CEO Of My Heart 235 235

"Oh, before you go, there has been an issue which has been nagging at me.  I know the issue is delicate because this is your childhood home, but I'd like to start talking with Rightley about the repairs that need to be undertaken.  I wanted to draw up a plan for future expansion as well to be in place when I'm . . . I mean when you start to take care of affairs. I didn't want to start kicking up dirt without your permission as this is your house."

She paused to give him his favorite smile of hers.  It was the one of relief as she had someone considering problems before they occurred to her.  He hoped that she would miss this part of him most as she replied soothed. "That would be beyond what I expected from you.  You don't have to as you've said before you are a guest so for you to do the housework feels like an overextension. But, I do know that organizing and ordering people around is scratching that peak managerial itch of yours, my little CEO, so as long as you're enjoying yourself have at it.  You know I can drive like a dream, but I have no idea what the first thing is with managing a tourist destination. There's so many avenues to think of with an estate--farming, cultural activities, the house itself as a hotel, banquet hall, and cafe. I have to think of what the school children will do when they're brought up here for local history lessons.  I have no clue. It's like a mountain of things to do."

Henry grinned as he knew he could considerably lighten her load, he also liked the challenges placed before him.  "If I can calm one anxiety, I'll expect some repayment in kind. Think about what a good time is, but I'll find my men and make a list.  I hope you have a pleasant drive."

As they both came up the inner entrance, Henry walked her to the door while she spoke.  "I really doubt that Daisy has been keeping up with all the maintenance needed with all those cars.  I have been thinking of ways to rectify that and I thought of Michael. Maybe if you let him retire, I could have him work part-time here as it's a stone's throw from Liverpool."

"That is a nice suggestion.  He is getting up in years and the only reason I really kept him around was due to him being with the family for so long.  It's been years since he's been home and I'm sure he's past retiring age. I'd have to ask him if he would consider. But, I do know how important family is to him.  His wife's illness only has treatment in a specific hospital in the city, so it may not work as well. There's no harm asking though, so I will bring it up with my old friend."

The Toyota Supra was running outside when Ellie opened the from doors.  She seemed giddy so she quickly jumped into the driver's seat and revved the engine as Henry watched.  She waved at him through the open window before closing the window half way. "I'll be back so I can try out the new menu you decided on for guests."

Henry waved back.  "I'll make sure it has some of your favorites.  Michael will be cooking so it will be best food in town."

Ellie scoffed.  "I'll hold you to that."

He stood as she drove off, taking a gravel road instead of the main road.  Henry was not affected by the smoothness with the car moved, but he still couldn't help watching it.  Ellie was completely in her element when she was behind the wheel. He couldn't really think of anything she did that didn't feel like she's spent hours practicing to perfect the art of it looking effortless.  Henry wondered how his peers in the monied crowd would handle such a beauty appearing in their ranks. There people did practice for hours to achieve the kind of thing that she did effortlessly. Nothing she did was for showing off, if it was impressive she didn't seem to care much.  This trait would probably make her the diamond of every event she attended. People would clamor at the chance to meet her and to get to know her. People who instantly take her seriously and hand on to every word. He wondered why this Himanshu of hers hadn't taken the initiative to put a ring on her or several.  The boy would be ruing his actions as she would definitely marry extremely well now that she was a perfect 10.

The thought brought his stomach to knots so he closed the door before he died of indigestion.  Did he forget to breathe when she was driving or had he swallowed some wood insect that had been hanging off the door?  Either way he felt disgusted with his thoughts and his body's actions.

Ellie make sure to peck Henry on the lips when she walked into the dining area for dinner.  Henry was prepared this time and held onto the kiss making sure that she was going to enjoy it as much as he with good enthusiasm from him. She seemed surprised during the kiss and opened her mouth to let her tongue to snake out and outline his lips. Henry felt very satisfied that he had made some progress with his partner. She pushed him back while kissing him until Henry's hand leaned back to make contact with the dining room table. He startled and his mouth moved away from hers. She made an irritated sound so Henry kissed her back hungrily and in the pause for breath he wondered. "I hope you got as much done as I did. I feel like you're irate about something and taking it out on me."

Ellie eyebrows shot up. "Well yes and no. My day was very unproductive. The list of things needing to be done just gets longer and longer. I'm feeling more hopeless the longer I'm here."