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“Slept like a baby—like a rock,” I correct myself. How would I know how babies sleep? I pat the mattress beneath me. “This bed is so comfy.”
Ashely runs an ice-white polished fingernail over one of the four carved-wood bedposts. “And gorgeous. Nikolaos has incredible taste in antiques. The pieces he finds are timeless.”
“They are. The last man I lived with had me there just to decorate for him. Most bachelors are hopeless, but this place is gorgeous.”
“Nikolaos makes excellent choices.” I hear a note of admiration in her voice when she speaks of him. She’s a cute girl. Curvy and eager. I wonder if there’s anything going on there…
“Let me lay your day out for you,” she says. “We have an amazing deep tub in this bathroom. Don’t know if you’ve seen it yet, but once you’re ready for your day, let me know and we’ll fetch Dr. Williams from the mainland.”
“Ah. The doctor. Okay. Thank you.” He mentioned a mandatory checkup, but I had no idea he’d schedule it so soon.
Maybe he wants to be rid of me…
“Take your time, make yourself at home—well, not exactly.” She gives an easy laugh. “We don’t want you lifting a finger, so let us do all the work, but other than that, make yourself at home, please. Let us know if you need anything.”
“Okay, will do.” At home, I’m the one running around, helping, planning, making others’ ideas come to fruition. I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself here.
“Oh, and whatever you do, don’t go to the boathouse.” Her bright gaze darkens. “Please? Thanks.”
Her shiny blonde hair cascades like a waterfall down her back as she turns to leave. Before I can answer her, she’s gone.
What is it with this boathouse?
Honestly? At this point? It’s almost as if they’re goading me to go into the boathouse. It’s annoying. The more they tell me to stay away, the more I want to check it out. I have a nosy little streak in me, don’t I? My hot pink she-devil whispers in my ear,Nosy? Is that a bad thing? Last time you got nosy, you had the time of your life!
She’s right… Heat rises between my thighs at the memory of the alleyway. Then I remember what happened afterward. The sadness. The disappointment.
Maybe I will mind my own business this time.
I take my time showering in the oversized shower. Several jets of warm water stream out from showerheads planted in the stone wall, massaging my body. I lather my hair twice, slathering it in a lavender deep conditioner I found on the stocked shelves. I comb through the tangles from the boat ride.
Thinking of the upcoming intrusive doctor’s visit, I shave everywhere. After, as I massage lotion into my smooth skin, I can’t help but think of Nikolaos’s hands on my body. There’s no way I’m going down that road on this trip. I will not be getting naked in front of him. Just the doctor. That’s the only reason I’m taking so much care with my preparations.
Right?
My little she-devil says,more like yeah, right.
I blow-dry my hair until it falls smooth over my shoulders. A touch of makeup and I’m good to go. I stick with the comfy clothing, opting for black leggings and a white long-sleeved cropped tee.
I wander down the spiral staircase, taking in the ornate carvings, feeling the smooth wood under my hand as I make my way down to the foyer. I need to find Ashely, to let her know I’m ready for the doctor. Nervous butterflies brush against the insides of my belly, wondering what Dr. Williams will find.
I look left, toward the library, then right, where the main living room is. As I’m deciding which way to go to look for Ashely, a staff member pops up, practically appearing out of the woodwork.
A young woman with purple streaks running through her short ponytail pushes the purple plastic frames of her glasses up the bridge of her nose as she greets me. “Hello, Ms. Charlie. Can I help you?”
I think back to my introductions last night, trying to remember her name.Glasses for Gracies.“Ah, yes, Gracie. I was looking for Ashely, to tell her I’m ready for… I’m ready.”
“Of course!” Gracie chirps. “I’ll tell her right away. Can I get you anything in the meantime? A mimosa? Another coffee?” Her glasses slide down and she pops them back up with a chipped black fingernail. I remember “scattered but brilliant” as the words used to describe her.
My stomach flips at the idea of drinking anything right now. “No, thank you. I’m just fine.”
She eyes me for a moment, sizing me up like she can sense what I might like. “Well, what would you like to do while you wait? Something quiet? Reading? Mr. Bachman has an exceptionally well-stocked library. I could have someone start a fire for you in there if you’d like to read.”
She nailed me. I’m impressed. He’s done well in his hiring.
I think of the cushy brown leather chairs I spotted in the library during my tour of the castle last night. “That sounds nice, actually. But no need to trouble your team. I’ll be happy with just a book.”
Despite my protests, fifteen minutes later I’m seated in that cozy chair, my feet propped up on a worn leather ottoman, warming by a roaring fire. A thick blanket covers my lap. I’ve been told it’s mine to keep—a guest takeaway gift. A colorful photo of the castle has been woven into one side, while the other side is a soft white sherpa fleece. I’ve got a hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream topped with curls of peppermint bark sitting on the table beside me and a leather-bound book in my hands. I bring the pages to my face, inhaling the soft scent of the delicate paper.
