Page 30 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

I sigh internally, realizing that I may have unintentionally intruded on something much more complex than a simple breakfast encounter. With a newfound understanding, I decide to shift gears and put both Charlie and Jackson at ease.

"Well, in that case, thank you for breakfast, Charlie. It smells delicious," I say, smiling warmly at her.

Jackson grumbles something under his breath but doesn't protest further. I can tell there's a storm brewing between them, and it's not my place to interfere. As the owner of this old bed and breakfast, I've seen my fair share of tangled relationships play out within these walls. Love, after all, can be as unpredictable as the shifting tides.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Charlie finally looks up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

"So, Mr. Thompson," she begins cautiously. "What brings you down here so early in the morning?"

I take a sip of coffee to buy myself some time to think. In all honesty, I was hoping to catch Charlie alone and coax her into another morning swim with me. Considering the disappointing fact that she isn't alone, do I still bring it up? She and Jackson were clearly sharing a moment together.

Ah, to hell with it.

I set my coffee cup down and give Charlie a mischievous smile. "Actually, I was hoping to go for another swim this morning. Care to join me again?"

Her eyes widen in surprise, and I can see her mind racing, no doubt torn between wanting to spend more time with Jackson and the appeal of diving into the cool, refreshing water.

Jackson, on the other hand, raises an eyebrow at me in disbelief. "Another swim? What are you talking about?"

I lean back in my chair, relishing the perfect opportunity he's putting in front of me. "There's no better way to start the day than by getting wet, Jack."

Charlie's eyes widen in surprise, her spoon hovering midway between her plate and mouth. Jackson and I both turn to her.

She finally finds her voice again, her cheeks once again blushing as she stammers out her response. "I- It was only one time. Mr. Thompson asked to join me, but I've been swimming every morning since I got here."

I can't help but chuckle at her flustered response. "Well, Charlie, isn't it a shame to keep such a delightful morning routine to yourself? I could use some company, you know."

Jackson looks at me with a mixture of suspicion and amusement. "You're really into swimming, huh?"

I nod, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, yes. There's something magical about the water, don't you think? It's like being transported to another world where all worries and troubles melt away."

Charlie chews on her bottom lip, clearly torn between her desire to spend more time with Jackson and the tempting offer I've presented. In that moment, I can see the longing in her eyes.

"So? What do you say?" I prompt eagerly.

Charlie hesitates for a moment, her gaze flickering between Jackson and me. The air grows heavy with unspoken tension, as if the universe itself is holding its breath, waiting for her answer. Finally, she takes a deep breath and sets her plate aside.

"I'd love to, Mr. Thompson, but I've already showered," she explains quickly as she heads for the door. "And I have a lot of work to do this morning. Maybe Mr. Harris will keep you company."

Jackson and I turn toward each other, now left by ourselves.

"What was that?" Jackson demands, trying to fight back a laugh.

"Don't even try, Jack," I shoot back with a grin. "I saw you two getting all cozy with each other before I came in. Care to explain?"

"Nope," he says rather cheekily. "Got work to do. See you later."

But with both of them gone, the disappointment sinks in. She said no.

I just got rejected.

26

CHARLIE

"You did the right thing," I assure myself as I hurry down the hallway.

Then why does it make me sad?

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