Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Secret crush is a very simple description for it.

“I didn’t know I was infamous as a devil.”

“A handsome devil who would look amazing in a tux.” Her brows wiggle, taking away some of the bite.

“So where am I standing while wearing this tux? City hall, a private garden with a small group of family and friends, or the wedding hall of a luxury resort?”

“I don’t care as long as it’s not city hall. My Dad would love to walk me down an aisle, even though he’ll possibly not remember the moment for long.” A sad smile brushes her lips, and I make a vow right then to make it the most fucking memorable wedding of the century.

“Noted. I’m sure Jimmy will have a blast in the next few days.”

True to my words, within the next thirty minutes, my PR team has released the media packet with a story of how I fell for my assistant at first sight. It’s complete with photos taken over the years, innocent when placed individually, but together with the story, they could convince anyone of our fairy-tale romance.

14

CONFESSIONS OF UNDYING LOVE FOR MY WIFE

DAISY

Kai: Hello, Daisy. Can you please come over? It’s kinda urgent.

My mouth dries as I read the text. It’s Kai’s third day with Dad. What could have happened that he needs me already?

“What’s wrong?”

The phone slips from my hand at Charles’ voice. Before the glass and plastic meets a shattering doom, my soon-to-be husband takes a huge step forward and grabs it.

His gaze drops to the texting app, where Kai’s message is still open.

“Let’s go.” Charles holds me by my elbow and turns me around toward the elevators.

“Charles, where are you going? You have a meeting”—I look down at my watch—“in fifteen minutes.”

“Meetings can be rescheduled, Daisy.”

Since when?

But my words remain locked in my throat when the elevator stops. Steve is already at the door waiting. With practiced ease, Charles and I enter the back seat of his Porsche.

This might probably be the first time we’re driving together for something that isn’t a business meeting.

And this won’t be the last.

Before the thought and its reality sets in, my phone rings.

“Aunt Mel, please tell me Dad’s okay.” I hold the device close to my ear with both hands.

“Come fast, Daisy. There’re reporters in your home, and your dad is—” Her voice gets a high-pitched tone I’ve never heard before. “God, Jason, no…”

“No, what?” I jump in my seat, but the call ends. I immediately turn around to face Charles. “There are reporters at my dad’s place! He must be freaking out.” Since his diagnosis, Dad has become wary of strangers, wondering if he should remember a face he doesn’t recognize.

Before my tripping heart can combust in this cramped space, Steve parks the Porsche and I rush out. For once, I don’t wait for my boss.

But my feet get stuck at the landing watching the scene before me. At least fifteen reporters are seated trying to fit themselves into a space that looks exactly like the times my mom would host a Christmas party and invite too many people. But instead of a giant Christmas tree, everyone is facing the chair at the center of the room, where my dad is seated with the widest smile on his face.

“So before we start, does everyone have their coffee?” he asks, and when the reporters raise their cups, Dad continues. “Good. As I was saying, Daisy is my pretty girl with a heart of gold. I’m not surprised Mr. Hawthorne fell for her, but I think he should have asked for my permission. That’s the right way of doing these things. What do you say, Kai?”

My dad’s handsome nurse stands behind him in a plain white tee and black pants. Celtic tattoos cover his folded arms, and he gives Dad a confused nod before his gaze lands on me.