Page 36 of The Billionaire's Secret Desire
I laugh. “So, the full experience.”
“Exactly,” she says, raising her glass in a mock toast. “To bougie travel and good company.”
I clink my coffee mug against her glass. “I’ll drink to that.”
She takes a sip, then peers at me over the rim. “You always this charming in the morning?”
“Only when I wake up next to someone who is as beautiful as you.”
Her cheeks flush faintly, and she looks out the window again, but the smile stays.
And just like that, I know—we’re not done. Not even close.
When we pull into the driveway of my house, Ghost is already pacing in front of the front door like she knows exactly what timewe’d be back. The second we step inside, she launches herself at Charli with a full-body wiggle, ears back, her tail wagging furiously.
“Hey, buddy!” Charli laughs, crouching down to greet her. Ghost doesn’t just nuzzle her—she presses her entire head against her chest and lets out this low, happy groan like she’s been missing her for years instead of days.
“I think someone missed you,” I say, grinning.
“She’s gonna knock me over,” she says, laughing as Ghost leans even harder against her, now offering her paw like the most polite, lovesick fool.
“You’ve officially been claimed,” I say.
Charli smiles up at me, her hand on Ghost’s enormous head. “Seems to be a theme lately.”
We finally get our bags inside, and the second the door clicks shut, Ghost does a full-body spin, grabs one of her squeaky toys, and trots over to Charli like she’s presenting her with a royal offering. When Charli crouches to take it, Ghost presses her giant head into Charli’s chest and lets out the most pitiful, lovesick groan, like she’s been emotionally devastated by Charli’s two-day absence. Then, she flops dramatically onto her back, paws in the air, clearly demanding belly rubs.
Charli laughs, rubbing her belly. “She’s ridiculous.”
“She’s in love with you,” I say, grinning. “I should be jealous.”
Ghost lets out a contented huff, paws still twitching like she’s dreaming of Charli never leaving again.
“I’ve got some work I need to catch up on this afternoon,” I say, a little reluctant, as we pause in the hallway. I want to spend the entire day tangled up with her, not holed away answering emails. “But I’d really like to have dinner with you tonight—if you’re up for it.”
Charli grins, the kind that makes my chest tighten. “Well, how else are you going to make your billions, Mr. Gallo? You've got to work.”
I chuckle, reaching for her hand. “Fair point. But I’d still rather spend the time with you.”
She nods, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d like that. I’ve got a bunch of wedding menu planning to do anyway—Mia’s list is, um, extensive.”
I grin. “Good. Then come with me for a second.”
She follows me down the hall, our fingers laced, her hand warm in mine. Her brow wrinkles in confusion as we stop in front of a closed door. I give her hand a soft squeeze and open it, revealing a room just off the den.
Inside is a sleek, cozy office space—white desk, comfortable ergonomic chair, fresh flowers on the windowsill. A brand-new laptop sits open on the desk beside a box of business cards and a shiny new cell phone.
Charli steps inside, blinking in disbelief. “What... when did you do all this?”
I lean against the doorframe, arms crossed. I just shrug and smile, watching her light up. Her joy is like a shot of caffeine to my chest.
She turns in a slow circle, taking it all in. “Sawyer. This is... I don’t even know what to say You’re unreal, you know that?”
I lean in, brushing a kiss on her temple. “Remind me to have that printed on a mug.”
She laughs and shakes her head, but there’s something behind her smile. Something that tells me this–this feeling, this connection–is exactly where we’re both supposed to be.
And I don’t want it to go away.
