Page 267 of Champagne Nights

“We should get inside. I’m really tired.”

“Me too, beautiful.”

She climbed off me, and we went inside. As she was walking up the stairs, she stopped and turned to me.

“I suppose you can sleep in my bed.”

“Is that so?” I signed as I chased her up the stairs and into the bedroom.

Ellie

It was our last day in Malibu before we had to head home. Henry and I spent the day on a boat he had rented catered with food. We had cocktail shrimp, different kinds of sandwiches, a cheese platter, a fruit platter, chips, chocolate-covered strawberries, water, pop, and most importantly, a bottle of fine champagne. It wasn’t a yacht as he chartered in the Hamptons, but it was beautiful and perfect.

“I love you, Ellie Scott,” he signed.

“I love you too, Henry Walker,” I signed back. “How will your family react when you get back and tell them about us?”

“I’m not going to lie. They won’t be happy, and there’s a possibility I’ll get kicked out of the company. But I don’t care because I would give everything up just to be with you. Nobody else in my life matters but you.”

“I don’t want anything like that to happen.”

“If it does, I have a plan. I’ve already prepared for this, and there’s nothing for you to worry about.” He kissed my forehead.

“I’m going to miss it here,” I said.

“You don’t have to,” he signed.

“What do you mean?”

“I bought the house, Ellie.”

“You what? You bought the house?” I signed as I spoke in shock.

“I did, and I wanted to surprise you. I figured we’d come back every other month and spend a week or two. We both can work from here.”

“When did you buy it?”

“A couple of days ago,” he signed.

“I didn’t know it was for sale.”

“Anything’s for sale for the right price.” He smirked.

“But you don’t know what your future at the company holds, Henry?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m a businessman, and I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”

“I trust you.” I grinned as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his.

We arrived backin New York, and Christian was waiting for us in baggage claim.

“I was excited to get your call, Henry.” He gave him a hug. “It’s wonderful to see you, Ellie. How was Malibu?”

“Thanks, Christian. It’s good to see you too. It was perfection.” I grinned.

While we sat in the back of the limo, I tightly held Henry’s hand. He was dropping me off at my apartment so I could visit with my mom while he went home.

“I’ll be back over later,” he signed after setting my suitcase inside my apartment. “I love you, and I’ll miss you.”

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