Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Charles stops in a corner behind a heavy beam, away from prying eyes.

Without a word, he snags my glass and throws back the drink.

“Let’s go.” He takes my hand, leading me away.

What in God’s name just happened?

I can’t tear my gaze away from the back of my husband’s head as he guides me back to my dad before settling down beside me.

I don’t get too much time to think, as the next round of drinks is served quickly.

Throughout the night, by one excuse or another, Charles manages to pry away the alcohol from my hand and empty it into his own mouth.

“Now that’s a pretty sight.” Ray snaps a picture of Charles leaning against the porch wall. One arm is thrown over my shoulders, keeping him upright.

“Go away,” Charles mumbles, eliciting another laugh out of Ray.

I’ve never ever seen Charles drink irresponsibly. Knowing there’s a slim chance of a repeat performance, Ray’s enthusiasm makes complete sense.

“Did you just figure out tonight that party drinks are free and decided to make up for all the missed opportunities, brother?”

“Some dads quit drinking, and some get drunk for their babies. You should feel guilty for making fun of me, Daddy I-don’t-drink-anymore,” Charles slurs, head thrown back, eyes shut.

His hearing must be impaired too, because there’s no way he missed my loud, untamed gasp. All I can do is gape at him, struggling to find the words to express the strange feeling in my chest.

Did he just indirectly refer to himself as a dad?

“Do we both agree your husband is more intelligent when drunk, Daze?” Ray smirks, tipping his lips to one side.

“Stop bothering my wife, and by the way, her name is Daisy. D-A-I-S-Y,” Charles enunciates before growling, and his hand tightens around my shoulder as he pulls me closer. “You’re not allowed to call her by any other nickname.”

If I had the power to freeze one moment of my life, it would possibly be this. On my dad’s special day, my husband is not just defending me but also our unborn baby.

A shiver races down my spine, and my skin prickles with a mix of heat and cold. It’s as if every nerve ending is on high alert, desperate to remember this rare moment for eternity.

“If I didn’t love you, Charlie, I’d have shot a video of you and shown it to everyone.” Ray holds his cousin’s head with both hands and places a kiss on top.

Am I freaking dreaming or did Raymond Teager, real estate shark, just kissed his cousin’s forehead?

His cheeks flush as he tucks his hands back into his pockets, stealing a glance at me. “I just got carried away. Don’t mention this to him or anyone. Please.”

“I don’t think anyone would believe me if I did. I’m having a hard time believing what just happened wasn’t a dream.”

He grins before motioning toward Charles. “Good. Do you need any help?”

I shake my head. “Steve and Dave will swing by Charles’ place. Once he’s settled in bed, they will drop me off at my friend’s. If we leave separately, my dad will get suspicious.”

Ray’s chest heaves as he releases a weighty breath. “I hope my dumbass brother realizes fast that he’s losing the most amazing time of his life.” He turns to leave, pausing on the first porch step. “You take care, Daisy. I look forward to meeting my nephew or niece in a few months, and I can’t wait to see my Quillbug play with a little brother or sister.”

“You and me both, Ray.” My voice cracks at his genuine smile.

With a final nod, he leaves. I can’t pull my gaze away from the man whose vulnerability for his daughter echoes that of any other dad, when in every other sense, vulnerable is not a word one would use for Ray.

“Daisy. Charles. Are you two still here?” Dad steps out of the door, now dressed in his nightclothes.

“Yes, I wanted to wish you a good night before leaving.”

The conversation seems to wake up Charles, who encircles Dad in a hug. “It was a freaking awesome party, Jason.”