Page 25 of Mr. Billionaire's Second Chance

“Where is this place?”

“Another little hobby of mine,” he said, opening the wrought iron doors for me.

The place was dimly lit with polished chestnut floors and some of the most beautiful art I’d ever seen. It was such a luxurious little spot that it made me feel like I’d just stepped into a European gallery, exploring some of history’s greatest pieces.

“I didn’t take you for a collector, or someone that was interested in anything other than that scandalous lifestyle of yours,” I said.

“Well, that’s why this is out here and not in the heart of the city. The gallery has been a place where I can enjoy my time and not have to worry about what everyone else seems to think of me. I bought it when my father suggested that William and I be business partners who both had rights of ownership to Kingsman Enterprises. By suggested, he meant that it had to happen and there was nothing I could do about it. William got the minority share and he wasn’t happy about it either.”

My eyes lowered to the floor and I shuffled around because I really didn’t know what to say. After all, Preston seemed to do to impress his father, it still wasn’t enough for him to man the ship on his own.

“How has that been? I’m sure it must’ve caused some tension between the two of you,” I murmured.

“You’d think so, and believe me we have our differences, but William’s really become someone I could trust. We make decisions together and ever since my father passed, he’s helped me keep Kingsman Enterprises afloat. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” said Preston.

I was shocked to hear him say that, nearly fumbling over myself, but Preston held me up. He smiled, and being near him like that again sent shockwaves through my body, but I pulled away.

“Easy there.”

“Sorry, I must’ve tripped over something,” I said, glancing down at my feet to find nothing there.

“Falling for me all over again, aren’t you?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes at him, but I couldn’t help but blush. I felt my cheeks get hot at the thought of that because even though it was just a small joke, he was absolutely right. There were so many thoughts running through my mind that I could barely make sense of it all. Preston was the distraction I absolutely didn’t need, and now that I knew how much he trusted Mr. Wolfe, I couldn’t understand why this investigation was even happening.

If you two are so close, why would he call us in to investigate the company? He doesn’t seem to trust you at all, Preston and now I’m starting to think that there’s something going on here that isn’t quite right. Maybe this has nothing to do with you or maybe you’re doing all of this just to lead me astray. It wouldn’t be the first time.

I was quiet the rest of the way back to the office and Preston didn’t so much as ask me what was wrong. I knew I needed to stay away from him, that these little getaways weren't good for either of us. It dawned on me that if I found out that he had a hand in all of this, it would hurt me more than I wanted it to, and that was all the more reason to keep digging. There has to be something that I’m missing, but for now, I can’t forget the guy he really is. I can’t forget what he put me through. Apology or not, it may not be enough to fix any of it.

I heard my cell phone vibrating loudly on my nightstand, and I answered it groggily.

“Hello?”

“Good morning, Kat,” I heard his sultry voice say. I pulled the phone away from my ear as the screen illuminated, and I couldn’t believe he was calling me this early.

“Preston, it’s not even seven o’clock yet. Whatever you need, I’m sure it can wait until tomorrow. I have to be at my office today,” I said.

“I’m calling because a few months ago, I let the one good thing in my life go. I need you to know that I won’t let that happen again. I should’ve called that morning, Kat. I’m sorry I didn’t,” he murmured.

His words made my heart flutter and I could feel how hot my cheeks were as they blushed. It didn’t take me long to snap out of it this time, because even so, he still did those things. I could still remember all of the mornings I woke up wondering what I did wrong, kicking myself for almost sleeping with him. It was like taking a bullet to the heart to realize how stupid I’d been, and I wasn’t about to let that happen to me again. Then why do I still care so much, Preston? What is it about you that makes me still care?

“I-I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, Kat. I’ll be seeing you.”

“You sure will,” I said, hanging up the phone.

I slammed my palm against my forehead, knowing that with every little gesture, it became harder to get over my feelings for Preston. They were still lingering around, waiting for me to either give into them or chuck them far away for good. I didn’t know how to process what I was feeling, and I was afraid he’d continue saying the right thing at the right time, drawing me back in faster than I could even realize. Stick to the plan, Kat. Focus on finding the truth, because the truth could very well change every little bit of what you’re feeling right now.

I tossed the covers from my legs, slipping my feet into my warm bedroom slippers before making my way to the kitchen. It was too early, but there was no way I’d be going back to sleep now. I made a pot of fresh coffee just as I heard some soft thuds coming from Poppy’s room. She came out still dressed in the outfit she’d been wearing yesterday afternoon, her makeup smeared, and her hair in a disheveled bun.

“Now, what time did you get in this morning?”

“Morning? What makes you think I got in this morning?” she asked, with a yawn.

I pointed to her outfit and her eyes widened. She sighed, taking a seat at the breakfast bar and I grabbed two cups because she was definitely in need of some caffeine.

“So, I take it that drinks with Chris last night went well.”

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