Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 160(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 160(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
“But what am I supposed to do?” I ask in a desperate voice. “My son needs food.”
The cashier shakes her head regretfully.
“Maybe take it to the Cross Company?” she asks. “We’ve had problems with their cards before. Customers get denied when they try to charge something, and they say they’ve never missed a payment either. Cross is just across the street,” she says helpfully. “Maybe they can do something for you there.”
I nod woodenly, my eyes stinging with repressed tears.
“Thanks,” I say. “Come on Sylvester.”
Then, I walk out of the store, my baby in the stroller in front of me. Sylvester has no idea what’s going on, and I’m about to turn and go home when suddenly, rage fills my chest. This is so unfair because I’ve been paying my bills! I’ve only been able to make the minimum payments each month, but still, they’ve been getting my money, and my card shouldn’t have been denied! This is a huge mistake, which is going to result in my son going hungry, and in a fit, I decide to confront the people at Cross.
“Come on, Sylvester,” I grind out through clenched teeth. “Let’s give them a piece of our minds.”
We storm across the street to the looming corporate office tower, intent on doing some real damage ... even if I’m nothing more than a single mother with a hungry baby in tow.
12
Cross
Awoman bursts into my office, shaking with rage. She’s pushing a stroller in front of her with a sleeping baby in it, and I blink, startled at the interruption.
“Mr. Decker, I’m so sorry, she just barged in!” my secretary Veronica pants while tugging on the woman’s arm. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but you’re not supposed to be here. Don’t make me call security!”
But I hold up a hand because the woman and I have locked eyes, and I recognize her at once. It’s Misty, from two years ago at the cabin. Our gorgeous girl is even more beautiful than before, with the same big blue eyes and delectably curvy figure. Of course, her eyes are shooting sparks right now, and she looks angry enough to set my office on fire, but then she pauses. All blood drains from her face as she recognizes me.
“You,” she whispers.
“Yes, it’s me,” I state. “Veronica, thanks. I’ll take care of this.”
My secretary casts another nervous look at Misty.
“Are you sure? I can have security here in thirty seconds.”
“No, it’s fine,” I say in a low voice. “Just go.”
My secretary slinks off, shutting the door behind her without a sound, and we’re left in the silence of my giant office. After all, I’m the CEO of Cross Holdings, which owns the Cross card, as well as a number of other brands. We’re the leading credit card issuer in the world, with plans to expand into online payments, electronic banking, and fin tech in general.
But right now, I have Misty Earnshaw in my office after two years of no contact, and she looks absolutely edible. Her big breasts heave beneath a thin sweater, and her hips are wide and sassy in her tight jeans. But why is she pushing a stroller? Is she working as a nanny?
But then, my eyes snap back to the child. I saw him when he came in, but it was only a desultory glance. Now, I take a closer look and see that he has chubby cheeks, black hair, and long, dark lashes. At that moment, he opens his eyes and smiles sleepily.
“Mama,” he coos. “Mama.”
The blood drains from my face and I literally feel dizzy. The child’s eyes are the dazzling blue of cornflowers ... the same blue that I see each morning in the mirror. My knees buckle slightly, and I put a hand on my desk to prevent collapse.
“Misty,” I grind out. “Is that baby...?”
But the curvy girl isn’t listening to me. Instead, she sweeps the tot from his stroller, and gently lifts him into her arms. Then, she does something so intimate that I genuinely lose my balance this time. I literally fall back into the chair behind me, watching with stunned eyes as she lifts one side of her sweater and begins to breastfeed the baby.
“Are you hungry, Little Silly?” she whispers softly. “Then drink. Mommy loves you.”
I still can’t speak. I’m shaking in my chair, my mouth hanging open like a dying fish as I struggle for words.
“Misty,” I whisper again.
The blonde girl looks at me then, and she’s so young and beautiful that it’s almost painful.
“Hello Chris,” she says in a low voice. “Long time no see.”
I swallow hard, but there’s no saliva, so it’s dry and uncomfortable.
“Misty,” I manage to whisper again.
“So is your name Chris?” she asks, eyeing the nameplate on my desk. “Or is it actually Cross Decker, CEO of Cross Holdings?”
I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. A headache is coming on, but I have to address the scene in front of me first.