Love Unplanned: Billionaire's Tangled Ambition

By Emma Nate

A one-night stand. A chance encounter. A fine line between professionalism and personal pleasu

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma Nate
• Release date: Mar 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869287403

Book preview

Chapter three

Chapter 1: Kimberly

Iburst through the doors of the salon, hoping against hope that my boss, Gunther, was not there, waiting to bite my head off. Well, guess what? It just wasn't my day.

There he stood, with his arms crossed and his eyebrows raised in that condescending way I loved so much. Please note the sarcasm. You're late, he finally said.

With my chest still heaving from practically racing there, I rushed to explain breathlessly, I know! I'm sorry. I just had some errands to run, and they took a bit longer than expected.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. Kimberly... he started, shaking his head in disappointment. I looked over to my friend Rita for help. She looked a little tense. Her usual bright smile and Latina energy generally made the entire salon lively, but this time, she didn't say anything. I furrowed my eyebrows at her in question.

She shrugged her shoulders in response.

Uh-oh, this can't be good.

My shoulders dropped as I realized that he was really upset this time. I placed my bags on the floor, sitting down on the chair in hopes of finally catching my breath. God, I was tired. Remind me to never run anywhere again.

I don't know how to say this, Kim. You've been late three times this week alone. Had it been by minutes, I might have found it in me to excuse it, but you're late by hours!

I know, you're right. I'm sorry. It will not happen again, I promise. I said, turning around to get to work. As I began setting up my station for the day, his steady gaze burned a hole in the side of my head.

Okay, this was new. Usually, he would just say what he had to say and walk away, but today, something was off. I turned to look at him in confusion. Gunther?

He looked conflicted. Can you please come with me to my office?

I looked pointedly at Rita, asking her what was going on. I could see the panic in her eyes. She clearly wanted to intervene. She normally would have, but this time, she didn't, which made me believe that this was a bigger issue than I was making of it. I wiped my palms against my jeans to help calm my nerves.

The minute we were in the privacy of Gunther's office. He turned around to look back at me and said, Okay, I can't think of a better way to say this but, I'm sorry, Kim. We will have to let you go.

I blinked, looking at him in utter disbelief. I couldn't have heard him right. I'm sorry?

Listen, it's been a tough decision for me to make. I'm really sorry we have to do this.

You're letting me go? The implications of it all were finally sinking in. Wait, Gunther! You can't do that. You know how much I need this job right now. I know it's been rough, but surely you can't let me go because of this!

I wish it wasn't this way, he started. But there really isn't anything I can do right now.

Gunther... I paused. I didn't know what to say or do. You have to give me another chance. I can't lose this job.

I'm really sorry, Kimberly, he said, looking at me with those pitying eyes.

I didn't like it, not one bit. I absolutely detest being looked at with pity. I was not some charity case. Yes, I have a son whom I love very much. Yes, it was difficult meeting ends. Yes, I was working multiple jobs at the same time. And I was happy. I was standing on my own two feet with my head high. I refused to give up that for pity.

So, I took a deep breath, concealing all my overwhelming emotions with a small smile. I understand. When do you want me to leave?

You can finish the day and go, Gunther said. I knew it was killing him to do that. He was strict, but he wasn't unkind. I understand where he was coming from. So, I accepted it for what it was and got back to work.

~~~

The rest of the day went by in a blur. I was still in utter disbelief at what had happened. What was I going to do? I jumped in surprise when I heard a voice in the distance. Mom!

I blinked, looking over at my sweet boy. He ran towards me with a wide smile, showing off his perfect teeth, with one missing in the center. His large innocent eyes looked at me. I squatted down as he came to hug me. I smiled. Hey, sweetie! How was your day? I asked.

He held my hand, walking with me to the car. It was good! We drew a painting of a bird.

Oh, really? I asked. He nodded his little head. Which bird did you draw?

A sparrow! he told me excitedly. I opened the car door for him, waiting for him to get in. You're so early today, he said as I strapped him in place.

I hesitated. I couldn't tell him the real thing. I wondered what he would think of me if I told him everything. Yeah, well, I missed you. Thought I'd take you to do something fun. What's the perfect way to end a long day at school, baby?

Games! he replied excitedly.

I laughed. Games, it is! I replied, before starting the car.

~~~

I called my sister to open the door for me as I carried Hayden inside. He'd fallen asleep on the way back home. We'd had a lot of fun at the arcades. I almost forgot about my job. Hey, where were you guys? May started, turning her voice into a whisper when she noticed Hayden sleeping.

We had a mother-son day out, I replied nonchalantly.

She looked at me pointedly as I walked out of Hayden's room after putting him to sleep. Kim?

I sighed. I really don't want to do this right now, May.

She pursed her lips, looking away. Rita told me.

I know, I replied. I wasn't even surprised. Rita told May everything. It was like she was my personal babysitter, reporting every single thing to her employer. I knew she meant well, but sometimes, it could be a lot. What do I do, May? I asked helplessly. I just... I feel so dejected, you know?

Oh, sweetie. May came over to hug me as I finally let out some of the emotions that were weighing me down.

I'm so sick and tired of this life. Running from one job to another, still making barely enough to sustain us... I paused, shaking my head at my own misery. I know I can still pick up shifts at the diner, but I'm just so tired of never being able to do it all, you know? I want the world for Hayden, and yet, here I am. It's all too much. I barely have any time for him anymore, May. He is growing up right before my eyes, and yet, I feel like I just haven't watched him grow. You know what I mean?

She nodded. I do.

It's just... It would be nice to just have some time off, you know? Spend it with you two. But instead, I'm left with no job and overdue bills.

There's no reason for you to feel this way. You're doing the best you can, she said, rubbing my shoulder. You'll be fine. You know that, right? May said. And if you're not, I'm right here.

I smile at her gratefully. I know.

No, you don't. You don't know just how amazing you are. Despite being a teen mom, you made it here, Kim. All on your own! You faced each challenge with your head held high. You never surrendered and you're not about to do that now. You're an inspiration to Hayden! And me! We love you dearly, Kim! And we will figure it out, okay?​

What would I do without you? I asked, smiling at her lovingly. I truly was lucky to have May.

Rot and burn, probably, she replied, making me roll my eyes.

~~~

The next morning, I felt a wave of optimism. May was right. I had gotten through some of the most difficult things; this was just a job.

So, I picked up my laptop and started applying for new positions. It must have been my lucky day because I got a call for an interview from one of them.

Well, here goes nothing.

Chapter four

Chapter 2: Hunter

It was just another night.

Jared and I stepped into the club, instantly engulfed by the vibrant atmosphere. The pulsating music and dim lights set the perfect scene, and yet, it did nothing. As we made our way through the crowd, I noticed a redhead eyeing me from across the room. She was hot, not gonna lie. She looked at me, her full lips pulled back in a suggestive smile. Intrigued, I decided to indulge in a little flirtation.

Having a good time? I