Page 55 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“That was different,” he said, tipping the glass to his lips.
“Different? You think because Margo is young enough to be your daughter, it’s going to magically turn you into Father of the Year at your age?”
“I have a chance to start over as a father,” he said.
“That’s the problem, Dad. You don’t get to start over, as if the last thirty years didn’t happen. You don’t get to erase the damage you left behind by bringing another kid into the world, you’ll be too old to raise. You weren’t there for me. You won’t be there for that kid.”
Brutal silence filled the room.
“I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes. But look at you. You turned out to be a fine young man, and you’ve made me veryproud. Accept the fact that you’re going to have a sibling and move on.”
I wasn’t wasting any more time on the conversation with him. I said my piece, and that was all I could do. I was just happy he lived on the other side of the country, so I didn’t have to deal with him and his new family.
I heard the front door open. Charlotte walked into the living room with Margo following behind, a wide grin on her face.
“We got some epic videos.” Margo sat next to my father on the couch and hooked her arm around him.
“That’s great, baby.” He kissed the side of her head. “We should get going. Charlotte, thank you for a wonderful dinner.” He hugged her.
“You’re welcome, Cameron. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
“Son.” He hugged me and whispered in my ear. “I see the way you look at Charlotte. I hope you’re tapping that.”
I inhaled a sharp breath. “It was good to see you, Dad. Margo.” I hugged her.
Charlotte and I walked them to the door, and then I helped her clean up the kitchen.
“What an eventful night,” Charlotte said.
“I don’t want to talk about it. Go put your bathing suit on. We’re going down for a swim and sit in the hot tub.”
“We are?” She stared at me.
“Yes. I need to calm down.” I walked out of the kitchen and headed upstairs.
After changing into my swim trunks, I went downstairs to the pool and dove in, doing several laps before looking up and seeing Charlotte standing there looking sexy as hell in her bikini.
“Are you rage swimming?” A smirk crossed her lips.
“Something like that.” I smiled.
She climbed into the pool and swam over to where I stood.
“You have a great life here, Mr. Cross. Don’t let the actions of your father ruin that.”
“You just don’t understand, Charlotte.”
“You’re wrong, Ashton. I do understand. I understand that your own wounds are resurfacing. The betrayal, abandonment, the hypocrisy of your father starting over with another child. I get it. But that’s his life, and you’re not responsible for him.”
“I know that. It just pisses me off. I feel sorry for that kid because they will grow up with the same feelings about them as I did. He even told me that he has his company and isn’t planning on retiring anytime soon. And Margo is too much of a flake to raise a kid.”
Charlotte laughed. “She certainly is a character.”
I brought my hand up and softly stroked her cheek. “I want you, right now, right here.”
She reached up and untied her bikini top, letting it fall into the water. “Then have me.”
The following morning,I awoke a little later than usual, as I had been tossing and turning all night. After showering and getting dressed, I walked down to Eloise’s room and quietly opened the door. Carefully walking over to her bed, I placed the back of my hand across her forehead. She felt cool and not fever-like. She stirred and opened her eyes.
