Seeing a familiar looking shadow at the door to her room, Amy suddenly felt shy. It had been so long since they’d gotten to talk to each other. What would it be like? What would they say?
She nervously fiddled with her hair as the door slowly opened and Norman peered around it, smiling when he saw her awake.
“Hello, you.”
The sound of his voice sent Amy’s stomach flip-flopping, it was just as deep and rich as she remembered it.
“Hey,” she replied quietly.
“It’s lovely to see you awake, you had me worried for a while there.” He’d come and sat beside her in the chair where she’d seen him sleeping yesterday, seemingly the chair where he’d spend most of his time while she’d been here.
“I know, I’m really sorry. Listen…” She paused, there was so much that she wanted to say, but where to start really. “I wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me. The nurses explained how you moved me here and how you’ve been taking care of the farm. After everything…” She paused as a lump suddenly appeared in her throat.
“After everything that happened, for you to still care, to still do all this for me, well it’s just beyond kind of you.” She leaned over and took his hand in hers. “Thank you so much.”
Norman placed his other hand over hers and squeezed it gently.
“It was the least that I could. When I heard about your accident, I couldn’t help think that it was my fault. I was the one that was supposed to paint the roof. I’m so sorry that I let you down.” He looked down at their hands entwined, together as they should be. “I owe you an explanation.”
Amy didn’t reply, just nodded her head and waited.
“When I first came upon your farm I was… Well, I guess I was angry and unsure of myself. I’d just finished with my girlfriend after I found out that she was only with me for my money. I was fed up of just being seen as Norman the Billionaire. I wanted people to see me as a regular guy. I just wanted to be a regular guy. It was a spur of the moment thing and then, before I knew it, I’d fallen for you and couldn’t work out how to untangle the knot I’d gotten myself into. All I knew was that I didn’t want to lose you” He smiled ruefully “As it turned out I did a pretty rubbish job of untangling it.”
Amy couldn’t help giggling slightly at that. “You’re not wrong there. I owe you an apology too, though. I shouldn’t have stormed off like that, I should have given you a chance to explain yourself. I was so angry, though, you knew about my history with Paul and how hurt I’d been, yet you still hadn’t told me the truth.”
Norman’s eyes were full of regret and sorrow. Amy couldn’t help wanting to comfort him and she lightly stroked his hand.
“I’m so sorry Amy. I never meant to hurt you, you’re the last person in the world I’d want to do that to.”
“Norman, it’s ok. I’m not upset anymore. In fact, I was going to ring you the minute I’d finished the roof, give us the chance to talk things through. Didn’t quite work out like thatunfortunatelly.
“So are you saying you forgive me, that we can make things work?”
Letting the tears fall down her cheeks freely now, Amy smiled at Norman. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying but it’s more than that. I’m saying I love you Norman.”
With tears also falling down his cheeks now Norman leaned over and kissed her softly. With the taste of their tears on her lips, Amy kissed him back and they both finally felt like they were whole again.
Chapter 4
The time had finally come for Amy to leave the hospital. She had to admit that her recuperation had been a lot harder than she’d expected it to be. She thought that she’d be straight up, out of bed and walking again. Instead, it had taken weeks of physiotherapy to get her to the point where she could walk down the corridor with her stick. Now, finally, she didn’t need her stick and Norman was coming to take her home.
Except, she thought sadly to herself, she wasn’t actually going home yet. While she wanted nothing more than to be back at her beloved farmhouse with Rolo and Tabatha, she’d had to accept Norman’s offer to stay with him for a while. She just wasn’t strong enough to manage all by herself, plus it was a lot quicker and easier to travel back and forth to the hospital from his.
The nurse came in to make sure that she had everything packed and see if she needed any help, but she’d managed to put her things together and even get her jeans on by herself, so she was already counting today as a win. She did have one last thing to do, though. She searched around in her bag and pulled out a present that she’d hidden in there.
“This is for everybody. I wanted to say thank you for all the help you’ve given me over the past few weeks.”
The nurse took the present and smiled at Amy. “Thank you so much, that’s so thoughtful of you. Can I open it?”
“Of course.”
Opening the present, she let out a gasp of delight as she revealed the largest box of chocolates she’d ever seen. “Oh Amy, these look gorgeous. You really shouldn’t have.”
“It was the least I could do really, you guys have been so brilliant.”
They were interrupted by a knock at the door and a tall body appeared with a huge bouquet of flowers as a head. Lowering the bouquet, Norman appeared smiling over the top of it.
“You just couldn’t wait for me to get here first!”
Amy laughed. “I know, I know I’m sorry. I’m terrible when it comes to presents. Still, you’re here now and you still have your present for them.”
“Yes, I do”. Norman presented the flowers to the nurse with a slight bow that made her and Amy giggle and swoon simultaneously.
“I’m sure Amy has already said it but we wanted you all to know how grateful we are for all your hard work. Hopefully, these will go some way to showing you that.”
Her arms now full of flowers and chocolates and blushing slightly from Norman’s charm, the nurse smiled at them both.
You two are the loveliest couple. Now go, make the most of your life together.”
Bending down and kissing Amy hello, Norman looked deep into her eyes. “Don’t worry nurse, we intend to.”
Suddenly blushing herself, Amy felt more than happy to be going home with such a wonderful man.
***
Pulling up at Norman’s mansion Amy was in awe at the size of it. She’d only seen it briefly that first time and hadn’t really taken it all in. As Norman got out of the car and rushed around to open her door and help her out, she took a moment to try and compose herself. Was this really where she’d be living for the next few weeks? A sudden jolt of anxiety took over her and she struggled for breath. It all just seemed too much, too big. She needed to go home, needed to see her pets.
Seeing that something was wrong, Norman bent down and rested his hand lightly on her knee.
“It’s ok. I promise you it’s all going to be fine.”
She looked at him, unshed tears stinging the back of her eye. “It’s just so grand, so much more than I’m used to. It feel so overwhelming.”
Norman looked at her sympathetically. “I know, that’s why I’ve got a little surprise for you. Something to make it seem more like home.”
The front door opened and a man in a dark suit appeared. Was that a butler? Dear God, it was like suddenly waking up in an episode of Downton Abbey. She didn’t have long to start worrying again, though, because a huge ball of white fluff was careening towards her.
“Rollo!” She cried, tears definitely falling now as the big dog somehow managed to squeeze himself into Norman’s car and start showering her with licks. His big tail banging against the dashboard.
“Ow, easy there boy, I’m still a little battered.” She buried her face in his fur, breathing in his familiar, wonderful doggy smell, her heart close to bursting. Looking up she saw that Tabatha was sat watching them on the top step. She looked at Norman with all the love she felt shining from her eyes.
“Thank you so much. I can’t believe you thought to do th
is for me. It’s the best thing you could have done.”
Removing Rollo from the car, he gave her his hand and helped her out. “I thought it was the least I could do. I know it’s a little different to the farm but I want your stay here to be as comfortable as possible. Now, would you like a tour or do you think you’d prefer a rest first?”
“In all honesty, I am feeling shattered. Would you mind if I had a nap and then you can give me the grand tour?”
Relieved to see her smiling again, Norman put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “Of course, I don’t mind. Let me take you up to your room.”
Walking into the house Amy was surprised by how modern it looked. From the outside it seemed to be like an old English castle but inside it was all cold marble and gilt. She raised an eyebrow at Norman.
“Don’t.” He shook his head, agreeing at the ostentatiousness of it. “I know.”
Giggling, she buried her head in his shoulder for a second, leaning on his arm slightly as he led her up the stairs. Needing his support but not wanting to seem too weak.
She gasped as he opened the door to her room. The first thing she noticed was that the center of the room was filled by the largest bed she had ever seen. It had luxurious eggshell blue velvet spread on and around 10 co-ordinating throw cushions. It would take forever just to take them all off and get into bed. The rest of the room was taken up with all matching furniture, a dressing table, bedside tables and a huge chaise longue.
The walls were covered in wallpaper in an eggshell blue complete with gold swirls. Everything was so matching. She thought back to her bedroom with its old mix-matched furniture and shabby chic duvet cover. She wasn’t entirely sure how she was going to go from that to stark hospital room to this, which was fit for a Queen. Eyes wide, she turned to Norman.
“This is my room?”
He looked a little embarrassed. “I know it’s a little over the top but it was the one I thought you’d like the best. I thought the color suited you.”
“It really is beautiful, it’s just I’ve never….well I’ve never stayed in anything quite so grand.”
They were interrupted as Tabatha jumped straight onto the bed and started prodding and purring ready to settle down. Norman and Amy turned to each other and burst out laughing. Trust a cat to show them that they both needed to just stop worrying and get on with the important business of relaxing.
“Let me sort out the bed for you.”
Amy was shocked when Norman walked over to the bed and pushed off most of the cushions in one quick sweep. “Can you do that? Aren’t you worried about ruining them?”
“They're only cushions, sweetheart. My main concern is that you’re able to easily get into a bed that is perfectly comfortable for you. Now do you want me to help you out of your clothes?”
She laughed “Well you don’t mess around, do you?We’ve only just got here.”
“Ha, that wasn’t what I meant, I was talking about for your nap…. Well not that it hasn’t crossed my mind, but no…. erm….”
He really was too adorable at times, Amy thought as she reached up to kiss him, relishing the feel of his body next to hers and the shiver that ran through her as he kissed her back. Whilst they’d managed a few kisses and hugs while she’d been at the hospital this was the first time they’d really been able to kiss each other properly and while he was correct that she was just too weary for anything more at the moment she would be lying if she said that she wasn’t looking forward to being with him again.
“I’ve been waiting so long for that.” She dropped soft little butterfly kisses on his cheek and down to his neck, enjoying the sound of the hitch in his breath. “You taste divine.”
Norman groaned as he reluctantly stopped her kisses. “As much as I am loving this, I’m going to be the sensible one and suggest that we stop now until you’re feeling more rested.”
Amy nodded. “Yep, I have to admit I am feeling really tired. Besides...” She smiled mischievously, passion flashing in her eyes. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy it a lot more when I’ve got some energy.”
Norman shook his head “You are a temptress. I’m going to leave you now before I change my mind and carry you to that bed.” He kissed her again. “Rest easy my love.”
***
It was late afternoon when Amy was woken by her stomach rumbling. Pulling on some clothes and making her way downstairs she tried to find Norman or the kitchen. Whichever one she stumbled across first.
Hearing a voice coming from nearby she popped her head around a dark wooden door and found Norman. He was sat at a big mahogany desk, his mobile in hand and a frown on his face. “Well, how soon do you think you can do it?... Really? And there isn’t any chance you can start before then? No, it’s ok I understand.” Seeing Amy he smiled and quickly finished up his call.
“You’re awake! How are you feeling?”
“Good thanks, although I am a little hungry now. Do you think you could show me where the kitchen is?
“Of course.” Norman got up from his desk. “I could do with a break anyway. Let’s see what I can find us for some lunch.”
“Are you sure? It seemed like you had some important work to do.” By the look on his face when she’d walked in, it had also seemed like it wasn’t a work he was particularly enjoying. She had to wonder why he did it. When he was at the farm, of course, there were times when he’d been frustrated if something broke or he hit his thumb, but he’d always seemed to be enjoying what he was doing. And she’d always gotten the feeling that at the end of the day he was happy with what they’d achieved.
Settled at the table in the kitchen and trying once again not to be overwhelmed by all the technology and chrome, Amy decided to ask him about the work that he did and how he felt about it.
“Do you enjoy your work?”
Norman raised one eyebrow at her “Enjoy it?”
“Yes, I’ve not had the chance to see you working before, it was…interesting, seeing you on the phone.”
“You saw me working at the farm.”
“Yes, but that was different, that was more physical work. It certainly seemed like you enjoyed that.”
“But it didn’t seem like I enjoy my other work?”
Amy liked the way he referred to it as his other work, it showed that he took the work that he did at the farm seriously.
“I’m not sure, that’s why I asked.”
Norman thought about it for a minute. “To be honest, I’m not sure anymore. I used to enjoy it but now I don’t think I get the same satisfaction out of it. It doesn’t really feel like I do anything. We have offices that handle the majority of the work so Mark and I can just spend our time networking and trying to find bigger and richer clients. The only time we really get involved in the other side of things tends to be when things go wrong.” Saying it out loud made him realize just how underwhelmed he felt about it all now. When he was younger it had been exciting to find a new client, close a deal worth a million dollars and then more. It all seemed so worthless now, though.
“You know what, Amy. I think you’ve ruined me. There I was happy being a billionaire with my fancy car, spending the day golfing and my evenings at some fancy party or another. Now I much prefer spending time digging fields or fixing fences.”
“I didn’t ruin you. If I recall, you were the one who was so dissatisfied with his life he had to pretend to be someone else.” She joked and then squealed slightly as he flicked water from his glass at her. “Ok, ok I’m sorry.”
She got up and perched on his knee, kissing him. “I absolutely admit to ruining your life and I happen to think that you’re loving it.”
Norman pulled her closer to him and kissed her hard, running his hands through her hair, deepening the kiss at the same time. Enjoying the feel of her body on his, he held her tight when she tried to wiggle away. “Uh oh, not now I’ve lured you into my arms. No way am I letting you go.”
“I’m not trying to get away, I’m just trying
to get comfortable.” She wiggled again, knowing that it would make him groan, which it did.
“Now, where’s that tour you were promising me?”
Norman sighed, “But I thought…”
Amy laughed and then stopped and gave Norman such a smile full of love that if he wasn’t sat down it would have brought him to his knees in reverence to her.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed Norman but we’ve been laughing a lot. Even at the hospital when the pain was almost unbearable you managed to make me laugh and ever since then as well.”
Norman had noticed and he loved it. In fact, he’d decided that it was his new aim to make Amy laugh every day for the rest of their lives together. Hearing her laugh and knowing that it was from something he’d done or said, was one of the best feelings in the world.
Taming The Billionaire Page 82