Page 94 of Mail Order Surprise (Hawthorne Billionaire 3)

“Why second thoughts?” Parker asked, tossing his empty coffee cup in the garbage when we got out at the helipad.

“I need you to keep this between us, but I’ve surprised myself by really liking Chloe.”

“That’s not a big surprise to me,” Parker shrugged, “I wonder why you feel so surprised.”

“I can’t say, I just know she blew me away on Easter weekend when she turned the corner into the study. Now, she’s the only woman I can think about. That’s how that picture happened. I don’t know what to do,” I said.

“Why don’t you just ask Mom if it’s too late to cancel? Or let it go with Chloe and trust Mom to have chosen wisely for you.” Parker pointed to the helicopter for us to get on. “Have you told her how you feel?”

“No, I haven’t.” I climbed in behind him and put on the headphones.

“Does she feel for you the same way?” Parker’s voice came through my headphones. “If not, then you need to think about why you haven’t told her.”

Chapter 70

Chloe

Iwoke hours later, still feverish and with a nasty cough. I grabbed the remote to open the blinds to let some sunshine in, then snuggled back into the comforter. A fit of coughing started, but when I reached for my glass of water, it wasn’t there.

Bloody oath, which button was for Rebecca again? Why is it still dark in here? I opened the blinds.

It had to be the fog of being sick that caused me to forget. I pulled my cell from the end table and dialed Mia.

“You’re awake. Are you hungry?” Mia asked before I could speak.

“I’m awake, but am I alive is the real question.” I groaned into the phone. “I need a drink, juice or water, and meds, but I couldn’t remember which button calls Rebecca. Can you please bring me something?”

“I’ll be up in a few minutes. Let me get Sophie settled,” Mia said. “How about some food, too?”

“I don’t know, my throat hurts, but you can bring me whatever you want,” I said. “Don’t let Sophie in here.”

“I know, I know. She’s busy watching cartoons. Then, she and Victoria have some plans,” Mia explained. “Rest now, I won’t be too long.”

Mia sent her maid, Sandra, in with medicine and a drink. Apparently, Sophie needed attention.

“Mia said to let you know that she would be up very soon with food.” Sandra handed me the juice and two pills. “I’m to stay here until you take the medicine, so down the hatch.”

“Sandra, I don’t want you to stay in this room too long. Tell my bossy sister I took my meds and you stay out of here for the rest of the day.” I smiled at Sandra so she would know I wasn’t mad.

“Your bossy sister knows you well enough to know you may not take the medicine,” Mia said from the doorway. “Sandra, can you please keep an eye on Amoeba while she eats? She’s been spilling it everywhere. I won’t be too long.”

“Yes ma’am, with pleasure.” Sandra backed out of the room. “Feel better, ma’am.”

“It’s Chloe, and thank you.” I looked to Mia. “I hate her calling me ma’am. And I was completely in a fog before, trying to find the button to call Rebecca. Now I’m more awake and realize we’re not at the Manor.”

“Yeah, I was wondering about that. Poor Sandra would be confused if you called her Rebecca,” Mia laughed and sat on the bed next to me. “I know you’re sick, but I want to talk to you about staying here.”

“I can’t Mia, I have to go back. I told you this already,” I groaned from under the covers. “You don’t need me here in your new life, anyways.”

“Chloe, I want you in every part of my life. You’re all I’ve got for family.” Mia tried to pull the covers back. “Fine, go back to sleep, we can talk later.”

“Thank you. What are you and Sophie doing today?” I asked.

“Parker and Trey had to go to Long Island to give speeches at the university today,” Mia said. “So, I had the whole day free to hang with your little angel.”

“She’s gonna love that. I wish I wasn’t sick. I want to play too,” I moaned. “Did you say ‘had’?”

“Yes, ‘had’, because it’s seven o’clock at night,” Mia said.

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