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.”