Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Charles’ bodyguard subtly turns the phone upside down.

“Dave, can you please tell our cook that Blip and I both agree this is the best food we’ve eaten ever.”

“Blip?” Dave grins, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, in one of the numerous pregnancy books Daisy’s reading, the baby is referred to as a blip.” Willow slips onto the chair beside me. “So that’s the nickname for now. But don’t worry, Dave, Chloe and I are starting a petition to change it to something more interesting. You and Steve will also get to sign.”

“I don’t know.” Dave grins. “I kind of like it.”

I finish the entire meal, including the mango smoothie that still has a few chunks of the fruit, and the cupcakes that are once again not perfectly shaped.

But there’s never been a meal more perfect.

Dave places all the empty containers back into the bag and tips his head to the side.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Daisy. Let’s see if we can keep up with what we started today.”

My heart is so full knowing how many people have come into my life since my marriage to Charles. People who care about my and Blip’s happiness.

Mrs. K, who made sure I knew Charles was the one to cook tonight.

Dave, who gave Charles and me a moment to share, despite us being apart.

“Dave, thank you so much for tonight.” My throat is full of emotion as I hug the man.

“You never have to thank us, Daisy. We want you, Mr. Hawthorne, and your little blip to be happy and healthy always.”

Instead of walking to the door, Dave leads me to the side window and subtly tilts his head to the glass. I follow his motion and spot Charles’ limo.

It’s not the first time I’ve seen it here. But it’s the first time I’ve seen Charles leaning against the car with his phone to his ear while looking down at his shoes.

“Take care of yourself, Daisy, and I’ll see you soon.”

Dave leaves while I remain stuck in place, hiding behind the curtains.

“What was all that about?” Willow, who has thankfully been quiet so far, joins me.

“Charles cooked and came with Dave to make sure I ate.”

What she doesn’t know is that he even came up to her home—at least his ears did.

“And little blip agreed to his dad’s cooking out of all the amazing chefs? So not cool, kid. So not cool.” Willow shakes her head, but her smile says it all.

She’s not just surprised, but immensely impressed.

The next morning, Dave comes with breakfast and a bouquet of wild daisies with a small white card that reads: For you and tiny blip.

There’s no signature, but I’ve spent the past four years seeing Charles’ handwriting every day.

I can recognize his wavy letters in my sleep. Not to mention, it’s on the same thick paper with barcodes he specially issued for me after the whole debacle with Jax.

Once again, the fruit platter and avocado toast is met with full agreement by my taste buds and my stomach.

Dave’s phone remains on the table throughout breakfast. And later, I watch my husband, dressed in a navy-blue suit all ready for work, standing outside his car with his phone pressed against his ear.

“Haven’t you started looking forward to these meals with Dave?” Willow raises an eyebrow as, on the third day, I place the numerous books I’ve been reading on the dining table.

“I thought I’d share some of the things I’m doing these days with Dave. Just watching me eat must be so boring for him.”