Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Once we both figure out why I’m here, he shows me to my room.
My eyes bulge out of my sockets because holy cow, it’s bigger than the entire apartment I share with my dad. It has a sitting area, a kitchenette, an enormous four-poster bed, and a huge bathroom complete with a jetted soaker tub.
I find myself feeling very conflicted. I thought that being essentially sold into slavery meant living in a shack behind the main house and sleeping on a bed made of hay. Not even in my wildest imagination did I think that the most handsome man in the world would provide me with a fancy suite like it was nothing to him. I guess people with money take these things for granted.
I pace a path across the lush carpet as I contemplate my next move. Stephen told me to meet him outside. While I wouldn’t dare disobey him, I need to prepare myself for our next meeting. I need to find out a bit more about his family as well as what he expects from me.
By the time I reach the veranda, the sun has begun to set casting an amber glow across the emerald grounds. The perfectly manicured landscape is a pristine canvas of topiary, flowering plants, and cobblestone pathways. In the center lies an infinity pool guarded by an enormous, winged gargoyle made of stone. I look out in awe and wonder if I’m really standing here. Did I fall asleep in the smelly taxi and dream this whole thing?
“You made it. Let’s take a walk.” Stephen gets up from his chair and takes my arm again.
I expect that this is normal for him, but it’s a level of intimacy I don’t normally experience. It’s giving me butterflies in my stomach.
“I thought I’d show you the grounds while it’s still light. We can tour the inside of the house after dinner.”
“It’s very beautiful. How many people live here?”
“Currently, just you and I. There used to be a live-in cook as well, but she married the gardener and moved into his cottage with him.”
“So, it’s just you and me?”
“Does that bother you?”
“No, I just…it’s such a big place. I thought you had a wife and kids.”
“No. No wife, no kids, no girlfriend. I’m as single as they get. This was my parents’ place. My brother and I grew up here. He was living here too, but…well, he’s had to go away for a while.”
“If it’s just you, what do you need a housekeeper for?”
He stops walking and looks at me. “Are you insinuating that I don’t know how to clean up after myself?”
“Oh, no! Please. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
He grins and winks at me. “I know, sweetheart. Relax. I was joking.”
I meet his smile with one of my own, but inside, my heart is racing. I need to be more careful. Sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my common sense.
“How old are you, Samantha?”
“20. 21 in a few months.”
“And what did you want to do with your life?”
“Art. I wanted to go to the arts college.”
“You’ll have to show me your work sometime.”
“Can I ask how old you are?”
“37.”
He’s not much younger than my father, but you won’t know it. His chiseled frame and gorgeous hair make him look like a different species.
We continue on our walk, and I hear the neighing of horses in the distance.
“Are those horses?” I’m incapable of hiding my excitement.
“That’s right. Do you ride?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to. I love horses.”
“Then we should go have a look. We’re expecting our third foal for the spring.”
“You breed horses?”
“Racehorses. I got into the business five years ago. It provides a nice supplemental income.”
We approach the stables and the horses come into view. They’re tall, stately beasts just like their owner.
“What do you think?”
“Very handsome,” I answer and feel my cheeks get hot. There goes my mouth again.
“Come on, I’ll take you inside so you can see the foals.”
I can barely control my excitement as Stephen leads me to the paddock. Inside, a large roan mare stands beside two miniature versions of herself.
“They’re so adorable,” I swoon as Stephen opens the stall and I step inside.
He makes a clicking sound with his mouth and one of the foals steps toward us.
“Give him a rub,” he encourages me.
I reach out and rub the top of the tiny horse’s head. It’s like a dream come true for me. I’ve loved horses my whole life. The closest I’ve gotten to one was the time my father took me to the racetrack to watch from the stands.
Lost in the moment, I fail to see the mare backing up toward me. In the cramped space, she swings her hips and sends me reeling. Stephen catches me in his arms, stopping me from falling flat on my face. With his arms around my waist, I feel his body pressed against mine.