chapter 2

NATE

"Fucksakes!"

I just landed the biggest deal with top class investors, and I'd never been more angry in my entire life.

My new idea was adapting an ice cream range for the new season; it was something I hadn't done before, and as it was March people would be wanting them soon.

Only my investors wanted double the intended profits. I opted they have twenty percent - generous if you ask me, it's my company - but they want forty instead.

Without their help I couldn't guarantee the range would be as exclusive as our ordinary ranges.

They were a worldwide success in ice cream, selling billions of tubs - all with different flavours - each year. They were a famous, well-known brand and I needed them.

They gave me the day to think about it. Generous on their half. Business is business, you either want it or you don't. Only they know how difficult this was for me, as forty percent was a lot of profit. I'd still have majority, but they'd have a huge sum.

"Do you want my opinion, Mr Clarke?"

My assistant, Harriet, was always the best for advice. She's been with me for over ten years now since I started out at eighteen, but I knew her answer already. She would tell me to take the deal. I already knew the profits would be high from market research, and the time of the year, but this was a huge decision. Forty percent was a lot of money.

"I think I already know it."

She winced as she realised she couldn't help. "How about I go out and get a coffee? Your favourite?"

A coffee sounded great right now, but I wanted to go on my own. "Don't worry, I'll go." I stood to leave. "You get on with whatever you need to do today."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

She might be my assistant, but I took care of my employees. They were all like family to me, and I wanted them to feel welcome. Every Monday we had a non-uniform day as Monday's were a struggle for everyone, so why not turn up comfortable, right? I was laid back, and carefree when it came to my job. In fact, I was with everything.

My company created new ideas with chocolate. I had all sorts of ranges from: ordinary chocolate bars, chocolate cakes, baking chocolate, and the best is my wedding range. I offer a dessert package - all chocolate. It sounds pretty boring to some, and easy, but it's not. I could of created an ordinary confectionary company on chocolate, but I wanted more. I wanted to offer more. We even offer hot chocolate ranges. Not to forget we're a luxury brand, with top of the range packaging and incentives.

I love my job, being CEO pays well and it's fun, but sometimes it's highly stressful; with no woman at home to share my life with I'm stuck in a top floor apartment that costs over half a million (I could afford more, but what's the point?) on my own.

I could probably find a woman. I'm a well know billionaire from my company, especially in this small town, but they all just want me for my money. So I spend most my nights on pointless, cheap hookups to satisfy my needs.

Maybe one day I'll get my dream life: a family with a devoted wife. I sound like a soppy woman, but I don't want to live lonely all my life. I have a heart. One I'd like to put to use.

I knocked those thoughts away when I slipped into my Mercedes. It was black, sleek, and top of the range. The leather seats inside were roasting from the weather, but were soft and comfy to sit on. This wasn't my only car, I had a Range Rover too, and a BMW, but I never used them. This was my favourite.

I reversed out of the parking lot, and raced off to the coffee shop. I needed some time to myself to think.

The business had become my whole world, and I'd rather it not. I wanted a life outside of work that wasn't just hookups, and visiting relatives. I couldn't let the thoughts slide even if I tried. My heart sunk when I realised I'd probably never be able to trust a single woman after what Sheila did.

Sheila has been my ex for now two years, and we were together for five years. When we met, she was still studying part-time to become a Primary teacher, and had another three years left before she would qualify.

We met when we were both twenty one, and she was the first woman I'd let myself fall for. Before that I was the typical player, always using girls for one thing. Once I met Sheila I changed, and I wanted her as more than a hookup.

When we started dating I knew she was materialistic as she always spent her money on expensive, unnecessary items. I never thought anything of it, and I wish I had.

Two years into our relationship, and my business was booming. I would spend most my money on her, and I even spent an extortionate amount on an engagement ring.

I'd never loved someone like I loved her, and I wanted her for the rest of my life.

When she completed her degree and teacher training on top two years later, we had been together four years. I thought it was the perfect time for us to set a wedding date; she had been putting it off and I presumed she wanted to finish her course - how stupid I had been.

Once we hit five years I called her out on it, but she insisted she just wasn't ready to be married yet. I had a hard time accepting that as I loved her a lot. I would of eloped with her.

A week later, I discovered she'd been having an affair for the past two years, and had been slowly saving money up I had given her.

I was a little confused as a normal gold digger would of just married me to divorce with half my assets, but she said that was too much stress when she already had three million in the bank.

My heart broke that day, along with my trust. She didn't even marry me to steal my money, and still stole my money.

A part of me wishes I had gotten a lawyer involved, so she couldn't have it but I was so heartbroken I didn't have the energy to go through it. I just wanted her out my life, and to never come back.

Since then I've stayed away from commitment, especially when all women just regard me as the local CEO.

I want somebody to love me for me, not because I've millions in the bank.

Before I knew it I was parallel parking on the side street opposite the local coffee shop. It was my favourite, and the baristas were always so friendly. It was owned by a little old lady who hired her granddaughters to manage and work the place.

I crossed the road, and pulled the heavy door open when I noticed a little girl behind me. She had beautiful brown hair, and was wearing all pink. She must of only been around two, and was adorable. Her little smile knocked the breath out of me when she looked up, and I turned to see who she was with.

Big mistake

When I saw the woman I couldn't take my eyes off her gorgeous face. If I thought the little girl knocked my breath away with her cuteness, I was in need of oxygen after gazing into her mother's eyes.

She had silky, endlessly long brunette hair which cascaded over her shoulders, and perched on her generous sized chest. Her eyes were a mesmerising sapphire, sparkling, and lighting her whole face up as she smiled at me; and god that smile was out of this world. Her pouty, pink, plump lips spread into a gorgeous smile, and I couldn't help but focus on them.

I wanted her lips on mine. I wanted to taste them, and feel how soft they were; caress them with my tongue.

I swallowed a huge gulp in my now dehydrated throat as I realised I had stood blocking the door way to analyse her beauty. But I wasn't finished yet.

"Erm, sorry I'm in your way."

She gave me a small smile, and I noticed her crimson cheeks from my intense stare.

"It's okay." It was barely audible. Maybe a whisper. I'd knocked her mouth as dry as mine, and clearly made her nervous. But, God, she was out of this world beautiful.

I let her go in front and I took in the rest of her beauty as I stood behind her in the line.

She was wearing a pink floral sundress, and her toned, creamy legs were on full display.

How I'd like those legs wrapped around my waist.

I couldn't stop the dirty thoughts as I scanned up the rest of her body. She had an hourglass figure, and I just wanted to rest my hands on her hips while I tasted those lush lips of hers.

I hadn't felt like this since Sheila, and I didn't recognise her. Maybe she wasn't from here?

I could only hope. She might not know who I am.

Wait. She has a child.

I had ignored the one sign that meant she was clearly taken, but I couldn't see a wedding band. Instead I could see a faint outline where it seemed she used to wear one.

Was she divorced then?

In the nicest, but selfish, way possible I could only hope.

In all this time I'd been checking her out, I was now at the front of the line and hadn't actually introduced myself yet. Idiot.

I was about to take my chances, and hope she was single.

I would usually encourage the baristas into conversation, but today I had other intentions involving a gorgeous brunette and her daughter.