Page 25 of Dirty Billionaire

I don’t want her to leave.

Damn you, Atlas. I love you, but couldn’t you have visited tomorrow instead?

I have an open-door policy in my home, but I guess, if I want to have a relationship one day, that rule will need to change. A woman who is not their mother wouldn’t appreciate them just walking into her home.

My chest tightens.

I’m not sure I could ever be ready for that.

Or if they will be.

I glance around and then tuck a stray dark lock over Penelope’s ear. She’s put the rest up in a ponytail, making her look younger than her forty-one years.

It’s time for that goodbye.

“Once again you were absolutely divine,” I rumble.

She nods, dropping her eyes. I lift her chin with my finger, stepping closer, as the Uber she ordered pulls up.

“I want to see you again.”

Shit.

It falls out.

I don’t know what I’m asking, but the words just tumble out before I can stop them.

“No,” she replies, immediately meeting me head-on. “I can’t.”

I nod.

“Okay.”

No, it’s not.

Fuck that.

“Why?” I ask, not accepting her answer.

The driver gets out and rounds the car, opening the door for her.

Fuck off.

“Because I could fall in love with a man like you. And you will never love me. Goodbye, Ward,” Penelope says, kissing my cheek, then rips out of my arms.

She’s in the back of the car before I can catch my breath after the shock of her words. I stand there watching the driver pull away and take her with him.

I could fall in love with a man like you.

I don’t know how long I stand there. The Uber has left the property, and I’ve swallowed loudly at least twice.

“Dad?” Atlas says behind me.

“Yes.” I shake myself out of it, turning.

“Who is she?”

TURNS OUT MY MEMORYis going because an hour later my house is filled with my kids and grandkids for lunch.

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