Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 45
“And that all? His plane goes down, and everything goes back to normal? Seems too…easy.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’m not a pilot,” I said dryly.
“No. And I don’t believe it was just an accident.”
“Are you accusing me of something?” I hope not.
“No. Prince Babboo made a lot of enemies. Any one of them could’ve sabotaged the plane. Since you never left the States, I’m sure you had nothing to do with it,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have blamed you if you did. I’m not saying I like you Jace, but we do have one thing in common. We would do anything to keep Shannon safe and make her happy.”
“At least you’re right about that.”
“I wanted to talk to you about Shannon,” he said.
Instantly my heart raced. “Is she okay? Is there something wrong?”
“She told me she’s leaving again.”
I had expected that. Carlton said he was going to notify the agency her paperwork was clear. I thought I’d have more time before they called and gave her a new assignment. “You must be used to that by now.”
“This is different. She’s moving out of my house.”
“She’s thirty. I’m sure you saw this coming.” I’m surprised she didn’t do it earlier. There was no way I could’ve lived under the same roof as Ralph. I can barely hold a civil conversation with him.
“We had a good talk, her and I. I see I’ve made a lot of mistakes. The biggest was holding onto her too tightly. They say if you love something, set it free. I’m hoping when she returns, our relationship will be better.”
It seemed as though I wasn’t the only one checking myself. “I’m sure it will be.” I hope the same for mine. “Was there something else you wanted?”
“Yes. You should be receiving a call today. One that you’ve been waiting for.”
“Okay,” I said, not knowing what he was talking about. “I’ll be sure to have my phone with me.”
“Good. And…thank you again for all you did for Shannon. I’m glad she can go back to her normal life without looking over her shoulder.”
“So am I.” I ended the call and closed my eyes. Spread those wings, Shannon. You deserve your chance to fly.
I knew that once she did, she’d find everything she was looking for even if it wasn’t me. All I’ve ever wanted was for her to be happy. She finally has her chance.
There was no point sitting in the truck any longer. I might as well go up to my office, shower, and dress for work. Without Shannon in my life, I might as well keep driving this business hard.
I’d been at my desk for a few hours and still no call that was out of the ordinary. Whoever was supposed to call must’ve changed their mind. If it had anything to do with Ralph, I probably didn’t want to talk to them anyway.
A big part of me thought it might be Shannon who’d be calling. That was a surprise I wouldn’t have minded. But there was nothing. Not a call or a text from her. Even Betsy hadn’t mentioned her name when I walked past her desk. That meant Shannon must’ve given Betsy an ear full of what an ass I really am.
The intercom buzzed. “Yes, Betsy.”
“You have a call on line one.”
“And does that person have a name? Do you know what they want?” Is it Shannon?
“Yes. They want to speak to you,” she said angrily and disconnected the line.
I’d talk to her about her attitude, but I’m better off not hearing what she really wants to say. I’ll stick with the daggers for now.
I picked up the line and said, “This is Jace Goldstein, how may I help you?”
“Mr. Goldstein, we’ve been trying to reach you for several days. Hope all is well,” a gentleman said.
“I’ve been busy. What is it I can do for you?” Usually when someone keeps calling, they want something.
“There is a vacancy. It’s yours if you’d like it. But the decision needs to be made today as you know, we have a waiting list.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear. There is no way. It couldn’t be. “Are you calling about the Bachelor Towers?” I held my breath waiting for his response.
“I am. Mr. Hamel reached out to me a few days ago and stressed your interest in getting in as soon as possible” Ralph called them? Why? Maybe he wants me out of his daughter's life that fucking bad.
“That was…very nice of him,” I said, not trusting his motive at all.
“Yes, it was. He’s never approached us for a favor before, so we felt obligated to help. The timing was impeccable, as one of our…guests must make other living arrangements.”
“Getting married?” I asked.
“Yes. There seems to be a trend of that happening right now. But from what Mr. Hamel has said, it’s not something you’re seeking for yourself. That’s good because I’m sure you are well aware of our policies regarding women.”
“I am. It’s one of the things that interest me the most.”
“So should I expect you today to come and sign the contract?” he asked.
I should be saying yes and rush down there immediately. That word wasn’t coming out of my mouth. Why? I’ve worked years to get this chance. It is finally here. All I have to do is say yes, and I can live the bachelor’s life that men would give a limb for. Yet, I’m still…undecided.
What was there to think about? Shannon is leaving. She said she didn’t want to see me again. The Bachelor Towers would be the best place to forget all my troubles and move forward.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I can’t move forward, not