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

  Once she was out in the hall, she closed the door behind her and turned.

  Mitchell was staring down at her. A mixture of frustration and confusion in his gaze. “What was that?”

  Charlie leaned against the wall and folded her arms. It would be better to keep as much distance between them as possible. “What was what?”

  “That. In there.” He waved to the door and began pacing.

  “You made the promise. I was just making sure you stuck to your word.”

  He stopped, inches from her. “Is that what you want?”

  No. But she couldn’t say that. Not when Rose seemed to be returning to her naturally cheery self. “Listen. You love Victoria, right?”

  Mitchell studied her for a moment then nodded.

  Her heart sank, but she continued. “And you love Rose, right?”

  He nodded again, this time more vigorously.

  “Then why does it matter where you get married or when? I’d say do it here and do it as soon as possible.”

  His gaze drifted from her face over to the window. “Is that what you think is best?” There was a deepness to his voice that she couldn’t quite figure out.

  She rubbed her arms. “It’s what I think is best for everyone.”

  His focus remained on something outside. “Alright. I’ll go let Victoria know.” He turned and made his way down the hall.

  Once he was gone, she let out the breath she’d been holding. Every part of her wanted to run after him and tell him she didn’t want him to marry Victoria. But she couldn’t crush Rose’s happiness like that.

  Her stomach clenched as she chewed her nail. Did she think that he’d marry her instead? If there was a chance that seeing her grandson get married would bring Rose back, even for a moment, Charlie would do whatever was necessary to make it happen.

  She pushed off the wall and made her way downstairs. A resolve grew in her chest as she slipped into her room. She didn’t want to do it, but she couldn’t ignore the nagging in her mind. For everyone around her to be happy, it was time she started forgetting the billionaire.

  Charlie woke the next morning to a loud knock on the front door. Waving her hand to make it go away, she turned and pulled a pillow over her head. It was Saturday. The day Penny took over the chores so she could sleep in, and she wasn’t ready to get up just yet.

  The knock came again—more forceful this time.

  Penny must be busy in the kitchen. “Alright, I’m up,” she yelled as she rolled off the bed. Grabbing her robe, she left her room.

  The knock continued as she approached. She opened the door, stopping the man mid-knock.

  “What are you doing here at”— she glanced over at the clock on the wall— “nine in the morning?” Was it really that late?

  “I’m sorry to bother you, miss—”

  “Charlie.”

  “Charlie, but I have a delivery for you.”

  She glanced behind him to the huge, white delivery truck in the driveway. “Delivery. What are you talking about? I haven’t ordered anything.”

  The man had on a blue uniform and held a clipboard which he was riffling through. “It says here you ordered ten twin mattresses.”

  Charlie’s stomach sank. She did what? “I’m sorry. There must have been a mistake. I didn’t order anything.” She couldn’t afford new mattresses right now.

  The man glanced at her then back to his truck. “I’m not sure. I’m just the driver. They load up my truck, and I deliver them.”

  “Take them back. I didn’t order them, and I certainly can’t pay for them.”

  His shook his head. “I can’t. I have to deliver. If you have a problem, you’re going to have to call corporate.”

  He waved his hand toward two other men who were milling around the back of the truck. At his signal, they pulled open the back and began pulling mattress out.

  The sound of paper ripping brought Charlie’s focus back to the man. He handed her the slip and bounded down the steps.

  This was the last thing she needed. What was she going to do with ten mattresses while she figured out who made this mistake?

  “Sir, you can’t do this.” Charlie raced down the steps.

  The man was directing the others to the front door.

  “Hey!” She reached out and grabbed his arm. “I’m talking to you.”

  He glanced down at her. “I know. I’m sorry, but this is my job. I can’t go back with these in my truck.”

  She threw up her hands. “Well, what am I supposed to do with ten mattresses?”

  He shrugged. “Use them?”

  “Use them!” She sputtered as she clenched her fists.

  “What’s going on?” Mitchell asked as he crossed the grass and approached her.

  Charlie groaned. This was not what she needed. “It’s nothing.”

  His gaze ran over her, and his annoyingly charming half-smile emerged. “Doesn’t look like nothing.”

  “This man thinks I ordered ten mattresses and isn’t listening to me. I didn’t order them.” She turned and shouted to the men who seemed to have picked up speed. No doubt they wanted to finish and leave.

  “Oh.”

  Charlie whipped around. “What do you mean, oh?”

  Mitchell gave her a sheepish smile. “I actually ordered them.”

  Her cheeks heated as she stared at him. “What?”

  “It was before you made me promise not to spend my money on you. I ordered new mattresses for all the residents.”

  Charlie clenched her fists. It was sweet and infuriating at the same time. “Why would you do that?”

  He shrugged.

  The last mattress passed by in front of them. The man from earlier approached her. “We’ll pick up the old mattress if you decide you want to keep these. Just call the store.” Then all three men sprinted across the lawn and the truck roared to life. When they were gone, Charlie turned.

  “Please, just keep them.” Mitchell shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and gave her an earnest look.

  She chewed the inside of her cheek. It did seem easier then calling up corporate to have them come pick the mattresses up. She sighed and made her way across the yard. “Fine. With one condition, you let me pay you back.”

  “What? No, it—”

  She raised her hand. “I insist.”

  He paused then nodded. “Okay.”

  Smiling, she made her way into the house and back to the kitchen where Penny had left a few pancakes and sausages on a plate for her. She threw it into the microwave just as Mitchell walked in.

  “What do you guys have planned for today?” She grabbed out a fork and the microwave dinged. He sat down on a chair next to the table. Not wanting to be too close to him, she grabbed her plate out and leaned against the counter.

  “Vic left for New York last night.”

  Charlie coughed as a crumb flew to the back of her throat. “What? She got a flight fast.”

  “She has a plane.”

  Charlie nodded as she filled up a glass and took a swig. Of course, these were people with money. “When will she be back?” Secretly, she hoped he’d tell her that they were over.

  “Monday. She had some things to get done for the wedding. A dress. That sort of thing.”

  Charlie chewed as she nodded, thankful for the distraction eating gave her. “Monday, huh. That’s fast.”

  “Well, the wedding is on Tuesday.”

  This time, a whole chunk of pancake flew to the back of her throat and a coughing fit ensued.

  Mitchell stood. “You okay?”

  She held up her hand and nodded as tears streamed down her face. Once the coughs settled, she took another drink. “Tuesday, huh?” she rasped.

  He nodded. “Well, you told us to do it here and fast. She wasn’t too happy about it, but I gave her a budget that helped convince her.”

  After sopping up the last bit of syrup with her pancake, she placed her plate in the sink. If he was willing to give Jorge a
quarter of a million, she could only image what his wedding budget looked like.

  “Oh good, you’re still here,” a familiar voice said.

  Charlie spun around, not believing what she heard. Her heart raced as she blinked, hoping that what she saw was true. Rose was standing in the doorway. She was dressed and had a huge smile on her face.

  “Rose?” Charlie approached her.

  Rose looked at her, and her eyebrows furrowed. “Yes. Do I know you?”

  Charlie inched closer. “It’s me, Charlie. You’re out of bed.”

  Rose laughed. “Of course, I am. I wouldn’t miss planning my son’s wedding.”

  “You remembered?” Charlie stopped.

  If Rose remembered, then that meant things might be getting better. If that were true then no matter how much this wedding broke Charlie’s heart, it needed to continue.

  12

  Mitchell

  Mitchell watched Charlie stare at Rose with a dazed look on her face.

  “Yes, I remembered. How could I forget my only son’s big news?” She crossed the kitchen and held out her hand for Mitchell to take. “I can’t wait to start planning.”

  Mitchell took her hand and smiled at her. It felt good to see his grandmother excited about something.

  Just as he was about to reply, his phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced down. It was his mom. He’d been trying to get a hold of her all night.

  “I need to take this,” he said as he stood. He waved at his seat for Rose to take. She smiled and sat. Charlie remained on the other side of the room, staring at her.

  “Mom?” Mitchell asked as he stepped into the hall.

  “Mitchell? What’s wrong? Why have you been calling me non-stop.”

  He leaned against the wall. “I wanted you to be one of the first to know.”

  She sighed. “Know what, Mitchell? I’m about to step into a meeting.”

  Just like his mom—always working.

  “Well, I just figured my mom would want to know when her son gets engaged.”

  Silence.

  “To whom?” she asked.

  He pushed off the wall and began tracing the wallpaper flowers with his finger. “Victoria.”

  “Oh, good.”

  That was it? “And we’re getting married on Tuesday.”

  He heard sputtering on the other end.

  “Tuesday? Oh, no Mitchell. Is she pregnant?”

  “What? Mom, no.”

  “Then why so soon?”

  He swallowed and steadied his nerves. She was not going to like what he was about to say. “I want Rose there. That’s why we’re having it here. In Sitka.”

  Even though there was silence on the other end, he could feel the rage that flowed through her. “No, Mitchell. Absolutely not.”

  He gritted his teeth. “It’s not up to you, Mother.”

  “I forbid it.”

  “You can’t—” He took a deep breath. “You can’t forbid it. It’s happening here whether you like it or not.”

  Silence.

  “I hope you can put the past behind you and come. It would mean a lot to me.”

  “I have to go.” Her voice was cool and distant.

  “Okay. I love you, Mother.”

  “Goodbye, Mitchell.”

  He went to say goodbye, but stopped when he heard a click. Staring at the phone, Mitchell fought the urge to call her back and give her a piece of his mind. What kind of mom did that? He smirked as he shoved his phone into his pocket. Oh, that’s right, his mom.

  Taking a deep breath, he entered the kitchen where Charlie and Rose were now sitting next to each other and they were laughing.

  Charlie’s gaze fell to him, and her expression grew soft. “You okay?”

  He forced a smile and nodded. “Yeah. Just business.”

  Rose turned and gave him another loving smile. “You were always such a hard worker.”

  He pulled the chair out and sat across from them. “What were you ladies talking about?”

  Charlie smiled as she leaned forward. “Rose is telling me about all the shops she wants to take you to for the wedding.” She leaned closer. “She’s actually remembering,” she whispered.

  He couldn’t help but smile at the giddiness that seeped from her gaze. “Oh, really. Like what shops?”

  “Samson’s for the cake. Oh, and we can get Jorge to cater the dinner,” Rose began ticking names off on her fingers.

  Mitchell glanced over at Charlie whose lips were opened in an “o”. She turned and mouthed “Oh, my gosh”. The edges of her eyes crinkled as she grinned.

  “Well, we should go then.” He stood and held out his hand for Rose.

  “What? Now?” she asked as she took it and he helped her stand.

  “Of course, there’s no time like the present.” He bent his elbow, and she slipped her hand in.

  “Okay, then,” she said.

  With Charlie following behind them, he led her out of the house and over to his car. Rose squinted against the sunlight.

  “The sun’s out. That’s a good sign. God’s smiling today,” she said as he opened the door, and helped her onto the passenger seat.

  He rounded the car. He wanted to catch Charlie before she got in.

  She had her hand on the handle, but hadn’t yet pulled it open.

  “Hey,” he said, reaching out and stilling her hand. Electricity shot up his arm from how soft her skin felt on his fingers. He pulled away as if he’d been burned.

  She dropped her hand off the handle and turned. The look on her face told him she had felt it too. But he couldn’t delve into those thoughts again, so he just gave her a smile.

  “This is good, right?” He nodded toward Rose.

  Charlie chewed her lip and nodded. He could see the tears that brimmed on her lids. “It’s good. I haven’t seen her remember this much in a long time.”

  He wanted to wrap Charlie up in his arms and hold her. But he fought that desire. “It’s awesome.”

  Charlie smiled. “Yes.”

  She moved to grab the handle, but he reached out. “Let me.” He opened the door and waved her inside.

  “I can open my own door.” She shot him a disapproving look.

  He leaned in until he was inches from her ear. “I know.”

  She stiffened and slid into the car. He smiled. He enjoyed that he could make her squirm. He shut the door then got behind the wheel.

  “Alrighty, ladies. Where to?”

  Shopping with Rose and Charlie was so much better than with Victoria. They’d stopped by Jorge’s and asked him to cater the wedding which he was more than happy to do. He kicked all the customers out of the restaurant and had the kitchen whip together an assortment of appetizers and entrees.

  Once they had tried everything, Jorge wrote up the order then all three of them left, complaining about how full their stomachs were.

  Now they sat in front of a balding, portly man. Samson was apparently the best baker in town.

  “No, no. I cannot. It’s too soon.” Samson tapped his fingers on his desk as he shook his head.

  “Come on, it’s for Rose.” Charlie waved her hand toward Rose.

  Samson studied them then shrugged. “But it’s too soon. I only have three days to concoct my famous creations. No. It’s too soon.”

  Mitchell shifted to remove his wallet. “How about I sweeten the pot a bit.” He pulled open a fold and fiddled with the bills.

  Charlie cleared her throat and shot him a look. “Please, Samson. Do it for us. Do it for Rose.”

  Samson stared at her then sighed. “Fine. For Rose. I still haven’t found a better cake decorator since she retired.”

  Charlie leaned back and grinned “Perfect.”

  “Maria! Samples,” Samson said as he turned and pushed open the swinging door behind him.

  “Yes,” a female voice responded.

  Rose stood and wandered around the shop, glancing at all the baked goods that were lined up in the glass en
closures.

  Charlie leaned over to him. “What was that?”

  Mitchell shrugged and shoved his wallet back into his pocket. “What?”

  “Remember what I said about using your money to solve problems? Do you ever just talk to people?”

  He rubbed his hand on his pant leg. It was strange to be around a woman who wanted nothing to do with his money. Everyone he’d ever dated stayed with him because of it.

  “I talk to people,” he said. “Money just helps.”

  Charlie leaned over. “Life isn’t always about money.” Then she stood and made her way over to Rose. They started talking and pointing at cupcakes.

  What did she know? His whole life had revolved around the numbers in his bank account. To his mom and dad, it was the thing they cherished the most. To him, it was the only thing that seemed to bring him happiness. Why would he stop now?

  A thin woman with a white apron pushed through the door with a tray of cake slices balanced on her shoulder. Rose and Charlie made their way back to Samson’s desk and sat. After they’d sampled all the varieties, Mitchell settled on vanilla with raspberry filling.

  Samson took his order and promised he’d have it ready. As they left the bakery and began walking down the sidewalk, Mitchell noticed that Rose looked confused.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  She glanced back at the cake shop. “That place. It felt familiar.”

  Charlie fell in step with her. “Really? How?” There was a hint of hope in her voice.

  Rose studied Charlie. Her brows furrowed as she turned back to the bakery. “I’m not sure.” Her face fell. “I’m tired. Take me home?”

  Mitchell glanced over at Charlie. All the hope that was there was gone.

  “Are you sure, Rose?” she asked.

  Rose slipped her arm through Mitchell’s and nodded. “Yes.”

  They walked over to his car and got in. No one spoke as they drove back to the retirement home.

  Once Rose was in her room and tucked into bed, Charlie shut the door. Mitchell studied her. She looked forlorn. He wanted to reach out and pull her into a hug, but as a newly engaged man, that wouldn’t look good. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against the wall.