Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Given the envelopes and Charles’ love for gift cards, I have no doubt of what he bought for his family, yet I can’t help but make a tiny prayer in vain.

Oh God, please, please let it be something other than gift cards.

I really don’t want the Hawthornes to think I can’t carry my lazy ass to a store and buy everyone a nice present.

“What the heck is this?” Chloe’s hands rest over her hips as she squints at her brother.

And suddenly I wish the opposite—for the colorful paper in her hand to be a gift card instead of whatever it is that’s causing her temper to rise.

“It’s a Christmas gift,” Charles, on the other hand, replies calmly.

“Is this a joke? You know I’m scared of heights. I’m never going to skydive.”

“You have to get over your fears if you want something in life, sis.”

“I don’t want anything, especially if it comes from jumping out of a plane.” Chloe neatly tucks the paper back into the envelope and places it onto the table as if never wanting to touch it again.

“I have found the perfect trainer for you. You think I’d ask you to do anything that isn’t safe?”

“Forget it, Charlie! I’m not going to do it.” Chloe throws daggers her brother’s way.

This has to be the first time I’ve seen her upset or angry with her beloved brother, and I worry this might ruin everyone’s mood. I lean forward, about to tell Chloe that I’d be happy to get something more suited to her, when Charles places his hand over my thigh.

I glance at him and, still smiling, he shakes his head before once again turning to Chloe, who’s watching us closely with a narrowed stare.

“Oh, believe me, you will, especially when you see who else trains there.”

Something unspoken passes between the two, like a secret that only they share, until Chloe’s gaze drifts to my lap.

“And what about Daisy’s gift? Or were you so busy planning my murder that you forgot your new wife?”

Did he?

I turn around and my eyes snap to his. Charles’ lips curl as he leans forward.

What the heck is he doing?

My body is frozen in place when he places a soft kiss on my cheek. “I can never forget you. Your gift is waiting for you at home.”

Silence stretches in the room except for the song of crackling fire. Charles’ dad, Oscar, is the first one to break it, with a loud clap and a laugh.

“I’ve never been happier with a surprise. Way to go, Ace. Finally, you showed you didn’t just inherit my intelligence but also my charm.”

“Oh, Oscar. Our son has much more swoon than you.” Kristy leans forward, placing her hand over her husband’s. “You’re more of a king of secret love, but Charles is really the prince of claiming possessively in public. Didn’t you see him on the news yesterday? You never would have done that.”

“Is the gift by any chance dirty, and that’s why you couldn’t give it to Daisy in front of us?” Chloe’s eyes sparkle with mischief.

“That’s none of your concern, sis.” Charles chuckles while I place my palms over my burning cheeks, which must be all shades of pink and red right now.

I cannot believe we’re having this conversation in front of his family. But thankfully, dinner is soon announced, and we’re all led to the dining room. Delicious is too small of a word to describe the four-course meal, including the exemplary French dessert mille-feuille.

I’ve just stepped out of the bathroom, placing my lipstick back into my bag after a quick touch-up, when I find Charles leaning against the opposite wall.

I try to step aside, thinking he wants to go in, but instead, he crowds me, holding me captive between him and the door.

“What is it?” My voice quivers without trying.

Now, every time I see him, my heart does a little flip. As much as I want to go to the doctor and receive confirmation that I have a serious heart disease, I know that’s not the case. Instead, it’s my fake husband giving me all these stupid, crazy feels.