Finding Mr. Happily Ever After: Edwin
Melissa McClone
Melissa Storm
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
About the Authors
More from Melissa McClone
More from Melissa Storm
Binge Read This Series!
© 2018, Melissa Storm & Melissa McClone.
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All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.
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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.
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Cover design by Mallory Rock.
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Partridge & Pear Press
PO Box 72
Brighton, MI 48116
To Mr. Happily Ever After McClone
for breaking his rule of dating people he worked with
and asking me out…finally!
Prologue
“Hello, I’m Daniel. And, may I say, you make a lovely bride, Ms. Michaels.” The uniformed chauffeur sat in the driver’s seat. He was in his thirties with short blond hair and a trimmed beard. Seatbelt fastened, he glanced over his shoulder at Jazz. “Is the rest of the wedding party in the other limousine?”
“Yes. They left for the church a few minutes ago.” Jazz sat straight so she wouldn’t mess up her hair or wrinkle her wedding gown. She didn’t want the hard work of so many people to go to waste. “Thanks for coming at such short notice when we needed another limo.”
“Happy to help. Would you like me to turn on some music for you?”
“No, thanks.” She took a deep breath. “There’s been lots of talking and giggling since we checked into the hotel yesterday. Fun but loud, so I’m a little relieved to be on my own for a few minutes.”
“I imagine it’s been one big slumber party.” He pulled away from the hotel. “I have three daughters.”
Jazz’s natural interest in people took over. “How old?”
“Eleven, nine, and six.” He laughed. “Lucky me. I get to save for college and weddings.”
“They’re fortunate to have a dad like you.” Jazz didn’t have one of her own, but that was for the best. Today, her mom would walk her down the aisle, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Parenting is the hardest job out there,” the driver said, merging into traffic on the jam-packed street. “But it’s also the most rewarding.”
“My mom says something similar.” Jazz remembered sitting in the kitchen with her mom and talking about so many things over the years. “She also says I should have come with an instruction manual.”
“That would help.” He chuckled and glanced in the rearview mirror. “Before I let you relish the silence, I’d like to ask if you have any advice for my daughters. I do that with clients, then write what they say in my notebook and tell my girls later.”
“That’s sweet.” If she were blessed with children someday, they’d have a caring father. One who would dote on them the way he showered attention on her. That made her realize what she should tell the driver. “I know what advice I want to share.”
“That was quick, but I can’t write while I’m driving.”
“You’ll remember.” She had and would never forget. “My advice, courtesy of my mom, is to follow your heart. Three simple words, but if I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be sitting here today…”
One
Jazz Michaels had worked in human resources for almost five years, but she’d never seen such an opulent going-away party for a departing employee. A bone-deep happiness had her sling-back heels skimming the floor in the atrium of the New York high-rise. The fact a tuxedo-clad string quartet played Bach, one of the guest of honor’s favorites, was the cherry on top.
Xavier Clarke deserved a memorable send-off from his employer Forrester, Inc. He was intelligent, funny, and kind. Handsome too, with steel-gray eyes, golden-blond hair, and a sharp, angular face.
“You look gorgeous, darling,” Xavier whispered in a British accent that made grocery lists sound sexy. He squeezed her hand. “Thanks for being my plus-one.”
“I wouldn’t have missed tonight for anything.”
To the world, they’d been a young couple on the rise. No one knew their union had been a business arrangement—which was why she hadn’t taken his name. Some people would be surprised she was here with him, but only a handful of her closest friends understood what his friendship meant to her.
“This will be fun,” she said, wanting him to relax and enjoy himself.
“I’m not holding my breath.” That monotone voice wasn’t like him.
“Just my hand,” she teased, giving Xav’s a squeeze, hoping to loosen him up.
A pale pink tinged his cheeks, but he didn’t let go.
“Habit,” he joked, his tone lighter and a smile tugging at his lips.
“A good one.” Bittersweet, though.
After two years of marriage, their divorce had been granted nearly three months ago—at the end of December to make this year’s taxes less complicated—with zero fanfare and no tears. Guess that was one benefit of a marriage of convenience, though once Xavier had declared his love for her, Jazz had thought theirs would no longer be strictly business.
She’d believed their married-in-name-only elopement in a Las Vegas wedding chapel would lead to a heartfelt renewal of wedding vows in a church surrounded by family and friends. Truth was she’d been positive she would fall head over heels in love with Xavier, and they would live happily ever after.
When she’d first moved to Manhattan from San Antonio, she’d been an insecure hot mess and unemployed when her new job had fallen through. Xavier had done everything right by giving her his friendship, a way to find a new job, and an offer of marriage to fulfill the requirements to inherit his trust fund.
Jazz had needed something after having her heart broken by baseball player Chase Killion when he’d wanted to postpone their wedding to take advantage of his newfound fame—and then seeing how happy and successful her first love Nathan Reed was after leaving to pursue his photography dreams. She’d said yes to Xavier and married him. He’d not only helped Jazz rebuild her life, her confidence, and herself, but she also enjoyed the actual act of being married—the companionship, the support, and knowing she was one half of a team.
The only problem?
She hadn’t fallen in love with Xavier.
She’d tried. Oh, how she’d tried.
Xavier had been oh so patient, allowing her
the time to let her love develop. He’d treated her with respect, showered her with attention, and shared her passion for helping others, but the romantic, toe-curling love had never materialized. Ho-hum chemistry hadn’t helped. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. Just no sparks.
What she felt was a friendly, fond love she needed as much as air itself, but it wasn’t enough for a marriage to flourish and last. They’d both be settling. Worse, Xavier would come to resent the platonic relationship and—eventually—her. They were too good of friends to allow that to happen, so they’d agreed to stick to the predetermined divorce date in their marriage agreement.
And here they were in March.
Divorced.
Yet close friends.
And still sharing an apartment.
“Xavier!” A twenty-something man in a blue suit and geek-chic eyeglasses shook Xav’s hand. “Best of luck to you, but are you sure you want to walk away from six figures, stock options, and an annual bonus in order to help the poor when this might just be a midlife crisis?”
“I’m only twenty-seven, so I’d hardly call it a midlife anything. Besides, wanting to help others is my lifelong dream.” Xavier’s hand rested on Jazz’s lower back. It wasn’t a possessive touch, but a familiar one full of affection. “If you’ll excuse us.”
Jazz hadn’t met many of his coworkers because of schedule conflicts, but if they were like that guy, she didn’t want to. “You were nicer than he deserved.”
“Others feel the same as he does, but that’s their problem.”
Xavier might look like a typical New York business executive, but he had loftier goals to pursue than making money. “I’m happy you don’t.”
“Neither do you.” His gaze softened. His smile too. “Tonight is all because of you, darling.”
Their marriage, he meant.
Xavier was using his inheritance to found a non-profit organization. Her heart swelled knowing how much good he would do for others. She was proud, but also envious since she shared the same dream of starting her own non-profit someday. “I’m happy I could help.”
“Me, too.” His words held a touch of sadness.
That wouldn’t do. She smoothed his lapel. “You look as handsome as ever in your suit.”
“This old thing?” he teased.
His suit might have been purchased on sale, but after he’d gained access to his trust fund, he’d splurged to have it tailored. The money was earmarked for his foundation, and Xavier hadn’t changed the way he’d lived with his newfound wealth.
“Not old, classic,” she clarified, letting her hand linger before lowering her arm.
She was being honest. He looked good tonight. Women at the party were giving him second and third glances. Jazz didn’t blame them. Xavier was a catch.
“And the way you’re turning heads means I may need another ride home tonight,” she added.
He stiffened. “I would never desert you, darling.”
“I’m teasing.” Not expecting him to take her so seriously, she nudged him playfully. “I know you wouldn’t do that.”
Which was why they still lived together. Neither was ready to move on, even if friends and family had suggested it was time.
“Ice sculptures and caviar?” His accent did nothing to hide his sarcasm. “We must be at the wrong going-away party. Win Forrester would never go to such extravagance.”
The entire event defined over the top. “Your company is showing their gratitude for your hard work.”
A corner of Xavier’s mouth slanted upward. “Or they’re sucking up.”
“That’s got to be it.” Jazz didn’t care about the reason. She wanted him to have fun. “Now forget the whys and enjoy a fond farewell.”
His eye rolls even looked sophisticated. “I won’t give this place a second thought once I exit for the final time, but I hate thinking of our farewell. I already miss you, and you haven’t moved out yet.”
Knowing their lives would soon diverge hurt her heart. Her shoulders sagged. “I should stop procrastinating and find an apartment.”
“No,” he blurted. “That’s not why I mentioned it. There’s no rush for you to move.”
If only that were true… “We’re divorced.”
“Divorced people have roommates.”
“Not their former spouses.”
Truthfully, she didn’t want to move. She enjoyed his company and cooking, cleaning, and hanging out together.
“I’ll be working crazy hours.” As lines creased his forehead, his smile disappeared. “We’ll be like two ships passing. You’ll see.”
She wasn’t planning to date even though she knew—thanks to Xavier—that marriage was for her, but he deserved to find the pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, sparks-flying love she’d experienced. That wouldn’t happen if she were his roommate.
Jazz touched his arm with the same fondness he’d been showing her. “Let’s talk about this another time. There’s a party to enjoy.”
A waiter passed with a tray of filled champagne flutes. Xavier took two and handed her one.
Tonight deserved a toast. She raised her glass. “To new beginnings.”
He touched his glass to hers. The chime of crystal floated on the air, an accent to the musical piece being performed by the string quartet. “Spring seems an appropriate time for a change. A…blossoming of sorts.”
She wanted that and so much more for him.
Xavier sipped his bubbly. “Do you want to visit the carving station or the dessert table first?”
“You need to ask?”
He laughed. “Forgive me. Dessert table it is.”
She would miss the comfortableness they shared, but he needed to find the love of his life. That meant she had to take the next step. They’d separated contractually. Now she needed to do that physically.
For him.
“That granite chin Olivia teases you about has returned.” He touched her jaw with his fingertip. “What are you thinking?”
“How lucky I am to have a friend like you.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” He kissed her forehead.
No sparks or tingles. Not even any heat, just pleasant warmth. She sighed.
He straightened. “Let’s go say hi to Win.”
Win, aka Edwin Forrester the IV, had doubled the net worth of his family’s corporation since taking over. She only knew him from photos, but he’d had a significant impact on her career when Xavier had asked for his help getting her a job interview at InstaLove, an algorithm-based dating service where she still worked, and one of Forrester, Inc’s many subsidiaries. Guess that made Xavier’s boss hers, too.
“Lead the way.” She smiled up at him. “I’d like to finally meet Mr. Forrester.”
Two
As Jazz walked with Xavier, conversations and laughter filled the atrium. Between waiters passing out drinks and bars set up in each corner, everyone held a beverage.
She laughed. “Given the amount of free alcohol tonight, I’m guessing Mr. Forrester owns a brewing company, winery, and distillery.”
“Yes, yes, and yes.” Xavier sipped his champagne. “Which is why this party is being held on a Friday night. Hangovers on a work day decrease productivity.”
She laughed at Xavier’s American-accent impression. “Did Mr. Forrester say those words?”
“No, but I’m positive he thought them.” Xavier took another sip. “I’ve told you. Win’s a fine chap, but the man is all business. He has an apartment on the top floor of this building. He doesn’t take days off.”
That contradicted Xavier’s stories. “You said your boss was a player. How does he date if he’s always at work?”
“Women throw themselves at billionaires.” Xavier winked. “Can’t blame a guy for taking what’s offered. Any man would.”
Across the room, a tall man with dark hair and piercing green eyes caught her attention. His face was classically handsome with sculptured features and kissable lips. He looked familiar, but she couldn’t place him.<
br />
His gaze met hers, and she stepped back as if pushed hard.
Whoa. Talk about being hit by the proverbial lightning bolt.
Her pulse sped up. Her lips parted. She may have gasped, but her brain wasn’t functioning well enough to give her a definitive answer. She was mesmerized by the good-looking stranger, but then he looked away.
Her heart pounded. Boom, boom, boom like a timpani drum.
“Are you okay?” Xavier asked.
His voice jolted her back to reality. She blinked. Breathed. Refocused on Xavier.
“F-fine.” She raised her mostly full glass. “Not used to the bubbly.”
She’d only had two sips, but blaming the champagne made more sense than finding herself captivated by a stranger when dating wasn’t on her to-do list.
“Are you certain?” Xav’s worry rang clear like the chime from their toast.
She forced her gaze onto him, feeling an unfamiliar loss at no longer seeing the man. That was weird and unwelcome. “Yes.”
She was certain.
She had to be.
This was the time to focus on her dreams. Something she’d put off doing because of falling in love.
Twice.
First, she’d given up a full-ride to the elite, private Burton College, one of the Little Ivies and her dream school, to attend the cheaper and public Queens College with Nathan, her first serious boyfriend, who hadn’t had the grades or test scores to attend Burton. Then, when she’d wanted to live in New York after getting her MBA, she’d moved to San Antonio instead, so she’d be there when Chase, her ex-fiancé, was called up from the minor league.
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