Page 157 of Billionaire Temptations

Two words come to mind as I’m sitting here writing this. Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Never stay in one place too long, right? Spending the past months with you has been the most amazing time I’ve ever had. I know you probably aren’t believing that, but they were. I was scared to return, yet you managed to turn my fears into ashes. When I was with you, I didn’t think about anything else. You made me feel safe and secure and gave me your home. For that, I thank you. I told you things I had never told anyone because you made me feel comfortable and protected. I hadn’t felt that way in a very long time. You made me fall in love with you, Parker. Something no one has ever been able to do. You took care of me even when you didn’t realize it. You gave me hope for the future—something I hadn’t had since the accident. This world has so much beauty, even underneath all the despair and tragedies. I see that because of you. When you took me home, you gave me memories I didn’t think I had, and I can’t even begin to thank you enough for that. I hope you understand why I had to leave and couldn’t face you in person. Hell, I’m not sure I even understand, so if you don’t, it’s okay. You’ve forgiven me for things I’ve said, and I hope you can forgive me for leaving. You’re not just another guy I left behind. You’re the man who stole my heart. I printed the picture so you could have it and always remember me. I hope you don’t mind. If you don’t want it, throw it out. I wouldn’t blame you if you did. You’re my best friend, Alex Parker, and I love you. Make sure to take your medication every day and stay away from the saltshaker. Actually, that won’t be difficult because I threw them all out. But I trust that when you’re out and see a saltshaker, you won’ttouch it because you’ll hear my voice. I’m looking out for you like you did me. Take care, Parker, and promise me you’ll never forget me.

Love forever,

Emerson

The air in the room became thick, and it was difficult to breathe. She did love me, and she might have stayed if I had only confessed my feelings for her. I crumpled up the letter in my hand and tossed it on the bed. As I looked at the picture of the two of us in Napa, tears started to form in my eyes. I already missed her, and suddenly, my world fell apart.

As I wiped the tears from my eyes, my phone rang. It was Adam. Shit.

“Hello.”

“She’s gone again. Isn’t she?”

“Yes.”

“Damn it. I thought you were going to convince her to stay.” He sounded angry.

“I tried. Do you know where she would have gone?”

“How the fuck would I know? I never knew where she was until she called and told me.”

“How did you know she was gone?”

“She left a letter on my door apologizing and asking for forgiveness. But the thing is, I don’t think I can forgive her this time.”

“You can, Adam.”

“Can you, Alex?”

“Yes, because I love her.”

“If you hear from her, call me. I tried texting her, but my texts won’t go through.”

“I will.”

I ended the call and lay back on the bed, staring at the picture of us.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Alex

I was still lying on Emerson’s bed when Jenna knocked on the door and slowly opened it.

“Excuse me, Mr. Parker.”

“What?” I spoke in a stern voice.

“Umm. You need to come to the front door. A package arrived for you.”

“Just bring it here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Jenna, bring the goddamn package to me!” I yelled.

“Very well.”

A few moments later, she walked back into the bedroom, and a look of shock splayed across my face.

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