Page 151 of Billionaire Temptations

“Don’t apologize. You were stressed out and upset.”

“I shouldn’t have said that to you.”

I chuckled. “There were a lot of things you should never have said to me. Like, you were going to break my balls.”

She laughed. “I apologized to you for saying that.”

“You did, but you also said you wouldn’t hesitate to say it again.” I smiled as I shoulder-bumped her.

“Have you ever really listened closely to the ocean?” she asked with seriousness.

“What do you mean? Oh shit!” I dropped my pizza in the sand. “Now see, if were sitting at the table, this wouldn’t be an issue.”

“Just grab another piece.” She laughed.

Reaching into the box, I grabbed another slice and looked over at her. “What did you mean by that?”

“Just listen for a minute. Do you hear the subtle hissing sound?”

“Actually, I do.” I listened carefully. “Why haven’t you ever visited your parents’ and Emily’s graves?”

“The truth?” She looked over at me.

“Always.”

“Because if I did, it would mean I would have to say goodbye.” She wiped her eye.

I set down my pizza on top of the box and pulled her into me. “Come here.” I softly kissed the top of her head. “You never have to say goodbye, Emerson. You told me that Emily is always with you. She was at Nationals with the dove and in Napa when it rained. You asked for a sign, and she gave it to you. Visiting their graves won’t change that.”

“Then why do it?”

“Everyone is different. I occasionally visit my father’s grave and ensure the area is kept up. Plus, I feel closer to him when I’m there.”

“Were you and your father close?”

“Yes, we were, and we grew closer after my mother left. I don’t know. It just gives me a sense of peace. Come on. Let’s go back up to the house. I think you’ll need to shower since you’re covered in sand. You are only wearing that nightshirt.”

“True. Plus, I’m tired. It’s been a clusterfuck of a day, and I’m ready for it to end.”

I helped her up and grabbed the pizza box. Emerson grabbed our glasses, and we walked back up to the house.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Emerson

After setting the glasses on the counter, I walked to my room, and Alex followed, walking into the bathroom, and starting the shower for me. I took off my nightshirt and stood before him in nothing but my panties. His eyes raked over my body and the need to make love to him intensified. He slowly walked over and placed his hand on my cheek while our eyes locked on each other.

“Take a shower with me,” I whispered.

His lips gave way to a small smile. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I need you tonight.”

His lips brushed softly against mine for a moment before he stripped out of his clothes. He took my hand, and we stepped into the shower as the warm water ran down us, and our lips tightly locked together.

As I yawned,I looked over at the clock and saw the time was ten. When I looked to my side, I only saw the crumpled sheets and the empty pillow where Alex lay and held me last night. I climbed out of bed, slipped my robe on, and followed the smell of freshly brewed coffee to the kitchen, where I found Alex over the stove, making eggs.

“What’s this?” I smiled.

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