Page 3 of My Forbidden Billionaire
I nod, momentarily forgetting all my troubles as I stare up at him. He’s about six-foot-five with a strong build, and his piercing, hazel eyes seem to light up in the darkness. His lips are full and inviting and his jawline is sharp and defined. I can’t help but feel drawn to him, even in my current state.
I mean, this man could easily put Chris Hemsworth to shame.
Too bad I didn’t wear waterproof mascara tonight. Because I’m almost certain I look like the main character of a horror film right about now.
He gives me a small smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Is there anything I can do to help?” he asks, his voice full of compassion.
“Not unless you’re a black belt in karate and can take out my cheating ex-boyfriend with one swift kick,” I joke, feeling a tiny bit of relief.
He chuckles, the sound warm and soothing. “Unfortunately, I’m not a black belt in karate, but I can buy you a cup of hot cocoa to warm you up,” he offers.
I look up at him, surprised by his kindness. I can’t even remember a time that Tom showed me the kind of care and concern that this stranger is showing me right now.
It’s refreshing and slightly overwhelming all at the same time.
“That’s very sweet of you, but I don’t think I should be accepting drinks from strangers in the middle of the night,” I joke weakly. Although … considering Tom cut our dinner short, it can’t be much later than 8:30 PM—which might as well be the middle of the night at this point because I prefer to be in bed by now.
He smiles at me, his eyes crinkling again. “I understand your hesitation. My name’s Jacob. There, now we’re not strangers anymore,” he says, extending his hand.
I take it, feeling a jolt of electricity run through my body at his touch. “I’m Josephine,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Well, Josephine, it’s a pleasure to meet you. If you change your mind about the hot cocoa, you can find me at the café down the street,” he says, gesturing to a nearby coffee shop.
I smile at him, feeling grateful for his kind offer. “Thanks, Jacob. But I think it’s best I go home and try to forget this evening ever happened,” I say.
He nods his head, his eyes still filled with concern. “Okay, well, at least take this.” He pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket and offers it to me. “It looks like you need it more than I do.”
I take the handkerchief gratefully, dabbing at my eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling a little embarrassed.
He nods his head, taking a step back. “Take care of yourself,” he says before turning and walking away. I watch as he takes a few steps in the direction of the cafe, but then he turns back to me once more. “You know, sometimes it’s the things that break us that make us stronger,” he says, his eyes full of wisdom.
I watch as he disappears into the night, feeling a sense of comfort in his words.
Maybe he’s right. Maybe this breakup will make me stronger.
I clutch the handkerchief in my hands, feeling a small sense of hope begin to bud inside me. It’s a long road ahead, but maybe one day I can look back on this moment and be grateful for the lessons it taught me.
As I walk, I can feel the fresh tears starting to flow once again. But this time, they’re not tears of sadness or anger.
They’re tears of hope.
Hope that someday, I’ll be able to move on from Tom and find someone who truly loves and respects me.
Chapter Two
Jacob
Three Months Ago
“What can I get you tonight, sir?” The barista smiles at me from across the counter.
“I’ll have two hot chocolates, please.”
“Great. That’ll be seven dollars and fifty-nine cents.”
I pull out my wallet, handing the barista a crisp one-hundred dollar bill. “You can keep the change.”
“Oh, thank you, sir. That’s very generous of you,” the barista says with a smile before turning to make the drinks.