Charlie walked back into the office and went straight to Donovan. They talked in a hushed voice, and he looked as though he was arguing with her about something. When they finally broke apart, Charlie made her way over to where Lindsey and her daughter still sat.
“Much to my lawyer’s disapproval, I’d like to help you out.”
Lindsey’s eyes lit up and she stood. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’m going to have a trust fund set up in your daughter’s name.”
Standing in front of Charlie, I took her by the arm and moved her back some. “Charlie, that’s not my kid.”
She gave me a weak smile. “I know, but it doesn’t matter. I want to help them.”
My brows furrowed, “Why?”
“Because I can. I know what I’m doing. Trust me, Tucker.”
My heart warmed, and I wanted nothing more than to pull her into my arms and kiss her. Charlie never talked about all the amazing things she did for people, but I knew. I knew even before we were together. I’d seen her at functions, and I’d seen the generous amounts of money she and her family gave to causes. It wasn’t just money
she gave either; it was her time as well.
“I love you,” I softly said, kissing her on the forehead.
Her hand landed on my chest as she replied, “I love you too.” Stepping around me, Charlie walked back over to Lindsey.
“I’m not doing this for you or your husband.”
“We’re divorcing,” Lindsey mumbled. “I don’t want him around Laney anymore.”
“Good. I think that is a smart thing to do. The trust fund will be put in your daughter’s name and will be available to her either when she goes to college or at the age of twenty-five. In the meantime, you’ll let Mr. Donovan know how much it is to pay off the mortgage for your home. Is the title in both of your names?”
She shook her head. “No, I purchased it on my own before we were married.”
Charlie nodded. “Good. Once your home is paid for, a small amount of money will be able to be withdrawn from an account that will be set up. Once the money is taken out each month, the account will be closed for future transactions until the following month. This is your second chance, Ms. Cooke, don’t screw it up.”
Lindsey stood, holding her daughter in her arms. “Why are you doing this?” she asked.
“Because I believe in helping people who need help, and although you don’t deserve it, your daughter does. Now, if you’ll please kindly leave and go with Mr. Donovan, I have work I need to get to.”
I watched as Lindsey did what Charlie asked. Once the office door was shut, I watched as Charlie let out a sigh.
“I’m so sorry, Charlie.”
Holding up her hand, she looked at me. “Not now, Tucker. I’m emotionally exhausted, and I have a meeting I need to prepare for. Can we talk about this tonight?”
“Of course.” Making my way over to her, I pulled her into my arms and pressed my mouth against hers. I hated that this person from my past caused her pain and stress.
Her body melted against mine as she opened her mouth more and we kissed like we hadn’t seen each other in days. When my fingers laced through her hair and tugged, she moaned, which went straight to my cock.
Whispering against her lips, I begged her for more. “I want you, Charlie.”
“Oh God, Tucker. You’re going to make me cancel this meeting.” Her voice was deep and full of need and desire.
“Cancel it. Come back home with me.”
“The bar?” she questioned in a low voice, both of us very aware of the cameras that we once hated but now sort of loved.
“Fuck the bar.”
Charlie pulled back and stared into my eyes. “Let me tell Marge I’m sick and have her reschedule some things. It might take me a few hours to get out of here, but we can spend the afternoon together.”