Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Willow hands me a shopping bag from one of the fancy shops outside of town, and I slip into the bathroom.

The soft fabric of the white silk dress glides over my skin like butter. When it finally hits my legs, I realize it’s much longer than I expected. Not quite floor length, but close. I open the door to ask my friend why she brought what feels like an elegant wedding dress.

“Hello, Mr. Hawthorne,” I hear Willow’s sultry voice—the one that used to make the boys in school squirm and follow her like lovestruck puppies.

A foreign uneasiness settles in me as I watch my friend grin at my boss, who, as usual, couldn’t appear more bored. Willow is beautiful in every way. Unlike my unruly hair, which often looks like I’ve just been electrocuted, her long, silky red strands are pulled up in her usual bun. She’s wearing a black crop top paired with frayed jeans. Even in sneakers, she reaches Charles’ shoulders; unlike me, who looks like a dwarf even with suicidal four-inch heels.

“Miss Pershing, I hope you’re doing well?”

“I’m always well. I was doing a wedding shoot for a newlywed couple who got married at my family’s inn. Speaking of weddings, when are we seeing yours? The whole town is dying to meet the next Mrs. Hawthorne, even though no one has any idea what you really like in a woman.”

I can almost picture the way her tongue hits her upper lip when she emphasizes the word like.

“Willow, did you bring me the bride’s wedding gown?” My voice is accusatory without trying as I step back into the room.

“Of course not. It was the dress she wore to the venue before getting ready. You are just so tiny, Daze.” My friend shrugs before walking over to me. “But it does look like a wedding gown on you.”

All the playfulness disappears from her face as she walks closer and fixes the strap hanging from my shoulder. “But as your future bridesmaid, I’d kill anyone who suggests a boat neckline for you. No, we need a plunging sweetheart or a Queen Anne neckline. You need to flaunt these girls.” Her eyebrows dance as she nods toward my boobs.

“My girls thank you for the compliment.” I smile. Over the years, I’ve grown to love my body. It might not be perfect, but I find it beautiful. And whoever doesn’t, including Jax, who tried to make me eat kale salad once a week, can go to hell.

A throat clears, slicing through our laughter. “You remember I’m here, right?”

Holy crap.

Willow and I turn to face him, and is it my imagination, or did he really, for a fleeting fraction of a second, stare at my chest?

I can’t miss the fluttering sensation in my stomach, a mix of foreign nerves and excitement.

“I’m sure what you’re discussing is extremely important, but I’d rather leave this place fast. Miss Pershing, can we drop you somewhere?”

“No.” Willow shakes her head. “My car is parked outside. I can’t wait to read your interview, Mr. Hawthorne.”

“I’ll return the dress to you tomorrow after getting it cleaned. Thank you so much once again, Wills.”

“Don’t worry, the couple is already on their way to their honeymoon in Hawaii. I’m sure clothes are the last thing on their mind.” She winks before sauntering out.

Once Willow leaves, Charles loosens his tie and lets out a deep breath. Perching on the couch, he pours himself a glass of water.

“You really don’t like people.” Even though my voice is free of accusation, the words sound strange. Charles’ gaze slants to me, but before I can apologize, he tips his head toward the room.

“It’s not just the people, but also the place.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s unfamiliar and unknown.”

A chuckle escapes me as his pout deepens the frown lines on his beautiful forehead.

“Life is nothing but an unknown, Charles. You can never guess what’s coming next.”

“But I can prepare for possible scenarios.”

“And what about enjoying the surprises?”

“Good for those who feel that way.” His lips twist as if he just tasted sour milk.

“Alright, Mr. I’m-Prepared-For-Everything, what’s going to happen next?”