Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“Don’t worry about me, sir. Raven is very good at what she does. As long as that doesn’t change, I don’t see the harm in it.”
I sag in relief, not finding a stitch of insincerity in her words.
“Although I must say, it did catch me off guard. You two have played the role of professional rather well.”
Charles smirks. “It’s been bloody difficult, if I’m being honest.”
She smiles at Charles. “Well, I’m just happy to see you smile, Charlie. It’s been . . . well, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it.”
“You lie,” he drawls. “I’m delightful.”
“A ray of sunshine, sir.”
He shakes his head. “No. That’s her,” he says, looking at me.
It’s such a tender smile. One that melts my heart and sends butterflies flying in my belly.
When he looks at me like that, there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m falling for him.
Hard.
“I’ll let you two get back to work,” she says, her voice dripping with mirth.
“We are. We will . . . work, that is,” I stutter.
“Of course, you are, my dear.”
She winks, walking from the room and leaving me to wonder how long it will take for the office to know our secret.
39
Raven
“Ah, so this is how the other half lives?”
My eyes are wide as we pass mansion after mansion. These places aren’t even the permanent residences of their owners. It’s the kind of wealth I can’t wrap my head around.
“Pretentious and entirely too much flexing? Yes . . . this is how that half lives.”
I snort, looking over at Charles, who doesn’t bother turning his head to peer at the massive estates. Why would he? He lives in one.
“I think I could get used to it.” I shrug my shoulders.
We drive in silence for another couple of minutes as I take in the opulence surrounding me. I’m lost in thoughts about the times Charles spent here. Who did he bring? What did they do?
Ugh. Don’t go there.
“This is it,” he says as we pull up to quite possibly the biggest house I’ve ever seen.
He clicks a button, and the gates open to allow us access to a sprawling three-story mansion with that old-world feel I adore.
The grounds are meticulously manicured, and a large fountain sits in the middle of the circular drive. As I step from the car, I can hear the waves crashing somewhere in the distance, and I ache to explore.
“We’re going to stay in the guesthouse. I find it to be cozier.”
Something in his voice gives me pause. Like maybe this place doesn’t hold the best memories for him. Which makes me question why we’re here.
I don’t have time to ask as he begins to spout off details.
“There are two residences on the property, which is a little over four acres. There are two pools and a tennis court.”
“Wow.” It’s all I can manage as I spin in circles. “It’s incredible, Charles. When was this built?”
“The 1900s. But you’ll find that the inside of both places has been recently updated.”
“I . . . don’t have words. I’m speechless.”
He huffs a laugh. “I’ve spent many a summer here. Some of my fondest memories are from times spent on these grounds.”
Okay, so maybe I was wrong, and he does like this place.
“Lifestyles of the rich and famous, huh?”
He chuckles. “Not quite. But it is a lovely place.”
“It’s so weird for me to think that this is normal for you. You really do have a different life from what I’m used to. Yet you’re surprisingly normal for someone used to all this.”
He pulls a face. “Normal? I don’t want to be normal.”
“Normal doesn’t mean boring, Charles,” I explain. “Now, come on, let’s go to one of the pools you’ve told me all about.”
“Now? You don’t want a tour of the grounds? The houses?”
“I believe you promised me some extra fun. Not that I wouldn’t be dumbstruck by all there is to see around here, but I just want to spend time with you. Alone.”
His eyes widen, and a smirk breaks across his face.
“You always surprise me, Raven.” He shakes his head, his hands lifting to his mouth, blocking the dimples I love to see. “Come on. Let’s get you in your swimming costume.”
“Well . . . don’t get too excited. I do plan to scope out the house while changing.” I grin, and he mimics the expression.
When he unlocks the door and sweeps out his hand for me to enter, I run into the house like a child who has just discovered a candy store. I can hear Charles laughing at me as I run from room to room, checking it out. I’ve never seen a place like this in my life. I feel like I’ve just stepped into the middle of a movie scene.
The foyer is wide open, with a circular staircase leading to a landing on the second floor. A large ornate table sits in the center with the largest floral arrangement I’ve ever seen, and I wonder who keeps up the place while they aren’t here.