Burying Himself In Work Isn’t Solving His Problem

How could he still feel so conflicted about Nichole? Even a week later, Markson’s heart yearned to be with her. But his mind told him to let her go. He couldn’t have the scandal of marrying his first cousin even if some states allowed it.

The memory of telling his mom about her long-lost sister made him cringe. Everyone in the family knew about his mom and her sister’s fallout when they were only teenagers. Nobody ever heard from Shannon again. But, Markson was sure that nobody wanted her dead.

Even pouring himself back into work did little to distract his thoughts from reverting to Nichole. As he promised, he worked twelve to fourteen hours every day reviewing every purchase he didn’t personally handle. Luckily, none of them had any issues.

Markson closed the file on the last contract. Everyone already went home to their families for the evening, leaving him alone in his misery. Nobody could ever replace Nichole in his heart. He’d never have anyone to go home to at night.

His cell phone rang. He ignored it. It wouldn’t matter if a world leader wanted to give him the deal of a lifetime; he wanted to feel what he felt with Nichole again.

The second time his office phone rang, he grabbed the receiver and slapped it down again. Maybe whoever kept calling would get the message that he didn’t want to talk. If he couldn’t have any peace in his office, perhaps he should go for a walk.

Grabbing his cell phone, he put it on ‘do not disturb’ mode and shoved it in his pocket. Now, the only people who could reach him would be those on his contact list—a very short list consisting of his five college friends. He didn’t make it out of the building before his phone vibrated with an incoming message followed almost immediately by it ringing.

“Oh, for Pete’s sake!” he said, pulling the phone from his pocket and swiping it to answer without even looking to see the caller’s name. “What?!”

“Someone’s not having a good day. It’s a good thing I called.”

“Listen, Stephen, I’m not in the mood for this. Whatever it is will have to wait. I’ve had a long day.” His hand clenched the phone so hard it pulled on the newly healed skin across his palm. At least the pain distracted him from the breath-stealing pain in his heart.

“It’s about Nichole.”

His pulse raced. What if something happened to her? Did she need help? “Is she okay?”

“What? I don’t know.”

Relief and frustration rushed through him. “Jeez, Stephen. Don’t do that to me.”

“Look, I sent you the documents via text, email, fax, and courier. You may want to check out on life, but I’ve been busy over here. No matter how hard you try to avoid me, I am going to fulfill my promise.”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t get anything. When did all of this happen?” He jogged through the lobby and angrily pushed through the main door, almost hitting the man outside, reaching for the handle.

“I have a personal delivery for Markson Rothschild,” the man said.

Either too distracted or dumbfounded, he automatically answered, “That’s me.”

The stranger held out a suspicious package wrapped in brown paper with an envelope taped to the top and a clipboard. “Sign here.”

Markson juggled to hold the cell phone up to his ear with his shoulder while he took the package and signed for it. “Thanks.”

Stephen said, “See. Courier. Right on time, too. My work is done for the night. I suggest you read what I found tonight. You can thank me later.”

No goodbyes were necessary. The call ended, and Markson shoved his phone back into his pocket. Turning on his heel, he opened the door and locked it behind him. “This better be good, Stephen,” he grumbled to himself.

His heart raced. Stephen was too good of a friend to yank his chain. Whatever he held in his hands was going to be important. Especially important since he knew it had to do with Nichole.

Back at his desk, he dropped the box on top of the messy surface, disregarding everything but this new evidence. He pulled the envelope off the box, leaving the package unopened for now. After he ripped open the envelope, he didn’t make a single sound as he poured over the documents.

His legs gave out, and he fell onto his leather chair. This must be the most incredible story ever told. They made movies out of stuff, not even this convoluted. His hands dropped to his lap, still clutching the papers that would forever change his life.

There was only one thing he could do with this information. But he couldn’t do it alone.

His mind no longer raced in numb disbelief. Instant clarity overtook all of his senses. He grabbed his phone from his pocket and sent a text: Get the jet ready for flight. I’m taking a trip tonight.

Whatever the box contained would have to wait. He’d bring it with him. Even the thrill of flying his new plane for the first time could not compare with what he planned.

Author's Note:

This is an excerpt from the fifth book in the Billionaire's Venture Romances series. If you want more of Markson and Nichole, you can read their full story in Capitalizing on Love.

Read more of this series on Vocal:

Part 1: The Old Barn is His Sanctuary and Her Nightmare

Part 2: The Old Barn Holds a New Secret

Part 3: Can they survive a gold digger’s scheming to discover their perfect match?

Part 4: Can they see past their differences to lasso happily ever after?

Part 5: Flirtations with Cake, Coffee, and Good Company

Proud Magnolias and Messy Relationships

If you enjoyed this story, please click the heart below.

Please consider leaving a tip!