Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 231

Amelia didn’t take Daniel’s words to heart. By the time she drove home, she had already forgotten about them.

On Monday morning, after dropping Ruby off at preschool, Amelia headed to the research institute.

Today was her official first day. The director had organized a small, cheerful welcome for her. “It’s about time they sent us some real talent from above,” he said with a wide grin. “If you young folks don’t step up, we old-timers will never dare retire.”

Amelia smiled politely. The director continued, “Oh, and they’re sending Robert Rubin as well. You two know each other, right? He’ll be arriving in a few days.”

She didn’t expect to see him the very next day.

She was genuinely surprised. “It really is you! Why aren’t you at home spending more time with your parents?”

Robert was also one of the participants in their classified project. When it wrapped up and everyone got reassigned, he’d joked, “Wherever Amelia goes, I go.”

She’d laughed it off then, never imagining he’d actually show up in Silkwood.

Robert had an easy, refined presence. He was handsome in a gentle way, and the glasses perched on his nose only made him seem more intelligent.

“My parents work with Doctors Without Borders,” he replied, smiling mildly. “They’re hardly ever home. Even if I wanted to spend time with them, I couldn’t. Besides, I figured Silkwood must have some great food, so I arrived a bit early.”

With things said that way, it only made sense for Amelia—half a host, at least—to take him out for a meal.

They went to a restaurant set in an old royal estate, now converted into a stately dining venue. The place had a timeless charm: elegant pavilions, winding paths, and every ancient tree seemed to whisper its own story.

A gentle stream flowed beneath a quaint little bridge. After ordering, Robert handed the menu to Amelia. “See if there’s anything else you want to add. It’s only been two weeks, but you look thinner already.”

Amelia glanced at the menu and teased, “Why do you sound like an old family member? First thing you say is that I’ve lost weight.”

He’d have to be an idiot to blurt any of that out.

Still…

Finley glanced anxiously up toward the second-floor balcony, where their private dining room was. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to see down to this part of the garden.

He hesitated, unsure if he should tell Daniel he’d run into Amelia here, and already regretted choosing this restaurant for their meal.

Lost in thought, he found himself back at the private room. The moment he walked in, he saw the man at the head of the table.

Daniel sat in a black shirt, collar slightly open, sleeves rolled loosely to reveal strong, sculpted forearms, one arm draped casually over the back of his chair. His head was turned toward the window.

Outside, the crabapple trees were in full bloom, their delicate scent drifting in on the breeze. It was the perfect season for flowers.