Page 22 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“Okay. But if there's a long line, we can't wait. Mr. Cross is waiting, and he doesn't like to be kept waiting.”
I prayed the whole block down there wouldn’t be a line. And there wasn't. I could hear the pumpkin cream cold brew calling out to me.
“Can I get you a coffee?” I asked Dominic before I stepped out of the SUV.
“I'm good, Charlotte. Thanks for asking, though.” He smiled.
I held the plastic cup between my hands, took a sip, and closed my eyes in satisfaction. This was the moment I'd been waiting for, and I wasn't sure why Starbucks was late in getting its fall drinks out this year.
Dominic pulled up to Cross Properties & Development, where Ashton stood on the curb waiting for us.
“It's about time,” he snapped, opening the door.
“Sorry. It's my fault. I asked Dominic to stop at Starbucks first.”
“Starbucks? Seriously? We have coffee at the house.”
“Not a pumpkin cream cold brew.” I grinned, holding up my cup. “Tell me, Mr. Cross. How do you feel about autumn?” I asked, staring at him and leaning closer.
“Autumn?” His brow arched.
“Yes.” My grin grew.
“I don't know.” His brows furrowed. “I never thought about it. It's just another season.”
“But it's not.” I frowned. “It's a beautiful time of year when the leaves change colors, crisp air takes over, the sound of crunching leaves under your feet, pumpkins, spices, mums, and apple pie.”
“If you say so,” he said, chuckling.
“Why are you chuckling?”
“It's just a season, Charlotte.”
“But you kind of like autumn, right?” I asked.
“Sure. It's a hell of a lot better than winter.”
I let out a breath. He wasn't a psycho about autumn like Jeremy was, and he smelled a lot better.
Dominic pulled up to the curb in front of a tall building, and Ashton climbed out. Before shutting the door, he popped his head inside.
“I'm going out tonight,” he said.
“Eloise will be thrilled,” I said.
“Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?” His left eye narrowed.
Shit.
“Nothing. She just mentioned that you're never home and she wishes you were.”
“I have a life too, you know. I'll see you later.” He slammed the door shut.
“I guess the truth hurts,” I said to Dominic, who was staring at me through the rearview mirror. “I mean, the poor kid just wants her dad home every once in a while. Is it so hard for him to stay home and spend some time with her?”
“He's making up for the last month since Maura quit,” Dominic said.
“Why did she quit?”
