Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“Mrs. K doesn’t work on weekends for the extra pay, Charles. It’s because she worries about your paranoid ass. She knows you’ll never let anyone else step foot into your house, and I’m sure she doesn’t want you eating out two days in a row.”

I’m about to give some lame excuse, but she keeps staring at me with that you better not lie to me, Hawthorne look.

“All weekend?” My anxiety can’t be tamed. My housekeeper has been with me since I moved out of the Hawthorne mansion.

Unlike me, Daisy starts to laugh before patting my chest. Her engagement ring and wedding band shine against my black T-shirt. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you survive well, my dear husband.”

Her breathy, playful words help in slowly releasing the uncomfortable feeling clawing at my chest.

“Does that mean we have the whole house to ourselves?” I raise a brow, and she grins before nodding.

“Yes. What are you going to do about it?”

“Oh, I can think of a lot of possibilities.” I lean down to kiss her, but she swiftly turns around.

“Not here, mister. Sex and cooking when mixed together only leads to one thing—accidents.” She removes the pan from the heat and, with practiced finesse, slides a pancake onto a plate and drizzles on some fresh syrup before placing two strawberries on top.

As I’m now looking forward to this accident-free alone time with her, I circle the counter and flop down on the barstool.

“You need any help?”

She shakes her head. “No. You just sit and eat.” Daisy places a cup of coffee before me, and after I’ve taken the first bite, she slides her iPad in front of me. “There’s an email from Jimmy.”

The tasty breakfast immediately loses its flavor in my mouth. Nothing good follows Jimmy’s name.

“He wants us to attend a New Year’s charity function.” Daisy opens her email.

“I’m not—”

“Just hear me out, Charles. I know you don’t like these events, and now that you’re almost appointed the CEO, I’m sure Jimmy won’t hassle you like before. But”—she leans in, her expression sincere and serious—“I think you should still attend at least one annual event. Let the town know you’re here for them, and despite you disliking stuffy parties, you’re making an effort for them.”

The familiar anxiety knocks on my chest just imagining it all.

“You can prepare yourself ahead of time, work with your security. For this”—she taps on the screen—“I’ve already talked to the organizers. They are more than happy to accommodate our requests if your presence is what they get in exchange.”

“This is important to you.”

Surprise flares in her eyes. Of course she’s surprised!

It must be the first time I’m not throwing a tantrum because an invitation matters to someone. Daisy slides in between me and the granite counter.

“It isn’t about me, Charles. It’s about you and this town. I hate that despite all the amazing work you do, you still have to prove yourself to everyone. But the thing is, the people of this town don’t get to see your daily struggle and challenges. Why not give them an up-close view of Charles Hawthorne? Not the one the media talks about, but the real you.”

Her finger rests above my heart, and instead of feeling dread, her touch, her words, her care, works like the best security I’ve ever had. They even threaten my inner demons.

“You can do just one annual event and then return back to your hermit tower.”

“Hermit tower?” I raise an eyebrow and she smiles. Unlike all the other times, I don’t feel the urge to storm out of the room when someone points out my lack of participation in social events.

And it’s all because of her.

“Okay, let’s call it the top floor of Hawthorne Tower. Better?”

“Much.” I hold her hand, flattening it against my chest once again. “I’ll go, but only if you come with me.”

“Of course I’m coming. You think I’d leave my boss alone at a party? I can’t even imagine how many murder charges would be reported in just one night.”

“Very funny. Anyway, I’m not planning to take my assistant, but my wife.”