"I thought housekeeping was scheduled for next week?” she asked.
"It was. But I need it ready sooner."
I was tired of dreaming about the woman I craved. I was ready to have her next to me.
"How soon?" Sally asked.
"Tomorrow."
"Okay. I’ll have the staff come in and make sure it’s prepared. Do you need food along with new pots and pans also?” she asked.
“Yes. I need the house fully stocked. I plan to be there for a while.”
“Understood,” she told me. "We’ll deep-clean the entire house. Replace anything worn. Stock the pantry and refrigerator and make sure everything is perfect for you."
"And prepare the guest room,” I told her, knowing that would make her curious.
Sally had been with my family for a long time. With all the money she’d made working for us, she could’ve quit a long time ago. But she said she enjoyed her job and didn’t plan to quit until her kids gave her grandkids.
Since she’d been with us for so long, she felt more like family than an employee. Which was why I didn’t get upset when she started asking questions staff shouldn’t ask.
"The guest room?" she said. “So, you won’t be staying alone.”
“No, I won’t.”
I could hear the smile in her voice.
“Have you finally met a nice girl to settle down with?”
"I...” I paused.
“It’s okay. I know how secretive you are. Trust me, I’ll make sure to only bring staff who won’t pry. And I won’t pry either,” she told me.
“Thank you, Sally.”
“For our guest, should we redecorate the guest room?”
“That would be great. I want the room to be comfortable for her. Add a large bed. King size. Let’s go with pink and rose gold for the color scheme," I told her, thinking about the colors of Blossom’s shop. “Add a desk, too.”
"Will do, Mr. Cattaneo.”
If Juliet was really Blossom, she'd need somewhere to work from home. I didn’t want her to think I was controlling her. Kidnapping was one thing. But I wasn’t a control freak.
"Anything else?" Sally asked.
"No. Just make sure the space is something a young woman would like."
"I will, sir. Will you need staff there to take care of you two during your stay, or do you prefer to be alone? If you need a cook, I’m available during the mornings and can meal prep your entire week. That way, you’ll get to be alone more without being disturbed."
“That sounds good, Sally.”
“What about guards? Do you need a security team, sir?”
“No guards. I’ll protect her.”
“Okay, Mr. Cattaneo. I have everything I need from you. I’ll get started on it now. When you’re ready for me to start coming to meal prep, give me a call. Have a great day, sir.”
“You too.”
