Saved By The Millionaire

Chapter Thirty-Two - Forever Grateful

Blake

I arrived home from work later than planned. I should have been back two hours ago, but things didn’t work out that way. I did let Chloe know I would be late so she wouldn’t worry.

The first thing I hear is my mom and Chloe laughing. I didn’t know my mom was here. She usually lets me know when she is coming unless she came to see Chloe.

“Hey, you two. What is so funny?” I ask, entering the living room.

“Hello, son. Sorry, girl talk, we can’t tell you.” Mom laughs.

“Fine, you two keep your secrets.” I chuckle, pointing between them.

I head over and reach down to kiss Chloe, “Hey, beautiful.”

She blushes, “Hello, handsome.”

I sit down on the sofa next to Chloe. She instantly reaches for my hand, and we link our fingers.

“Everything, okay?” I ask, caressing the top of her hand.

“It is now. I had a rough start to the day, but your mom made me feel better.” Chloe smiles.

“What do you mean?”

“Low mood and exhausted.” She replies.

“Angel, you should have called me. I would have come home.” I say softly.

It has been a while since she has had a rough day.

“You were at work. I didn’t want to bother. I am okay now. Your mom and I had a girl’s day.”

“Yes, we did,” Mom says brightly.

I wonder if she called my mother because of how she was feeling or if Mom happened to stop by. Either way, I am glad she wasn’t alone. I hate when I am not around when she is having a bad day. I wish I could keep her close all the time.

“Thank you for taking care of Chloe, mom.”

I appreciated everything my mom does not only for me, but for Chloe too.

“Any time, son. There is some macaroni and garlic bread in the kitchen for you.” Mom smiles.

“I love your mac and cheese.” I beam.

She always used to make it for us. It was her go-to dish when she was struggling with money. It was comfort food. I can never make it as good as her. She says she has a secret ingredient, one she still hasn’t shared with me to this day.

I ask them if they want anything while I am through, but they don’t. I heat my food up and rejoin them in the living room.

“So, what did you do for your girls’ day?” I ask.

“We got our nails done. We had lunch and did a little shopping.” Chloe smiles, showing me her nails. They are a pretty pink colour with little hearts.

“They look great, very pretty.” I smile.

I got them to tell me more about their day as I ate my dinner. Chloe seems to be doing okay now. My mother will always be the person who makes Chloe feel better since she knows exactly how she feels.

“I think it is time for me to head home. We should all have dinner soon.” Mom says.

“You don’t have to go,” I say.

“I know, but it is time. Chloe, sweetie, you have my number if you need me.”

“Thank you, that means a lot. And thank you for today.” Chloe smiles.

We walk her out, hugging her goodbye. We sit back down, and I focus back on my dinner.

“Are you mad at me for now calling you?” Chloe asks nervously.

I turn to face her, “What, no, of course not, angel. Do I wish you called? Yes, but I am not mad at you for not?”

She smiles and nods, “Good to know.”

I reach over and kiss her softly, “I could never get mad at you. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now, finish your dinner before it gets cold.” She insists.

“Yes, ma’am.” I tease but do as I am told.

She playfully rolls her eyes and shakes her head. I flash my dorkiest smile, which causes her to giggle. I

I reach my arm over, “Come.”

She nods, scoots closer, and cuddles into my side. She rests her head on my shoulder, and I slip my free hand around her. I kiss the top of her head, and she snuggles in closer to me.

“I missed you.” She whispers.

“I missed you too. What would you like to do for the rest of the night?”

“I am quite exhausted still after a busy day.”

“That is fine. We can take a bath, snuggle up in bed with snacks, and watch a movie,” I suggest.

“Are you not bored with doing that all the time with me?” she asks, glancing up at me.

I shake my head, “I will never get bored, beautiful. I like our nights snuggled up in bed, doing nothing.”

I would rather that than go out. It is more relaxing, and there is less of a chance of Chloe stressing out or becoming anxious.

“Okay. I will start our bath while you finish your food.” She says.

She kisses me softly and disappears to run our bath. I have had a stressful day. I am looking forward to just being with Chloe and not having to worry about anything else.

****

Chloe and I were cuddled up in bed, watching a movie. She has her head on my chest, and her hand has slipped under my tee, resting on my stomach.

“Sorry, I didn’t ask. How was your day?” she asks, kissing my chest.

“Hectic and stressful, but I am fine now.”

“I am sorry you had a rough day at the office, my love.” He says sadly.

I reach down and stroke the hair away from her face, “It is okay. I am better now I am back home with you, sweetheart.”

“Please tell me when you had a bad day. I know you keep a lot from me because you worry I already have enough on my plate. Please, don’t ever think you can’t talk or rant to me. I want to be there for you the way you are for me.” She says softly and nuzzles her face in my neck.

“I promise to be open and honest with you, beautiful.”

She has a point. I do keep some things from her—nothing big or important—because I just don’t want to stress her out more.

Chloe pecks my lips, “Thank you.”

I nod, and she cuddles back in. I hug her tightly. I do live for these moments with her. They make my day. All I need is her close to make me happy.