Forgetting the Billionaire (A Clean Billionaire Romance Book 1) Read online

  Floyd was sitting at the table with Rose’s hand grasped in his. He had a goofy grin plastered on his face. Charlie took the seat across from Rose, and Penny sat next to her.

  They all stared at Rose.

  “Okay, someone needs to say something.” Rose shot them a smile.

  Charlie’s heart soared. This was all so familiar, and she never wanted it to end.

  “Charlie, let’s start with you. Tell me what’s happening in your life.”

  Biting her lip, Charlie shook her head. That was the last thing she wanted to do.

  “She just broke up with Alex,” Penny offered.

  Rose furrowed her brow. “Good. I never liked that kid.”

  Charlie scoffed. Why hadn’t anyone told her?

  Rose reached over and grabbed Charlie’s hand. “Anyone piqued your interest?”

  Mitchell’s face flooded Charlie’s mind. “Not really.”

  Penny and Floyd gave her a skeptical look.

  “There was someone, but I ran him off.” How could she tell Rose that she’d fallen for her grandson, but then broke his heart?

  Silence filled the room.

  “Will someone say something?” Rose asked, as she glanced from person to person.

  “Your grandson came,” Floyd said.

  Rose’s face paled. “Mitchell?”

  Penny nodded. “He had no idea where you were. He came as soon as he got the message that you’d gotten sicker.”

  Rose pushed her chair from the table. “Is he here?”

  Penny glanced at Floyd. “I haven’t seen him. Charlie, do you know where he is?”

  Charlie chewed her bottom lip.

  There was a collective sigh around the table.

  “What?” she asked.

  “You’re chewing your lip which means you’re nervous. What happened?” Penny asked.

  Might as well tell them. “Mitchell left.”

  Rose furrowed her brow. “What? Why?”

  “Because… I chased him away,” Charlie whispered.

  More silence.

  “You love him,” Rose said.

  Charlie’s stomach flipped. “What?”

  She dropped Floyd’s hand and grasped Charlie’s with both of hers. “Honey, it’s written all over your face. Tell me what happened.”

  Charlie took a deep breath and started. She told them all about the first night he was here. How they had danced in the kitchen and almost kissed. How Victoria had come in and stopped them. She told them about how excited Rose had been that he was back, and how she was starting to remember things.

  Charlie told them about Alex and the carnival. How Mitchell had confided in her about the past. How they had kissed. And she told them that he tried to say he loved her. But she was too upset about him breaking off the wedding that she ran him out of town.

  Finally, she glanced up. Rose had a smile on her face.

  “What?” This wasn’t the reaction Charlie had expected from someone who had just been told that their estranged grandson left because of a girl.

  “Honey, you’ve got to stop doing that,” Rose said.

  Charlie stood and made her way over to the counter. After filling up a glass of water, she turned. “Doing what?”

  “Living your life in the past.” Rose stood and joined Charlie. “I’m old. I’m going to die soon. Most of the time, I don’t remember anything. But, I’ve lived my life. I’ve loved harder than you can imagine. I’m okay with forgetting.”

  Charlie’s heart sank. She wasn’t.

  “But, you’re young. You deserve that once in a lifetime, mind bending love. You can’t keep living your life for me. Or for this place. Penny told me about the bank.” Rose reached out and grabbed Charlie’s hand. “You need to let these things go. Your granny would have wanted it.”

  Tears flowed as Charlie glanced around the room. “I can’t. I don’t know how.”

  Rose reached up and cradled Charlie’s cheek in her hand. “Lean on someone. Let him in and have him take care of you for once.”

  The memory of Mitchell’s blue eyes flew into her mind. Those were the exact words he’d said to her.

  “But—”

  Rose shook her head. “Go. Now. Tell Mitchell how you feel.”

  Charlie shook her head. “No. Not when you know who I am.”

  “Yes, now. Let me go. I have Penny and Floyd to take care of me. It’s okay.” She leaned in and kissed Charlie on the cheek. “Please. Nothing would make me happier than for the two kids I love the most to get together. Leave me this happy memory.”

  Charlie glanced at Rose then over to Floyd and Penny. They both nodded in agreement.

  “I should go?”

  Rose began shoving her toward the kitchen door. “Go pack. I’ll find his address.”

  Charlie glanced at them one more time then headed to her room. She flew around, grabbing everything she could think of and shoved them into her suitcase.

  When she got back to the kitchen, Rose had a piece of paper in her hand. Penny stood next to her with the polar bear Mitchell had won cradled in her arm.

  “This was in his room,” she said, handing it toward Charlie followed by a folded-up piece of paper.

  Charlie took it and opened the note. She read it, and her heart soared. Perhaps, there was a chance.

  “What did it say?” Penny asked.

  Charlie folded it and stashed it in her purse. “He hopes someday I can forgive him.”

  Before anyone could say anything, the back door opened. Charlie’s heart pounded, but then slowed when Francis walked in.

  “What’s going on here?” Francis asked, glancing around.

  Charlie stepped forward. “Francis?”

  She nodded. “Yes.” Then she glanced around the room. “What’s happening here?”

  “You remember who we are?” Charlie couldn’t believe it. Both women remembered on the same day? Her heart soared. “Where have you been?” She nodded toward the outside.

  “I was visiting Neil,” Francis said as she shut the door.

  Charlie grabbed her suitcase. If she didn’t do it now, she would lose her nerve. “Well, I’m off to tell Rose’s grandson that I love him.”

  Francis stared at her. “Wow, I’ve missed so much.”

  Rose snorted. “You’re telling me.”

  Charlie ran and hugged each woman. “I love you both,” she said as she pulled back to smile at them.

  Rose patted her arm. “We love you, too. Now go!”

  Francis nodded in agreement.

  Charlie turned to Penny.

  “Yes, go. I’ve got it covered here,” Penny said, waving her hand.

  Charlie smiled and headed to the door.

  “Thanks for planting those daisies,” Francis said as she passed by.

  Turning, Charlie furrowed her brow. “What?”

  “There’re daisies at Neil’s grave. Thanks for planting them.”

  “I didn’t…” She breathed out. “Mitchell did it.” Suddenly, all she wanted to do was see him. “Bye, guys! I love you.”

  She raced down the steps and over to her car. All four of the people she loved stood on the porch, waving at her. If only Mitchell was there, her life would be complete.

  “Ma’am, like I told you. I can’t let you up there without Mr. Kingsley’s direct permission,” the doorman said as he stared at Charlie.

  She sighed and pushed her hand through her hair. “Please, I need to speak to him.” She was exhausted from the eight-hour flight. She tried to pump herself up, but the longer she stood there, the faster her confidence fizzled out. She hated the city.

  The man held up his hand. “I’m sorry. It’s policy.”

  She sighed. What was she going to do? There was no way she’d find Mitchell at ten o’clock at night in a city this big. “Could you at least tell me if he’s there?”

  The man narrowed his eyes then turned to his computer. “You can call his assistant. She might know where he is.” He waved his hand to the monitor a
nd turned back to greet a man in an expensive looking suit.

  Taking her phone out, Charlie punched in the number. Hitting talk, she lifted the phone to her ear and held her breath.

  22

  Mitchell

  “…And that’s what I think will be best for the new high-rise you’ve purchased.”

  Mitchell stared at the dark liquor in his glass, not really paying attention to the architect across from him. He didn’t know what he was thinking, agreeing to have drinks with Ivy. She’d said it was just a business meeting, but from the way she was smiling at him, she wanted more. But all he could do was think about Charlie.

  “Mitchell?”

  Startled, he glanced up. Crap, she’d finished talking. “I’m sorry.” He leaned forward. “You were saying?”

  She smiled as she brought her glass to her lips. “Is it a girl?”

  He sat straighter in his chair. “Is it that obvious?”

  The glass of champagne made a clink as she set it down on the table. “Yes.”

  He felt like such an idiot. Charlie had made it pretty clear how she felt about him. But here he was, mooning after her. “She basically told me she wants nothing to do with me.”

  A sympathetic look passed over Ivy’s face. “Ooo, that had to hurt.”

  Mitchell’s stomach twisted. “Yeah.” He dropped his gaze and scanned the restaurant. A woman with dark brown hair and fair skin caught his attention. She stood twenty feet away with a shocked expression. It looked like… Charlie.

  He blinked and sat up further.

  Her eyes widened as she glanced from him to Ivy. Her face fell as she turned and sprinted for the door, dragging her luggage behind her.

  “Char—Charlie!” Mitchell yelled as he stood and smacked his knee on the table which caused the plates and utensils to jump.

  “Charlie? Is that the girl? She’s here?” Ivy turned, glancing around.

  “Yeah. I have to go,” he said as he threw his napkin on the table and grabbed his suit coat.

  “Of course, go,” she said, waving her hand toward Charlie’s retreating frame.

  By the time Mitchell got to the door, Charlie had disappeared. He raced through it and onto the sidewalk. Crowds spilt around him as he stood there, debating which way she’d gone. Cursing, he headed to the left, hoping this was the right way.

  As he neared the corner, he breathed a sigh of relief. She was standing there, waiting for the walk signal while people weaved around her. New Yorkers didn’t wait and Charlie stuck out like a sore thumb. His heart pounded as he approached her.

  “Charlie?” He reached out and touched her shoulder.

  Whipping around, her eyes widened. “Mitchell?”

  He nodded at her. Why was she acting weird? “Why are you here?” Suddenly, dread sank in his stomach. “Is Rose okay?”

  Confusion flitted over her face then she nodded. “Yes. Rose is fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  A disgruntled walker muttered under his breath as he passed by. Mitchell grabbed Charlie’s elbow and led her away from the sidewalk and over to stand under a building’s awning.

  “If Rose is okay, why are you here?”

  Charlie fiddled with her purse strap. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

  Was she talking in code? “Know what?”

  “About… her.” She nodded in the direction of the restaurant. “When I called Sondra she said you were having dinner. I never imagined…” She peeked over at him.

  “What? Ivy? I’m not on a date. She’s an architect who’s helping with a new building we just bought.” His heart picked up speed. Why would it matter to Charlie if he was dating? She’d made it pretty clear that she didn’t want anything to do with him. Did he dare hope?

  “Oh.” Her cheeks flushed as she glanced back to the ground. Then she reached into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper. “I realized I never paid you. You know, for the mattresses.” She held out the paper.

  He stared down at her check. “I don’t want that.” He glanced up at her. Really? That’s why she’d come?

  Her face fell. “Please, I don’t feel good about you paying for them.”

  His stomach twisted. “No. I’m not taking your money.”

  She chewed her lip. “Mitchell, I…”

  He’d had enough of this. “That’s why you came here? To pay me? That’s what the mail is for. Keep your money. The mattresses were a gift.” He turned, hoping she couldn’t see his breaking heart.

  “Wait,” she called out as she grabbed his arm.

  He stopped and turned. “What do you want, Charlie?”

  She chewed her lip again. He wished she would just come out with it.

  “I also wanted to thank you.”

  Scrubbing his face, Mitchell peered down at her. “For what?”

  “Your help with everything. Francis’s flowers, finding me when I hit my head, and helping me see how much I don’t want Alex in my life.” She glanced up at him through her thick lashes.

  His heart pounded. “You deserve to be taken care of and Alex isn’t the guy to do it.”

  She nodded. “I know.”

  Silence fell between them. What was he supposed to do? “Charlie…” He reached out to touch her. She backed up, and his heart sank. How did he keep misreading her?

  “Wait. Let me get this out before I lose my nerve.” She glanced around for a moment, then back up to Mitchell. “Rose remembered.”

  Great, and he’d missed it.

  As if sensing his disappointment, she furrowed her brow. “I’m sorry. I had no right to force you to go. You should have stayed. She was so happy when we told her you had visited.”

  He swallowed against the lump in his throat. At least she’d known he had made an effort. “That’s good I guess.”

  Charlie nodded. “While we were talking, I told her about what happened.” Her voice dropped. “About us.”

  Mitchell raised his eyebrows. There was an us?

  “I didn’t have to tell her. She guessed it on her own.” She chewed her lip again.

  “Guessed what?”

  Charlie took a deep breath. “That I love you.”

  Mitchell’s ears rang. What did she just say? “What?”

  She smiled at him. “I love you, and I’m sorry that I treated you the way I did. I was just scared. I got the foreclosure notice from the bank, Rose was sad, and I just wasn’t sure I was ready to admit how I felt about you.”

  He stared at her. She looked so sad and broken. Not waiting for her to speak again, he placed both hands on her cheeks and leaned in. When his lips met hers, his heart soared. They were warm and familiar. Like everything he’d ever wanted. Moving his hands to her waist, he pulled her close to deepen the kiss.

  There were a few whistles from people passing by, but Mitchell didn’t care. Charlie noticed and giggled as her hands wove their way into his hair. The sensation of having her close to him replaced all the pain he’d felt when she told him to leave. He was never going to let her go.

  When they came up for air, Charlie glanced up at him with her lips pink and puffy.

  “I love you, Charlie. From the moment you dumped water in my lap.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead, both cheeks, and then lightly on her lips.

  She smiled up at him. “And I’ve loved you from the moment you got me fired.”

  Great. He narrowed his eyes at her. “Can we come up with something more romantic?”

  She giggled and reached up to brush her lips against his. “No, because it’s ours.”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up. Spinning her around, he laughed as she giggled. This was where he belonged, and he was never going to let her go.

  Epilogue

  The pounding of hammers and nail guns filled the air. Charlie opened her eyes and felt around on the bed. Mitchell was gone.

  Sighing, she flipped onto her back and lifted up her hand. Nestled between her fingers was the largest diamond she’d ever see
n. Well, it wasn’t as big as Victoria’s. She wouldn’t let Mitchell buy her one that huge.

  She still couldn’t believe that she was a wife now. They hadn’t waited long. Mitchell wanted to keep his promise to Rose, so they were married a month later.

  Mitchell spoke with the bank and bought the retirement home as a wedding gift for her. The last few months had consisted of renovations to the place.

  Pulling the covers off, Charlie made her way to the new adjacent bathroom. One of the requirements to the remodel was that every room got a bathroom.

  Her stomach churned as she glanced at the calendar. Huh, that was strange. She was late. She chewed her lip. It couldn’t be. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a little box. She’d bought it a few weeks back with the hope of needing to use it soon. Ripping it open, she stared at it. Was it wrong to hope?

  After she took the test, she sat on the toilet and waited. It took all her strength not to peek over at it. When three minutes passed, she stood. Closing her eyes, she brought the stick up and held it there. Gathering her nerves, she peeked.

  There were two pink lines in the window. She sputtered as she stared at it. Could it be? She placed it on the sink. How was she going to tell Mitchell?

  Their bedroom door opened.

  “Hey, babe, I brought you some water,” Mitchell said as he shut the door behind him.

  Charlie bolted from the bathroom and into his arms. He laughed and picked her up.

  “Wow, I should do that more often,” he said. His voice was muffled from her hair.

  Leaning back, Charlie smiled at him. “I have a surprise.”

  Mitchell narrowed his eyes. “What surprise could you have possibly conjured up in the bathroom?”

  She wiggled until he set her down then she grabbed his hand. “I’ll show you. Close your eyes.”

  She led him into the bathroom and over to the sink. After picking the test up with a piece of toilet paper, she held it level with his eyes. “You can open them now.”

  Mitchell obeyed, and he studied it for a moment. His arms surrounded her as he pulled her close. “Is that…”