Page 89 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“Will do. Now, let me see those delicious pies.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Ashton
I hugged Eloise goodbye. Melissa disappeared to meet her boyfriend at their new home, and Charlie left as well to get ready for a date. Charlotte stood behind the empty table that was now full of crumbs and memories, counting her stack of bills and struggling to organize the cash into neat piles. I couldn’t help but wonder if the woman who created flaky crusts and mouthwatering fillings that brought tears to grown men’s eyes might find QuickBooks a different kind of challenge.
“Congratulations, Pie Queen.” I smiled. “You did good today.”
“Thank you.” A bright grin graced her face. “What a day. Wasn’t it so much fun? Could you just feel autumn seeping into your pores?”
“Yeah. It was pretty cool. Are you ready? We need to stop at William Sonoma and pick up a coffee machine.”
“I’m ready.” She placed her purse on her shoulder while I grabbed the bin.
We walked into William Sonoma and over to where the coffee machines were on display.
“Oh, a Miele. I’ve heard these are the best,” she said.
“It’s three thousand dollars,” I said in shock.
“And worth every penny.” A sales associate walked over. “Let me give you a demonstration.”
Her demonstration convinced me, and I ended up purchasing it.
“The guys you hired returned the rental van, right?” Charlotte asked out of the blue.
“Yes. They took it after they brought all the pies to the table.”
“Oh, okay. I just thought about that.”
I carried the heavy machine to the cab, and we climbed into the back seat. Things between Charlotte and me were better today than they’ve been the last couple of weeks. We seemed more relaxed and comfortable with each other, rather than strained. Everything that happened between us was my fault, not hers. And I would graciously admit it. I reached over and pulled a small crimson leaf from her hair.
“You brought someone with you.” I smiled, holding up the leaf.
“Thanks. Isn’t it beautiful?” She examined the leaf. “The colors of autumn are truly amazing.”
I’d never met anyone who felt the way she did about autumn. It was refreshing and adorable.
The cab pulled up to the townhouse.
“I’ll grab the bin. You carry that heavy coffee machine,” she said.
We climbed out of the cab. Charlotte bent down and lifted the mat, noticing the key wasn’t under there.
“Shit, Ashton. Where’s the key?” She looked up at me.
“Damn it. Now what?”
She placed her hand on the handle and opened the door.
“Are you kidding me? Katrina never locked it?” I said.
We stepped into the house, and I set the Miele down on the floor while I took off my jacket. Walking into the living room, we were startled when my father popped his head up from the couch, staring at us, as if he’d just been caught doing something illegal. Charlotte’s hand gripped my arm as the sharp intake of her breath cut through the silence in the house like a blade.
“Jesus Christ, Dad. What the hell are you doing here?” My brows furrowed.
“Uh, what are you doing back?” he asked, his face flushing the same color as the crimson leaves on the trees.
