Page 5 of Christmas with Billionaire's Runaway Bride

"Hey, have some manners. Ever heard of knocking?" I can't help but express my irritation.

He smirks in a cocky way and replies, "I don't know if you've noticed, but just in case you haven't... this is my house, and I can go wherever I please."

I retort, my anger flaring, "Did you come all this way just to remind me of that?" I clutch my towel tightly against my body, feeling vulnerable. But he seems unfazed by my frustration, his gaze intense and somewhat threatening.

"Can I at least get dressed first?" I ask, hoping he'll respect my privacy. He finally agrees, and I quickly put on some clothes before following him to the main part of the house.

Once we're there, he gets straight to the point. "Your touch doesn't affect me," he declares bluntly, looking directly into my eyes. His face remains expressionless, leaving me utterly confused by his words.

Still feeling perplexed, I search for a place to sit, hoping to find a way to convey my thoughts more gently. I lock eyes with him, but my mind remains blank as I try to come up with the right words. Unable to find any, I let out a sigh of frustration. He continues to watch me as if giving me a chance to respond, but my thoughts remain scattered.

"Listen, I get that dealing with this condition is tough. Sometimes our minds struggle to process something this serious, and we might start believing in impossibilities. We all wish what you said could be true, but if we're being honest, it does sound a bit far-fetched. Trust me, even though I'm not your biggest supporter, I genuinely wish you didn't have to deal with this," I manage to convey, hoping my words will sink in. His expression, however, remains unchanged – that same impassive, emotionless look.

"Are you finished?" he asks, and I nod, feeling somewhat foolish.

"Well, I didn't call you here for your dime-store advice. I'm informing you that your touch doesn't affect me. I fired my physiotherapist because you're going to take over. There are some books you can study to prepare. Your new role starts in a week. Any questions?" he states matter-of-factly, leaving me in disbelief.

I struggle to process his words. It's hard to believe that he's suggesting I take over his physiotherapy. This turn of events catches me off guard, and I can't help but wonder how this unexpected arrangement will unfold.

"Are you out of your mind?" I blurt out, unable to contain my astonishment at his audacious proposal.

"What makes you think I'd ever agree to such an arrangement, even if what you're saying were true? Who do you think you are?" I demand, feeling deeply offended by his presumption.

"You're so full of yourself," I mutter quietly under my breath, unable to hold back my frustration.

"I am the man whose roof you're living under, raiding my kitchen, enjoying all the amenities on this property. Has anyone asked you about the bills?" he retorts, leaving me momentarily speechless.

"Well, right now it seems like we're on the same page," he adds with a hint of sarcasm.

"I'd rather leave than work for someone like you. Don't worry, I'm used to being chased out of places. I'll pack my bags and be gone in an hour," I declare defiantly, my determination unwavering. I mean every word and begin to walk away, only to be stopped when he calls after me.

"Claire! Wait up," he calls, and I can't help but be surprised that he knows my name.

"I didn't mean it that way," he explains, his tone surprisingly different. "I need you more than you need me. Think about it this way – you'll be hired. You don't have to stay here if you don't want to, but please, be my physiotherapist," he says as he approaches me.

"I don't mean to be rude, but seriously, do you believe that I don't affect you?" I ask as realization hits me, and I can't help but say it out loud to him.

"Wanna see for yourself?" he asks. The idea makes me nervous. What if I get affected like last time? What if he's telling the truth and I have to work for him? Can I handle that? Will it affect my relationship with Kendra? What if I turn it down and Kendra gets upset? This decision is getting more complicated by the second.

"Hey, I just want you to see that I'm not crazy. Don't overthink it," he reassures me, moving closer. My heart races, and I feel like I might collapse.

"Just relax. What's the worst that could happen?" he continues, I debate in my mind. I can't help but think, 'A lot could go wrong. First of all, you're incredibly attractive, and I noticed last time just how fit you are.' I silently admit to myself.

Lost in thought, I barely register his wheelchair approaching my legs and his hand briefly holding mine. I look at his eyes for any signs of pain but find none. Before i make up my mind, he's pulled me onto his lap, and he's holding both of my hands. My heart races even faster Is I struggle to keep my composer matching so close to someone as powerful, handsome, and intelligent as him is overwhelming and i try to shift my focus away from those thoughts.

Without realizing it, we've gotten closer. Both of my hands are now under his white shirt. With his guidance, explore his chest, and I try to maintain my focus. However, when I glance up and meet his unwavering gaze, I realize just how quickly this moment has become. I try to pull my eyes away but he refuses to let me.

"Don't look away from me. Please. Do you know what this means? I never thought that I would be able feel touch, let alone a woman's touch. You are my hope, my light at the end of what I thought was an endless tunnel." he says but all I can think about at that moment is how I feel being that close to him. He pulls my head towards him and when our lips almost collide, I snap out of whatever that was.

" I am sorry for that. I got a little carried away with this good news." I lie.

"Sorry, me too. Tell me that you will consider the job offer, now that you have seen it for yourself." he continues and I nod. I quickly scurry away and try to rid myself of the wild, unholy thoughts terrorizing my mind.

*******

After a week, Kendra returns and is immediately informed of the new development. Before talking to me, she reaches out to her parents and fills them in. Before I know it, the whole house is bustling and everyone is trying to wrap their heads around that news, and there is an air of disbelief mixed with hope. Once the initial excitement and conversations settle down, Kendra's parents matching out back to their home and I’m left facing a somewhat upset best friend. As soon as she enters my room, I sense trouble.

"Why didn't you tell me this amazing news? Are you now closer to my brother than you are to me?" she asks, her disbelief evident.

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