Page 102 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“Ouch, Mom. That stung.”

She patted my back as we walked into the dining room. Dad nodded to me as he chewed. I sat across from him in the same place I always chose and grabbed a plate.

“Tuna sandwiches and apples,” I commented while grabbing a few slices. “You went quick and easy today, eh?”

“Well, it wasn't like we were having a prince come over,” Mom joked. “Besides, they were always your favorite. I made the tuna with onions.”

I hummed hungrily. “You do know how to treat me like royalty.”

“Dig in. I'm sure you're hungry.”

I took a few bites of my sandwich and sighed as my stomach settled down. While the coffee had held me over, I knew I needed to eat. The food on the plane wasn't particularly appealing and I had skipped breakfast in favor of my mother's cooking. And while it wasn't the fine dining of my traveling days, it was well worth waiting for.

“It's good to see you, son,” Dad said. “What brings you back so fast?”

“Clara,” Mom replied for me. “I think our son has had a change of heart.”

“Mom,” I groaned. “I came back to see you guysandClara.”

“The fact still stands,” she pointed out. “It's so important to choose the things you love in life. Do you love your job or do you love Clara?”

“How did I know this would happen?”

My father guffawed. “Your mother sure loves those romance novels. I think she's been on a kick.”

“The only reason I say that is because Clara stopped by. She looked pretty disappointed that you weren't here.”

“When did she stop by?” I asked.

“It must have been last week,” Dad replied.

“She looked heartbroken when I said you weren't here,” Mom continued. “And she said you didn't mention the trip to her.”

“God, no wonder she was angry.”

Mom nodded. “She went looking for you.”

“Mom, I think you have a point. I have been reflecting about my job. I love Clara, but I like my job. I don't want to lose the credit I've gained in this company. And I have some options now.”

“What options?”

I took another bite of my sandwich. As happy as I was to see my parents, I wasn't stoked about discussing Clara. But I should have known better. They loved Clara as much as I did.

“I could potentially grab a position in the company that would have me working domestically. But the thing is Clara hates traveling. She gets nervous with airplanes. She won't even go near them.”

“Why would you bring Clara?”

I shrugged. “I want to include her. I think she would like it if she could get over her fear of flying.”

“What about a service dog?” Dad inquired.

I perked up. “A service dog?”

“Yeah, I have a friend who has a horrible anxiety disorder. He has a lab who was trained to help him maneuver through his life so he can enjoy it. You could get her one of those.”

“Hmm, I've never thought of that. I think Gabe mentioned that once.”

Dad nodded. “That way she'll feel more comfortable traveling.”

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