I ask Jafar about it, and he says, “The contractor told me it would be a shame to ruin the house like that. He said that people didn’t respect the way things were built. I told him to do what he wanted, but that I expected a massive primary suite and bathroom on the second floor.”
“Did he deliver?”
“You tell me.”
Hand-in-hand, we make our way to the second floor. There are four rooms up here. The first three are guest rooms and are simply perfect.
“I love this shade of green,” I say, motioning to the wall. “I would have never thought to pair it with gold accents.”
“I didn’t know I’d be a fan of sage, but I trust my designer. He knows his stuff.”
I’m glad his designer was a man, which is an absurd thought to have. He leads me from the guest room to the last room in the hallway. Opening the door, he steps aside. It reminds me of his room in Manhattan, with dark paint on the walls, dark wooden furniture, and even dark bedding on the bed. The room is massive and has a lovely view of the spacious backyard, with the Catskills in the distance.
“The closets are through that door and the bathroom is this way.”
I peek in the closet. It’s meant for two people, though one side is empty, much like the penthouse. It’s sad, in a way. Jafar deserves to be happy, and clearly, he’s not happy with Jasmine. Clearing my throat, I step into the bathroom.
“Holy moly.”
“Impressive, right?”
“I didn’t think anything could top the bathroom at your penthouse.”
He grins, looking proud. The room is a replica of the one back in Manhattan, just bigger.
“I guess you got your massive primary suite.”
“Oh, this isn’t even the best part.”
He motions for me to follow him back into the bedroom. Going to the balcony door, he opens it and steps outside. I follow his gaze and find a large soaking tub that looks like it could hold two people comfortably. And the view is so much better out here, where the fresh mountain air makes everything feel alive.
“I’m speechless.”
He says, “I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. By the time the house was finished, it was too cold, but I’ve been assured that this is the perfect time of year to take a soak.”
Is he telling me this because he’s making conversation, or does he want me to try it?
“I bet it’s heavenly.”
“Come. Dinner should be ready soon.”
I look down at my jeans and top. “Is this okay to wear, or do I need to change?”
“You’re perfect just the way you are.”
“That’s debatable but thank you.”
He moves closer and pulls me into his embrace. “It’s not debatable, Ellie. It’s the fucking truth. Understand?”
I nod because what else can I do? Tell him he’s wrong? We stand there with his arms around me until my stomach rumbles. My cheeks flame, but he doesn’t make me feel bad.
“Come on. I’m starved.”
Downstairs, the scent of food makes my stomach rumble again. Jafar leads the way to the dining room, where dinner has been set for the two of us.
“Where is Razoul?”
Jafar pulls out my seat for me before sitting at the head of the table. “He’s likely eating in the caretaker’s house. I believe he and the widow are… friendly.”