Recollection by Noelle Adams

Author:Noelle Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: amnesia, billionaire
Publisher: Noelle Adams
Published: 2023-08-25T00:00:00+00:00

eight

Past

FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK after I saw him in the shower, we go through our daily routines, alternating between playful teasing and warm bonding.

I never push him to kiss me again, although I occasionally remind him it’s what I want. It’s a boundary he’s set for himself. Even though it’s irrational, he takes it seriously, and I’m not going to plow over his choices or try to seduce him into forgetting them.

I want to be with him, but he needs to want it too—freely and unreservedly. Until he does, there’s nothing I can do but enjoy him in any way I’m allowed.

Inexplicably, I’m happier this week than I can ever remember being before. I might not have everything I want, but I have real companionship, fellowship, emotional intimacy.

I’m safe with him to be myself. I don’t have to always be nice and agreeable and perfectly pleasant.

I can simply be me and trust that he’s not going to blow up on me, reject me, or use me for his own purposes.

It’s freeing. Thrilling.

I might be wrong, but I think Arthur has never been happier either.

On Saturday evening a week later, Stella prepares us a dinner out on the back patio because the weather has turned warm and pleasant. She sets the table beautifully with silver, crystal, and flowers, and she lights candles in big glass globes all around the table.

It’s the most romantic setting I’ve ever experienced. I’m speechless as I gaze around and then join Arthur at the table.

He’s standing beside his chair, half smiling in that wry way he has. “I think Stella got carried away.”

“It’s beautiful. I love it.”

He can’t seem to look away from my face. “All right,” he murmurs. “Then I won’t complain.”

He helps me into my seat and then pours the wine. Stella brings out salmon and salad and risotto and fresh-baked bread. She’s hiding a smile as she serves our meals with extra decorum. I’d swear she’s almost as giddy as me.

Arthur and I chat about the books I’m currently working on, and he tells me about his time in college and how he always wanted to go to graduate school and study history or philosophy but his father made it clear he had no choice but to manage the family’s assets—so vast and complex it’s always been a full-time job for the Worthing heir.

“Can’t you reorganize things?” I ask at last.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean can’t you reorganize things so you don’t have to be so hands-on? I know all that stuff needs active management, but do you really have to do all of it yourself? I guess I don’t really know what all that work consists of. I assume you’re not just moving money around. Are you running companies your family owns? Can’t you put other people in leadership roles in those companies?”

“They already have leadership in place. But everything has been structured so that the Worthing in charge is the final decision-maker on everything.”

I make a face. “That seems like nonsense.”

His eyes narrow.

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