Page 275 of Billionaire Temptations

“Well, we’re here. What did you want to talk to us about?” I asked, hoping she’d make it quick so we could get on with our dates.

“Have a seat. Clarisse will be bringing out the appetizers,” she spoke.

“Would you like some wine, Emily?” I asked.

“Maybe something a little stronger would be better.” She bit down on her bottom lip.

“Good idea.” I winked.

After pouring two glasses of scotch, I handed Emily hers while Carter poured a glass of wine for Jules. Just as we took our seats, I stiffened when I heard my father’s voice.

“Hello, my lovely children.” He walked into the room with a smile.

“Daddy!” Jules jumped up from the couch and hugged him.

“Dad.” I held up my glass.

“Son.” He nodded. “Hello, Carter. And who is this lovely young lady?” he asked as he walked over to Emily and held out his hand.

“That’s Emily. She’s a friend of mine,” I spoke.

“Just a friend?” His brow arched.

“Yes, Dad, just a friend. What are you doing here?” I asked, as I was feeling uncomfortable being in the same room with the two of them.

My mother got up from the couch and walked over to him.

“Your mother and I have something to tell you,” my father spoke as he cleared his throat. “We’re seeing each other again, and she’s the reason and, of course, the two of you,” he pointed to me and Jules, “I moved back to New York.”

The scotch I was in the middle of drinking flew out of my mouth. “WHAT?!”

“WHAT?!” Jules exclaimed.

“What the hell?” I set my glass down. “When did this happen?”

“Your father and I have been secretly talking and seeing each other for about six months.”

“Six months!” Jules shouted.

“You have got to be kidding me.” I stood up from the couch.

“What?” My father held out his hands. “Aren’t you happy that your parents are reconciling?”

“Oh, my God! I can’t believe this.” I picked up my glass and threw back the rest of my scotch. “Is that why you both are divorcing your spouses? What the hell is the matter with you? You two hate each other.”

“Now, Jackson. That is simply not true,” my mother spoke.

“The hell it isn’t! The two of you made our lives a living hell since you first divorced. Shuffling us between houses, the name-calling, the fights, the stepmothers and stepfathers throughout the years. And now, after all of that, you decide to get back together?”

“Mom, Dad, I’m not so sure about this,” Jules spoke up.

“Your mother and I are putting everything in the past and moving forward. We’ve reconnected, and I realized that she’s the love of my life.”

“And he’s the love of mine.” My mother smiled.

I stood there, unable to move, as the air in the room started to suffocate me.

“You,” I pointed to both of them, “have ruined us!” I yelled.

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