Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 21649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
It’s crazy, and I might get myself killed, but I’m not letting Michela get away now that I’ve realized how necessary she is to my survival.
“Okay.” The dimple in her right cheek appears as she smiles at me. “I’ll cook for you tomorrow then.”
“Sounds like a date.”
“Could we possibly have dinner at your house? I’m feeling claustrophobic from all the boxes stacked everywhere in here.” She points around the large apartment.
“It’s a date.”
Chapter 2
Michela
Ryan's home is even more stunning than I'd imagined. Tucked away from the bustling small city, it's an oasis of tranquility. The drive up the winding road had me second-guessing my GPS, and I almost called him to ask for directions, but eventually, the gleaming lights of his place appeared. It’s modern with clean lines and enormous windows that give a panoramic view of the forest beyond.
I grab the bottle of wine I picked up in town. Ryan offered to let me shower at his house since I hadn’t found my bathroom supplies, but I put my foot down on that freaking bad idea. While he went home to order us dinner, I rushed around and found a change of clothes and my bathroom box.
I knock on the door, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness flutter in my stomach. I can’t freaking believe I’m actually having dinner with grown-up Ryan Rinaldi. As my brother’s best friend, he was a constant fixture in our home until he moved away to attend college in Houston. Then the boy who’s always owned me, heart and soul, disappeared completely, crushing my young hopes and dreams.
From an early age, I knew without a doubt that he was meant to be mine. After all, he’d owned my heart from the beginning. I had hoped he’d eventually return after college, but it never seemed to happen. I kept up with what he’s been doing through my brother and Granny Em, Ryan’s grandmother, always hoping he wasn’t seeing someone.
After graduating from college, I decided to make a move to Silver Spoon Falls since it was apparent Ryan didn’t plan on returning to New York. Now that I’m here, I have to find a way to convince him we’re meant to be before my brother gets wind of what I’m up to.
Taking a deep breath, I look around. The house is even more stunning in person, with its sleek modern lines and expansive glass windows that reflect the evening light. Standing here, waiting for Ryan to answer, I can see how much of himself he’s poured into creating this space.
The door swings open, and there he is, looking effortlessly handsome in a casual button-down and jeans. He smiles that same disarming grin that turns my heart to mush.
"Michela," he says warmly, stepping aside to let me in. "It's so good to see you." Oh my God, he looks good. I barely resist the urge to fan myself. He stands at an imposing height of over six-feet-five inches, his presence commanding attention the moment he enters a room. His broad shoulders and muscular body scream strength and power.
His face is striking, marked by chiseled features that could easily belong to a classic Roman god. High cheekbones and a strong jawline give him a timeless, rugged handsomeness, enhanced by his well-groomed beard that frames his face perfectly. His beard is dark, matching the rich, deep tone of his hair, which he keeps neatly styled. His skin has a subtle tan, hinting at time spent outdoors, and his overall demeanor is one of calm authority.
But it's his eyes that draw you in the most. Dark and intense, they seem to hold a depth of emotion and wisdom. When he looks at you, it's as if he sees right through to your soul. His gaze can be both penetrating and comforting, capable of conveying a thousand unspoken words.
"Hi," I reply, stepping over the threshold. The warmth of his home envelops me immediately, both in temperature and ambiance. "This place is incredible."
"Well, you haven't seen anything yet," he says, leading me through a spacious hallway that opens up into a wide, open-plan living area. Every detail is meticulously designed, but there’s a lived-in feel that makes it feel welcoming instead of sterile.
"Wow," I breathe out, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. "You've really outdone yourself."
He chuckles as his warm chocolate eyes meet mine. "Thanks. It was a lot of work, but it’s finally starting to feel like home."
Ryan guides me toward the kitchen, where a marble island takes center stage, surrounded by state-of-the-art appliances. There’s a bottle of wine and two glasses waiting.
"Would you like a drink?" he asks, already reaching for the bottle of my favorite red wine.
"Absolutely. Good taste," I say, slipping onto one of the barstools by the island and handing him the bottle I brought. I can’t believe how well my plan is working. "This place... It’s like something out of a magazine."