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.
The floors are white marble, and I have to slow my pace so I don’t wipe out. The place is floor-to-ceiling white. The only touch of color comes from the décor. It’s stunning.
“Is this for real?” I ask when I make my way to the back of the house.
It’s nothing but window after window, giving an incredible view of the back.
Tall trees surround the entire backyard, blocking us from the view of the neighbors. The property is large enough that it’s likely unnecessary, but it’s nice to know we’re hidden from the world and can do as we please.
I don’t even bother to go into a room to cover myself as I strip down and put my bikini on. He laughs the whole time.
Charles stands in front of me with a big towel, wrapping it around me.
“Your towel, my lady.”
I almost die.
It’s like one of those big, white hotel towels, and it’s wrapped around me twice. It’s luxurious in a way I’m not used to.
A girl could definitely get used to this, though.
Charles is in his red swim trunks, and my mouth dries at how spectacular he looks in them. His chiseled chest is on full display, and my eyes trail down and over his six-pack abs, right down to the V that dips beneath his shorts.
Too damn hot for his own good.
Together, we walk over to a pool that is quite possibly the fanciest pool I have ever seen in my life. It seems to go on forever as it weaves around rocks that form tunnels that lead to a grotto.
He jumps in, pulling me with him.
“Charles,” I scream, right before I’m submerged.
When I surface, I see that we’ve splashed water everywhere, and even the towels are soaked. He’s laughing, but I’m not.
“How are we supposed to dry off?”
“It’s sunny, love. I’ll get you another towel while you sunbathe.”
“That works,” I say, nodding my head in approval.
“You’re very easy to please.” He grins, which appears to be a staple on his handsome face today.
It looks good on him. The tense posture and rigid features that he wears around the office are gone. He looks younger, lighter.