Finding Mr. Happily Ever After_Edwin Read online

  “I’m sorry about your divorce.”

  “Thanks, but don’t be.” She set her drink on the table. “He’s a wonderful man, but we’re better as friends than we were as spouses. Although, I did like being married. I miss that.”

  He stared into his coffee. “I’d like to be married.”

  Jazz hadn’t expected him to say that. Chase seemed to like the idea of marriage more than being married. “Are you going to propose to that dancer…I mean, your girlfriend?”

  “What?” He sounded almost horrified. “No, we broke up a while ago.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “She’s not the one for me.”

  “You’ll find the woman for you.”

  “I already did, but I was too dumb to keep her.”

  The regret in his voice tugged at her heart. “Chase—”

  “Please hear me out, Jazzy.”

  She nodded, broke off a piece of her scone, and ate it.

  “I wake up each morning realizing what a fool I was to want to postpone our wedding. I was caught up in the fame and hype, so much so I couldn’t see it. I did the one thing I said wouldn’t do and put myself before you. I had no idea what I was doing or how badly I was hurting you. But I see it all so clearly now. I made so many mistakes. I’m sorry, Jazzy. More sorry than you’ll ever know. I can’t apologize enough for what I did to you…to us.”

  “We wanted the same thing, but our timing was off.”

  “It was then, but now…” He took a deep breath. “I miss you.”

  “I’m still here. We’re friends, right?”

  He half-laughed. “Yeah, friends.”

  “That’s what you said you wanted.”

  “You were married, and I didn’t want to lose you completely. Now I can’t stop thinking we should be married. If I hadn’t done that stupid dancing show, we’d be married…”

  Olivia had warned her, but Jazz had never expected Chase to say this. She thought he was still pursuing fame and happy with the choices he’d made, but that didn’t change things. “I’m dating someone.”

  The pulse point on his neck visibly throbbed. “Is it serious?”

  Was it? Jazz wasn’t sure how to answer. “We’ve been dating a couple of weeks.”

  Chase took a breath and exhaled slowly. “I just want you to be happy, Jazzy.”

  “I want the same for you.” Her gaze locked on his. For a moment, she was transported back in time. When it was just her and him and their love. When everything had been perfect. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “Then promise me one thing.”

  The hope in his voice scared her. Saying no to him had never been easy. She wasn’t the same woman she’d been, but she couldn’t deny his effect on her. Even now. “What?”

  “Please don’t forget about what we had together.”

  The sincerity in his voice was like a caress, bringing back more memories of their time together.

  “What I mean is please forget that last night on the River Walk when I screwed everything up and let you go, but remember the times before that.” Tears gleamed in his eyes. “If you ever, and I mean ever, decide you want to give us another shot, just say the word. We’re in different states now, but we’ll figure it out.”

  “I—”

  “I’m just putting this out there, Jazzy.” He placed his hand on top of hers. His was warm and rough, so different from the hands that had held her on the couch last night. “We’re friends. That’s all we might ever be, but I want you to know I don’t have my head in the stars any longer. I will never need or want that kind of fame again.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that.” Her sweet Chase—the one she’d fallen for when she was in business school—had returned. She smiled at him. “What we shared, the memories of us… You’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Nothing will ever change that.”

  With that out of the way, they caught up on his family and her mom. He bought another round of coffees. When the alarm on his phone rang, she was sad to say goodbye. She wasn’t ready to try again, not when she wanted to see what happened with Win, but a part of her had never stopped loving Chase. She doubted she ever would, and that was okay. As she’d told Win, each man she’d loved had made her into the woman she was today. Yes, she’d been hurt, but that was part of life and love.

  Chase followed her out of the coffee shop. “Thanks again for meeting me, Jazzy.”

  She hugged him. “It’s so good to see you.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Remember what I said.”

  Jazz nodded. “Have a great game.”

  Chase winked. “I’ll hit you a home run.”

  “You do that.”

  “I wish…” He touched her face. “I have to go, but I hope we see each other again soon.”

  “Me, too.” Funny, maybe, but she really did.

  As he walked away, she called for a car. The subway would have been cheaper, but Win had asked her not to ride it, so she wouldn’t.

  Thirteen

  That evening, Jazz sat at the breakfast bar at Win’s place on the top floor of the skyscraper that housed Forrester, Inc. The space was so large her entire apartment would fit inside his kitchen. To be honest, she liked her little home better, so that was where they spent most of their time together. Her place felt cozier.

  Not that where Win lived wasn’t nice. The interior had been decorated with leather couches and chairs. Exquisite black-and-white artwork and photography hung on the walls. The apartment belonged in the pages of a magazine or on an HGTV show, but the monotone palette could use a splash of color or two. Personal touches like knickknacks, books, or photographs of family and friends would liven it up. The place didn’t resemble him at all. She’d yet to learn anything about Win from where he lived.

  Still, he called this home, and that was what mattered. She loved the view—well, two views. One of the city out the floor-to-ceiling windows and the other of Win in the kitchen as he dished up dinner.

  He carried the plates to the dining room, set them on the table, and motioned for her to take a seat. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “Smells delicious.”

  She sat at the table with lit candles and a short crystal vase packed with rosebuds. Placemats and napkins coordinated with bold black-and-white plates, water goblets, and wine glasses.

  He—or perhaps one of his staff—had gone all out to make tonight special. She’d never been so pampered. Win seemed to get so much enjoyment from doing things for her that she didn’t mind. He also made her feel cherished as if none of his billions mattered as much as she did.

  Her mouth watered from the delicious scent of tomato and basil rising from her plate. “I love ravioli.”

  “It’s what you usually order, so I asked my chef to make it for you.” Win sat next to her at the table that seated ten. “How was your meeting today?”

  His describing coffee with a friend as a meeting made her laugh. Win couldn’t always turn off the business part of his brain, but she found the trait more endearing than annoying.

  As she forked up ravioli, red sauce dripped onto her plate. “It was nice to catch up with Chase.”

  “He must have enjoyed himself if his performance in the game is anything to go by.” Win didn’t sound amused.

  “The center where I volunteer was short a few helpers, so I didn’t watch. What happened?”

  Win rolled his eyes. “He hit two home runs.”

  She laughed. “Chase told me he’d hit one for me.”

  “How special.” Win sounded almost pouty.

  Jazz set her fork on the plate. “What’s wrong?”

  “You spent the morning with your ex-fiancé.” Not pouty—upset.

  She needed a minute, so took a sip of water. “You said you were okay with that.”

  “I didn’t realize having coffee meant you’d spend hours talking.” Win’s lips thinned. “At least you didn’t ride the subway. Thank you for that.”


  A chill ran down her spine. “Were you there?”

  “No.”

  “Then how do you know what I was doing?” The words shot out. She needed an answer fast.

  He flushed, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Would you like a slice of garlic bread?”

  She slapped her palm against the table. The sound echoed. “Don’t change the subject.”

  He stared at his plate.

  She pushed her chair back. “Did you have Royce follow me this morning?”

  Win blew out a breath. “Not Royce.”

  Jazz’s heart dropped. “You had someone spying on me?”

  “No.” He spoke firmly. “I planned to tell you after we’d been dating longer, but I hired a bodyguard for you.”

  She stood, shocked. “What? Why?”

  He pulled her down into her chair. “People have seen us together. I’m worth billions. That puts you at risk. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

  “That’s crazy. And creepy.” She leaned back to put distance between them, but he wouldn’t let go of her. “No one would try to hurt me.”

  “To get to me, they would.” He stared at her as if willing her to understand. She didn’t. “You said we came from different worlds. This is part of mine. I’ve had a bodyguard my entire life.”

  Realization dawned. “Royce isn’t just your driver.”

  “He’s also my bodyguard.”

  No wonder Royce looked like former military. But this was too much. “I see how you may need protection, but—”

  “No buts,” Win interrupted. “This must be weird to you, but it’s not up for discussion. My family didn’t amass their wealth by being nice. We…I…have enemies.”

  “I’m just the woman you’re dating.”

  “Oh, Jazz, you’re so much more than that.” He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed the top.

  Heat exploded, her body betraying her. “Win…”

  “You’re the first person I’ve wanted to be with more than I want to work. My staff is beside themselves at all the time I’m taking off. Other people outside Forrester are noticing when we’re out in public. I’m not sure you understand what that means for you and your safety.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but a bodyguard has to be expensive. I don’t want you spending money on me.”

  He rubbed her hand. “Sweetheart, I can afford it. I’d hire an entire security team if you needed additional protection.”

  She understood his motivation, but… “I don’t want someone following me.”

  “Not following.” He pulled her against his chest. “Protecting you.”

  She should be fighting for her privacy. Instead, she lay her head against his shoulder. Being close to Win felt right even when she was angry with him.

  “It’s hard to wrap my mind around this,” she admitted.

  “I know, but it’s important. You’re important.” He brushed his lips over her hair. “Trust me, I wouldn’t have done this if it wasn’t necessary.”

  “I want to trust you, but you went behind my back.”

  “Only because I thought you would react like this.”

  He repositioned her so they were looking at each other.

  “I won’t apologize for wanting to protect you—wanting to keep you safe—but I am sorry for not telling you.” He cupped her face. “I’ve had nightmares of you disappearing and being hurt because of me.”

  Her breath caught. “I’m fine. I’ll be fine.”

  “That’s why I took this step. To ensure you remain fine. I’d hoped to have this conversation under different circumstances.” He scrubbed his face with his hand. “But I let jealousy get to me.”

  Her lips parted. “You were jealous?”

  “Not were. Am. And it’s killing me.”

  The vulnerability in his gaze shocked Jazz. The man oozed confidence, but seeing him like this softened her annoyance over the bodyguard. She held his hand. “You have no reason to be jealous.”

  He sighed. “I can’t hit you home runs.”

  She bit back a grin. “No, but you could buy me a baseball team.”

  He straightened. “Is that what you want?”

  “No. I was trying to make a point.” She had to remember not to joke about things like that because he could afford almost anything. “I’m no longer with Chase. I’m with you.”

  Win’s brows drew together. “He doesn’t want you back now that you’re divorced?”

  Uh-oh. Jazz bit her lip. She didn’t want to lie, but she didn’t want to add to Win’s jealousy.

  “He wants you back,” he said in an I-was-right tone, but his look told her he was anything but happy about that.

  “Yes, he said that. It wasn’t hard for me to tell him no, that I’m with you.” She hoped Win understood that. “You said you trusted me.”

  “I do.” He kissed the top of her hand. “But I messed up the first time we went out. I don’t want to make another mistake, yet I did.”

  “We both come with baggage. We can’t let that get to us,” she said. “But I remember you saying communication is important. That means telling me things like when you hire a bodyguard for me. And trusting me, which means not using the bodyguard to find out what I’m doing. I wouldn’t ask Royce for information on you. That’s an invasion of your privacy. Show me the same courtesy.”

  “I’ll do better.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “You’ve turned my world upside down, Jazz Michaels. Not that I mind, but if you want full disclosure, I asked Royce to find you a bodyguard the day after Xavier’s farewell party.”

  “That was weeks…months ago. You didn’t even know me then.”

  “But I still knew.”

  “Knew what?”

  “That I wanted you to be part of my life. That’s why I had to sell InstaLove.” The words came out strong and sure, and her heart melted. “I’ve made mistakes. I’ll likely make more, so please don’t be too upset with me. I hear you, but I’m figuring this out as I go. It’s not easy.”

  Jazz appreciated his honesty. She’d never believed in love at first sight, but something had happened the night they met. She only wished their worlds weren’t so different because she didn’t want a bodyguard.

  “I know you are, and it’s not easy.” She hugged him. “But we’re worth it.”

  Jazz believed that wholeheartedly, but after seeing Chase, she also had to figure out a few things before she could move forward without the past holding her back.

  It was time to pay a visit to her mom.

  Fourteen

  Jazz took the train to Nassau County, where her parents had moved when she was five and where she’d met Nathan Reed. He’d been the literal boy next door. Thankfully, her mom got the house in the divorce or who knew what would have happened to them all those years ago.

  She hadn’t met Brady, her bodyguard, but she recognized him sitting a few seats away in the same train car. He was in his early thirties and had the build of a triathlete. He followed her to her mom’s house, but he kept his distance.

  As Jazz walked inside, the smell of cookies baking made her mouth water. She was so glad to be home, if only for a short visit.

  “So good to see you, baby.” Her mom hugged Jazz. “The Sliders are in town, and you’re here, so that tells me Chase must have gotten in touch.”

  Jazz explained what had happened. “It was so confusing, Mom. I wasn’t expecting to hear what he said or have him be the man I’d fallen in love with. There are still feelings and sparks.”

  “But…”

  She laughed. Her mom knew her so well. “I’m not the same person I was when we were together. Not after moving to New York and marrying Xavier. I liked being married and want that again, but based on Chase’s past behavior, I don’t know if I would trust him to stick it out. I’d rather not be divorced twice, especially if we had kids.”

  Her mom sipped her coffee. “Having children makes a divorce that much harder.”

  “Yo
u couldn’t stay married to Dad after he hurt you. Divorce was the only option.”

  “True, but life was so much harder for you.” Her mom touched Jazz’s hand the way she’d done a million times before, but the feeling never got old. “You had to give up so much because we had so little money.”

  “I didn’t mind.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it.” Her mom stared into her coffee cup. “So tell me about your new guy.”

  “Win is an incredible man. Gorgeous, too.” Thinking about him brought a big smile to Jazz’s face. “He’s thirty-four, grew up with the proverbial silver spoon, and always knew he’d take over the family corporation, but instead of keeping with the status quo, he’s built the company into an empire and doubled the net worth. Some say he’s a ruthless businessman, but I’ve never seen that side. People claim he’s a womanizer, but he’s not that way with me. He’s kind and generous. He tries hard to do what’s right for his family and employees. I respect him so much. He gets me and makes me…happy.”

  The way the words spilled from Jazz’s lips surprised her. Heat flooded her face.

  Eyes wide, her mom grinned. “You’re quite taken with him.”

  “I am.” A lump of guilt lodged in Jazz’s throat. “But honestly, if I wasn’t dating Win, I’m not sure what I would have said to Chase about giving us another try when he asked.” She rubbed her face as if that would make her mixed-up feelings disappear. “How awful is that?”

  Her mom pushed the plate of chocolate chip cookies toward Jazz. “Not awful, just honest. And human.”

  “I haven’t known Win long, but there’s something there. Something strong that should scare me given how fast things are happening, but being with him feels…right.”

  “More so than when things were good with Chase?”

  “Different, but I’m falling for Win. Though things aren’t perfect.” Jazz explained about his hiring her a bodyguard.