Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“So you don’t care what the Hawthorne family does or if Charles is the last direct heir?”

“Of course I care.” The gentleman’s demeanor shifts suddenly, and the reporter can barely conceal his sinister smile. He’s got the interviewee exactly where he wants him—talking.

“The Hawthorne line won’t end anytime soon. This town needs the founding family. I’m sure Mr. Hawthorne will do what’s best for all,” the man says, his words igniting a warm surge in my chest. Validation and praise from those I intend to help and support feel more rewarding than any business deal.

“Absolutely. Charles Hawthorne’s a savvy businessman, no doubt. But shouldn’t he be more open about his personal life?” the reporter presses.

“Mr. Hawthorne doesn’t owe anyone explanations. We’d be glad if he shared that he’s found someone special. Life in those tall towers must be lonely, and we all want him to be happy. But I’m sure he’ll share it with us when he’s ready.” The man doesn’t even wait for the reporter’s next question and grabs his grandkids’ hands before walking away.

“As you can see, there’s a special unspoken bond between this town and the Hawthornes.”

My vibrating cellphone draws my attention from the TV, and a groan slips my mouth at the sight of Jimmy’s picture flashing on the screen.

“Hello.”

“You can’t deny you saw it. I know Channel Nine is your go-to, especially during the business news hour.”

“And people call me private.”

“Now’s not the time to grow a funny bone, Charles.” His breath sounds rushed, as if he’s in a hurry.

“Relax before you give yourself a heart attack. If you’re referring to the reporter outside Hawthorne Bakery, yeah, I saw.”

“And?”

“And what? Besides being inches from suing that asshole for setting up shop outside GG’s bakery, we’re doing the exclusive interview. That’s enough.”

“Not quite. You need to hint that you have a romantic life, even if you’re living like a hermit. You need to tell them that you have a sweet, funny, and cute girl with long golden hair and a matching personality.”

“And where are we going to put in an order for her? A Barbie shop in heaven?” My teeth grit to the point of pain. Why do my actions always seem to fall short?

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, let’s stop all of this about the Hawthorne line ending. If one reporter showed up today, I guarantee the streets of Cherrywood will be flooded with them in the coming weeks. And trust me, not all townspeople will be as friendly as today’s gentleman.”

“This is nonsense.” I run my hands through my hair, almost pulling at it in frustration.

“Listen to me, Charles. Extinguish this flame before it turns into a wildfire.”

“I’ll think about it.” I end the call, Dad’s advice from last night echoing in my mind.

I need to think about my own happiness and not be with someone for the wrong reason. What’s the point of being one of the most powerful people in the state when I have no control over my own life?

Before the unease consumes me entirely, I shake my head.

What the heck, Charles? Since when do you wait for things to happen? That’s an act of a loser. Life always becomes what one wants only when one is willing to take action.

It’s time to take charge and nip this problem in the bud.

Dressed and ready, I grab my laptop from the desk, spotting the paper Rowan printed a few nights back. It even has a title.

Perfect Match for Charles Hawthorne.

What was I even thinking?

I shove it into my laptop bag, fully intending to feed it into the shredder by day’s end.

6

WHERE’S THE MONSTER REPELLER?