Page 11 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
My hand flew over my mouth when I stepped into the kitchen. It was every baker's dream, featuring top-tier appliances, Italian marble countertops, a marble waterfall island, and custom cabinets that looked like they cost hundreds of thousands. Across from the kitchen table, French doors opened to reveal a beautifully landscaped backyard featuring an oversized grill, an elegant table and chair set, and flower beds along the edges, which were losing their vibrant blooms as fall approached.
“What do you want for a snack?” I asked Eloise.
“Apples and peanut butter,” she said, climbing on the stool at the island. “The apples are in the refrigerator, and the peanut butter is in the pantry over there.” She pointed.
I couldn't believe I was about to ask her something. But I had to know. The curiosity was killing me.
“So, is this your dad's weekend?” I asked, taking an apple from the refrigerator.
“What do you mean?”
“Your parents are divorced, right?”
“No.” Her brows furrowed. “They were never married. My mom died two years ago. That's why I'm living here now.”
“Oh. I'm sorry for your loss. I feel that. My mom passed away a little over a year ago.”
“I'm sorry.” She looked down.
“Thank you. She was very ill for a long time.”
I placed the apple slices on a plate next to a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and set it in front of her.
“Eat up, little lady.” I smiled.
After she ate her snack, we played for a while, and then it was time for bed.
“Charlotte?” Eloise said as I sat on the edge of her bed.
“Yes?”
“I like you and I'm happy you came over tonight.”
“Thank you, Eloise. I'm happy I came over, too. I had fun.” I smiled. “Get some sleep.”
I turned off the light, pulled the door halfway, and went downstairs. Once again, my curiosity got the best of me, so I went down to the basement level to see what it was like. I was stunned when I reached the bottom step and saw an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a home gym. Standing back, I snapped a picture and sent it to Melissa.
“Whoa. Where are you?”
“Still at Ashton's house. He suckered me into babysitting his kid while he went out.”
“The nerve. So, his name is Ashton? Where's his wife?”
“I guess he was never married, and Eloise's mom passed away two years ago.”
“Poor kid. I couldn't imagine growing up without a mother. When are you coming home?”
“I have no idea. I guess whenever he gets back. He said he'd be home around midnight.”
“He's paying you, right?”
“Of course. I wouldn't be here if he weren't.”
“Okay. I'll see you later. I'm sure we'll still be up when you get home.”
I let out a long yawn. It had been a day, and I was exhausted. I wanted to check on Eloise before I went into the living room and watched some TV. I quietly walked up the stairs, so the ding of the elevator didn't wake her. Peeking inside, I saw her eyes open.
“Charlotte?”
