Billionaire Temptations: Rich, Ruthless & Obsessed

Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty-One

Emerson

Seeing my childhood home brought back so many memories of the happiness that once resided there. After changing out of my wet clothes, Alex knocked on my bedroom door.

“Come in.”

He walked in and over to me as I put on my shirt.

“Emerson,” he spoke.

“What’s up, Parker?” I smiled.

“We need to talk,” he spoke with a serious tone.

“Okay. Shoot, big guy.”

He took hold of both my hands. Staring into my eyes, he inhaled deeply.

“Em, I—” He paused.

“What is it, Alex? Is something wrong?”

He gave me a small smile. “No. I just wanted to tell you that I’m happy I took you to the house.”

“Thank you. I’m happy that you did too. I’m sorry I gave you shit about it when we first got there, and again, I’m sorry for threatening your balls.”

He laughed. “Apology accepted.” He kissed my forehead. “I’m going to head to the office. I’ll be home later tonight.”

“Okay.”

He walked out, and I stared at the door. I was hoping he’d come to tell me something else. But he didn’t. I was so scared of what was happening because things were changing for me. Feelings for Alex were stronger than ever. Was this real? Could this be real? I should tell him how I felt. But then, if the feelings weren’t returned, I would be left standing like a fool. Alex Parker didn’t do relationships because of a frizzy, curly-haired girl. I didn’t do relationships because the thought of attaching myself to someone and then losing them scared the living hell out of me. Never stay in one place long enough to become attached.

Alex

As I was sitting in my office, I stared out the window and thought of Emerson. I should have told her how I felt. I should have told her that I loved her right then and there like I had planned to. But when I looked into her eyes, I couldn’t. She was strong, and she was determined, and she was going to leave. What if she didn’t love me back? I thought maybe she did, but I wasn’t sure. For the first time in my life, I was scared. I was scared of being rejected by the first woman I had ever truly loved. Was I just another broken heart in her eyes? Another guy she’d leave behind while she traveled off on her next adventure? This was killing me. She was killing me. I spent the night at the office.

The next morning, when I returned home to change and shower, I found Emerson in the kitchen.

“Hey. You didn’t come home last night,” she spoke.

“I had so much work to do, and I fell asleep.”

“Oh. I hope you slept okay. I sent you a couple of text messages, but you didn’t reply.”

I shrugged. “I’m just home to shower and change.”

She looked down, and I looked away.

“Okay. I hope your day goes better.”

“Thanks.” I went upstairs and sat on the edge of my bed, placing my face in my hands for a moment before showering and leaving again.

After spending the day thinking about Emerson and looking up the definition of love once again, I had no choice but to tell her how much I loved her. I wasn’t letting her go anywhere. She belonged here with me. We belonged together whether she believed it or not. I had stopped by the florist and picked up a dozen red roses for her. I would make her see that staying in California was the best thing for her. That I was the best thing for her.

When I arrived home, I couldn’t find her.

“Jenna, where’s Emerson?”

She looked at me and then looked down.

“Jenna?”

“She’s gone, Mr. Parker.”

“WHAT?! What do you mean ‘she’s gone’?” I said with gritted teeth in an angry tone that scared the poor woman.

“She packed her bags and left.”

“Did she say where she was going?”

“No. She just said she had to leave.”

“FUCK!” I screamed, and she flinched.

I stormed out of the kitchen and down the hall to Emerson’s room. Flinging open the door, I walked inside and looked around. The closet was empty, as were all her drawers. Lying on the bed was a sealed envelope with my name on it. I picked it up and sat down. Pulling out the letter, I unfolded it, and a picture of the two of us fell to the ground. Picking it up and looking at it momentarily, I held it in my hand as I began to read the words she had written.

My dearest Alex,

Two words come to mind as I’m sitting here writing this. Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Never stay in one place too long, right? Spending the past months with you has been the most amazing time I’ve ever had. I know you probably aren’t believing that, but they were. I was scared to return, yet you managed to turn my fears into ashes. When I was with you, I didn’t think about anything else. You made me feel safe and secure and gave me your home. For that, I thank you. I told you things I had never told anyone because you made me feel comfortable and protected. I hadn’t felt that way in a very long time. You made me fall in love with you, Parker. Something no one has ever been able to do. You took care of me even when you didn’t realize it. You gave me hope for the future—something I hadn’t had since the accident. This world has so much beauty, even underneath all the despair and tragedies. I see that because of you. When you took me home, you gave me memories I didn’t think I had, and I can’t even begin to thank you enough for that. I hope you understand why I had to leave and couldn’t face you in person. Hell, I’m not sure I even understand, so if you don’t, it’s okay. You’ve forgiven me for things I’ve said, and I hope you can forgive me for leaving. You’re not just another guy I left behind. You’re the man who stole my heart. I printed the picture so you could have it and always remember me. I hope you don’t mind. If you don’t want it, throw it out. I wouldn’t blame you if you did. You’re my best friend, Alex Parker, and I love you. Make sure to take your medication every day and stay away from the saltshaker. Actually, that won’t be difficult because I threw them all out. But I trust that when you’re out and see a saltshaker, you won’t touch it because you’ll hear my voice. I’m looking out for you like you did me. Take care, Parker, and promise me you’ll never forget me.

Love forever,

Emerson

The air in the room became thick, and it was difficult to breathe. She did love me, and she might have stayed if I had only confessed my feelings for her. I crumpled up the letter in my hand and tossed it on the bed. As I looked at the picture of the two of us in Napa, tears started to form in my eyes. I already missed her, and suddenly, my world fell apart.

As I wiped the tears from my eyes, my phone rang. It was Adam. Shit.

“Hello.”

“She’s gone again. Isn’t she?”

“Yes.”

“Damn it. I thought you were going to convince her to stay.” He sounded angry.

“I tried. Do you know where she would have gone?”

“How the fuck would I know? I never knew where she was until she called and told me.”

“How did you know she was gone?”

“She left a letter on my door apologizing and asking for forgiveness. But the thing is, I don’t think I can forgive her this time.”

“You can, Adam.”

“Can you, Alex?”

“Yes, because I love her.”

“If you hear from her, call me. I tried texting her, but my texts won’t go through.”

“I will.”

I ended the call and lay back on the bed, staring at the picture of us.