Free The Billionaires Love Curves 2 - a BBW BWWM Billionaire Romance by Cj Howard Page B

“So let's get some wine, some food and talk weddings!”
     
    She felt the excitement getting to her as she got more and more into the idea of planning her wedding day. It was more than just a huge diamond ring now. She had said yes to marriage and the enormity, although overwhelming, was a reality.
     
    Kicking back with Elaine was the tonic she needed to put everything into perspective and couldn't wait to come back to Cole with her list of ideas.
     
    As she planned and laughed with Elaine, she picked up a glass of red wine and dived into the first of the glossy magazines. Those magazines would become her bible for the days and weeks to come. Her thoughts were now a million miles away from work, so she never would have guessed at what was about to take place in Cole's office.
     
    It was about seven thirty in the evening. With all the time he had been spending away from his desk Cole had to work late to catch up on a few things. He had scheduled a phone conference on the other side of the world with one of his clients and completed it successfully. He had just put the finishing touches to a deal and was about to dismiss his secretary when she buzzed through to him.
     
    “Cole?” she said.
     
    “Yes, Louise, you can go now, I'm all finished up in here.”
     
    “No, it's not that. I have a gentleman here to see you. I told him it was late but he said this just couldn't wait. Should I schedule for tomorrow?”
     
    “Who is it?”
     
    “Nate Horwood of Holden-Taylor.”
     
    Cole hesitated a few seconds.
     
    “Send him in,” Cole said. “And you can go home now. Thank you, Louise.”
     
    Cole got up slowly and walked to his drinks cabinet. He placed two whiskey glasses out and poured the bronze colored fluid from a crystal decanter.  As he did so, he heard the door open and close as Nate entered the office.
     
    “Take a seat, Nate. I've been expecting you.”
     
    Cole walked back to his chair without making eye contact with his guest. It had been a very long time since they had been in such an enclosed space together – alone.
     
    Cole leaned over and placed a glass of whiskey in front of Nate then took his seat. He sat in an aloof manner and sipped as he eyed him from the other side of the desk. Nate took the glass and drank before firmly placing it back onto the desk. He looked up at Cole. They held a long silent glare for what seemed like hours. The tension in the room was tangible.
     
    “So,” Cole finally said. “I take it you've heard about the engagement?”
     
    “Yes, I heard and I think it's time you stopped playing games.” Nate's voice was a monotone. He was giving nothing away.
     
    “No one’s playing a game here, Nate. Why would you even suggest such a thing?” He raised an eyebrow, just slightly. “Lacey knows all about how you, you know? I told her how you cheated me out of Holden-Taylor, so she knows who the better man is here.”
     
    “Does she? And does she know how sick you are, Cole, and the lengths you went to take out revenge on me?”
     
    “Lacey sees the good in me, Nate. Why can't you accept your fate? I had to.”
     
    “I admit, I was wrong. I was young and reckless, I know that. That was all such a long time ago. But you...what you did.”
     
    “Listen, Horwood, your wife came willingly to my bed, let's not forget that. It didn't take much.” Cole said through gritted teeth.
     
    “You used her, you never loved her. With all those twisted lies, you manipulated her into leaving me. I was busy working while you got to her, filling her head with all those disgusting stories about me. I can't believe the lengths you went to just to hurt me.”
     
    “I didn't just want to hurt you, I wanted to destroy you and I still do.” Cole stamped the desk with his fists. He then loosened his tie and tried to calm himself. He smirked at Nate. Nate held his glare.
     
    “Destroy me?” Nate replied. “Isn't it enough that you caused my divorce? My life was shattered