Mr. Mitchell Billionaires' Club Book 2 - Raylin Marks Page 0,174
beautiful than ever.”
“If it helps you find some words, I’ll say this: I never stopped loving you. Ever.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Jim
Alex and I had been caught in a last-minute meeting, leaving us the last two to board the yacht before the thing set sail with more guests than I’d imagined Jake would have invited. These were Ash’s friends and beloved clients, though. My sister-in-law was as passionate about her clients as Jake was with his heart patients, so I shouldn’t have been surprised by the turnout, but I was stunned when I finally spotted Avery.
As I stood in conversation with Jake, Ash, Collin, and Alex, my eyes drifted over to Avery—the most beautiful woman on the entire boat. She stood out in her blue, strapless, and form-fitting dress, and I could only imagine how her blue eyes sparkled under the light where she stood, talking to Clay and Joe. I could see how much happier she seemed all the way from here. She glowed radiantly, and I had to resist the urge to run over to her and scoop her into my arms. I wanted to wait for the perfect time before I approached her, and then, like a gift from heaven, she went to the bar—alone. It was a do or die moment for me.
I knew Avery was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but how did she feel about me after our last conversation? I had so many questions, and as soon as I spoke to her, it was like we’d never skipped a beat. I didn’t know if I would ever be lucky enough to hear her tell me she loved me again, and when she did, she answered my prayers.
I stole her away to a more private area of Jake’s yacht, and we sat away from the noise. Jake and Ash smiled and nodded in approval when I looked to them to make sure they wouldn’t bust my ass for leaving and taking Ash’s friend with me as the night rolled on.
“So, that’s what I’ve been up to since you last saw me and how I’ve dealt with all of those crippling issues,” she said.
I was so entranced by the way her blue eyes twinkled as she told me her story, her beautiful smile and her scratchy voice were so sexy they had me silenced throughout most of our conversation.
“You look so much happier,” I said, then I smiled and brought her hand to my lips from across the small table. “I can’t even think.” I laughed.
“You look happier too.” She used her free hand to trace her fingers across my forehead, “Your usual frown line is gone.” She chuckled.
“Believe it or not, I had my own shit to work out. Leave it to my brother and Collin to tell me I needed counseling.”
“No, really?” She pulled back and crossed her arms, staring at me with her adorable questioning look. “Working too much? Yeah, probably trying to break you up with that damn phone you dumped me for, I’m sure.” She laughed, and all I could do was smile and look at her like some fucking idiot.
“Actually, that’s partially true.” I smirked. “I’d reignited the old flame of being married to my work after we split up.” I sighed and looked deeply into her eyes. “It turns out that I brought a lot of hatred into my life and kept it there due to my mom’s addictions. Letting that all go—plus no longer hiding in work, and feeling like I had to fix anything and everything—it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It definitely took some time in therapy to get me to forgive that woman.”
“Holy shit,” she said. “I would have never imagined.”
“You and me both. However, it was why I was such an unapproachable dick to you when I found out about the background check. I’m so sorry for the way I handled all of that.”
“Don’t be.” She smiled. “It’s all in the past. I let it go a long time ago.”
“I can tell,” I pinched my lips together, “because I truly don’t deserve this second chance with you.”
“Yes, you do. We both deserve what we want most in life. I say that assuming I am what you want most in life,” she said playfully.
“You have no idea how accurate those words are.” I stood. “Would—Do you…” I stopped talking and ran my hands through my hair. “Fuck, I can’t think straight.”