by Sara Celi
The way Natalie said the word “ten billion” reminded me just how much money I’d decided to leave behind, and she was right. It was more money than most people could fathom. Still, I didn’t care.
“Money isn’t everything.” With my thumb, I pointed behind my shoulder at the blue folder on the couch “Besides, I think I found a workaround.”
“You did?”
I moved my hand from her shoulder and traced her hairline, pushing a few wayward strands away from her face. “You want to have a seat and hear me out on this one?”
She bit her luscious bottom lip and stared at me for a moment before nodding. “Okay.” She moved away from the door and took a seat on the couch. “I’m listening.”
“What I’m about to tell you, I haven’t told anyone.” I took a deep breath as I regarded the woman across the room from me. I had her full attention. “Over the last few years, I’ve done a decent job of saving money and living below my means—despite what it looks like on the outside. I’ve socked money away.”
Natalie settled further into the sofa. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking, but I could hope.
“I never had any idea what I’d do with the money, but now I know.” Keeping my gaze on her, I picked up the folder and opened it. “I have a hundred thousand in liquid cash and another two hundred fifty grand in a brokerage funds that Aaron set up for me a few years ago. Lately, the market has been…good.” I glanced down at the first paper in the folder, a graph of the assets I’d printed just before driving to her apartment. “I also have some fine art at the house worth about fifty grand, and I think I can get a buyer for the McLaren.” I looked up at Natalie again. “In all, about four hundred thousand. And I think it’s enough. More than enough.”
“What are you saying?” she whispered.
“I can pay off your debt. All of it…we can start over. Together. Just us. Free and clear.”
Natalie’s body suddenly started trembling. She got to her unsteady feet and stumbled into a graceless, backward spider walk across the couch until she found herself against the molding that rimmed the small opening between the living room and kitchen of the apartment. “T-together? W-walk away?”
“Yes.” I followed her. “No one has ever made me feel the way that you do. No one. You stir emotions I never thought I had.” I grasped her hand and glanced down at her quivering fingers, which had entwined with mine. “And even your cute little nerves are worth it. You’re worth it, baby.”
“Y-you’d give it all up—b-b-billions with a capital B—just for me?”
“We’ll have enough money to open up a new yoga studio. A chain of them, if you want,” I teased with a smile. “So, what are you waiting for? Say yes.”
“Your father will never agree to this, Luke. You’re his son. His heir.”
“I’ve never been what my father wanted. And he has Marcus to give the company to.” I trailed my free hand up her leg. “So, what are you waiting for? Say yes.”
She stared at me for a long moment. I tried to read her expression, tried to get a handle on her thoughts. Would she agree? Did she understand what I was offering her? She had to…
“But I could never do that,” she finally said. “I can’t take money from you. It’s not right.”
“You’re not taking, and it’s not a gift. It’s a partnership. Us. Together.” I tightened my hand on her knee. “I never wanted anything until I met you. I took it all for granted. But now… I can’t stand it if you’re not in my life, Natalie. I have to have you.”
“But how would we—?”
“You can bring Helen into it.” I stood, and pulled her up with me. The folder fell to the floor, but I disregarded it for a moment. “I don’t care. We’ll do franchises. Whatever you want…we can…just say yes.” I wrapped my hands around her upper arms. “Say you’ll do it—with me.”
“You really mean this, don’t you?”
“Every word,” I whispered.
She furrowed her brow, and then a smile crept across her face. “A partnership, huh?”
“Whatever you want.” Keeping my gaze on hers, I leaned forward and put my forehead against hers. “But I haven’t heard you say yes yet.”
She laughed once. “Yes. Yes, Luke Rothschild. Yes!”
My lips found hers and I pulled her toward me. I tasted everything in her kiss—the promise of the future, a chance at something new, and a love I’d never allowed myself to feel. I had it. I’d come home. I was finally whole.
Eighteen Months Later
“How many people do we have signed up now?” Luke asked as he emerged from the men’s changing room at Namaste Now of Palm Beach Gardens. He carried a stack of fluffy white towels.
“Fifty-six.” I glanced at the computer screen, which showed me a layout of the cycling studio that made up the back part of the franchise. Only four bikes remained open, and we had an hour to go until our first class at that location. “We’re going to sell out the bikes.”
“Fantastic, honey.” He placed the towels in the large rattan cubicle that sat next to Namaste Now apparel we had for sale in the front of the store. A few months ago, Helen had designed custom tanks, tshirts, leggings, hats, and sweatshirts with Namaste Now’s intricate, scripted design. We had trouble keeping them in stock.
Luke walked around the racks of clothing, making sure they were all perfect, before he spoke to me again. “See? What did I tell you, Natalie?” He winked. “A premium cycling and yoga studio is just what this part of South Florida needed. Aren’t you glad I come up with such fantastic ideas?”
“Not like you don’t jump at all the chances to remind me whenever you can.” I closed Namaste Now’s email account, locked the computer screen, and walked around the large reception desk. When I reached Luke, I braced my hand on the metal frame holding half a dozen grey pullover sweatshirts. “We’re on our third location. I’d think you could give that up by now.”
He spread one hand. “What can I say? I’m a Rothschild, remember? Being a business genius runs in the family.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that. You’re still horrible at hot yoga, though.”
He chuckled. “One of the million reasons why I still need you around.”
“Yep, you do.” I took his hand in mine, and the fire of that contact still felt as warm as it had the first time he’d touched me. How lucky had I been in life? I was one of the luckiest women on earth. I had a great guy who’d given up everything for me, and a business that was finally turning a profit instead of sucking me dry. “But I will give you this—you’re great at taking risks.”
“Taking risks is the best part of life.” Luke leaned in and kissed me. “But the best risk I ever took was the one I took on you. On us.”
And the thing of it was—he was right.
This book would not have been possible without the hard work of many wonderful people. Thank you to all the early beta readers of this work, along with Lauren, Josie, Kevin, Ainsley, Judi, Julie, Jenny, and Sean. You all make my world go ‘round! Thank you for supporting something that has always been a dream for me. I wouldn’t be able to pursue any of this without your immense help and support.
Other Books by Sara Celi
Hollywood Nights
Prince Charming
Natural Love
The Palms
Primary Season
Primary Flip
The Undesirable
Spellbound
