Camping with a Billionaire

Mr. Giovanni

The alarm goes off and wakes my ass up to get ready for work. Being the boss, it doesn't matter what time I arrive, but I like to be punctual. I begin brewing coffee as I stare out the window of my penthouse suite. I didn't see the point of buying a house after my divorce. I'm only one person and didn't need all the extra empty space. So, when Ella asked for the house instead of a share of my company, I happily agreed. I love my company and worked hard for it, so I was not going to give half of it up so easily. 

We got married right after high school and divorced two years ago. I loved her with all my heart for twenty  years. However, she began to only love me with half a heart and gave the rest to another man. Hence, the divorce. 

I like to think that I'm a handsome man, it would explain why so many women attempt to trow themselves at me. Being 40 though, I don't want to waste my time on meaningless s*x or one night stands. I also want a woman to love me for me, not for my looks or money. 

I finish my coffee and take a quick shower before driving to work. 

"Good morning, Mr. Giovanni"  The receptionist greets me, batting her eyes and smiling brightly as I enter the building. She also has the top few buttons of her blouse undone, exposing some cleavage. This woman can't take a hint and it may be time to fire her. Her attire is not appropriate for a professional work place and I will not tolerate it. Flirting with me is one thing, but I won't let her destroy the reputation of my company. I'm not worried about being short staffed, because many people hope for the chance to get hired. I pay very well and the whole city knows it. I want nothing except the best for my clients.

"Dawn, you're fired." She gasps and stares at me shocked, trying to find the words to say.

"For what?! I did nothing wrong." I let out a sigh. "s****l harassment and not following the dress code. Now, grab your things and leave." I can see her holding back her tears as she rushes past me. I always have two receptionists on each floor, so I told Lauren that I will have someone here shortly to help her out. 

I proceed to take the elevator up to the top floor where my office is located. The first thing I do is call one of the on call receptionist who gladly tells me she will be in within the next twenty minutes. I thank her and begin looking through paperwork stacked on my desk. 

The day goes on as usual and I feel like it's time for a break from this city life. I have a cabin that I go to every summer, and I think it's time to head to it for a bit. I never go away too long, because I have a business to run. Being the owner, it's a huge responsibility. So, I think 3 days will be fine. I have two assistants that I trust to keep the place running smoothly, and I let them know that I will be away for the next three days. I inform them of everything that is to be done. 

I feel excited as I drive home, thinking about the relaxing camping trip waiting for me. I leave all my fishing and hunting equipment locked up in my cabin, so all I need to pack are clothes, beverages, and some food. I make sure I have my wallet, cell phone and work phone, and finally my keys. I lock up and head to the parking garage. 

It takes three hours, but I finally arrive to my destination. I unlock my cabin and smile as I step inside. Damn, I have missed being here. There is nothing like being in the outdoors. The smell of trees and fresh air is intoxicating, as is the smell of a wooden home. I begin to open the windows to air out the place and stock the food and beverages in the fridge after I start the generator. 

Driving left me exhausted, but I'll sleep later. I don't want to waste any of my short time I have here. I think fish for dinner sounds delicious, so I'll do some fishing today. Grabbing my tackle box and fishing rod, I begin my hike to the pond. I only come here once a year, but I still remember where everything is... I think. 

Where the hell is the damn pond? I wonder to myself as I check my watch. I can't believe I have been walking around aimlessly for over an hour. Guess I don't remember where everything still is. I see a boulder and and decide to sit for a minute to catch my breath and have a sip of water. 

"Excuse me, are you lost?" I'm startled by the voice and almost choke on my water. A  man is approaching me and I'm hoping he can help me out. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and I don't understand why some people have too much pride in doing so. 

"Just slightly. I'm looking for a pond that I use to fish at, but I can't seem to find it." this guy looks like he lives in the woods. His clothes look like they have been washed, but are still stained with dirt and blood? Hmm, must hunt a lot. 

"I know exactly where that is! I was actually heading there myself. I'll lead the way." 

"Thanks! I greatly appreciate this. I've been walking around for over an hour."

As we walk, he asks me many questions about myself. I'm not stupid. I know not to tell strangers every detail about my life, so I keep my answers simple and vague. The closer we got the pond, the more skeptical I was feeling about.. I don't even know his name. 

"My name is Steven by the way." I say as I put my hand out for a handshake.

"Jacob." He replied. "But, you can just call me Jake."