I crank out a laugh. “As if anyone needs to ask that question!”
He pouts. “Now, you’re just being rude.” He folds his arms across his chest, huffing.
“Relax, dude. I’m just yanking your… Yeah, let’s not go there.” This conversation is quickly sinking to the gutter, and I want to maintain focus. I clear my throat and sit up straighter. “I’m guessing Lauder and Hunt will be at dinner?”
He drops the pout, relaxing back into the chair. “Yeah. You can watch Jackson and Drew snarking at one another. It’s my new favorite hobby.”
What the hell am I getting myself into? “I can hardly wait.”
He hands me a sealed envelope. “I’ve got to get back to work. Thought it best to let you go through this in your own time.”
“What is it?”
“The reason why your father was such an asshole to Demi’s dad.” He stands. “Just so you know, it might upset you a little.”
Bile travels up my throat. “Thanks, man.”
He nods. “Anytime.” He strolls toward the door. “See you, Sunday, boy scout.”
I throw my stapler at his retreating back, but it bounces off the door, crashing to the ground, as he exits my office, whistling under his breath.
_______________
I arrive at Demi’s house early on Sunday because I want to talk with her father. Henry opens the door, grinning widely when he sees me standing on his front porch with a massive bouquet of flowers nestled against my chest. “Charlie. It’s so good to see you. Come on in.”
I wait for him to pivot in his wheelchair before entering the house, closing the door behind me.
“I assume Demi isn’t expecting you yet because she’s still out in her studio.”
“Studio?” I inquire, following him into a homey living room.
“She didn’t mention she hand paints furniture?”
I shake my head as he gestures toward the couch. “We’re still getting to know one another.”
“So I hear.”
I put the bouquet down on the small mahogany table before taking a seat on the couch across from him. “She’s mentioned me then.”
“She has. There are no secrets between me and my little girl.”
His eyes well up, and I scan his face, noticing how much he has changed. His skin is ashen, his eyes are sunken and bloodshot, and his clothes hang off his frame. He was always lean, but he’s lost a lot of weight, and he’s near skeletal now.
“I was very sorry to hear about the cancer, sir.”
“When your time is up, your time is up.” He breaks out in a coughing fit, and I move to his side, grabbing a handful of tissues and giving them to him. When the fit passes, he reaches for his glass of water, holding it in shaking hands. “I’m just sorry to be leaving my princess all alone,” he says, continuing where we left off. “But I can’t deny my joy at being reunited with my Luana.”
“I know about her,” I admit, sitting back down. “I know she’s the reason my father treated you so disrespectfully.”
He doesn’t look shocked that I’ve uncovered the truth. “I haven’t told Demi because it’s been irrelevant.”
“Until my father shafted you. He had no right to treat you like that, and I’m shocked, because that’s not the man I thought him to be.”
“Your father was a good man, Charlie, but he was human, just like the rest of us. I forgave him a long time ago.”
“How?” I don’t understand how he could be so charitable.
“Because he did more good than harm. And he gave me a job after my wife died, allowing me to stay close to home so I could be here for Demi. I never forgot that kindness.”
“You’re a bigger man than me, Henry.”
“Oh, I doubt that’s true. You sell yourself short, young man. My sources tell me you’re continuing your father’s volunteer work.”
I nod. “I go to the women’s refuge center every Monday evening.”
I found out a lot of things I didn’t know about my father after he passed. Like how he donated huge sums to charities who work to protect women and children who have been subjected to abuse and neglect. I learned he and my mother volunteered at the local women’s refuge center every Monday for years, and I didn’t hesitate to step into their shoes. I know why my father did it, and I share some of the same guilt and remorse.
“You’re a good man, Charlie, and it helps to know Demi has you in her life.”
“Charlie?” Demi comes into the room wearing a pair of paint-splattered jean dungarees over a black tank and stained white sneakers. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun perched on top of her head, and she hasn’t a scrap of makeup on her face. A glittery gold streak paints one cheek.
I’ve never seen her look more beautiful, and I know now I’ve fallen hard.
“Hey.” I stand, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I know I’m early, but I was hoping to talk to you both.”
Her brow furrows. “Is everything okay?”
I take her hand, tugging her down beside me. “I hope it will be.” I lace my fingers in hers, staring into the warm depths of her eyes. A moment passes between us as we stare at one another. My heart thuds behind my rib cage, and blood courses through my veins. Butterflies swarm my chest, and the longer I stare at her, the more I realize that I’m head over heels in love with Demi Alexander.
It’s been a slow, gradual incline and then a sudden unexpected fall into this heady feeling.
“You look at my daughter the same way I used to look at her mother,” Henry says.
His words break our emotional eye lock, and we both turn to look at him.
“With an understanding that everything begins and ends with her,” he adds, smiling. I’m grateful he seems to approve and that he’s not wheeling off in search of a bat to chase me out of the house.
If he knew all the stuff I’ve been involved in, he’d do more than take a bat to me.
“It does,” I agree, looking at Demi.
Her stunning smile lights up her whole face, and when she scoots in closer, I open my arm for her, tucking her into my side, uncaring if she gets paint on me.
“What was it you wanted to discuss?” Henry asks. “I know you youngsters are in a rush.”
Demi glances at the clock on the wall. “Shoot. I need to get my butt in the shower.”
“Wait a sec,” I say, holding her tighter against me. “You need to hear this too.”
She shares a look with her father.
“The company will cover the costs so you can participate in the experimental drug trial,” I say, just putting it out there with no fanfare.
Demi’s eyes widen in shock. “How do you—”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
Henry shakes his head. “I appreciate the generous offer, son, but I’ll have to decline.”
“I thought you might say that.” I stare into his eyes. “This isn’t charity, sir. This is what you are owed. Your employment should never have been terminated. We both know that. Consider it a bonus on your severance package.”
“I can’t accept, Charlie.”
“Why not, Dad?” Demi beseeches.
“Because it’s not right, Demi. Charlie is not responsible for the decisions his father made, and I left of my own free will. No one forced my hand.”
“If you won’t accept it for yourself,” I say. “Accept it for Demi. Give her as much time with you as possible.”
He’s wavering, but he’s still not there.
“I could have done this much differently, and I was going to at first. I was going to make an anonymous donation and ask the hospital to advise you that you had been awarded the funds, but I’m sick of secrets and lies. I wanted to come in here and tell you to your face that we’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. For you and your daughter.”
I turn my face to Demi. Silent tears are streaming down her face. “Your daughter’s happiness is of huge importance to me.” I look over at Henry again. �
�As I know it is to you too. That’s why you’re going to accept.”
His Adam’s apple jumps in his throat. “I don’t know what to say, Charlie. This is—”
“Just say yes.”
He nods, and Demi jumps up, rushing to hug her father. “Thank you, Charlie,” he says in a choked voice.
“One other thing you should know.” I rub my hands over my black jeans. “And this one is on me. I paid off your mortgage, cleared your medical bills, and your student loans are no more, Demi.”
Tears leak out of her eyes. “Oh my God, Charlie. You shouldn’t have done that,” she croaks.
I rise. “I want to take care of you, starting with easing your financial burden.”
She launches herself at me, half-crying, half-laughing, stepping on her tiptoes to peck my lips. “You are crazy, Charlie Barron, and I’m crazy about you.”
Chapter 13
Demi
“I’M STILL IN shock,” I admit from the passenger seat of Charlie’s Land Rover. “And I should probably be mad that you did all that, but I’m too freaking happy right now to care.”
He slides his hand across the console, squeezing my fingers. “It’s only money, and you should have come to me about it.”
“It’s only money,” I harrumph, shaking my head. “Only someone with endless pots of money could say something like that.”
“I can’t help that I come from a wealthy family, and it’s not something I’ll ever apologize for, but what good is money if you can’t help your loved ones out in times of need?”
My heart skips a beat at his words, the memory of the gorgeous flowers he brought for me, and his extremely thoughtful, generous gesture, and I’ve a sudden urge to tell him I love him.
I stare out the window in a bit of a daze as the realization dawns.
I’m in love with him.
And I think I have been for some time.
It’s been creeping up on me without me noticing.
“Hey. Where’d you go?” he asks, squeezing my fingers again.
“I’m here.” I stretch across the console to press a feather-soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. Thank you so much. You’ve no idea how much this means.”
“I’m glad I was able to help. Your dad is a great guy, and he deserves a fighting chance.”
I gulp over the painful lump in my throat as I slump back in my seat. “He does, and I hope it works, but it’s not a miracle cure.”
“You’re not alone in this, Demi. I’m here for you, and whatever happens, I will be right by your side.”
_______________
“Are you sure I’m dressed okay?” I ask for the umpteenth time as we climb out of the car. There are a bunch of other cars in the driveway and a motorbike. I glance up at the sophisticated two-story modern building, composed of cream stone, cherrywood panels, and large glass windows, in awe. It’s a beautiful home, and I’ll bet the inside is to die for. While it’s no mansion, it clearly cost a pretty penny. Money seems to be in plentiful supply in the circles Charlie mixes in.
“You’re perfect.” Charlie kisses me softly, claiming my sole attention. “Stop worrying. They will love you.”
I retrieve the bag with the chocolate cake I baked and the hand-painted picture frame from the back seat of the car. I wanted to bring wine, but we didn’t have any at home, and there isn’t spare cash for luxuries like that.
Well, there wasn’t before, but there is now, thanks to Charlie.
The urge to tell him I love him rides me hard, but I bite my tongue because the revelation is new and I haven’t forgotten the need to protect my heart.
Charlie takes the bag, and I smooth a hand down over my knee-length pink-and-purple-patterned dress. It’s my favorite dress. Casual but still dressy and comfortable. I’ve teamed it with a soft pink cardigan and silver ballet pumps. My hair is long and loose, and the only makeup I have on is some mascara, some blush, and gloss on my lips.
Charlie takes my hand, and I hope he can’t feel how clammy my palm is or hear how anxiously my heart is beating in my chest.
“Breathe, babe,” he says when we reach the door. “You’ll like them.”
He rings the doorbell, and it’s opened a minute later by a beaming Abby. She’s wearing a gorgeous fitted knee-length red dress with black ballet pumps, and her hair is styled similarly to mine. “I’m so happy you’re here!” She hugs Charlie first and then me. “Welcome to our home. Come in,” she adds, stepping aside to let us enter. “Everyone is back here.”
We follow her along a wide airy hallway, our shoes squelching off the cream porcelain-tiled floor. The walls are adorned with tons of family photos, and I’m happy I made her the picture frame now because it seems like the perfect gift.
Abby leads us into a large open-plan space that is stylishly decorated yet warm and inviting at the same time. There is a massive kitchen with stainless steel appliances and white and gray gloss cupboards at the rear of the space. The kitchen overlooks a manicured back garden with a pool and patio area.
A long dining table occupies prime real estate in the center of the space. An industrial-type light fitting hangs over the length of the rustic table, illuminating the picture-perfect settings. The table seats twelve and there’s a place setting in front of every chair, confirming we have a full house.
My nerves ramp up another notch.
Abby steers us to the left, to the main living space, where everyone is congregated. A bunch of strapping guys are chatting in a circle. Behind them, on one of the long white leather couches, three women are deep in conversation. One of the women looks to be around our age, and the other two women are older.
My heart rate picks up as adrenaline courses through my body. I grip Charlie’s hand so tight, it’s a wonder there’s any blood flowing to it.
“Everyone. Charlie and Demi are here,” Abby says, announcing us to the room. I can scarcely hear over the thrumming of blood in my ears. As if in slow-motion, everyone stops talking, and every head turns in our direction.
A deathly quiet descends over the room as everyone stares at me. Eyes widen, and incredulous looks are exchanged. I shuffle awkwardly on my feet, clinging to Charlie’s side, as panic inches up my throat.
Charlie bristles beside me. He thrusts the bag at Abby. “This was a mistake.” A muscle pops in his jaw. “You’re a bunch of assholes.” He glares at the guys before looking down at me. “C’mon. We’re leaving.”
“Don’t,” Abby pleads, her gaze dancing between Charlie and her husband.
I recognize Kaiden Anderson from photos I’ve seen of him online. Although, the photos haven’t done him justice because he’s way hotter in the flesh. As my gaze quickly flits around the faces, I recognize most everyone in the room, for the same reason, with the exception of the younger woman and one of the older women.
“Charlie, wait.” Kaiden steps forward, and Abby’s shoulders visibly relax. “We don’t mean to be rude. It’s just a shock.” He steps right up to me as Abby hands the bag off to the woman I recognize as her mother. Kaiden extends his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Demi.”
I shake his hand, cringing at how sweaty my palm must feel against his cool one. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Forgive us,” he adds, trying hard not to stare at me. “Abby said you two looked alike, but it’s still a shock.” He glances at Charlie briefly. Charlie is like a brick beside me, and I lean in closer to him, offering him silent support as much as I need to take it from him.
Drew Manning comes forward as Abby slides in under Kaiden’s arm. He smiles, but it’s a little off. “The resemblance is uncanny.”
Charlie is seconds away from imploding, and I wish the ground would open up and swallow me.
“Get over yourself, peeps,” Xavier says, strolling confidently to my free side, wrapping his arm around me. “There’s actually a logical explanation for this.”
All eyeballs turn in his direction, and I’m glad the attention has been diverted.
“
There is?” Abby inquires, her brows climbing to her hairline.
“You’re related,” he tosses out.
I blink repeatedly, wondering if I misheard him although that would explain a lot. Abby smiles as her eyes find mine.
“What?” Charlie snaps. “Why am I only hearing this now?”
“Why are you?” Abby pokes Charlie in the chest, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward her. “Why are we?” She eyeballs Xavier. “What do you know, oh wise one.” I appreciate her attempt at humor because the tension is suffocating at this point.
“Why don’t we all sit down and have a drink while Xavier fills us in,” Abby’s mom says, smiling at everyone. She leans forward, kissing me on the cheek. “You’re most welcome, Demi. I’m Olivia. Drew and Abby’s Mom.”
“It’s lovely to meet you.”
She palms Charlie’s face. “It’s been too long, Charlie. You’re family. Never forget that.”
“Olivia.” He kisses her cheek. “It’s good to see you.” He accepts a hug from the other older lady. “You too, Sylvia. You’re looking well.”
“As are you.” She extends her hand to me. “Pleasure to meet you, Demi.”
“Welp,” Abby says, turning us around to face the only two guys I haven’t interacted with. “Where are your manners?” She points at Jackson Lauder and Sawyer Hunt. “Come say hi to Charlie’s girl.”
Charlie slides up behind me, none too subtly pulling me away from Abby. He wraps his arms around me, pressing his body up against me.
“Pissing on your territory, Barron?” Jackson says, grinning over my shoulder at my boyfriend.
“It’s a reminder to watch those legendary wandering hands of yours,” Charlie retorts.
“You don’t need to worry,” Sawyer says, smiling at me as he addresses Charlie. “Jackson has his panties twisted into knots over Nessa. He’s only got eyes for her.”
“Shut your Goddamned mouth, Hunt, or I’ll shut it for you,” Jackson spits, all humor instantly fading from his eyes. His hands clench into fists at his sides. He faces me, making an effort to relax his facial muscles. A wicked glint races across his eyes. “If you ever grow tired of Barron, look me up. I’ve been searching for my own Abby clone.”
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