Page 135 of Billion Dollar Revenge

I sit back in the leather chair and swiftly buckle up. I give the gardenias to his driver to give to his wife.

The ride was smooth and fast. It was a better experience because I was in a helicopter. It was my first time, and it was better than I had ever imagined. I don’t know how I’ll go back to the cabin after this.

When we exit the helicopter, holding hands, I scan the floor for Anna or my parents.

“I told them I wanted a guided tour before we arrived at the house.”

He gently nudges me, which brings me back from my daydream—him calling my family.

“Well, Mr. Lincoln, I’d love to be your tour guide.”

“I hired a car, so let’s grab our bags and then find our car.”

The genuine sounds of excitement in his voice sends a thrill through me.

On the way to my parents’ place, I detour to show him landmarks close to the airport like the New England Air Museum, then the Old Newgate Prison and copper mine, and the Northwest Park.

He was interested in everything, asking questions when he needed to. It made me feel closer to him. Even though I’ve seen it all a million times, it never gets old. It’s breathtaking. I enjoyed watching him experience it for the first time. It was way more special doing it that way. We're here for a week, so we have plenty of time to explore and visit more of my favorite places.

“The drive just up on the right.” I point to the house.

“I can’t wait to see where you grew up.”

I can feel my throat constricting as tears well in my eyes. This moment is huge for me. I’m bringing a man home. A man I love.

As we make our way along the driveway, I can hear his sharp intake of breath. “Incredible.”

“It is. It was a great place to grow up in.”

“Would you ever move back?”

He turns off the car, but neither of us moves. We twist in the chairs to face each other.

“No. I have my life in New York now.”

He nods, but his eyes drift as he thinks about the house. I’m desperate to know what’s running through his head.

“What?”

“Would you be opposed if I looked at a property for us?”

I frown, head tilting at that question. “But my studio.”

“I get it. It’s new, but for now, it could be a vacation stay…”

“But?” I push, hearing the hitch in his voice.

“Maybe one day we could live here?”

He means when we have a family.

I gulp hard, trying to stop new tears from choking me.

“I’d love that, but our businesses...”

“We could work remotely. Not be hands-on, just the owners. Hire more people to manage.”

I sit back in the chair and let all this new information process in my brain.

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