Free New Encounters by Helena Smith Page A

ask but can’t hide the amusement in my voice as I watch him walking briskly to the stairs.
    ‘If I stay in that room with you.... we will not be going anywhere tonight’.
    YIPPPPPEEEE....... looks like I am gonna get some excitement tonight. Phew... I was beginning to feel like i was in the sahara desert. He stopped on the stairs and looked at my face.
    ‘Bella... stop it. You are encouragable’.
    ‘Oh Robert.... like you wouldn’t believe’
    ‘Careful what you wish for Miss Stone..... ‘
     
    Robert has a land rover outside. I am quick to make fun out of him and ask if he is ok to drive or if he needs me to. He reacts by swooping me in his arms and tickling me calling me cheeky. In the car, Robert explains that he has booked us both into a castle for the weekend. I can’t hide my excitement and squeal with delight which makes him giggle.
    ‘I love castles. I love scotland. ohhh I am so excited. Yeyyy’ I am clapping my hands with glee which tickles him even more.
    ‘I know you do’
    ‘How?’
    ‘The night you were a bit drunk..... you mentioned how you love scotland and you love scotland.’
    I blush at the mention of how drunk I was and am quick to change the subject.
    ‘Well thank you for remembering’ and kiss him before he can mention my drunkeness.
    With that we set off on our journey northward bound. We stopped at the lakes for dinner and the scenery was simply stunning. I feel carefree. When Robert throws yet another curve ball into the mix.
‘Do you like your job Bella?’
    ‘Well.... it pays the bills. I wouldnt say its a life’s passion though’ I laugh. But deep down I don’t know what my life passion is.
    ‘Leave your job’
    ‘I can’t leave my job. I have bills to pay’
    ‘Well you don’t really. I can transfer the money into your bank account tonight. ‘
    ‘NO! That would be wrong’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Where do I start. Robert this is a new relationship, I don’t want it starting out with me owing you money.’
    ‘It would be a gift. If the worst came to the worst and you didn’t want me anymore then call it severance pay for having to put up with me.’
    ‘It would feel wrong, like there was strings attached to this relationship that is going so wonderfully well.’ He looks at me with a sheepish grin on his face. Why do I get the feeling that he has already done it.
     
    ‘Robert?’
    ‘Well, I have kind of already done it.’ He is bracing himself for my reaction.... I am bracing myself as well.
    ‘Robert, I don’t know what to say. I guess your IT guy did some digging and found out my bank account.’
    ‘Ummm yeah. It wasn’t hard, you must be more careful with your security.’ I am gobsmacked. I am trying to think of something to say but I can’t.
    ‘Well....? do you want to know how much?’
    ‘I haven’t even thought about it Robert. You and your curve balls.’
    ‘My balls?’
    ‘Its a turn of phrase. You do the unexpected’ I drink some water from my bottle and he blurts out....
    ‘Oh okay, I put 2 million into your account’.
    The water flies out of my mouth onto the windscreen as I choke on the sip of water that was supposed to go down my throat.
    ‘How much?’
    ‘2 million’
    ‘Robert, you make it sound like you have just transferred 100 quid. I can’t accept that.’
    ‘Well it’s tough, because it’s there. If you transfer it back, then I will just return the favour. Its yours. I want you to understand that you have everything you could want, wish for or need.’
    I fall silent... I really do not know what to say.
    ‘Bella... talk to me’
    ‘I am just a bit gobsmacked. Well very gobsmacked’
    ‘Well I have taken the liberty of writing your resignation. There is also no strings to this. It is a mere gift.’ Mere gift? What on earth would he consider a large gift?
    ‘Have you really? Is there nothing you won’t do on my behalf’ Oh Robert... my dear Robert. This guy is something else.
    ‘Bella... accept the fact that all I want to