The Teacher's Billionaire

outdoor and indoor areas. Inside there was a sofa, as well as central air, and music of all things. The outside area was fenced in, and included a small child’s size inground pool for the dog to use. Warren told her the kennel had been designed for Sara’s dogs. For some reason Callie couldn’t picture her half-sister as a dog lover.
    Popping open her trunk, Callie reached for her suitcase.
    “Don’t worry about those. Paul can bring them up to the house for you,” a male voice called out behind her.
    Startled Callie spun around and came face to face with a much younger version of Warren. Even if she hadn’t seen pictures of him there would be no mistaking who this was.
    Jake.
So much for no other relatives around this weekend.
    “Dad is having lunch served in the Tea House for a change. I’m heading down there,” Jake explained his voice friendly. Welcoming actually.
    Lunch in the Tea House? He makes it sound like it’s something everyone does.
In his world they do, Callie reminded herself. “Okay.” Really what else could she say?
    They walked in silence at first. Unsure of her half-brother’s feelings toward her, Callie decided the less she said the better. While he hadn’t displayed any hatred like his sister that didn’t mean he was happy about her existence. It just meant he was more mature about the situation.
    “Sorry I missed you last time you were here,” Jake said breaking the silence. “I meant to get here, but things got really busy.” He sounded so sincere that Callie couldn’t help but believe him.
    Too bad Dylan hadn’t been too busy. She suspected she’d started to fall for him that very weekend.
No thoughts of Dylan allowed today.
“No problem. It was...” Callie paused searching for the right words. That weekend had been so many things. “Overwhelming with everyone else here,” she finally finished.
    Jake laughed. “I can imagine.”
    Callie could now see the Tea House. She didn’t know how she could have missed it before. It was perched overlooking the ocean, and the building looked as if it had been taken directly from China and placed here.
    “Wow. When you said Tea House, you really meant it.”
    Abruptly Jake stopped. “My...I guess I should say our great grandmother loved Chinese architecture. She had carpenters from China brought here to build it.”
    His mini-history lesson didn’t surprise her. Those with the means were known for going to great lengths to get exactly what they wanted. “It’s beautiful,” she said taking a step forward. “We probably shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
    Jake shrugged nonchalantly reminding her so much of Dylan. “Dad’s used to me being late. If I was ever on time he’d probably have a heart attack.” He paused for a minute. “Callie, I know that you and Sara didn’t hit it off,” he said his voice taking on a more serious tone.
    She smirked before answering. “Now that’s an understatement.”
    “She’ll come around eventually.”
    Callie was glad he didn’t try to make any excuses for his sister.
    “But I wanted you to know I’m glad you’re here.” Looking a little uncomfortable with the discussion he continued on. “If you need anything let me know. We’re family now, sis.” The way he said
sis
lightened the atmosphere and made her smile.
    She’d always wanted a sibling. Maybe after all this time she would finally have one.
    “So you’re all right with this whole situation?”
    “It happened a long time ago. Before Dad even met my mom,” he answered. “I’m just glad you’re a woman. One older brother is more than enough,” he finished with a boyish smile very similar to Dylan’s. Throwing an arm around her shoulders, he started walking again. “Now let’s go eat, I’m starving.”
    For the first time since her initial meeting with her father, some of the anxiety about being a part of this family melted. At least someone else besides Warren wanted her there. It was better than nothing.
    Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Relax and try to enjoy your time here.
    The inside of the Tea House was just as lavish as the interior of Cliff House. Not that it surprised Callie one bit. Walking into the small structure she actually felt as if she’d just stepped into a teahouse in China.
    “Callie, it’s wonderful to see you,” Warren said coming to his feet as soon as she and Jake entered. Without a moment’s hesitation he hugged her and dropped a kiss on her check. “And I see you’ve