The Missing Billionaire

by Christine Kersey

  Once Sally was safely out of view, Chloe pulled the card back out of her pocket and read the message.

  Chloe - It was wonderful to see you last night, but I wish I’d been able to spend more time with you.

  Chloe smirked. He made it sound like it had been his choice to end the meet-up, like he’d been called away by an important phone call or something.

  She continued reading.

  I’d like another chance to talk. If you would be willing to meet with me, let me know.

  Nathan

  He included his cell number.

  Chloe stared at the digits, trying to decide if she should put the number in her phone or shove the card through the shredder.

  She needed to talk to Hannah, needed to get a second opinion, so the moment Chloe got home from work that evening, she called Hannah.

  “You have to admit,” Hannah said, “the bouquet is gorgeous.”

  Chloe had taken a picture of the arrangement and sent it to Hannah. She’d also brought the flowers home. They were gorgeous and she wanted to enjoy them, even if her feelings for Nathan were confused. “No disagreement there.”

  “So, are you going to text him?”

  Chloe had been considering that question ever since the flowers had arrived. “I haven’t decided yet.”

  Hannah laughed. “That’s better than a flat-out no.”

  Smiling, Chloe let her eyes drift to the flowers, which sat in the center of her dining room table. Then she pictured Nathan—the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. She wanted to see him. Maybe she even needed to. “True.”

  “So, are you going to see him?”

  Grimacing a little, Chloe said, “I think I need to.”

  “And you’re not going to bolt once you get there, right?”

  Holding back a chuckle, Chloe said, “I’ll try not to.”

  “Good.”

  Chloe tucked her legs underneath her on the couch and moved the phone to her other ear. “Maybe I just…I don’t know…needed to see him face to face first. You know, so that I could prepare myself for the real meeting.”

  Hannah burst out laughing. “The real meeting? What does that even mean?”

  Rolling her eyes, Chloe said, “Seeing him after all this time, and after thinking he was dead…” Not to mention the way he’d seemed to sweep Lisa’s name under the rug. “I just wasn’t prepared.”

  “Are you prepared now?”

  “I’ll make sure I am. Before I see him.” How she would do this preparing, she had no idea. But she had to be in the right state of mind when she saw him. How else would she be able to express all the emotions she’d had over the last year?

  “All I can say,” Hannah said, “is be honest with him.”

  Right. But that would be the hardest part of all.

  It had been twenty-four hours since Nathan had sent the flowers to Chloe. Had she gotten them? The florist had told him they’d delivered them to the front desk at the design firm where she worked. But had someone given them to her? There was no way to know. Not until she acknowledged them. A simple thank you was all it would take, although what he really wanted was for her to accept his invitation for another meeting. Maybe she was considering it. He had to give her time. Especially after the way she’d reacted to him when they’d met for drinks—running out on him after only a few minutes. He just hoped she wasn’t ready to cut him out of her life altogether. He couldn’t imagine not having her in his life.

  He turned his focus back to the spreadsheet on his computer screen. He’d been at headquarters for three days now, but so far so good. He knew his Dad was getting him started slowly and he appreciated that, but he was also glad to have something to keep his mind occupied.

  His phone chimed a text. Glancing at the screen, when he saw the words Thank you for the flowers, he swept the phone into his hand and swiped to unlock the screen.

  After tossing and turning all night, and then not being able to focus fully on her job, Chloe had given up and decided to get this whole thing with Nathan over with. So, she’d texted him. She reread the message she’d just sent.

  Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful. I’m sorry I ran out on you last night. If it’s so important to you that we meet, I'm willing to give it a try.

  She set her phone aside and turned back to her computer, but when her phone chimed a text moments later, her eyes shifted to her phone. The text was from Nathan. Not sure whether to be pleased or dismayed, she picked up her phone and read his reply.

  I would very much like to meet with you. Are you available this evening?

  Slight panic burst inside her. She was willing to see him, but not yet.

  Tonight won’t work, she texted back, hating that she was already chickening out.

  Tomorrow?

  Busy.

  Chloe could hear Hannah scolding her for putting him off, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

  He replied a few moments later. I’m hosting a party at my parents’ house Friday night. Kind of a welcome home thing. I’d love for you to stop by.

  Nibbling on her bottom lip, Chloe considered it, then texted, Could I bring a friend?

  Of course.

  Okay. That could work. If Hannah would come with her.

  I’ll try to make it.

  Great! See you then.

  Next, she filled Hannah in, and only after Hannah had agreed to go was she able to relax and focus on her job.

  Chapter Six

  “Let’s do this,” Chloe said with a tone of trepidation as she and Hannah walked through the Hewitt’s front door Friday night. Rock music filled the air and people were everywhere. Servers circulated among the crowd, some carrying food-laden trays, others carrying trays with a variety of drinks. People were laughing and chatting and some were dancing, but everyone looked like they were having a fabulous time.

  Chloe let her gaze sweep the room. Nathan was not in sight. Relieved, yet also anxious, Chloe turned to Hannah, who was taking in the whole scene. “Now what?”

  Hannah’s eyebrows rose. “Now you circulate and have a good time and let Nathan find you.”

  Although Chloe couldn’t disagree with the idea that Nathan needed to seek her out, waiting to have this conversation put her on edge. “Right.”

  “Good.” Hannah hooked her arm through Chloe’s. “Let’s go.”

  With that, they made their way into the crowd, chatting with those they knew. All the while, Chloe was on high alert for Nathan’s approach.

  It felt good to see his old friends, felt good to know how much people cared and were happy he was back. No one seemed to blame him for Lisa’s death. At least, no one said to his face that it was his fault.

  Nathan looked over the room full of people. As thrilled as he was to have everyone there celebrating his return, there was only one person he wanted to see.

  And there she was.

  Chloe’s back was to him, but there was no mistaking that long, wavy brown hair, that tilt of the head, the confident way she held herself.

  He needed to talk to her. Though intellectually he knew Lisa’s death wasn’t his fault—he’d done nothing to make the yacht sink—in his heart he couldn’t shake the blame. If he could gain Chloe’s forgiveness, he knew he could move on with his life. Not only that, but Chloe had been so integral to his life for so many years that he couldn’t imagine his life with her not in it.

  With a deep breath, he moved in her direction.

  A light touch on Chloe’s arm got her attention and when she turned and saw Nathan standing behind her, his gray eyes intense, she felt her heart stutter before it went into a frantic beat. This was it. This was what she’d been dreading and anticipating for days.

  “Hi,” she said lamely.

  He smiled, his full lips framing his perfectly straight, white teeth. “Glad you made it.” He gestured with his head toward the outdoor space. “Can we talk?”

  Chloe’s heart pounded harder. “Yeah.” Then, with a glance at Hannah, who gave he
r a subtle nod, she turned and followed Nathan outside.

  The spring evening was pleasant and the sun was still shining, and as they walked across the spacious property to a quiet area, Chloe let her gaze take in the view of beautiful green hills. It was tranquil here. Which, unfortunately, did nothing to calm her galloping heart.

  “Let’s sit,” Nathan said, sweeping his hand toward a grouping of comfortable looking chairs. A table adorned with fresh flowers completed the arrangement.

  Chloe did as he asked, and as he settled into the chair adjacent to hers, she drew in a lungful of air and tried to center herself before slowly exhaling through her nose.

  “I appreciate you coming,” Nathan said.

  Chloe noticed how the burgundy of his button-up shirt emphasized his tan—a tan, she reminded herself, that he got while stranded on a deserted island. Which was what this party was all about. A celebration that he had returned home.

  Trying to focus on the positive, she pushed a smile onto her lips. “I never told you, Nathan, but I am glad you’re…alive.”

  A flush crept up his cheeks and his lips compressed as he looked away. When he turned back to her, his eyes were bright with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry about Lisa.”

  Hearing her name coming from his mouth was like hearing the news of her death all over again, and without warning, tears sprang into Chloe’s eyes. She wanted to say Thank you, wanted him to know that she appreciated the sentiment, but the words had jammed up in her throat. Instead, she spoke in a soft voice. “I miss her. Every. Single. Day.”

  He nodded, his lips compressed. “I think about her every day too.”

  That wasn’t the same. He wasn’t Lisa’s sister, he hadn’t spent every day of his life with her. Still, she could see the sincerity in his eyes.

  A small smile lifted her lips. “I appreciate that.”

  Nathan shifted in his seat, looking away before meeting Chloe’s eyes. “I feel responsible.”

  Shocked to hear him say what she believed, Chloe felt her eyebrows shoot up, and without thinking, she said, “You are responsible.”

  Hearing Chloe say those words pierced Nathan to the depths of his soul. He hadn’t expected her to fawn all over him and say he didn’t have anything to do with Lisa’s death, but he certainly hadn’t expected her to flat-out blame him.

  Even so, he accepted her accusation without argument. It was no more than he deserved.

  Then, after several moments of silence, he said, “I hope one day you can forgive me.”

  With her eyes locked on his, Chloe pursed her lips before saying, “I can’t promise that.”

  “I’m not asking you to.”

  She nodded, then her eyes shifted to where the party was happening before going back to his face. “I’m gonna go.” She stood, and he leapt to his feet.

  “We’ve been friends for years, Chloe. I hope that hasn’t changed.”

  She sighed. “Let’s be honest. A lot has changed.”

  Did that mean she wanted nothing to do with him? He hoped not, because up until the moment he and Lisa had sailed away, Chloe had been a major part of his life. He didn’t want that to end.

  He offered her his hand as a friendly gesture, and to his delight, she placed her fingertips in his grasp briefly before taking her hand away.

  Her lips turned up slightly. “Take care, Nathan.” Then she turned and strode away.

  He watched her go, determined to earn back her friendship, needing her friendship. Even more, needing her forgiveness. Only then would he be able to forgive himself.

  “Whoa,” Chloe said as she and Hannah drove away from the Hewitt mansion, Chloe behind the wheel.

  Hannah laughed. “That tells me exactly nothing about how your little meeting went.”

  Chloe glanced at Hannah before facing the road again. “It went better than I thought it would, I guess.”

  “You didn’t bolt, so that’s progress.”

  Chloe chuckled. “Actually, I kind of did. But only after telling him how I felt.” She looked at Hannah, all humor gone. “I told him Lisa’s death was his fault.” She grimaced as she said it. Because when she pictured the look on Nathan’s face—self-blame and deep regret—she felt bad.

  “Whoa is right. But I’m glad you had a chance to tell him what was on your mind.”

  “Me too.”

  “How did you leave it?”

  “He wants me to forgive him and he wants to be friends again.”

  “And what did you say?”

  “I said I couldn’t make any promises.”

  Hannah nodded. “That’s reasonable.”

  Was it? Because she wasn’t sure. She’d always been taught that she should forgive everyone, but this was a tough one. And as far as being friends… How could she be friends with the man who had taken so much from her? Then again, she’d always loved his company. Not to mention the attraction she’d always felt toward him. Still felt toward him, if she was honest with herself.

  Time was what it would take. Time and a renewal of trust. But was that renewal even possible?

  Chapter Seven

  Over the next few weeks, Nathan reached out to Chloe several times, but she couldn’t bring herself to accept any of his invitations to get together. Having a good time with him felt wrong when her sister could no longer do those things. Instead, each time she politely refused.

  Now, as she looked at the lovely bouquet of flowers on her kitchen table—the second bouquet he’d sent since returning from his ill-fated cruise—she frowned.

  “Either you need to go out with him,” Hannah said as she sat on Chloe’s couch, “or you need to tell him to leave you alone.”

  Chloe tucked her legs under her as she sat on the other end of the couch. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “So, what’s it going to be?”

  She thought it over. On the one hand, she didn’t want to end their friendship, but on the other, she wasn’t ready to go back to the relationship they had before tragedy had struck.

  Suddenly, she knew what she had to do. She picked up her phone and typed a message.

  “What are you doing?” Hannah asked.

  Feeling a sense of determination, Chloe hit Send, then she smiled at Hannah. “I just sent Nathan a text.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  Chloe looked at her phone. “I said, ‘I’m not ready to pick up where we left off.’” She looked at Hannah to get her reaction. “What do you think?”

  Smirking, Hannah said, “I think you don’t know what you want.”

  Chloe laughed. “You know me too well.” Then she wondered what Nathan would make of that.

  A week later, Chloe’s boss, Samantha, who was also the owner of the design firm, asked Chloe to stop by her office. They often met to discuss current projects so when Chloe sat in the chair on the other side of the desk from Samantha, she was calm and relaxed.

  “We have a new client,” Samantha started. “An extremely important client.”

  Chloe’s curiosity was piqued. “Who is it?”

  Samantha held up her hand. “I’ll get to that in a minute.” Then she clasped her hands together and rested them on top of her desk. “If things go well with this client, it could lead to many more opportunities for this firm.”

  “That’s great,” Chloe said, baffled why Samantha was telling her this. She never discussed these kinds of things with her.

  “This client is ready to choose our firm, but there’s a catch.”

  Chloe’s curiosity intensified. She tilted her head in question.

  “This client will only choose our firm if you’re the designer.”

  Recoiling slightly, Chloe felt her mouth fall open. She’d only been out of design school for one year. In fact, she was the most junior designer on staff. Why in the world would someone want her? Insist on her? It made no sense.

  “Who is it?” Her voice was laced with caution.

  Samantha moved her hands from the desk to her lap, her lips pursin
g. “Nathan Hewitt.”

  Now Chloe really recoiled. “What?” Her mind flew in a hundred directions at once: Why was Nathan doing this? What did he need decorated? Why was he insisting on her? Did he really think this was the best way to mend their friendship? What if she said no? Would she lose her job? What if she said yes? What would happen then?

  Samantha had straightened in her chair. “I know there’s…history, shall we say…between you and Nathan Hewitt.”

  That was an understatement. But that wasn’t what was forefront in her mind. There were bigger things than that filling her head. Like whether her job was about to end. Or about to get very interesting. And maybe not in a good way.

  One of Samantha’s eyebrows had arched in question. Chloe didn’t want to discuss her relationship with Nathan but it looked like she couldn’t avoid it.

  “It’s complicated,” she finally said, using the phrase that explained exactly nothing while saying so much.

  “Okay,” Samantha said with a tight smile. “Is it too complicated to accept this job? A job, I might add, that would make your portfolio shine.”

  There was that. Because one day, when she felt like she had enough experience under her belt, Chloe wanted to open her own design firm. Designing for Nathan Hewitt, Billionaire, could be the jumping off point she needed. That is, if she could handle being around him.

  Chloe looked at the eagerness on Samantha’s face. Samantha had been a great mentor—kind and helpful, willing to step in whenever Chloe had a design question. And she’d taken a chance on her right after she’d graduated. Turning down this opportunity would be a terrible way to repay all that Samantha had done for her.

  “I’ll do it,” she said, but she had to push the smile onto her lips.

  Relief swept over Samantha’s face. “Thank you, Chloe. You’ll do a fabulous job. And if you need any help, you can come to me at any time.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll email you the contact info Nathan gave me.” An embarrassed smile washed over her face. “You may already have it. I don’t know.”