Page 88 of BillionHeir
I close my eyes to fight the feelings of helplessness that rise up when I think about her diagnoses and how finite our time together might really be. But all that has changed with Max finding her a team of doctors. It gives me the strength to hope,to believe that she can beat this once and for all, when I barely could before.
“Well,” I say with a cautious sense of cheer. “I am sure Max’s doctors are going to get you sorted in no time. You will get to see New England in the fall as well, which is just lovely, Mum. You are going to love it.”
“I know for sure that I will love being there with you.”
* * *
“The doctors began reviewing your mother’s records as soon as she gave permission this morning. They have already identified several treatment options for her, and they are very optimistic about her prognosis.”
We have just left the hospital for the evening. Max spent most of the afternoon working on his laptop in the cafeteria while I sat with my mum. I told him he didn’t need to, but he insisted on staying.
Mum and I both thought it was unnecessary, but quite touching.
“Really?” I ask, unable to keep the disbelief out of my voice.
Max looks over at me and reaches for my hand. “Really.”
His confidence in her health is all it takes for tears of relief to start flowing.
A look of despair comes over Max’s face.
“Don’t cry, Chloe. Please.”
He pulls me across the seat so that I am nearly in his lap, wrapping one of his arms around me and clenching my hand in his.
“I have been so worried,” I confess.
“I know, sweetheart, but we are going to do everything we can for her.”
“I don’t know how I can ever thank you,” I whisper, overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Thank me? I didn’t do this for your appreciation. I am the one who owes you a debt,” he says, releasing my hand and using his knuckle to tip my chin up so that our eyes meet.
“Well, I suppose now we are even.”
He chuckles before leaning in and kissing me soundly. I give myself over to him, forgetting all my troubles as I open my mouth to let his tongue in for a more sensual kiss. He moans as he accepts my invitation, licking into my mouth.
Our kiss is abruptly interrupted by our arrival at the hotel.
Max pulls away quickly as Barnaby opens the door. The surprise on his face is replaced by a professional look as he recognizes what is going on.
“My apologies, sir,” he says before gently shutting the door again.
Max laughs quietly under his breath before giving me a rueful grin. “Let’s go upstairs, shall we?”
I smile through my embarrassment and open the door myself. After all, what do I have to be embarrassed about? I was just kissing my boyfriend for goodness’ sake.
“Ms. Shepard,” Barnaby says as he offers his hand to help me.
“Thank you,” I say as I step out and push my shoulders back confidently.
Max follows and offers me his arm. I take it and let him lead us through the lobby to the lift. When we are finally back in the penthouse, all I want is to kick my shoes off and relax for the rest of the evening.
But it seems Max has other plans.
“I know you are tired, and you have had a long day, but I thought maybe you would like to celebrate the good news?”
He nods toward a rack with several new dresses for me to choose from. “I had these sent over from Harrods in case you needed anything else.”
