Page 38 of My Forbidden Billionaire

It’s as if I can hear Chelsea’s voice in my head. And although it pains me to come to terms with the fact my little girl is quickly becoming a pre-teen, I’m also keenly aware I’ve got to let her have a little independence.

I knew this day would come eventually, I just didn’t expect for it to be sprung on me quite like this—or to have to go through these milestones and make these types of decisions all on my own.

Josephine touches my arm, as if giving me gentle reassurance. I can sense her support, and I’m grateful for it.

I suppose it’s time to let my little girl have her first sleepover…

But before I can respond, Clem continues, “Besides, if I go, you’ll have the whole evening to yourself. You can ... go to dinner ... maybe catch a movie…” She wiggles her eyebrows.

Ohhh! So that’s what this is about.

I chuckle at her antics. “Okay, okay, sleepover it is. But only if Miss Andrews agrees to come with me to dinner and a movie.”

Josephine looks at me with surprise. “Oh, I don’t know about all that, I don’t want to impose.”

“No, no, not at all,” I quickly reassure her. “I would really appreciate your company if you’re up for it.”

Josephine looks at me with a hint of suspicion in her eyes, but it quickly fades away and she nods her head. “Sure, why not? It sounds like fun.”

Clem jumps up and down in excitement, hugging both of us tightly. “Okay, Clem, looks like you’re having a slumber party. But let me talk to Emily’s mom first to make sure everything is okay.”

Clem jumps up and gives me a hug. “Thank you! This is going to be the best night ever!”

After dropping Clem off at her friend’s house, Josephine and I head to a cozy Italian restaurant downtown.

We stop and admire some of the historic buildings along the way. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States—the brick buildings nestled in between modern glass skyscrapers make for a charming view that I never tire of.

“I’ve always loved this part of the city,” Josephine says as we make our way down the quaint cobblestone street.

“What is it about old buildings that attract us so much?” I ponder aloud.

“Hmm … maybe the history? The sense that so much has already happened to generations of souls before us who walked through these streets and left a mark on these very walls?”

“You should write literature, not just teach it, Josephine.”

“That’s very flattering. You know, my parents named me Josephine after the character in Little Women—Josephine, or ‘Jo.’ That’s what her sisters call her and that’s what my friends call me.”

“Should I call you Jo as well?” I ask, in a low and soft voice.

She looks up at me, her eyes meeting mine, and for a second we just stand there, looking at each other. There’s a spark between us, something unspoken and electric.

Then she smiles, breaking eye contact. “You can call me whatever you’d like, Jacob.”

I feel my heart race at the sound of my name on her lips. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this kind of attraction to someone.

It’s almost overwhelming.

When we arrive at the restaurant, we’re shown to a cozy corner table with candlelight casting a soft glow across our faces. The dim lighting and soft music creates a romantic atmosphere, and I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement to finally have a chance to get to know Josephine outside of Jameson Juniper Hall, and the prying eyes of the other parents and teachers.

The waiter greets us and takes our drink orders before disappearing to the kitchen. Josephine looks breathtakingly beautiful tonight, and I can’t help but stare at her. She seems to notice and blushes, looking down at her menu.

“You’re gorgeous, Josephine Andrews.”

Josephine looks up from the menu and meets my gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

I feel my cheeks flush at her compliment. This woman, with her quick wit and gentle nature, has me completely enthralled. I can’t remember the last time I felt so comfortable and yet, so nervous, around someone at the same time.

As the waiter delivers our drinks and takes our food order, I can’t help but wonder what Josephine is like outside of her job as a literature instructor. What are her passions? Her fears? What does she want out of life?

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