Page 32 of Don’t Fall for the Billionaire

Chapter Thirty-Two

ONE WEEK LATER

Charlotte

The days blended into nights, and the nights blended into days.

The past week had been tough with Ashton.

Neither of us spoke to each other and made a point to stay out of each other’s way.

But the one thing that shocked me was how he was home every night.

I’d thought for sure he’d spend as little time as possible at home.

I missed parts of him. The parts that made me feel safe.

I stepped into the shop, which was already undergoing remodeling. I got lucky because I found this contractor who was just starting out. He gave me a great price since he was trying to drum up more business. I just hoped he was good. For what he charged, it was a chance I was willing to take.

I turned when I heard the door open behind me.

“Cameron, what are you doing here?” I smiled, hugging him.

“Hello, Charlotte. I was in Ashton’s office when Grant stopped by to have him sign some papers. I wanted to see how things were going here.”

“So far so good. They just started the remodel a couple of days ago.”

“Let’s go for a walk,” he said. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Sure, Cameron.”

As soon as we walked out of the shop, Cameron held out his arm. Hooking mine around his, we strolled down the street.

“My son has bigger issues than I ever could have imagined.”

“Gee, you think?”

“I know I don’t know you very well, but you seem like a strong woman. My son needs that.”

“I’m sorry, Cameron. But what is this about?”

“My son is broken by his mother and me, and I need you to fix him. I believe you’re the only one who can do that, Charlotte.”

“Okay.” I laughed. “I’ll get right on that. Ashton and I don’t say two words to each other. I stay up in my room all night after I put Eloise to bed. He tried to fire me. Did he tell you that?”

“No. He didn’t. What do you mean by ‘he tried’?”

“I refused to leave and told him that if he wanted me gone, he’d have to call the police and have me dragged out.”

“See. That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” He laughed. “My son needs you.”

“Your son is incapable of loving anyone but himself, Cameron.”

“That’s not true. That’s what he wants you to believe.

He’s in love with you, Charlotte. I see it and I know it.

He’s fighting his feelings because he’s afraid he’ll turn out like me.

And I don’t blame him. My track record isn’t very good.

All I’m asking is that you don’t turn away from him.

Give him some time. The three of you can have a beautiful life together. ”

“I’m not in love with him.”

“Don’t lie to me, Charlotte. I know damn well you love my son. I know he’s a complicated man, but he doesn’t deserve to live a life of unhappiness because of his mother and me.”

After we parted ways, I went home and made a peach pie, adding a touch of walnuts to the mix. This would be my olive branch to try and ease some of the tension in the house.

I didn’t have to pick up Eloise because she was going home after school with Kelsey for a playdate. So, depending on what time Ashton arrived home, it would be just the two of us. Shit. I never told him that Eloise was going to Kelsey’s. Pulling out my phone, I sent him a text message.

Eloise is having a playdate at Kelsey’s house after school. Maybe you could bring home dinner?

Fifteen minutes later, he replied.

I could do that. What do you want?

Thai?

Sounds good. Text me what you want.

Okay. This was good. He was being cordial, so maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad.

After I texted him what I wanted for dinner, I began making more pies for the fall festival this weekend.

I needed a total of 50, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to get it all done with everything else I had to do. I’d have to call in reinforcements.

A few hours later, the front door opened, and I heard the soles of Ashton’s Italian leather shoes against the wood flooring. He stopped in the doorway of the kitchen and stared at the disaster before him.

“What is all this mess?” He set the bag of food on the table.

“I’m baking for the fall festival.”

“Is that peach pie I smell?”

“Yes. I baked one for home.”

“Then maybe I’ll have a slice after I eat dinner.”

I grabbed two plates from the cabinet and took them over to the table, while Ashton grabbed the forks from the drawer. After grabbing a bottle of water, I sat down across from him.

“I’m surprised you let Eloise go to her friend’s house. I figured you’d be practicing your dance routine.”

“She’s been practicing so hard. I figured she needed a day off.”

Silence filled the air between us. The only sound that could be heard was the clanking of our forks on the plate.

“They started the remodel on the shop today,” I said.

“I hope you hired someone good.”

“I don’t know if he’s good yet, but his price was.”

That got his attention.

“Charlotte, you get what you pay for. If he was cheap, he probably isn’t that good and will do a shit job. Then what will you do?”

“He just started his business. Everyone has to start somewhere.”

“Don’t come crying to me when he fucks it all up.”

“Why do I even bother?” I got up from the table and tossed my plate into the sink.

“I have no idea.” He set his plate in the sink and walked out of the kitchen.

After cleaning up from dinner, I resumed my pie-making. Ashton walked into the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves.

“What do you need me to do?”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“The pies. What do you need me to do?”

“Nothing. Go away.”

“That’s not an option. You need help making these pies for the fall festival, and I’m willing to help. So tell me what you want me to do.”

“See that bowl of filling over there?” I pointed. “Start dumping it into these three pie shells.”

“Got it.”

I had no idea why he was helping me. And as mad as I was at him, I appreciated the help.

We heard the front door open, and Eloise ran into the kitchen with Maddie following behind.

“Hi, Charlotte. Hi, Dad.”

“Hey, sweetie.” I hugged her.

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“You’re making pies.” Maddie grinned. “It smells delicious in here.”

“I’ll take Eloise upstairs and get her ready for bed,” Ashton said.

“I can’t believe he was helping you,” Maddie whispered.

“I can’t either.” I laughed.

“Tomorrow is my day off. I can come by and help you. I know the fall festival is this weekend.”

“That would be great. You’re a lifesaver.” I hugged her.

After she left, I said good night to Eloise and began cleaning up the kitchen. Ashton walked in, grabbed a knife from the drawer, and cut a slice of the peach walnut pie I had made.

“Wow. This is crazy good,” he said. “I love the walnuts.”

“Thanks. I’m happy you like it.”