Page 57 of The English Billionaire's Obsession

“The l-love?” she says.

“For everything,” I repeat, hearing her stutter, wondering if it’s hesitation or if I’m just being paranoid.

She doesn’t reply. After several minutes, she says, “Let’s just say Dad is cool with it, huh?”

“That’s important to me, too. He deserves respect, and I need his blessing. I hope he can see that I want the best for you and our family, and I always will.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Amelia

“Uh, yeah, it’s safe to say I’m floating right now.”

I’m in the back of the chauffeured car, the driver taking me back to our apartment. I think of it asourapartment, even if it’s only been under two weeks, but still—two weeks of lovemaking, bonding, meals, laughter, and talking about the future.

“You should be proud,” Emma replies, as a light downpour makes the city glisten in the setting sun, “but aren’t you annoyed you won’t get the credit?”

“I will within the company,” I reply, “but I wanted to see if the drawing had any merit on its own.”

That’s why I gave it to another intern to present. Now I know the client actually thought my work was good enough. They didn’t just want to score brownie points because I’m Tommy’s girlfriend.

“I’m proud of you,” Emma says. “How’s it going in love land?”

“Love land,” I mutter. “Well, there’s nolove.”

“Comeon. You clearly love him.”

“No, I do. I really do. There are so many moments, like just this morning when I was making us both some bacon. He looked at me, and the amount of gratitude, obsession, andlovein his eyes was unbelievable. Just a look, but that’s the thing. We haven’tsaidthat word yet.”

“You’ll get there,” Emma says. “Who knows? Maybe he’s just waiting for the right time.”

* * *

I’m sure I must be hallucinating as I walk down the corridor. It sounds like Mom is talking to Loki. Her voice drifts to me from the living room.

“Yes, youarea good boy. Yes, you are. I know you are. Hey, you don’t have to look so surprised about it.”

“Speaking of surprised,” Dad says when I walk in.

He grins and throws his arms open as I rush over and hug him.

“What are you doing here? This is awesome.”

Dad rubs my back. “A certain man wanted to fly us over so we could talk in person.”

Mom walks over, Loki padding at her feet. She joins the hug, wrapping her arms around me and Dad.

“It’s so good to see you, sweetie. We’ve already met your man. We’re sorry for all the secrecy.”

“You’ve already spoken with Tommy?”

“Hmm.” Mom nods. “But it’s top secret.”

“Samantha,” Dad says. “Don’t be so obvious.”

“I’m sorry, but what are you talking about?”

They link arms, smiling at me, clearly hiding something. They’ve got a conspiratorial look like when I was a kid and asked them what Santa had gotten me for Christmas—a united front.

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