Page 461 of Billionaire Temptations

I stopped briefly, took a deep breath, and walked down the stairs and out of the gallery. Hearing those words finally come from him should have made me happy, but instead, they cut into my heart like a sharp blade. I didn’t care that he said it. I was so blinded by anger and hurt that I couldn’t see or think straight. I was headed to God knows where as I hurried down the street, just wanting to get away from him for the fear if I stayed and listened to him any longer, I’d fall back into his arms.

After about thirty minutes, I headed back to the gallery. Stepping inside, I looked around, and Gregory came walking up to me.

“Is he still here?” I asked.

“No. He left right after you did. What the hell is going on between you two?”

“Long story, and I apologize for what happened. It’ll never happen again.”

Gregory hooked his arm around me and smiled. “No worries, Chloe.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Sebastian

I wasn’t taking no for an answer. She still loved me. I could see it in her eyes and now I needed to do everything in my power to try and get her back. Chloe Kane missing from my life wasn’t an option. Now, I was on a mission, but I’d give her a few days to settle down and clear her head, and then I’d make my move. We were meant to be together, and that was exactly what we were going to be.

While in Seattle, I made a self-discovery and finally realized my purpose in life. It wasn’t to run a billion-dollar company. My purpose in life was to love Chloe and take care of her physically and emotionally; that was exactly what I planned to do. I finally felt free by accepting the overwhelming feelings I had for her. My fears of hurting her and letting her down dissipated. Some were still there, but once I focused on my true feelings and what really mattered, I had finally stopped being my own worst enemy.

Stopping at the florist before heading to the office, I ordered eight dozen gerbera daisies in beautiful glass vases to be delivered to her office tomorrow.

“Would you like to include a card?” the saleswoman asked.

“No.” I gently smiled. “She’ll know who they’re from. I want them delivered one dozen every hour.”

“That’s really sweet. She’s going to love it.”

“I hope so.” I winked as I walked out of the shop.

I should have felt down about what happened earlier, for the things she said and the hurt and sadness that resided in her eyes. But I didn’t because I was going to take away her pain and sadness and give her a life of love and happiness. She deserved the world, and I was the one who was going to make sure she got it. I wasn’t worried about her rejecting me. She just needed time, like I did, and I would respect that and give her what she needed, even if it took days, weeks, months, or years. I wasn’t going anywhere, and when she was ready, she’d be back in my arms forever. Once I had her, I was never letting go.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chloe

After work, I had locked myself away in my apartment while I ate a pint of cookie dough ice cream and watched The Notebook. Tears streamed down my face, and suddenly, I became a blubbering mess. Being in my fragile emotional state, maybe that wasn’t the best choice of a movie to watch. I threw the ice cream carton away and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Opening the drawer, I saw that his toothbrush still lay next to mine, as did his deodorant, shaver, shaving cream, and the stupid tube of Colgate toothpaste because he didn’t like the kind I had.

“UGH!” I balled my fists.

I quickly made my way to the hall closet, where I stored a couple of small boxes. Grabbing one, I threw all of his things from the bathroom in it. Walking over to my dresser and opening the drawer, I took out all the clothes he had kept here for when he spent the night. My mind was at full speed, and I couldn’t seem to control myself. Slipping on my slippers and throwing a light coat over my pajamas, I grabbed the box andhailed a cab to his penthouse. Upon entering the building, the doorman stopped me.

“Miss Kane, are you all right?”

“Just peachy, Jeffrey. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to give Mr. Bennett his things.”

“Here, let me get the elevator for you.”

“Thank you.” I nodded.

Stepping off the elevator, I set the box down and began to walk away. I stopped halfway down the hall when the thought that someone might steal his things crossed my mind. Would I care? Yeah, I would, so I walked back, rang the doorbell, and quickly walked away. I wasn’t fast enough when I heard the door open and Sebastian call my name.

“Chloe?”

Shit. Double shit.

I turned around and saw him standing there in his pajama bottoms and a tight-fitting t-shirt. The way his shirt hugged his muscular body always got me.

“You brought my stuff back in your pajamas?”

---