“No reason,” I replied, turning round. I wasn’t playing that game tonight. I knew it was the drink making me act this way.
Charlie spun me around to face him. “Please tell me you’re not jealous,” he teased, running his hands down my back. I could feel my body begin to tingle and yearn for him.
“I’m not,” I replied, trying to pull away from him. How did he do this to me? I was almost weak at the knees with my love for him.
“Shannon Downing, you know you are my entire world.” Charlie brushed my long brown hair back behind my shoulders. “It’s good to know you get just as jealous as me, but you have nothing to worry about.”
“I love you, Charlie,” I whimpered into his chest. “I’m going to miss you so much when I leave for Texas.”
“I will miss you, too, Sweetheart, but we have our iPhones, and I will be down every weekend that I’m not working.”
“I hate that everything is going to change. I love my life as it is.”
“Shannon, you can’t run from who you are. You deserve this life, and I want to make sure you don’t miss a moment of it. You and your mother are going to achieve amazing things together, I just know it.”
“How can you have such faith in me?”
“Because I love you,” Charlie whispered, kissing me softly.
“As much as I love to watch you guys act like Romeo and Juliet, can we please do some serious drinking now?” Bradley asked, interrupting our kiss. I giggled against Charlie’s mouth before Bradley dragged him to the bar for the next round.
We drank and laughed, and by the end of the night, I danced away all my fears. I was a free soul, just simple Shannon for one last night.
By the end of the evening, Grace was busy in the corner of the bar getting a guy’s number while Lorna was almost straddling Bradley in one of the VIP booths by the dance floor.
“Are you having a good night?” Charlie whispered into my ear.
“I’m going to miss all of this,” I sighed.
“You will only be gone for a few months, Shan.”
“I know, but do you realise once everything becomes official, we won’t be able to do this? Not after what has happened to Maisy Field. Do you really think my mother would allow it?”
“Yes, because I will keep you safe.” Charlie placed his hand in mine.
“I don’t think it will be that easy,” I muttered, looking around for the last time at all this freedom.
“What are you so scared about, Sweetheart?” Charlie asked, tilting my chin to face him.
“I don’t want to lose myself. I know what this life style did to Megan.” Charlie rolled his eyes at me. “I know you hate me talking about her, but I never wanted her lifestyle, and now I have that and more.”
“Shannon, you are nothing like Megan. Just because your mother is a multi-billionaire, that doesn’t mean you will end up like her. You have the most beautiful soul in the world and that will never change.”
“How do you know that?” I whispered inches away from his stunning face.
“I have been in love with you for over two years, Shannon, and every day you become sweeter and kinder. You have no idea how amazing you are.”
I sighed into Charlie’s lips as he kissed me tenderly. “I’m going to miss you so much,” I breathed.
“I’ll write you a letter every day,” he smirked. My heart inflated just at the thought of his beautiful words. I had the feeling Charlie’s love would be all I needed to stay grounded in the months to come.
Chapter Nine
I couldn’t control the tremors in my body as I waited for my mother in her office. This was it—the beginning of my new life. In an hour, the whole world would know who I was.
The grand doors opened and my mother flew in like a whirlwind, quickly followed by five lawyers.
“Lizzie, it’s time,” she stated, taking my hand. My mouth was so dry that I couldn’t speak. Where had all the time gone? Why couldn’t I still be on the beach in Dubai with Charlie?
I could hear the loud chatter of the press and the directors of Downing International as we drew nearer the boardroom. Just breathe, Shannon. Now was not the time to have my first panic attack in years.
All eyes were on me as we entered the room. I was too afraid to look around, but as I caught a pair of loving blue-green eyes watching me from the back, I breathed in deep, knowing that whatever happened now, Charlie would always be mine.
My mother cleared her throat before she spoke. “I would like to thank everyone for joining me today. I understand a lot of you have been concerned about this unexpected meeting, but I want to put you all at ease and tell you no one’s job is in danger. Downing International has never been stronger, and I have all of you here to thank for that.” I was so in awe of my mother as she spoke; everyone in the room was hanging on her every word. “I have brought everyone here on a more personal note, and would like to introduce you all to…my daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Downing.” Everyone’s eyes fell on me and I could hear gasps of shock. Some clapped, while others just watched me with their mouths open wide. “I know you all recognise Shannon from Headcom, but I have called you here today to confirm the rumours. Shannon is my flesh and blood and will be controlling Downing International with me. I will not be taking personal questions about Shannon, but I want each and every one of you to treat her with the same respect you treat me. Do I make myself clear?”
I knew my time was coming, so I kept my eyes focused on Charlie as my mother welcomed me to speak.
“Please welcome my daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Downing.” She nodded, which was my cue.
With a blush covering my face, I got up woodenly as I pulled out the small speech I had prepared. I cleared my throat by taking a sip of water, and then searched the crowd for Charlie once more before I began to speak. His smile took my breath away and put me at ease instantly. It could have been just the two of us in this room for all I cared.
“My mother and I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us today. I am sure you are all as surprised as I was to find out Jennet Downing has a daughter, and I can understand the shock you must all be feeling. All we ask is that you give us the support and time to adjust to this change. I will be taking control of the sales and marketing of Downing International, and am look forward to working with all of you. If you have any questions concerning work matters, you can contact my PA, Grace Perkins.”
“Are there any questions?” my mother asked once I had finished. Suddenly, arms flew up in the air, camera flashes were going off, and voices began to chatter again. My heart thudded deep in my chest as I took it all in. “I will take only a few questions.” She nodded towards the journalists in the front row.
“Thank you, Ms. Downing,” a male journalist smiled. “Are you not concerned
for your daughter’s safety, considering the events of Miss Maisy Field? Surely going public has made your daughter a number one target?”
“We are not hiding, Mr. Hall. I am more than capable of looking after my own daughter,” my mother glared. I scanned the crowd for Charlie, who was now a lot closer the front, watching me.
“Did you stop your daughter from marrying William Field? Why would you not want to merge the two companies? You would be unstoppable!” Mr. Hall called.
“I said no personal questions! I will not have my daughter pulled through a media circus, do you understand me?!” my mother yelled. The whole room fell silent. How she held these people at bay was incredible.
“What are your plans for the company now with your daughter by your side?” another journalist called.
“I will be teaching Shannon everything I know and am looking forward to finally sharing my empire with someone.” My mother turned, smiling warmly at me.
“Is it true you are working on a replacement for oil?” a fair haired woman called from the middle row. The discussions turned towards Downing International research until my mother had had enough of the questions.
“No furth
er questions. Thank you for your time.” She gently pulled me into her office as the whole boardroom erupted behind us.
My head was still spinning as she handed me a crystal glass with brandy in it.
“Sorry, Darling,” she smiled, touching my face gently. “I know that must have been hard for you.”
“Well, I am going to have to get used to people knowing who I am now.”
“I’m here every step of the way.” My mother wrapped her arms around me in a hug. “Anyway, by the time you get back from Texas, the worst will have blown over.”
“I hope I’m not front page news in the morning,” I sighed, knowing it was unavoidable.
There was a knock at the door that interrupted us. I breathed in relief as my mother’s lawyer walked in, followed by Charlie.
“Well, Jennet, I guess we can say the cat is well and truly out of the bag now,” her lawyer chuckled, looking at me.
“Yes, James, I would say so,” my mother smiled. “Do you have the papers?” James pulled out the legal papers and my stomach churned. This was where I signed my old life away.
Charlie put his arms around me, resting his head on my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
“This is life changing stuff,” I whispered back, watching my mother and James get everything ready.
“I’m here,” Charlie encouraged, kissing my neck softly, “and I’m not going anywhere.” I turned to smile at him before I walked towards my mother’s desk to sign away every single trace of Shannon Davis. It was time to embrace who I was, and that was…Shannon Elizabeth Downing.
The media circus was crazy. I only lasted two weeks in New York. Everywhere I went, I was bombarded by the press. I was front page news every day and soon grew bored of the all the lies in the papers. I was called so many nasty names: an impostor, a slut for stealing Charlie from Megan. Worst of all, though, was that Charlie had bad press, too. He apparently was only after me for my money. I wanted to scream at the press—to tell them how impossible that was, seeing as how Charlie and I were in love before we knew my true identity—but I knew it wouldn’t do any good.
“Shannon, you need to let it go over your head,” Rachel smiled, reading the newspaper in the boardroom while we were waiting for my mother.
“You sound like your son,” I laughed. “I have no idea how he can stay so cool.”
“Charlie knows what the press can be like. Remember all the trouble he had when he finished with Megan? I was sure there was even one story where they said he was gay,” Rachel sniggered. “My son…gay! Could it be more absurd?”
“Has Charlie finally come out?” my mother smiled, walking in.
“Funny, Jennet,” Rachel replied, folding the newspaper. “Shannon is front page again.”
“This is ridiculous. Where are they getting all their stories from?” my mother questioned irately.
“From their tiny little minds,” Rachel replied. “Anyway, she will be in Texas starting next week. They can write what they want.”
I sighed. I was trying not to think about my impending doom next week. Charlie was going to be in Canada for the first few weekends, and I knew it was going to be difficult being apart from him for that long.
I hated the idea of having to hide away, but all the media was slowly driving me mad—not to mention everyone at work. Now that they all knew who I was, it was amazing how many people took an interest in me. My days of hiding in the shadows were well and truly gone.
“So, Darling, how have your first few weeks been?” my mother asked, taking my hand in hers from across the table.
“Stressful,” I admitted, looking down at the grains in the polished wood.
“That’s understandable, but I have to say—I think you have been amazing.” My mother squeezed my hand. “I do think Texas is the best place for you for a while, though. I wasn’t expecting the press to be quite as forceful as they have been.”
“I don’t think I will ever get used to having cameras pushed in my face,” I breathed, “but it’s a small price to pay for what I have gained.” I quickly rebuffed my first statement, not wanting to sound ungrateful.
“It won’t always feel this way. It will just take time to adjust.”
“I know,” I replied with a smile. “I better get back. I have a few meetings to finalise with Grace.”
“Are you taking her to Texas with you?” Rachel asked.
“I wasn’t planning to. I thought she would be more useful to you here.”
“Grace should go with you. You will still be working from Texas. Plus, she can show you around. I expect she would enjoy being home for a little while.”
I thought about it while I was in my meeting and it did make sense, so long as Grace wanted to come with me. At the end of the day, she had only just moved to New York. I wouldn’t make her leave if she really wanted to stay.
Luckily for me, she was really keen about the idea and couldn’t wait to go.
“When do we leave?” Grace asked as she bounced into my office.
“Monday morning,” I replied in shock. “Are you sure you don’t mind coming with me?”
“Not at all! I can’t wait to show you around the ranch,” Grace beamed. “It’s breathtaking, and Danny will be there.”
“Who is Danny?” I asked, smirking as Grace began to blush.
“No one,” she muttered, rearranging her files.
“He doesn’t sound like no one,” I laughed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Grace moaned.
“Well, I guess all I have left to do, then, is say goodbye to Charlie this weekend,” I sobbed. It was going to kill me, I knew it.
It was Sunday night and my heart was heavy in my chest as I lay taking in the glorious sight of Charlie. How pathetic could I be? It was only going to be three weeks until I saw him again. If I hadn’t have almost lost him once, I wouldn’t be feeling this way. I knew Charlie had the same thoughts, though.
“Will you really write to me every day?” I whispered against his bare chest as he held me in his arms.
“Of course I will. It’s what we do,” he chuckled. “It will be like old times.”
“I hope not,” I giggled. “I like how easy it is for us now.”
“You know what I mean.” Charlie kissed my forehead. “You know when you leave for Texas you will be taking most of me with you.”
“I wish I could take you with me.”
“It’s only for a few months, Shan—until the frenzy calms down—and I promise you will see me in less than three weeks.”
“I can’t believe we couldn’t even leave the apartment tonight because of the press.”
“It wasn’t such a bad thing,” Charlie breathed, kissing down my neck. “I can’t think of anywhere else I would want to be than right here with you.”
“How can you be so perfect and romantic?” I muttered.
“It’s just how you make me feel,” he whispered before kissing me. I became instantly lost in him.
I slowly dragged my suitcase out of the bedroom. Charlie was sat at our breakfast bar, deep in thought while sipping his coffee.
“I hope I haven’t forgotten to pack anything,” I muttered, breaking him out of his trance.
“I can bring anything you need when I fly over in a few weeks. Let me get your suitcase, Shan.” He smiled weakly, and as he was getting up the doorbell rang. “That will be Frank and his guys,” Charlie exhaled.
“Can’t we just pretend we didn’t hear him,” I sobbed.
“It’s just for a few months. Remember that, Sweetheart.” He kissed me softly before going to get the door.
Frank stood there looking more buff each time I saw him. It was hard to believe I was being protected by a guy who had once sworn to protect the President of the United States.
“Good morning, Mr. Collins. How are we on this fine day?” Frank beamed.
“Good morning, Frank. Thanks for being so chirpy today.”
“Well, someone has to help ease the tension
,” Frank chuckled, signalling his men to get my bags. “Are you ready, Miss Downing?”
“Yes,” I winced, not wanting to believe my words.
“Well, we will take your belongings to the car. We parked at the back of the building since most of the press are out front.” Frank picked up my last suitcase then added, “I will leave you to say your goodbyes and then come back up for you.”
I turned to Charlie, my heart falling into my stomach. Why did this feel so difficult? I would be seeing him in a few weeks.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come to the airport,” Charlie whispered. “I really don’t mind.”
“No, I think it will be too much if you do. Like the scene from the bodyguard or something,” I muttered. What was I going on about? Charlie chuckled at me, easing the tension, but only slightly. “Why does this feel so difficult?”
“It’s because of our past. We know what it’s like to lose each other.”
“I love you, Charlie,” I breathed, crashing my lips against his. He encircled me in his arms, pulling me as close to him as possible.
“I want you forever, Shan,” he muttered against my lips.
“You have me,” I smiled, looking into his blue-green eyes before he leaned down to place a soft but loving kiss on my lips.
“Well, love birds, it’s time,” Frank called, leaning against our doorway.
Charlie sighed, pressing his head to mine. “Take care of yourself and I will see you in a few weeks.”
“Bye,” I whimpered as I felt his arms unfold around me.
“Not, bye, Shan…” Charlie looked in my eyes. “Just I love you.”
As Frank led me downstairs to the car, I shivered, wishing these few months were over already so Charlie and I could carry on with our lives together. I knew my heart would be bleeding a little every second we were apart, but we were strong enough. We had overcome so much in the few years we had been together. This small separation was nothing compared to that.
Chapter Ten
I opened my main suitcase and began to unpack my belongings. There was a small envelope staring back at me, and I smiled to myself, thinking of my Mr. Notice Me.
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