Page 59 of Impossible Rapids
“Inside scoop on the hot Viking Warrior, billionaire heartthrob Shawn Holister’s love of his life. Hint: It’s not who you think.”
Julie clicked on the link with trembling hands. It was obviously a video chat, each of them in their respective home offices. Jessie welcomed Shawn to the show, and they exchanged pleasantries. He looked insanely handsome in a navy blue suit and yellow tie.
“Well.” Jessie grinned. “I was thrilled when you contacted me and asked for a special feature.”
“Thank you, Jessie.”
“You’ve always been standoffish, and most would say ‘cold,’ watching over Mercedes Belle and growling at anyone who looked cross-eyed at her.” Jessie didn’t mince words. It was one of the reasons everyone loved her show. She didn’t need to be mean or pointlessly cruel to go straight for the jugular of an issue.
Shawn laughed easily. “That’s true. I have been cold. Nobody knows much about my past, but my mother didn’t like me. She constantly told me I was a selfish brat.”
Jessie’s eyes widened at Shawn opening up like that. Julie’s eyes widened as well, and she pressed a hand to her racing heart. Shawn had shared some of his childhood with her and Mercedes, but to open himself up to the world? Very un-Shawn like.
“Because of that, I vowed to never be selfish, and after my military service, I spent my time honoring my vow to my friend Grayson Travier to protect his mom, my Mama T; his dad, Franz Belle; and his half-sister Mercedes.”
“That is very honorable,” Jessie said.
“Thank you. The problem is, I was so focused on honoring my promise and being unselfish that I didn’t share all that I should have with the woman I love more than anything in this world.”
“Oh, Shawn.” Jessie sounded heartbroken, and her face twisted as if she was becoming emotional. That was rare. “And now you can’t tell Mercedes the truth because she’s gone.”
Shawn smiled, and it was a glorious one. “Mercedes knows exactly how I felt about her. She was and is the angelic sister I will always love.”
“S-sister?” Jessie’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “You certainly didn’t treat Mercedes like a sister.”
“She was my sister and best friend,” Shawn said firmly. “Mercedes and I were married to protect the Belle family legacy from some people who are now in prison.”
“You and Mercedes married for money?” she clarified.
“To protect a centuries-old inheritance and legacy, many people’s livelihoods and charitable foundations from evil designs. Yes, we did.”
Jessie looked doubtful. “You weren’t head over heels in love with Mercedes Belle?”
“No. I was her bodyguard, friend, and brother.” He was calm and confident, a Viking warrior for certain.
“Oh my.” Jessie shook her head. “We had no idea.”
“No one did.” Shawn looked into the camera. “Unfortunately, because of my promises to others and my fear that my love would be hurt, I didn’t even tell her the whole truth.”
He paused, and not even Jessie interrupted.
“Julie …” His blue eyes were warm and longing for her. “My unnasti … will you forgive me? I love you and I want the whole world to know it. I would give up everything for you, do anything for you. I want the chance to be the man you deserve. You make me feel like I’m better than I am. You make me laugh. You make me … not cold. Not at all.” His warm grin promised he would never be cold with her. “I’m your Thor and your Viking hero, and I pray Mercedes and Grayson will use their angel powers to push you to someday love me back.”
Julie couldn’t move, speak, could hardly breathe.
Jessie also looked speechless.
Shawn didn’t say anything else.
A few seconds ticked by.
Finally, Jessie looked at the camera and said, “Well … this is stunning, beautiful, and unexpected.” She took a deep breath and recovered, accustomed to curve balls on her show. “Julie is a very lucky lady.” She smiled at Shawn. “I pray she can forgive you and love you.”
“Thank you.”
“There you have it, friends.” Jessie focused on the camera. “The cold Viking Warrior, the billionaire heartthrob Mr. Shawn Holister. There has been a lot of speculation that he will be our newest most eligible bachelor of the year, but …” She shook her head and winked. “Unless Julie is much colder than Shawn ever appeared to be, I’m sure her heart is melting and Shawn will not be an eligible bachelor for long. Sorry, ladies.”
The clip ended.