“It’s perfect, Shane,” I tell him genuinely.
Suddenly, a small flurry begins to fall above us, and it only makes the moment even more magical as the coachman directs the horses down the road. I still don’t know where we’re going, but I couldn’t care less. I’m with the man I love, and that’s all that matters.
I rest my head on his shoulder, sighing with pure happiness. “I never want this night to end. Thank you for giving me the perfect first date, Shane.”
He kisses my forehead. “It never has to, and I plan on giving you a thousand more, Aubrey.” I love how he always talks about the future like us living out our lives together is inevitable.
Another ten minutes later, we arrive in front of huge ten-feet-tall black gates. Shane reaches into his pocket for a second before the doors begin to open. The carriage takes us down a long road with trees covered in snow lining each side. The pavement is now also fully covered in snow with small lampposts along the way illuminating the path. It’s like the perfect wallpaper of a winter wonderland.
All I can do is stare in awe as we get closer to what can only be described as a small white castle. Small compared to a normal-sized castle, but so much bigger than a mansion. I have no idea what this place is, but I feel like a trespasser and expect guards to show up from behind bushes and escort me out.
When the carriage stops at the end of a circular driveway, right in front of seven steps that lead to the front door, Shane pushesthe blanket off him and jumps down to the pavement, our boxes of treats in hand.
He then looks up at me with a heart-stopping grin and sparks in his eyes as he lifts his open hand up for me to take. “Welcome home, Angel.”
My eyes widen as I place my hand in his.This is his home!? Oh God, the girls are going to freak out once they find out.I let him help me down as he thanks the man at the front of the carriage. He then walks us up the steps and into his own private castle.
My eyes bug out of my head as I look around, from one corner to the other. There’s so much to see that I have no idea where to look. Shane removes my coat as I take off my heels, not wanting to ruin the light hardwood floors. He places the boxes of goods on a little side table, then takes my hand and begins to walk me through the house, giving me a quick tour of the place, but it still takes nearly twenty-five minutes.
White walls everywhere with white furniture, a few different floating staircases with black railings. Twelve-foot coffered ceilings on the main level and seventeen-foot vaulted ceilings on the second floor. I’ve already seen six fireplaces, and I have a feeling there’s more. There are also windows everywhere, which must give a beautiful amount of sunlight during the day.
From what I’ve seen so far, there are seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a theater room, a home gym, indoor swimming pool and sauna. Next was a huge wine cellar that actually has a bar inside and seating, two living rooms, two sitting rooms, a library, two offices, a pearly white kitchen that would make anyone drool, two different dining rooms, and an elevator. And he didn’t even show me every room. He also told me there’s an outdoor in-ground heated pool, a pool house, and a veranda with a Lynx outdoor kitchen, whatever that means.
In the end, Shane informs me that there are twelve fireplaces.TWELVE.Who has twelve fireplaces in their home… when they live alone!?
We finally make it back to the kitchen, and I’ll admit, my head is spinning a little. I feel like I’ve been thrust into this new world, and I can’t seem to find my footing. Shane pulls out a chair at the island, nodding toward it.
“Here, sit. I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’ll have time to explore it completely and find your way around it.” He smiles and presses a kiss to my cheek as I sit down.
Shane wanders around the island to a huge hidden fridge that honestly just looked like big cabinets. He takes out a platter of cut veggies and another pot that will most likely be going in the double wall oven.
“Did you prepare everything in advance?” I ask as I notice everything looks already seasoned and ready to be thrown in the oven and pan.
He rolls up his sleeves, exposing his deliciously thick forearms as he chuckles with a hint of nervousness. “Actually, can I tell you a secret?”
“Always.” I push my hair behind my ears, leaning in and resting my chin in my palm.
“My chef made all of this. I told him I wanted to impress my girlfriend with a home-cooked meal, but I’m not a great cook, so he prepared everything in advance and gave me instructions on how to cook it.” Reaching behind him, he picks up a notepad and sets it down in front of me. “Literally.” He laughs and I join in with him.
“That’s very sweet of you, Shane. But there was no need to impress me.” My hand covers his across the island. “I like you just the way you are,” I whisper.
“I like you too, sweetheart. A lot.” His response makes me flush and a smile spreads over his plump lips. “Wine?”
“Please.” I bite my lip as I watch him stroll around his kitchen, taking a bottle from the rack on the counter. I have a feeling it was pre-chosen by his chef as well.
After serving our glasses, he picks up a tablet, tapping a few times at it until a soft melody begins to play on the surround sound. I can’t see where the speakers are, but the hypnotizing blues envelopes me, sending a shiver running down my spine.
He puts the casserole holding the chicken into the oven, then drops the veggies into a pan, stirring them around. His hips move along to the music, and I’m pretty sure he’s humming.For someone who doesn’t cook, he’s definitely in his element.All I can do is watch him with fascination, this gorgeous man who’s cooking for me, who organized a date for me.
Who wants me to be his as desperately as I want him to be mine.
Can someone really be so lucky to get it right on the first try? To find the man of their dreams immediately and live happily ever after? I don’t know, but I sure hope so. I want Shane to be my forever.
The music suddenly changes to one I recognize instantly, “Earth Angel” by The Penguins. I remember secretly watching my parents dance to it in the kitchen late in the evening right before my mother would leave for her night shift at the hospital.
Shane quickly sets the wooden spoon he’s holding down by the stove and comes around the island with a waiting hand. “Dance with me, Angel.”
I giggle and rest my hand in his as he pulls me up, placing his hand at the small of my back, and begins to sway us around the room to the sensual tune. At one point he takes my palm and twirls me in a circle, sending me out, before pulling me back into his arms.
