Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 53693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
In a way, it was like I was preparing it for her. I had imagined that one day I’d bring home a woman who could appreciate the space in a way I didn’t always have the time to. I want her to be that woman, though I won’t push. She needs the freedom to grow into this space.
She stands in the entryway for a long time, looking around to take in her surroundings. I give her space to explore, careful not to startle her. I have no doubt this day has been overwhelming for her, and she needs some time to herself. I texted my staff ahead of time to get a room ready for her. Hopefully she’ll be able to unwind once she’s inside.
“Katrina,” I say quietly, realizing it’s the first time all day that I’ve called her by her name.
She looks at me sharply, a cross look on her face. “Don’t call me that,” she says coldly. “Only my parents call me that.”
“I apologize,” I tell her. “It was the name on the wedding program. What would you prefer I call you?”
“I’d prefer you call me nothing at all,” she answers.
I try again not to chuckle. This is the firecracker of a girl who claimed me in that small bathroom. Her words are biting, but I can work with her anger a lot more easily than I can work with her silence.
“Well, ‘Nothing At All,’” I joke. “Please let me show you to your room.”
She looks at me warily but follows me up the glass staircase in the middle of the living room to the second floor. Once we reach the landing, I turn to the right, down a long hallway with several closed doors. Her footsteps make no sound, her bare feet falling lightly against the plush carpet.
I know she’s behind me, though. I can feel her presence. It’s a strange sensation. Never in my life have I ever been so aware of another person. It’s like I’m drawn to her with a strong magnet.
When I finally reach her room, I open the door and step aside so she can enter. She looks up at me, a question in her eyes, and enters the space. It’s a light, airy room set in the corner of the penthouse. I love this room because of its floor-to-ceiling windows on two of the walls. Being in this room feels like having a private viewing room for all of Manhattan.
The other two walls are painted a light, sky blue. It’s as if the whole room is part of the sky. In the middle of the room is a California King with fresh linens. On the nightstand is a vase of fresh flowers. There’s a set of dressers with a smart TV and the necessary remotes, and a large walk-in closet, nearly as large as the room itself.
My housekeeper did a fantastic job of preparing the room. No one has been in it since I moved in except the interior decorator. Until today, it was gathering dust, but now it has new life. This will be her space to do with as she pleases.
After walking around the room and running her hands delicately along each surface, she looks at me curiously. “I wasn’t expecting to have my own room,” she says, almost as an accusation.
This makes me laugh. I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a heathen. As much as I’d love to be with her.
“I assumed you would like your own space,” I explain. “But if you’d rather sleep in my room, I can arrange for that.”
Her face hardens and her cheeks redden. “No,” she sputters. “Of course not!”
I take a step closer to her, careful not to completely invade her space. “I can’t wait to have you in my bed every night,” I whisper, lust coloring my tone.
She rolls her eyes, though she wavers and falls against the bed. She gasps in surprise, as if she didn’t realize she’d fallen at all. It’s adorable. It’s intoxicating.
“You’ll be waiting a very long time,” she breathes out, making me chuckle.
This time I do invade her space, walking over to the bed and placing my arms on either side of her. I feel her breath hitch and see the lust in her eyes.
“Trust me, love,” I whisper into her ear. “Soon enough, you’ll be begging to be in my room each night.”
She puts her hand on my chest and pushes me away. She’s not stronger than me, but I’m willing to give her space. I take a step back and fold my arms, assessing her.
“Don’t hold your breath,” she says in a breathy tone.
I chuckle, glad to see she’s gained her senses once more. I like her spark and her wit. It’s what drew me to her. I’m glad to see the silent treatment is finally over.