Chapter 167

Almara’s Pov

“You want to what?” I let the towel I was using to dry my hair drop from my hands.

“Couple’s counseling.” Arthur repeats like it’s the most normal thing in the world. I guess the stigma has gone down surrounding mental health, sure, but do we really need that?

I think back on all what we’ve gone through and any one of those events would constitute a good enough reason for therapy. Still, we were laughing about our trials one the ride home the other day for moonsake. Why is he bringing this up now?

We had just gotten back from Arthur’s private gym. We deicded we we’re going to start being healthier in our physical health, especially if we’re going to be coaching Grace, but we discussed nothing of mental health.

“Are you not happy?” I ask trying to make sense of what he’s telling me. Arthur tosses his head back and laughs.

“Of course, I’m happy.” He says as he stretches out on the bed, his pumped muscles tugging at his skin. Maybe I should’ve waited to take that shower. Focus, Almara.

I close my eyes and shake my head trying to straighten out my thoughts. “Okay, but usually people see a shrink when they aren’t happy.” I point out. Arthur shrugs his shoulders.

“Not always. Besides, if our goal is to eliminate stress and problems in our life then learning how to deal with them when they happen is extremely useful.” Arthur says.

I admit he makes a good point. I also want to point out that not living a high-profile life could eliminate a ton of stress, but that’s never going to happen. I guess too that there’s no way to guarantee that we never experience any problems, that just isn’t possible in life.

“So, what? We’d go for communication skills?” I ask.

“Exactly. Plus it could be a way to get to know each other more deeply.” Now it’s my turn to laugh. “Arthur we can literally read each others minds. How much closer do you want to get?”

“Much, much closer.” He says though his tone and hungry eyes are indicating he’s referring to physical intimacy now. Well he needn’t say any more. I’m already loosening the silk straps on my robe and crawling to him on the bed.

“Do you not think it’s a good idea?” He asks toying with the sheer fabric doing a poor job of covering my freshly cleaned skin.

“I guess I’m just surprised you’re the one mentioning it.” I tell him as I trace my fingers along his bare chest. One on hand I’m sad that Arthur thinks we need help, but ultimately I think it’s very mature and sweet of him to want to actively work on establishing a healthy relationship.

Though above all that, I’m surprised he’s even open to the idea given the dynamic of his family. Then again, that might be exactly why he wants to talk to someone. He’s probably dying to open up considering feelings have been shoved down and locked up his entire life.

Even the thought of that makes me curious about the depths of him that maybe he isn’t even aware of yet. I lean in for a kiss and Arthur takes my lips between his and gently plays with my mouth. My body ignites with fire at his desire to explore every inch of my body, and mind.

We don’t mention therapy for the next hour. Instead we let out body’s do the talking and by the end of it, I’m definitely going to need another shower.

We lay together on the bed, my body to weak to move yet feeling like heaven. It’s hard to believe we need counseling when we can make love that this good. After gather our strength, and something to eat, we spend the rest of the day looking for just right match for us.

Eventually, we settle on an older woman, probably in her sixties, who charges a pretty penny an hour. Her name is Maurice Tailor and she’s been practicing for over twenty years, specializing in couples therapy. What’s even better is her profile says she’s worked with celebrities before.

Of course she doesn’t list who, but it makes me wonder what high-profile person is also aware of their neglected emotional and mental health that needs tending too. We schedule an appointment with her to meet in the coming days.

When that time comes, Arthur and I are in her waiting room outside her office. Luckily, she doesn’t work anyone but herself, s owe don’t have to worry about other patients coming in and recognizing us.

The very last thing we want is word getting out that the Alpha couple is seeing a shrink, especially after my recent front page appearance. I wonder what genius headline they’ll come up with for that story.

Her waiting room is calming. She has grayish hardwood floors paired with soft sky-blue painted walls. The corners of the room are decorated with different plants in hand painted ceramic vases. She has landscape pictures neatly placed around the room of waterfalls, lush gardens, and woods.

Somewhere there’s a lavender air freshener filling the room with a lovely aroma. I know that if I fell asleep, it would be the best nap of my life.

“Arthur, Almara.” We turn our heads to see Maurice poking her head out an elegant cherry-wood door. “Please come in.” I can’t help but want to trust her. Her eyes look kind and her face is relaxed. Maybe from smelling lavender all day.

We enter into her office which is just as peaceful and cozy. She has a soft brown love-seat couch that she motions for us to take a seat on and over on the side of the room she has a burner going with a pot of tea.

“It’s so wonderful to meet you both.” Maurice says her voice as sweet at honey and it’s like she really means it. Her smile reaches her eyes and she leans forward interested in what we have to say. “What brings you in?”

Even though this was Arthur’s idea, he’s all clammed up now. I suppose saying you want to go to therapy is different than actually doing therapy.

“Well,” I begin seeing that Arthur won’t. “We’ve had some problems, not really us in our relationship- well maybe one incident, but that was a total misunderstanding. Really it’s outside stressors that are giving us issues.” I say, painfully aware of how badly I’m stumbling over my words.

Still, Maurice closes her eyes and nods like she completely understands what I’m talking about. “Let me just say, choosing to come to therapy when outside pressures become too much really says a lot about your dedication to one another.” Maurice says and a weight I didn’t know I was carrying lifts from my shoulders.

“Thank you.” Arthur pipes up. Just then, the screeching from the tea reaching its boiling point interrupts our conversation. I startle at the sudden high pitch noise. For some reason it takes some time for my heart to settle back down. Almost like that sudden sound was an alarm of warning.