Page 97 of Mail Order Valentine (Hawthorne Billionaire 2)

Chapter 75

IMOGEN

Gunner had said he wanted me to dress up so he could take his special girl out for Valentine’s Day. I really cared for Gunner and I didn’t want to go back to the hotel, so I agreed.

I already have the red dress and red stilettos.

I was waiting outside the coffee shop when Gunner pulled the limo around the corner. He jumped out and ushered me in without much to say. Once we were under way, I slid over to the seat closest to the divider glass.

“Hey, I thought I was your date tonight, so why am I back here?” I stuck my head through the opening. “I wanna sit up there with you.”

“You just sit back and relax. I have a surprise for you,” Gunner announced.

I lifted my vibrating cell to see a text from Sienna. I hadn’t heard from her since that day in the hospital when she came to set me up in the agency.

“Just wanted to let you know that Asher Hawthorne has cancelled his contract with you.”

“What does that mean exactly? I have to go back to Sydney now?”

“He has released you from marrying him, but you can keep the money and stay on in your own suite as long as you want.”

“I don’t think I can stay here without August. Can you thank the family for me?”

“I’ll relay your message. Happy Valentine’s Day”

“Thanks, Sienna. You too.”

Tears ran freely down my cheeks and onto my chest. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat.

He didn’t fight for me? It’s over, just like that.

“What’s all the water works about?” Gunner asked over the intercom. “There’s no crying on Valentine’s Day.”

My life is like watching movie clips with these people.

“Bond, you’re too funny. Where are we going, by the way?” I asked, wiping at the tears before they hit my dress.

Oh no, if I’m released, then I won’t have Gunner anymore.

“Bond, did you get any messages about not being my bodyguard anymore?” I asked tentatively.

“No, Solitaire, I did not, and I will always be your bodyguard,” he replied solemnly. “We’re here. I want you to close your eyes, and no peeking.”

“You’re kidding, right?” I laughed and put my hands over my eyes.

“Solitaire, I said eyes closed, not cover your eyes and probably peek. Now reach out and take my hand, and keep the eyes closed until I say,” Gunner ordered.

“You’re making me nervous, Bond. Am I walking the plank right now?” I joked. “Bond, talk to me.”

“You can open your eyes now, Imogen,” a voice I thought I recognized said in front of me.

I opened my eyes to Asher- the real Asher, I could tell by the smile, standing in front of me. I stood there looking from Asher to Gunner trying to figure out what was happening. Everything around us started to come into view. We were at the fountains where it all started.

“Sienna texted me that she had let you know I released you from the contract. I did that so you will feel free to carry on your life with the Hawthorne we all know you really love.” Asher stepped to his right, exposing a view I couldn’t believe. “He’s waiting for you.”

I walked a little closer, taking in the massive bouquets of flowers, just like from the night I first met August in the elevator. Out of nowhere a band began softly playing Frank Sinatra’sStrangers In TheNight. I was laughing and crying at the same time, because that’s what we were. We were strangers in the night.

“Imogen?” A voice called out my name. I wandered closer to the fountains, and there he was.

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