Page 27 of Meeting the Billionaire Boss

I feel suddenly sober, as if someone has poured a bucket of cold water over my head. I’m a pragmatic person and I know that this arrangement would be a positive thing for me in many ways. Hell, if Nala had suggested it to me a few weeks ago, I’d have been more open to it I think. But now that I’ve got to know Edward, things are somewhat more complicated.

Why?

Because I’d be agreeing to marryEdward. He’s not some faceless man I’ve never met. He’s kind and funny, attractive and attentive. Could I marry him and not fall for him? It sounds like that could be a recipe for disaster for me because even if my affection for him grew, I don’t think he’d return my feelings.

And yet, if I decline him, am I throwing away the opportunity of a lifetime?

Chapter28

Ava

True to his word, Edward lets me have time to think. Two weeks pass and we carry on as normal. I look after Joe, I see Edward around the house in the mornings if I’m up early enough and then in the evenings. We did spend time with Joe the day after my birthday and took him to a local animal sanctuary where he got to pet rabbits and feed ducks and donkeys, but it was a strange day. On the way home from The Shard, we talked about music and movies, avoiding any reference to the serious conversation we’d had on the terrace overlooking London and I ended up wondering if I’d imagined it all.

I still don’t know what to do and it’s not exactly the type of conversation you can have with just anyone. I can’t phone Mum and say, ‘Hey Mum, I’m considering marrying for money. What do you think?’ I’m sure she’d be shocked and while she’s never tried to control me, she’d need to express her concerns. Part of me craves that sensible conversation, her sage advice that will make me think twice about jumping in, and yet part of me wants to sayto hell with it all, I’m going to go for it. After all, up to this point, what has life thrown into my lap other than hardship and worry?

Marrying Edward would solve all my current problems.

My main concern is whether it would present me with new ones.

It’s half term and I have the day off because Edward is taking Joe out, so I’ve arranged to meet up with Nala. She got me this job in the first place so perhaps I can speak to her about what’s on the table now. I don’t have any close friends because I’ve been so busy working since I left college, and I’ve lost touch with the friends I had back then. With no social media, it’s hard to stay in contact and in a way I was glad to let distance grow between us because my life was always very different from theirs.

I drive the car Edward has given me, albeit for a loan, to our lunch date and park it far away from other vehicles because I’m terrified someone will bump it or scratch it with their door. We’re meeting at a rural 17thcentury Grade II listed pub that Polly recommended to me. From the carpark, I can see that it’s as pretty as she described it, with a large glass extension and outdoor terrace overlooking extensive gardens. I’m sure that it looks wonderful in spring and summer but even now, in the late autumn, it’s lovely. The leaves left on the trees and those that have fallen to the ground are red, orange, yellow and brown and a brisk wind whips the puffs of cloud across the bright blue sky.

Wrapping my thick cardigan tightly around my chest, I grab my bag then cross the car park and enter the pub. Aromas of garlic and tomato greet me and my mouth waters. Polly said the food here is delicious and I’m glad I skipped breakfast now to leave room lunch.

Nala waves at me from the bar and I hurry over to her. We’ve spoken on the phone but I haven’t seen her in person since the day when she told me about the nannying contract and I’ve missed her. We hug then she stands back and appraises me.

‘You look good, Ava. Country life is clearly agreeing with you.’

‘Do you think so?’

She nods. ‘You have colour in your cheeks and you look… rested. Happy.’

‘It’s a good job.’

She tilts her head to one side. ‘It’s more than that, though. I’ve known you a while now and I’ve never seen your eyes shine so brightly.’

Laughing, I lean my arm on the bar and look at the bottles attached to the optics. The memory of being at The Shard flashes before my eyes and then, of Edward on his knees in front of me, removing my shoes, moving his hand up my leg. My heart pounds and I force the image away. I’ve tried so hard not to think about it, but it’s been a long time since I’ve slept with anyone. Marriage to him would offer financial stability but could it possibly offer a physical connection as well? But not love. Could I have sex without love?

It wouldn’t be the first time…But that was different. I was younger and had no idea what I wanted or needed; it was done for the wrong reasons entirely.

Nala places a hand on my arm. ‘I think you have things to share with me, Ava. I can tell that there’s something on your mind. You know you can trust me, right?’

‘I know that.’ I meet her eyes and smile. ‘It’s just… quite a lot to get my head around.’

‘Well let’s get some drinks and go and find a table then you can tell me all about it.’

When we’re sitting at a table near the window in the extension that overlooks the rear garden. I take a deep breath. ‘To be honest, Nala, I feel like I’m stuck inside a movie or something.’

‘Ooh, is it likePretty Woman,but without the prostitution obviously, orFifty Shades of Grey,but without the BDSM. Unless that’s your thing, obviously. BDSM not prostitution! Sorry, I’m babbling in my excitement. So go on, tell me! I’ll be quiet now, I promise.’

She feigns zipping her lips, leans her elbows on the table and rests her chin on her hands. I tell her about the grand house with its numerous rooms. About Joe and how much I adore him. I tell her about Polly and Jeff and how kind they’ve been to me. I describe what life is like there with vast lawns just outside the house and an orchard where I can while away the hours walking, sitting and reading, even on colder days. When it’s cooler, I can wrap myself in a coat and blankets and go and sit there with a flask of tea or hot chocolate. I have never been able to take time to just exist in the moment and it is wonderful, heavenly in fact. Nala was right; I do feel better than I ever have done. Healthier. Fitter. More relaxed. The Buckinghamshire air is fresh and clean and I’m in better health than I’ve ever been. And I know that I could give all this to Mum and Daniel if I just accept Edward’s proposal.

‘It sounds amazing.’ Nala nods. ‘I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.’

‘The time is flying past though.’ My tone is tainted with regret. It’s almost November and then I’ll have just two months left until the end of the contract. I’ll have to go back to our small flat and to the life I had before. And yes, I miss Mum and Daniel so much but what I don’t miss was the drudgery of life there, the lack of open space that I have freely at my disposal now. The thought of leaving is dreadful because I’ll have to leave Polly and Jeff, Joe and… Edward. And while he might never be mine in the traditional sense of a husband, he could be my husband and I’d get to stay in his home and to bring my family there. Our life could be incredible in so many ways if I’m prepared to take a chance.

‘There’s more,’ I say, then I sigh. ‘What would you do if you were offered an opportunity to change your life?’

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