Page 150 of Billion Dollar Mistake

He picks up the bag and stands behind me. I expect the chair to move, but his hand slips onto my shoulder and he squeezes. I tip my head back and see him staring at me.

“I never thought I’d be here. I thought you’d hate me and tell me you never want to see me again.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my heart squeeze for him.

“I couldn't imagine being alive and not having you. You’re not a monster. And neither is the guy who made a mistake. He lost his life, and we were lucky to come out alive. I take this as a wakeup call to remind me how much I never thought I had time for a guy or hell needed one. Until you. Now I don’t want to go a day without you.”

He stays silent, unmoving, until he finally speaks. “You’re too good for me.”

“Don’t say that. We are perfect for each other. We need each other for us to be one.”

“I need you. The last week has been horrendous. And I’m ready to put that chapter behind me.”

“Let’s go home. I want to sit on your ridiculously comfortable sofa and watch a movie with you holding me.”

“Is that right?”

“Yeah. Unless you have other plans.”

“The only plan I have on my calendar is you.”

“I promise you. You will get sick of me. You’ll need to work eventually.”

“I’ll worry about that when you’re back at work. For now, I’m at your beck and call.”

He pushes the wheelchair to the elevators as we pass the reception. I wave at the nurses at the desk. I’ll miss their warm and friendly smiles, but I won't miss this place. I want to go where Jeremy is.

“That could be dangerous.”

His mouth drops and his breath tickles the shell of my ear. “Don’t tempt me.”

“It’s not tempting. It’s a promise.”

“You need to be careful.”

“There’s plenty we can do where I won't be standing, or it won't hurt my hips. Do you need me to ask the doctor?”

“No.” He grunts, and I can imagine how uncomfortable he is. I bite my lip hiding my smile.

We take the elevator down to his private car. His driver steps out.

“You didn’t want to drive?”

“I’m not ready to drive you yet.”

“Did you buy a new fancy car?”

“By fancy you mean the world’s safest car they offer right now? Then yes. I bought a new car.”

I don’t push him. Understanding driving wouldn’t be easy anymore. Hell, right now I'm queasy being a passenger again.

I slip into the back seat without saying a word. My hands settle in my lap after I buckle up. Jeremy joins me on the other side. He reaches for my hand the moment he sits inside. Even if he doesn’t know I’m panicky, I’m grateful he feels the need to touch me because as soon as the car moves my heart is in my throat and it doesn’t calm until the moment we pull up at Jeremy’s.

I wonder when I’ll get used to a car again. Or will this be my new normal?

I truly hope not…

Jeremy opens my door and walks me into his personal elevator. Here I was thinking how ridiculous a personal elevator was but now I’m grateful for it. He guides me into the house, and I’m immediately overwhelmed by all the red roses throughout the house. Every room is littered with them.

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