Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

I settle her onto the couch and arrange a throw blanket over her before pulling up my pants. The upcoming conversation definitely demands my full attention, and I can’t give that when we’re both naked.

I grab the gift box she’s discreetly hidden in the cupboard, which I’d accidentally found this morning.

“To Charles A. Hawthorne. Merry Christmas, even though I know you possibly don’t celebrate it.” I read the white note out loud before bringing it to her as she puts on my white dress shirt, looking prettier than ever.

Until right now, I never thought there’d be a day I’d share my wardrobe with anyone, yet here I am imagining her beside this fireplace in nothing but my shirt for all future Christmases.

“Charles, please don’t open it.” Daisy places her hand over mine, and her worried gaze moves between me and the box. “I bought this before I knew you were going to break the tradition of giving me a gift card.”

“I don’t think that was much of a tradition.” Unlike her, I can’t stop my smile. “In any case, I consider your mouth my gift tonight. This can be our secret reminder.”

I unwrap the gift, and my lips twitch as I read the flowing black letters on a white cup with an illustration of a scowling man in a suit.

“Is this supposed to be me?” I raise an eyebrow before reading the words. “Chernobyl is less toxic than my boss.”

She plucks the cup away from my hand and hides it behind her back. “It’s a joke. It has always been a joke. You know that, right?” Daisy shakes her head as she mumbles, “You possibly don’t even remember all the crazy things written on the previous mugs.”

If only you knew, butterfly.

27

TOO MUCH PDA

CHARLES

I’m sitting in the back seat of my car beside Jimmy, who is going nonstop about how much he loves the new version of me. Whatever the hell that means.

Every time I turn my head and look at him, I mentally curse. Why the hell am I not in the office, where I can stare at my wife through the glass separator?

I completely zone out and instead wonder what she must be doing right now. Possibly scribbling something on those colorful notepads, making lists of things and tasks.

“Are you even listening?” Jimmy shakes me.

“What?” I turn my head toward him. “What did you say?”

“Your phone is ringing, man. Where the fuck are you?”

With renewed excitement, I check my phone, hoping it’s her, but that bubble breaks fast.

“Hello, Grandma. Everything okay?”

“Hello, Charles. Yes, all is fine,” she replies in her usual calm tone. “I have some good news for you. I just received a call from Tim Baldwin, and it seems they’ve done an unofficial vote and you were unanimously voted in as the next CEO of the Hawthorne family business. The official meeting is next week. I’m very proud of you, Charles.” Rare affection laces her voice, and something warm finds its home in my chest.

“Next week? But wasn’t it scheduled for February?”

“It was. I guess they don’t see a point in dragging this matter out further.” Grandma takes a pause, and there’s a hint of something akin to curiosity in her voice. “I’m sure you being on the news threatening reporters and all over social media making pancakes with Daisy’s dad only strengthened your cause. Did Jimmy put you up to it?”

“You think it was staged?” My fist tightens around my cellphone. “My wife was in danger. Aren’t you the one who taught me to put family and its reputation above anything else?”

But Grandma remains quiet, as if she’s expecting more clarification.

“Jason Price is a good person with a terminal illness,” I continue. “If spending a few hours of my time with him makes him happy, then I don’t mind, especially since he might not even remember my face after a while.” Just saying the words sobers me, and my stomach sinks with disappointment.

“In that case, I’m happy for you. I was worried you married Daisy to become the CEO. She’s definitely extremely loyal and cares about you enough to put up with your workaholic ways.”

The phone suddenly feels too heavy in my hand.

“I’m not opposed to playing fair tricks in business, especially when people on the other side of the table make such illogical demands. But mixing relationships and business is never a good idea. There are some crevices in life where business has no place, and married life is one of them.”