Page 45 of Meeting the Billionaire Boss

Joe has some lovely gifts and it makes me think of Daniel. Has he got up yet? Is Mum OK? I’ll message them after breakfast to say Merry Christmas.

‘This is for you,’ Edward says, interrupting my thoughts.

‘You got me something?’ I ask.

‘Of course.’

‘Thank you so much.’ I accept the gift, untie the ribbon then lift off the lid. Inside is a beautiful diamond bracelet. ‘Goodness.’

‘Let me put it on.’ Edward fastens it around my left wrist and I realise that along with the engagement ring, I’m wearing a small fortune.

‘It’s beautiful. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this.’

‘You will.’ He smiles. ‘In time.’

‘I got Joe some things but they’re upstairs so I’ll get them when he’s finished there. Also, I got you something too,’ I say, reaching into the deep pocket of my fleecy robe. It took some thought to find this gift because, well, what do you get a billionaire?

He unwraps the gift and smiles. ‘Cufflinks.’

‘They’re solid silver collectibles. I didn’t know what to get you.’

‘Who are the people?’ he asks with a frown, looking at the silhouettes on each cufflink.

‘It’s Cinderella and Prince Charming,’ I say, surprised he didn’t know.

‘I love them.’ He smiles. ‘Are you saying that I’m your Prince Charming?’

‘Something like that. Except Prince Charming didn’t already have a child and Cinderella didn’t come from a council flat in Brixton. Plus, as far as I know, he didn’t ask her to sign a contract or pay her.’ The words are out before I can stop them, and I mean it as a joke but Edward winces. ‘Edward… I’m sorry. I meant it in jest but yes, you are like a prince to me. This whole lifestyle is so different to the life I had and I am grateful to you. In more ways than one you’ve changed my life.’

And I mean it. The money will offer freedom I never had before but it’s so much more than that. I have feelings for this man and for his son, feelings I can’t deny to myself. I have no idea how to deal with them because I’ve never felt like this before. I’m scared but I’m also excited but I don’t know how to say all this to him.

‘You’ve changed my life too, Ava,’ he says softly.

Before I can respond, he stands and goes to Joe. ‘Time for some breakfast, champ. You can play with all of this later.’

We go to the kitchen but Polly shakes her head and tells us to go to the dining room. It’s rarely been used during my time here but Polly did tell me Edward and Lucille used it when they entertained. The kitchen is far more homely than the airy room with its long, rectangular table, but it is Christmas so I guess this makes sense.

The fire blazing in the grate makes the room more appealing and we sit at one end of the table together. There are five places and I’m delighted when Polly and Jeff join us. Our own little group together for Christmas.

Breakfast is a delicious buffet of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and English muffins spread with thick, golden butter. To wash it down, we drink Bellinis and I feel pleasantly tipsy.

Sitting back, I look around the table and my chest swells with affection for these people. Four months ago, I didn’t know any of them, but in that time they’ve become like family and I’m so grateful to have them in my life.

Chapter46

Edward

Christmas Day is a celebration of good food, excellent company and of being alive. Ava’s presence makes it so much better than in recent years and I enjoy having her around. She brings a sense of joy and hope with her and the shadow I’ve lived under for so long is lifting. It hasn’t gone completely but neither is it there all the time anymore. It makes me realise that I don’t like the idea of her not being here. The marriage contract will bind us together legally but this is growing into more than just a legal obligation and that is both heart-warming and terrifying.

What if Ava decides she wants out at some point?

What if she decides to leave? I’ll manage, of course I will, but what about Joe? He’s lost one mother and losing another will be too much for him, surely?

I loved Lucille but we were young when we got together and I was naïve. What happened between us taught me that you can’t ever really know someone. You’ll never be aware of what’s going on in their heart or their mind and what if Ava is not who she seems to be? People can deceive others. It’s possible that she’s only here for the money. Shit, I know she’s here for the money because this all started with her coming here to work for me but now there’s a lot more on the table for her. Time is running out for me to find someone else and so I know that we need to follow this through and yet… Part of me is scared that she’ll cut and run at some point in the future. I’ve been fooled once and I don’t want to be fooled again.

I need to pull back, to be master of my emotions and not some gullible romantic. I’m paying Ava for her time and she’ll get plenty out of our deal so I’ll take what I want but keep my distance emotionally.

And yet… as I watch her playing with Joe, as I catch her glancing at me and smiling, I find it so difficult to believe that she’s at all disingenuous. How could one person pretend to be so lovely? Surely it’s impossible?

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