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I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, beating down the insecurity that was rising within me. It didn’t matter how many of these I did—I would never truly enjoy them because I was far more introverted than extroverted.
That’s why I had a job where I didn’t really have to speak to people.
Okay.
I was knocking.
I was doing this.
I reached out and rapped my knuckles against the door before I chickened out. I opened my eyes just before the door was pulled open by Max himself.
He pointed to the brass door knocker. “Didn’t feel like using that?”
“Didn’t feel like letting the butler answer the door?” I shot back.
His lips tugged to one side. “He’s probably eating dinner with his wife.”
“Good for him.” I wrung my hands in front of me. “I’d rather be eating dinner with his wife, too.”
“You don’t know his wife.”
“I’d still prefer it.” I peered over his shoulder.
“She probably would, too.” His smirk turned into a small thing that could pass for a smile. “She loves your books.”
“Is there anyone in this place who doesn’t?” I pressed my hands against my stomach and blew out a heavy breath. “I didn’t mean that to sound the way it came out. Sorry. I don’t really like book clubs. They give me the heebie jeebies.”
Max raised his eyebrows. “So why did you say yes?”
“Your grandma strongarmed me into it, then she asked me nicely. And she brought cake. I like cake.” I was a weak, weak woman where cake was concerned. “So… that’s why.”
He pressed his lips into a thin line. “Mhmm. Come on. They’re in the kitchen.”
Oh.
That was a bummer.
His eyes twinkled with laughter. “Kidding. They’re in the library.”
“That was mean.” I followed him inside. “The library is the only thing that got me here in the first place.”
“I’m sure it was. Come on. I’ll show you the way.”
And thank God for that because this place was fuckinghuge. The ceilings were tall with ornate moulding where they met the walls, and the floor beneath me was a beautiful dark wood parquet. The doors were tall with thick frames that justlookedold.
In fact, the whole house felt like it had a story to tell. I couldn’t explain it, but I could feel the weight of history weighing upon me as I walked the halls.
I was definitely going to have to explore the public section of the house.
“Here you go,” Max said, motioning to a door. “They’re in there waiting for you.”
I swallowed, looking at the door.
“You want me to start it off? Announce you?”
I looked at him.
“Or show you to the nearest toilet so that you can throw up?”
