toilet to do my business while thinking of how to approach Chase.

I didn't want to destroy the friendship we had. He had a favorable impression of me but that can change if I threw myself at him without any regard. He might not treasure me that way.

I refuse to believe that an handsome catch like Chase didn't have suitors. Even if he wasn't outstanding as he is or if he had average looks, his almost unlimited wealth already made him a target.

Even if my courtship fails, I would want our friendship to remain. At least then, I would know he was still by my side.

When I finished my business, greed made my steal some of the soaps that smelt like him to clean my hands.

I chided myself softly. I was already behaving like an extreme fan.

I went out of the bathroom confidently but all that confidence disappeared when Chase approached me quietly. His walk towards me was like the an hunter stalking a beloved prey.

I bit my lip. It was moments like this that made me think Chase might be interested in me too. Alas, was I ready to find the answer to my doubts?

I said I wanted to seduce him. It was true but it was going to be a slow burning process.

It would be like cooking a living crab in cold water that would eventually turn boiling hot.

My thoughts was to make him like me, then get him to admit his feelings to me.

That way, I wouldn't be like the other women throwing themselves at him.

Chase's hand landed on my face. His body heat felt like searing irons that seemed to brand itself into my heart.

His hand moved from my cheek to rub the corner of my lip softly.

"You've got something on your face." His voice sounded deeper than his usual tone when he was giving an explanation for his behavior.

The voice activated an explosion in my mind and I could not reply. It was only later that I gave a weak nod.

I had a vague memory of the path to the game room but I couldn't say for sure that I can lead the way back. At least I knew the general direction.

I walked briskly as I wanted to avoid the deep presence following me. I scoffed at myself in ridicule.

I said I wanted to claim this man and now I was fleeing at his touch. I was so contradictory!

When he saw that I almost took the wrong turn, Chase took the lead again.

We returned to the game room in a strange mood but Norman didn't pick up the weird atmosphere.

He dragged me to seat beside him while Chase continued working on his laptop.

My heart ached for Chase. He did not have a chance to relax and enjoy his return before he was bombarded with work.

I picked up my gaming console to resume my match with my brother.

All was going well until Norman with his typical blabbermouth spoke.

"Hey sis. When are you going to get a boyfriend? Did that Greg guy ask you out yet?"

What?!

I could feel something explode.

Rachel

I almost wanted to strangle Norman in my mounting fury. Although I did not tell him of my crush on his friend and with our sibling relationship, he could ask that question, it didn't stop me from getting mad at him.

I couldn't help but wonder if there was a person dumber than my brother. He was infuriating!

He knew no tact at all.

I could feel the burn of Chase's fiery gaze on me the moment my stupid brother finished his alarming sentence.

I coughed awkwardly, "Haha, Greg is just a friend."

A tech company outsourced me from the freelance market and Greg was one of their in-house technicians. I and Greg clicked as friends but it seemed my stupid brother thought something else might be going on.

If I couldn't come to the company, Greg comes over to my house at times.

I felt like digging my way underground.

Here I was, trying to get a man into my honey trap while my brother opted for the option of scaring the man away.

I shifted nearer to my brother before giving him a fierce pinch.

Norman looked at me with his face showing innocent confusion but his ignorance made my urge to murder him stronger.

Chase looked up from his laptop, "What is his full name? Which organization does he work in? Do you guys know his full history?"

I didn't like his questions. It made him seem farther than he actually is. The questions were something that should come out of the mouths of my parents instead of Chase'.

I tugged down my disappointment.

"We work at the same company called Ryan Group and we are just friends. There is no need for me to know his full history." I scoffed.

It was as if my words gave Chase a type of assurance because he went back to his work.

When I and Norman resumed our game, I made sure to beat Norman till he had to throw down his gamepad in defeat.

My phone rang with a text message.

It was an unknown number saying hello. I didn't give the stranger the benefit of doubt before blocking the number.

My circle of friends is small and the only two situations that would cause an unknown number to message me would be when a person manages to scrap my number off the internet or when my mother sends my number to her friends who used the pretense of greeting me to send my number to their sons in a bid to matchmake.

I wasn't ready to answer their messages in both situations so I saved myself the trouble.

I waited for awhile before standing up. I gave the sprawling Norman a nudge.

"Let's go." I grumbled. After his mistake, I made sure my every action and expression expressed my dissatisfaction for him.

Besides, if I didn't have to talk now because of Chase, I would have given him an unbroken silent treatment.

Norman didn't budge and I threw him a fierce kick.

I believed the more we stay here, the less efficient Chase would be with his work. It was better to give him space to do his thing.

Although we missed him, we had met him. This meeting should satisfy our longing for a while. It is not like we wouldn't see him again.

After kicking my brother again for good measure, I strode out confidently. my previous actions should have spoken volumes of my attitude to Norman.

I stopped after walking past two hallways. I put my hand on my head as I lamented.

I had forgotten how huge this mansion is and how easy it is to get lost in this place.

I tried to retrace my steps but I ended up in another part of the mansion I was unfamiliar with.

I whipped out my phone and gave Norman a call. I would have called Chase but sadly, I didn't have his new phone number.

"Rachel, where are you?" Norman's voice came through the line.

I massaged my forehead, "I will like to now that info too. I lost my way."

There was rustling and then Chase' deep voice came on the line.

"Stay where you are. Can you describe where you are staying?" Chase asked.

I struggled to keep the butterflies wrecking my stomach at bay before answering.

"Yes. There are limestone statues here." I cleared my throat before speaking. I didn't want Chase to perceive something from my tone and at the same time, I wanted him to notice my irregularity.

I ended the call after I heard his assenting hum.

I did not have to wait long because it didn't take a minute before I saw Chase and my brother came towards me from another hallway connecting the one I am in.

I bowed my head to hide the red coating my cheeks when Chase approached.

"You didn't have to." I whispered but he just ruffled my short hair.

Ruffling my hair had been an habit I had known with Chase since I could remember. I didn't know how it started but I did not want it to stop even though I dislike the implication it carried.

Sometimes, the action made me feel like his beloved younger sister when I wanted him to feel like I am a good candidate for his love. Even with this major flaw, I still cherish the act.

I cherish anything that drew us closer, whether it be platonic or not.

"It's nothing. Let's go." Chase replied before leading us out of his mansion.

As we walked, I could not help but admire his broad back. His back muscles undulated with every step he took and I enjoyed every pull or strain his muscles did.

I could observe it properly without the huge awkwardness from the bathroom trip.

I maintained the cold treatment I was giving Norman and even on the drive back home, the car maintained a chilling atmosphere.

Norman glanced at me from time to time but I ignored his gaze.

He freed one hand so he can poke me.

"I'm sorry for whatever I did." He apologized but I still didn't say a word.

"I already apologized. What else do you want? My life?" Norman fired as he kept shooting glances at me.

"Alright, alright. I promise to get you that techie laptop you showed me." Norman compromised with a wince.

I finally turned to him, "You are finally going the right way. Next time, keep spouting nonsense and you will see how I would deal with you."

Norman released his hands from the wheel to reply, "I wouldn't dare. You are the boss."

The car swerved a little to the left side and I whacked the back of his head in fright.

"Are you crazy?!" I questioned when he got the car back on track.

He didn't answer. He just stuck his tongue out as he focused on driving.

Soon, we arrived at our house.

I saw my mother manicuring her nails when I entered the house. I dragged a dinning chair to sit opposite her.

My mother looked upset at my action.

"Can't you sit properly?" Her fiery eyes seemed like it could swallow me.

I adjusted my posture when I remembered that I wanted to find my womanly charms back in a bid to seduce Chase.

"Mom, how did dad fall in love with you?" I asked in anticipation.

I would use my parents courtship as a case study and outline for my own. At least, it would show me the general direction to go.

My mother put her manicuring tools down.

"Is there someone you like? Who is he?" My mother kept firing questions and I just looked up to the ceiling in frustration.

"I am not in love with anybody or something. I am just asking so I would not remain oblivious when I do." I replied.

I don't know why my mother's nose was so sharp. I only asked a question and she had already begun to reconstruct my situation.

A reminiscent expression took over my mother's face.

"I met him in school. He was the bookish type but indulged in sports too. I was one of the most beautiful girls in our department."

I smiled, "Mom, I know you are beautiful and dad has no choice but be smitten by your charms."

I had a ulterior motive and giving my mother praises would make my wish be realized.

I held her hand, "I just wanted to know the ways you reeled him in and his responses or his ways of courtship."

'So I can use it to seduce my own man.' I added silently.

"You can't use my own relationship as case study because I didn't really do much." My mother explained, "The only thing I did was apologize when I did something wrong. He did all the courting."

"He did?" I asked in shock. My dad looked like a strict and uptight person, I didn't know he had a lover boy hidden in his heart.

Her mother nodded, "He brought flowers, he invited me on dates and did all he could to win my love."

"He tried then because I know you certainly didn't make it easy for him." I said as I stood up. I returned the dinning chair to its position before heading to my room.

My parents relationship used the norms and it didn't really help me much. I would have to research on my own.

When I settled on my bed, I whipped my laptop out. I cracked my knuckles before typing. It was time for in depth research.

I began my prowl on google.

How to seduce a business man?

What will a man like in his woman?

Girly dresses to wear to induce a man possessiveness?

I kept searching and saving the results I was interested in.

I didn't know someone was in the room with me at that moment.

A tap jolted me out of my reverie.

"I knew you were acting suspicious the moment you asked about my wiles and your dad's courtship." My mother's voice said excitedly.

A red blush climbed up from my cheeks to my ears as I slammed my laptop shut. I regretted not bolting my door.

My mother held my shoulder.

"Your father didn't give me the leeway to try all my seduction techniques but I am going to impact them to you." My mother's joy seemed to know no boundaries.

I don't know why my mother looked like a creepy uncle trying to seduce a little girl away.

Her voice continued to sound in my ears, "I am going to take you on a course called seduction 101."