He Stares Back

Chap 61: A Fresh Start

*picture of Christian & Emily's new home above*

             The pilot woke Christian and Emily up when they arrived at Back Hills, Tennessee airport. Emily was groggy the entire car ride to the mansion. Christian held her hand as he drank coffee to wake himself up.

           As the rental vehicle pulled up to the new mansion, Christian turns to a half asleep Emily. He gently shakes her awake.

             "Em, Baby," Christian says sweetly to her, pulling her into his arms for a forehead kiss. "we're here."

               Emily takes the coffee from his hands and takes a sip. She gags, shaking her head.

               "It taste like dirt." Emily snarls.

               "Emily," Christian's tone makes her freeze, looking to him in worry "I didn't tell you this because I didn't want you to fuss...but I sold a lot of out things before we left Drysdale."

                The brunette slowly nods. "Okay? And what's he problem?"

              Christian reaches into his pocket, taking out ten stacks of $1,000 dollar bills. Emily's eyes widen in shock. The billionaire takes her hand and places the large quantity of money in her hands.

               "Christian! What are you—" Emily starts to exclaim.

               "I want us to have a fresh start and blend in here." Christian nods, "Most of our clothes and furniture I sold...I want you to go into town and buy some clothes for ourselves."

            "Christian, I can't take—" Emily begins.

             "Shhh!" Christian says annoyed, "I  have to locate a place in town for my office to be built. Then, later, I have a meeting with a new business associate. He and I will be having a private dinner so you can spend the day buying whatever your heart desires. All of this is yours."

                "But what would I even buy?" Emily says confused, still in shock. "I mean, we have more than we need anyway."

                "I sold everything." Christian says quickly, as if he were quickly pulling a bandaid off. "Everything we had was too flashy. Our furniture, clothes, cars—"

                 "What?!" Emily exclaims loudly, her lips and eyes wide with a mixture of shock and horror. "You got rid of our clothes, furniture, and your cars?! How could you do that Christian?"

                The billionaire grabs her face firmly, looking into her eyes intensely. He eases his grip when he sees the slight fear in Emily's eyes. He takes a deep breath in, looking away.

                "Emily, I know this is going to be hard...but the life we had wasn't what we needed. I know that now." Christian says seriously, grim toned. "I want us to blend in and try to start a new life here...even if we have to break away from the clothes we used to wear on our backs. I want you to write down things you want for our new house, okay? Paint colors, furniture, themes—I will leave it up to you."

         Emily intertwines her fingers with his. "Is it wise to trust me with decision making when it comes to decorating?"

            Christian gives her a long, blank look in silence. Then he leaving sighs and sits up straighter.

             "Alright." He surrenders, trying to find a way to dominate. "But I am ordering you to do a few things for me...at least buy the both of us new clothes and whatever else you want. If you need anything or any help, call me and I will be right there. This money is all yours, plus the money you received from the fricking Montgomery's—the bastards."

            Emily smiles at him softly. "Whatever you say, Mr. Taylor."

           The couple steps out of the rental car. The cold, Spring air stings Emily's skin. She shivers from the cold, pulling her jacket tightly against her. The brunette looks up, her eyes widen at the sight before her. A large southern mansion stands tall before her. It's decking is designed just the way she had expected a southern home to be.

         The brunette looks to the billionaire, who marvels at her surprise. He chuckles at her, walking over to wrap a warm arm around her. He walks her to the front porch, being quick as the wind picks up.

         "A cute little swing would be adorable here on this porch." Emily looks at the empty porch, thinking back to the movies where there were houses like this one. "Maybe we could have one put right here and we can watch our baby play in the yard as we drink that Southern sweet tea I've always heard of."

    "Not even twenty minutes in the South and you're already thinking like them." Christian chuckles, opening a glass door. "Come on, Honey. Before you catch a cold."

             Emily takes his hand, wanting to seek shelter inside. Christian pushes the glass door open, searching his keys for the painted blue door. Emily arches a brow.

           Well that's odd. She thinks, Why are there two doors for the front door? Very odd.

            Christian uses a different key and manages to open the blue door. They step inside, warmth fanning over Emily. The brunette can see a grand entryway with a stairwell. The house and empty, but still bright. Emily marvels at how grand all of it is. Christian chuckles at her.

         "Unfortunately, we can't stay long." Christian sighs heavily. "Tomorrow I will help you pick furniture and paint and whatever else you want changed. Alright? Come. I'll take you to town."

          Hey readers! So I've never been to Tennessee or Boston or any place like that BUT I am Southern born & raised so I am more acquainted with Southern dialect, slang, and customs. I'm trying to think how an outsider would think if they came to our neck of the woods per say. So if anyone from Tennessee reads this or from anywhere else, just understand that I am trying to put my own Southernness into the mix. Just trying to make it more like home!
           I may may make the next book about a Country Girl and a City Man. Comment if you do or don't like that idea. Also, comment if you liked this chapter. Have a wonderful day lovelies!!!! You are all loved 🥰😘❤️🙏🏼