Page 87 of A Billionaire for Christmas
‘You gave a wonderfully heartfelt speech,’ said Monsieur Fournier. ‘I know how well you took care of her. And I know how much she wanted to help you rebuild your life afterwards.’
Molly had broken down halfway through her speech and she would never forget how kind and patient the congregation had been, sitting quietly while she gathered the strength to do her best friend proud. They’d shared a whole life. And when it came towards the end, Molly chose to walk together in the darkness with Ava than alone in the light. There was nothing she wouldn’t have done for her.
‘When she came here to draw up her will, you were all she could talk about. You were her best friend, her soulmate.’
Molly was embarrassed to find tears once again pooling in her eyes. ‘That’s very kind. We did everything together.’ Her voice caught in her throat. ‘I don’t know how I’m going to live without her.’
Levi put his arm around her shoulder. A comforting, caring gesture.
Monsieur Fournier watched them, his voice wavering. ‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my seventy-six years, it’s that friendship is at the heart of everything meaningful. It’s the most powerful energy there is. But Ava was very clear about one thing. She wanted you to embrace life and all it has to offer.’ He glanced at Levi and gave him a brief nod. ‘Make new friends. Live life. Don’t spend it hidden away in the kitchen working.’ He leaned towards Molly, his voice soft as a feather. ‘Have fun. Shine brightly. Be bold. Fall dangerously in love.’ He flicked his eyes back to Levi. ‘Because some people leave it too late. Never put these things off.’
* * *
After they said their goodbyes to Monsieur Fournier, and he’d rejected their offer to spend Christmas with them, Molly and Levi got back in the car. Levi held her while she cried.
‘Will I ever stop crying?’ she asked him.
‘Even if you don’t, there’s a continuous drought in parts of Africa where you could do some good. Water the plants, fill reservoirs with your well of endless tears.’
Molly let out a half chuckle, sniffing as she sat up straight. ‘You’re right. It’s time to stop crying and start doing. Although, speaking of the future, now that I have my business back and I’m no longer your chalet chef and you don’t have time for a relationship – which, by the way, you mentioned on many,manyoccasions – where does that leave us?’ She took a deep breath. Now was the time to be bold. She locked eyes with Levi. ‘Is this goodbye for us?’ Because she knew without a doubt that if this was goodbye, she would cry until she became nothing but a shrivelled husk and died of dehydration. Africa would have to find someone else to fill their wells.
Levi held her hand. ‘Weren’t you listening to a word that poor man just said? Ava is clearly counting on you to live a full and adventurous life. And here you are. With a billionaire to play with for Christmas. You can literally do whatever your heart desires.’
‘Really? Because my heart only desires one thing.’
‘I hope you’re talking about committing to a relationship. Because, like me, you did mention it on many,manyoccasions.’
‘Yes. Yes, I am.’ Molly leaned in to kiss him. A warm, loving, soulful kiss that would have stretched on forever if the chauffeur wasn’t doing his job properly.
‘Sorry to interrupt,’ he announced over the car speaker. ‘Your jet is ready for take-off, sir.’
Levi murmured against Molly’s lips. ‘Please say you’ll protect me from my dysfunctional family.’
‘Not a chance. We’re spending every minute with them. Playing games. Bickering. Listening to them go on and on. Your siblings have many issues between them. It’s going to be great.’
Levi gave her a soft look. ‘Can’t wait.’
They boarded the luxury private jet for the second time within as many hours. As soon as they took off, Levi looked up from his phone. He had developed a dangerous glint in his eye.
Molly felt a surge of butterflies in her stomach. ‘What is it?’
‘The pass has reopened. Lucca, Toby and Freda have taken the minibus down to the resort. They’re spending the night at the Cigar Lounge Christmas Eve party. They’ll see us for Christmas dinner tomorrow, back at the lodge.’
‘How nice for them.’ Molly’s pulse raced. She and Levi would be alone at the lodge.
Alone.
Totally alone.
‘And, well, you know we have no more challenges left to do on the list…’ Levi didn’t get to finish his sentence because Molly had thrown herself at him across the table. When they came up for air, Levi murmured in her ear, ‘Why don’t we start a new bucket list of our own? Full of firsts forbothof us.’
‘Good idea. What do you want to put on it?’ she said, trying to catch her breath. Levi really was a magnificent kisser. She saw his eyes flicker towards the bathroom.
Oh.
A primeval, lustful surge ripped through her. She may as well have had a neon sign above her head.Take me now, up against the toilet cubicle.She was out of her seat and dragging him by the hand before he could even elaborate. They burst through the bathroom door, locking it behind them.
Levi scooped her into his arms as though she weighed nothing. Sizzling chemistry exploded the moment their lips collided, sliding feverishly, hungry for more. Levi pulled her closer, his hands roaming her back. Molly scrambled to straddle him, pressing her body against his. She moaned with passion against his lips as she slipped her hands under his top, his warm skin making her hot with desire. She arched into him, desperate to feel every inch of his body against hers.
