Page 41 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

I nod. Opening the door on her side, I help her out. We get into the house, and I let her go to the room, while I go check in on Eric. Stepping into his room with the dim lights creating an ambient mood washes away a bit of the mental fatigue I feel. He’s fast asleep. I kiss his forehead before leaving his room.

Returning to my own room, I wait at the door, considering what I might face with Chasmin. Finally, I push the door open to find Chasmin in bed. The covers are drawn up, and she looks to be deep in sleep.Or trying to avoid any further conversation.I strip out of my clothes and join her in bed. When I hold her, her body is frozen. I hear her sigh as she relaxes to rest her body on mine. I fall asleep with doubts still nibbling at me.

The next morning, Chasmin wakes up with a cheery attitude as if all that had happened last night was a figment of my imagination. Seeing her in this mood, I think it’ll be out of place to raise the issue and spoil it. We sit at the dining table to eat. Eric and Chasmin place bits of food on each other's plates. Seeing them like this makes me happy, and I eat more than usual.

When the cook clears the table, I clasp my hands and smile at them. “We’ll all go out together today…”

Eric giggles, clapping his hands excitedly. “Where to, Dad?”

“Let your Dad finish before interrupting him,” Chasmin admonishes softly and nods for me to continue. Eric calms down, adopting my pose – his hands clasped with a serious face. I grin and he smiles. He drops the pose and tries again.

“Igor has found me several houses. I need to take a look at them and see if it is suitable for us.” Looking at Eric, I said “Igor is my brother and your uncle, son.” I see Eric has a question. I answer it, knowing what he wants to ask. “You’ll meet him soon, Eric. That’s our plan for today. Go get ready, Son.” He bounces to his feet and runs a few steps away before running back.

He stands beside me, holding my arm and peering at me innocently. “Will the house have a garden? I want to turn a plant into a rabbit.”

I pinch his sweet pink cheeks. “I’m not sure son; also, plants don’t turn into animals. However, you can make topiaries if you want.”

“Thank you, Dad.” He quips, before running away.

I look up to see Chasmin’s hands under her chin; she is watching me. “What would you like in the new house? You’ll be there, and I want you to be comfortable.” I extend my hand and wait for her to place her hand atop mine.

“I don’t have a special request. I believe what makes a home are those within it. People make a home.” She smiles, looking at my hands. She places her thumb beside mine, looking at the size difference. “That’s how Mom and I turned a house into something more. Eric needs a home, and I think I do as well.”

I rise and pull her up. I sit on the edge of the table, pulling her into my embrace. I wonder why we ever fight when we have such tender moments. “That’s all I’ve always wanted. Ever since my parents passed and my siblings and I assumed our positions in the company, I’ve felt untethered. I think a home is just what we all need.”

She places her hands on my shoulder, leaning close until our noses brush. “When you say words like these, it makes me want to kiss you.”

“So, what are you waiting for?” I tighten my hands around her waist, pulling her closer. She giggles and tentatively kisses my lips, I take over the kiss, and it quickly turns ravenous. Pushing away from the table, I press her to the wall. She embraces me, kissing with fervor.

When we stop kissing, I twirl her hair around my fingers, thinking of what to say next. I hear Eric’s footsteps even before he arrives. “Ew! You’re being disgusting again.” He sees us with our arms around each other. He covers his eyes, then jumps to turn his back to us.

“Ok, enough of that. Our new home awaits!” I declare, leading Chasmin and Eric out of the house.

We take a tour around homes in the upper section of London. Igor had gone above and beyond to pick some of the finest available. Most of the homes we visit have wide open spaces, lawns, gardens, pools, and numerous rooms. However, they lack the certain depth I want. I can’t say what it is, but I’m not satisfied.

We’re coming to the end of our house hunting tour. There is just one house left to check. This one is in a quiet neighborhood with a clean street and well-spaced properties. We alight from the car to take in the sight of the house. The exterior has a grand façade, featuring Baroque architectural details. The entrance is marked by a set of massive double doors framed by ornate columns and topped with an elaborate gold pediment.

To Eric’s delight, the house has lush gardens with fountains and statues all around the house. He’s particularly fascinated with the statues.

Chasmin takes my hand, smiling upon entering the house. Eric runs ahead. We are greeted by a grand foyer with marble floors, a sweeping double staircase, and a crystal chandelier, hanging from a domed ceiling that has been painted with a fresco. The living room boasts tall ceilings, lush draperies, and plush furnishings sitting atop antique Persian rugs. Chasmin takes interest in the décor, touching this and that, looking pleased. I get the feeling that this might be our choice.

We find Eric in the dining room, sitting on one of the high-backed purple velvet chairs. The room features a long mahogany table that can seat twenty guests. Crystal wall sconces provide low ambient lighting.

We move on to the kitchen which houses state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. An island in the center provides additional workspace and seating for casual dining.

“I can imagine living here, Lance. That’s if you like it.” She tries and fails to hide her excitement. Her smile is as wide as Eric’s.

“I like it. The serene environment is a plus. I think this might be it. Son, do you like it?”

“I love it. Can I see my room dad, it is very big? I have many toys to sleep with on the bed.”

“Your room?” I ask incredulously. “Follow me” and leads him upstairs.

The array of rooms include two master suites. One has a canopy bed, a sitting area, and a large private balcony overlooking the gardens. It reminds me a bit of home and my parents.

“We’re getting it.” I declare. Chasmin comes over and gives me a side hug. We stand on the balcony, looking at the well-tended gardens, the swaying treetop surrounding the house, and the setting sun with the splash of orange and purple in the clouds. Although it’s snowing lightly, it doesn’t affect the beauty of the scene.

Eric stands by the balustrade, pointing at distant objects. He shrieks, “Yay! I love our new house!” Smiling, I look down at Chasmin’s beautiful face.Ourhome, Son.

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