Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“What’s that for?” Daisy punches in the code for our office floor, where only a select few have access. When I show her the screen, a slow grin pulls on her lips. “He might be calling to tell you how amazing you were today.”

“That would be a refreshing change. Finally, after four years, I’ve made the head of PR happy,” I quip, tucking my phone away. “Dave will bring your clothes shortly. Once you’re ready, let’s go over the day.” I hope to finally get answers about her unexpected absence this morning.

As I step into my office, Jimmy’s call rings through once again, and I answer. “Contrary to what you may think, I don’t spend my days sitting around waiting for your calls like some lovesick teenager. I have a business to run.” I sink into my chair, which groans under my weight, mimicking my voice.

“Have you seen the news?” Jimmy’s tone lacks its usual agitation.

“No, thank you. I’ve had my fill of entertainment for the day. Besides, the TV in my office is reserved for business news, not media gossip.”

“Just turn it on, Charles. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.”

An uneasy feeling starts to churn in my chest at Jimmy’s flat voice. I reach for the remote and switch on the TV, but the ground beneath my feet shifts the moment I see my back, clad in the same black suit I’m wearing now, and hear Daisy’s voice. “I love you the most.”

“Does Charles Hawthorne have a secret love interest?”

My jaw tightens as a reporter narrates the circus of speculations.

“Charles Hawthorne hinted today that he has a special someone in his life. We all thought it was a joke—”

Because it fucking was.

“—but our sources have shared that a mystery woman dressed in a peach bikini—”

It was so not peach.

“—opened the door to Mr. Hawthorne’s suite at the Cherrywood Town Hall today. She jumped right into Charles’ arms as he walked in.”

She fucking didn’t.

“Sometime later, Charles Hawthorne left town hall with the same woman, now dressed in a long white dress. Is the most talked about bachelor finally ready to get hitched?”

Jimmy’s aggravated voice rings through. “Why the hell wouldn’t you say anything to me? Do you know I’ve been almost on the verge of a heart attack, planning ways to distract the media from your bachelor status until you officially inherit the family business?” Jimmy doesn’t even pause to calm his rapid breathing, while my gaze is fixed on an unrecognizable image of Daisy on the TV screen, her words echoing in my mind.

I love you the most.

My phone chimes, alerting me of an incoming text. I put Jimmy on speaker as he rambles on and on about his recent visit to his cardiologist.

Ronald Grint, Anti-Charles Board Member: I’m impressed with how you managed to keep such big news under wraps, Charles. But with the media’s fixation on the Hawthorne family, I completely understand your need for privacy. I want to invite you and your lovely fiancée for dinner at my home, to formally apologize for my behavior at the last board meeting. But I still maintain my stance. Cherrywood is our charming family town, and only someone who desires to raise their own family here will be able to understand the real needs of the townspeople. But now that we know you clearly are that person, you have my full support as the next CEO of Hawthorne Holdings.

What the fuck?

There are so many things in this text that demand attention, but my gaze can’t move away from the word fiancée.

Grandma Irene: Charles, my assistant’s phone is ringing off the hook with calls from the board members. They want to reconvene to discuss their preferences for the CEO position. Do you know what prompted this change?

“Hawthorne, are you even paying attention?” Jimmy’s bark snaps me back to reality.

“No. What did you say?” I run my hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation.

How did a simple interview spiral into this chaos?

But isn’t this what I wanted? For the media and board members to see me in a new light?

But this is a lie.

Not really. It’s just a misunderstanding that seems to have worked in your favor.

What the hell are you thinking, Charles? In a few hours, the truth will come out and everything will go back to how it was.