All Chapters of The Billionaire Romantic getaway: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

The group of people passed and both of them slowly sat up again. Carl didn’t let go of her hand. He stared down at the seat between them, looking more ashamed than she had ever seen him before. “I’m not letting you leave like this,” he whispered. “I need to show you how much you’ve affected me. How much you mean to me.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently and with all the tenderness in the world. There was nothing confident or smooth about his actions. He looked more vulnerable than Mandy had ever seen him before. He looked completely genuine. She already felt her anger and resolve crumbling and she knew she was already set up for hurt again. Carl turned toward her and leaned down to kiss her gently on the lips. His own lips trembled against hers. He didn’t pull her close or even touch her, giving her complete freedom to turn away or leave. Mandy was rooted to her spot. Frozen. Every molecule of her body wanted to stay where she was, kissing him just like this. She

She left him in the living room and hopped into the bathroom for a shower. She took her time, shaving her legs and enjoying the hot water to wake her up. She blow dried her hair and styled it, debating if she should wear the red dress or just go in a work outfit. As she did her makeup, she put it on to go with the red dress. Then decided she would wear a plain yellow one she’d bought as a backup. Towel around her, she peeked out into the living room and saw the back of Carl’s head. She moved to her wardrobe and reached for the yellow cotton sundress before glancing at that red dress. It hung there, incredibly sexy and perfect for the wedding and warm weather. What did she have to lose wearing it? The little devil on her shoulder told her to do it. Even the little angel on the other side encouraged her. Screw it! I’m freakin’ wearing it!She took it off the hanger and snipped off the tags before slipping it on. She sucked in her tummy and zipped it up. She turned to the full-length mir

Her father joined them on Mandy’s other side, acting as a shield between her and the other guests. “You look beautiful, Mandy,” he said, grinning at her. “I’m glad Carl could make it as well.” “What are you two up to?” Mandy whispered. “Are you guys planning a robbery? You’re thick as thieves.” “Your father and I have reached an understanding,” Carl said, a smile obvious in his voice. Mandy stared hard at him. One thing for sure: she was not going to stop until she figured out what they were up to. When had her father and Carl started talking? And when had her father started liking Carl? If her father noticed Mandy’s inner conflict, he didn’t let on. “The wedding is just about all set up. The wedding planner was very efficient with everything.” “Son of a bitch,” Mandy said. “They hired a wedding planner.” “Yes,” the older man rolled his eyes, “apparently, Claudia thought it would be less stressful on Scarlet, the new maid of honor, if a wedding planner took care of it all.” It

Carl just looked amused, which made Mandy even more embarrassed. “I live here,” he said. He smirked. “I actually own the house here, too.”She stood there, too embarrassed to respond. Of course he lived here.Carl continued when he realized she didn’t know what to say. “You must be tired, Ms. Connors,” he said. “Let me walk you to your apartment.”“No, I’m fine, really, Mr. Salvo,” she said. “You don’t have to walk me.”“I insist,” he said. “You’re exhausted and besides, you only moved in yesterday. I assume the apartment is satisfactory for you?”“It’s fine.” Fine? She crushed the heel of her hand against her forehead. “It’s fantastic. Sorry. I haven’t had much time to unpack.” She kept her eyes to the ground wishing Murray were there instead of Carl. She felt awkward and shy. This was his house and she was living on the main floor, overlooking the pool. That’s where he’d been. She realized his hair was wet and the t-shirt and shorts he wore were dripping. She licked her lips and sho

Mandy jumped slightly. She hadn’t even heard him leave his office. “Yes.” She pressed her lips into a thin line. “I’m afraid my sister found the number to here. I don’t suppose there’s a persona non grata list or something we can put her on? Otherwise, I have a feeling she’ll be tying up the phone lines trying to reach me.” Thankfully he hadn’t mentioned anything about literally bumping into him at the gym this morning. Her lower back couldn’t forget it though.Carl looked at her thoughtfully. “I’m sure something can be set up.” He checked his phone, which ironically buzzed the same time as Mandy’s new work phone. “Isn’t there anyone else who can help her with her wedding?”“I believe so,” Mandy said and then shook her head. “It’s my fault. I told her I would be her maid of honor.”“Most maids of honor I’ve met have jobs and lives of their own,” he said dryly.Mandy shrugged. “I’m sorry.” If she lost this job because of Claudia, she wouldn’t need a maid of honor, Claudia would be need