Page 14 of Enticing Enemy Billionaire

She laughed, “I could never picture myself sitting here eating alone. I am used to small tables in dining rooms or eating in places that keep you close to people. I feel if I sat here and you sat there, I would feel a great chasm between us.” She said pointing at a chair at the head of the table and the lower end of the table.

“You don’t have to sit that far. You can sit beside me here.” I pointed at two chairs close together. I remember sitting there as my kids sat around me laughing as they ate.

“True but it would be great to have more people around to fill the chairs.”

“Maybe we can do that together.” My tone was suggestive. She laughed as she patted my arms. She was done with the conversation, but I meant what I said. I’d love to have kids with her.

Next, we wandered through the kitchen, where gleaming stainless steel appliances and a massive island took center stage. I showed her the walk-in pantry, where rows of neatly organized shelves were stocked with every type of ingredient imaginable. She praised the kitchen, and we moved on. I led her up the grand staircase to the upper level of the house. We passed by my study, where floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were filled with leather-bound volumes and antique artifacts. I stayed in the study for periods of time. “So, if you’re looking for me, no need to go around the house. I'd probably be here.”

“Hmm, ok.” She replied.

Finally, we arrived at a guest bedroom, a cozy space decorated with plush bedding and soft lighting. I could see the fatigue in her eyes, and I knew she must be exhausted from the long journey to get here.

“We can continue this tour later. As for the most important part, your room. Let me take you there.”

“That would be very much appreciated.” She said, exhausted.

We left the bedroom and I took her to her room. As we entered the room, she gasped at the sheer beauty of it. The walls were adorned with delicate wallpaper, and the windows looked out onto the lush gardens below.

A king-sized bed was draped in luxurious linens, and a plush armchair sat in the corner. We walked her through the spacious en-suite bathroom, which featured a massive soaking tub and a glass-enclosed shower. I could see the appreciation in her eyes.

“This is just perfect. I can see myself relaxing in the tub after a long day out in town.”

“I’m glad you like it. This will be your room,” I said, a note of endearment in my voice. “I hope you enjoy your stay here.”

“Regardless of what enmity existed between us, I am genuinely glad to be here. You have a beautiful home. I hope we…” She stopped looking shy.

“What?” I asked, puzzled.

“Forget it. It’s silly.” I didn’t press her further but I knew what she was thinking.

Few days later, after she settled in, after I finished official matters in my study, I thought back to Samantha. That was when the door of my office opened and she came in. “I hope I’m not intruding?” She asked, smiling with a tray of fruits in her hands.

“No, come in.”

“You’ve been busy, I thought you’d like to have something to eat.” She set down the tray on a smaller table by the bookshelf.

Suddenly, it struck me. “Have you ever gone on a hike before?”

She looked at me quizzically. “Not regularly, but I do enjoy it. I had plans to hike since I’m at home but I haven’t had the chance to.”

I seized on that. “Then, this weekend let’s go together. I know a great spot you’d like.”

She picked a plate of sliced apples and placed them in front of me. “Ok. Now, eat.” She said softly as she brought a forked apple to my lips. I ate it while holding her gaze. She smiled, a blush creeping to her face.

* * *

I packed everything we would need for the day, including a tent and some essential supplies since we were staying there overnight. We left the house dressed in hiking attire. Samantha had tied her hair in a bun and looked ready for an intense day.

“The mountain waits for us. Let’s go.” I said, opening the door for her.

“I’m excited, Jack.” She said, her hand lightly grazing mine as she entered the car. I joined her in the car and we drove off. As we got to the base of the mountain, we stepped out of the car. I carried what we needed and we made our way up the mountain through a well-used hikers’ path.

As we made our way up the mountain, I could feel the tension building between us. Samantha had always been a bit reserved, but today she seemed to be more relaxed, laughing and joking with me as we walked. I let my worries go. I also needed the break and having her around just made it better.

It was reaching sun down when we arrived at a clearing at the peak of the mountain. We were both breathing heavily and my back ached with the weight of the load. I set it down. “Here we are. How’s it?” I asked.

The sky overhead was a beautiful shade of blue and the wind was quickly cooling our skin. We both faced north looking at the sprawling mass of the city. “It’s just as I imagined.”

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