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CHAPTER ELEVEN
Clarke
“Where are you taking me?” I ask for the hundredth time, letting my head fall against the headrest as I look over at Treyton.
Every time I swear he can’t get any better looking, he goes and does just that.
Behind the steering wheel of a car that probably costs more than I make in a year, well, a normal year, anyway, with dark sunglasses on his face, wind whipping through his hair… I swear, I could stare at him for hours on end and never grow tired of it.
“I already told you, you have to wait and see.”
This past week has been something out of a fairytale. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ve been living a fairytale since the moment Treyton Tyler walked into my life. But this week? I don’t know how to explain it, something has shifted.
Treyton seems happier, more relaxed. And the way he looks at me… I can’t describe it, but it makes me feel all gooey inside, like I’m literally melting.
“Maybe now is a good time to tell you that I don’t like surprises.” I grin.
“Maybe now is a good time to tell you that you better get used to them,” he fires back.
We’ve been driving for close to an hour, and while I know exactly where we are—Malibu—I have no idea what our actual destination is. In truth, I’m not sure I really care all that much. As long as I’m with Treyton, I’m happy.
We’ve had to find pockets of time together since he started filming but since he wasn’t needed for today’s scenes, we have the entire day together for the first time in what feels like forever.
I close my eyes, enjoying the warm California breeze that dances across my face. I stay like that for several minutes, reveling in the moment, knowing it’s not every day that life feels this perfect.
It isn’t until the car slows to a stop that I finally open them, and when I do, my recognition of where we are is instant.
The house I sold Treyton.
The house that started it all.
“Our house.” I don’t mean to say it out loud, but it comes out anyway.
“Our house,” he confirms, reaching across the center console to squeeze my hand. “It’s the first time I’ve been back since that day.” He lifts my fingers to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles before releasing it to punch in the gate code.
I look up at the expansive house as the gates swing open.
It’s crazy to think that it was only a few short weeks ago that I was last here. My life has changed so dramatically in that time. So much so that it almost feels like a completely different life all together.
“Come on.” Treyton puts the car in park and kills the engine before throwing open the driver’s door.
I do the same, pushing my door open before quickly exiting the car.
He rounds the hood and reaches for my hand, which I gladly give him, allowing him to lead me up the stone walkway and into a house that feels so familiar yet entirely new at the same time.
I stop in the foyer, my eyes taking in the scenery.
Gone are the dark pieces of furniture and eccentric art work. Replaced by light grays and blues, the room sings with modern touches that make the space feel so different.
“I thought you said you hadn’t been here.” I make my way into the large living space, with a wall of windows that offers the most breathtaking view of the ocean, matched only by the completely unobstructed view from the balcony.
“I haven’t.” Treyton stops next to me. “I hired a design team to decorate.”
“Of course, you did.” I roll my eyes.
“Trust me, it’s better than me trying to do it myself.” He chuckles. “Come on.” He takes my hand, pulling me toward the balcony doors.
It isn’t until we step out onto the balcony that I realize what he’s done. In the center of the large space, there’s a blanket spread out, surrounded by pillows, with a picnic basket directly in the center.
