Page 25 of Daddy's Billionaire Broker

JACK

When I got home from the party I slept in the pool house, since the sheets still smelled faintly of Grace's rosemary shampoo.

Sunday was a blur. I couldn't call her to talk to her, which meant that I had no motivation to do anything else.

It hit me when I got back from the gym, after a session with a personal trainer that did nothing to dull my internal pain: if Grace wasn't in my life, nothing else mattered.

She had asked for some space, so I had no choice but to give it to her. Yet there was no way I could let an entire twenty-four hours go by without contacting her.

I waited as long as I could, then sent her a text at seven in the evening.

Me:I've contacted some acquaintances if you'd like to continue looking into more industries. I have one friend in publishing, another in hospitality, and a third who is a fashion merchandise selection coordinator, whatever that means. I can arrange for you to have a coffee with any of them if you like.

Me: And of course, I miss you terribly, and hope that you're okay.

I hoped that Grace was in the middle of dinner when it took her nearly forty-five minutes to respond to my messages.

Grace: Thank you. I'll think about that for a few days. Need more space.

Me: Of course. Take care of yourself.

I wanted to call her baby, angel, any of the pet names that were swirling around in my mind. Yet I couldn't take a chance that my sweet girl might take anything the wrong way.

Flopping on the couch in the living room I rarely sat in, I couldn’t even summon the energy to make dinner.

I was glad that I hadn't dated much, instead saving all of my romantic energy for the woman who was clearly perfect for me in every way. Except that meant I didn't have a lot of experience in correcting mistakes, and winning someone over after a disagreement.

Sending flowers wouldn't work, since Corbin was so angry he would probably just throw them out.

Maybe it was worth having a colleague who was furious with me. I know he was simply looking out for his daughter, I certainly couldn't fault that.

If I were looking at the situation from the outside in, I might think the same thing. An older man, a recent billionaire, hitting the big 4–0, and now the lone bigshot broker at the company?

Yeah, a midlife crisis would be logical right about now.

I went over to the bar and poured myself a half shot of whiskey, just to have a little something to sip on.

I couldn't stand the thought of anyone thinking I viewed Grace as a trophy that I was due. My love for her was absolutely pure. I simply wanted to care for, protect her, and show her how much I loved her with every fiber of my being.

If I could just get her alone, and snuggle her into my arms, I would somehow find a way to explain everything—

It hit me before the prickle of whiskey warmth did.

I hadn't come out and told Grace that I loved her. I had tried to show her through my actions, but that wasn't good enough.

I needed to tell her. No matter how hard it was.

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