Page 28 of The Wrong Proposal

His hand reaches out and takes mine. For a moment, he stares at our linked fingers. “You wouldn’t like being with me. You would be forever lonely waiting for me to come home. Waiting for you to mean more to me than my business.”

I understand what he’s telling me. “And you don’t think that will ever happen?”

“Since we’re sticking to honesty, then I’m afraid not. It’s why things didn’t work out between me and Daph. Jumping forward another five years, things between us could be different.”

“I understand.” I push up off the bed because it feels weird to stay. I’m wise enough to leave on good terms.

He takes my hand and gently pulls so I’m standing between his thighs. “Yet… I want you to stay.”

I lean down and kiss him because I could stay, but I break the kiss and step away. “If you ever want to chat about life over a coffee…” I smile and walk away.

9

FRANKLIN

After a few daysin New York meeting with clients and potential investors, I board our private jet. It’s been a hell of a week since the wedding, and I’m keen to head back to LA.

The one thing I love about New York is the amazing view from my penthouse. Although late December is all about gray clouds as snow dusts over the city. The blizzard forecast hit Chicago, so I got out before it traveled farther east. It’s making for a difficult Christmas for some, and warnings are being broadcast about driving only if necessary. A dull ache forms in my gut, remembering my college years and how a friend died on the road by not heeding the warning, wanting to get back to his family a day early.

One Christmas forfeited for a lifetime is a deal no one should risk.

I signal to Heidi for a whiskey.

Turning to the window, I stare at the darkening sky and the storm clouds below us.

Heidi places a glass of gold liquid on my table. “Anything else, Mr. Hendricks?”

“That is all, thank you, Heidi.” I down the contents of the glass in one hit before opening my laptop. Scrolling through my emails, I find one from the caretakers of my Malibu property.

Dear Mr. Hendricks,

All preparations for your stay are in order.

I do want to point out there is a broken rail on the internal staircase.

Enjoy the holidays.

Yours sincerely,

Clancy,

Beachside Home Services

Malibu iswhere I can relax.

It’s the one place Daphne never visited. She didn’t like the beach, so it’s still in the original condition from when I purchased it. Daphne handled the interior décor of my penthouses in LA and New York. She said she would arrange renovations to the beachside property when she had time and couldn’t imagine doing any interior remodeling before the renovations.

Yet, it’s a place where I find peace.

It’s not about the inside of the house.

Sitting on the front balcony, staring at the ocean, creates a sense of calm to my unsettled thoughts. Although, if I am preparing to sell it for a substantial profit, it’s time to plan a remodel of the home.

Suddenly, I find myself smiling, knowing the perfect person for the job.

* * *

My mother hasa tradition of us spending Christmas Eve in the family home. I helped Charlotte and Mom decorate the tree since my brothers hadn’t arrived yet. It’s the first chance I get to catch my breath, so I head to bed at a reasonable time.

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