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“I don’t know. It’s just…” She paused. “It’s huge.”
He pulled the car up in front of the house, not bothering with putting it in the garage because he’d be using it again in the early morning hours to head to the airport.
By the time he walked around the front of the vehicle, Peyton was already walking toward him.
He placed his hand on her back and guided her up to the front entrance. Opening the front door, he quickly deactivated the alarm. Peyton paused on the threshold of the foyer. Her blue eyes widened like saucers as her gaze darted around the entranceway, taking it all in.
“Wow.” The awe in Peyton’s voice made him smile. That was what he’d always wanted. Growing up, he’d pictured having a beautiful, big house, with an amazing view and a gate. As a kid, a house with a gate was the ultimate sign someone had made it. He’d only seen houses with gates on TV and movies, and somehow it became the status symbol that meant he’d achieved his dreams. Every time he opened that gate, it reminded him his hard work had paid off. Sure, the house that came along with it was bigger than any one person needed, but he hoped someday to have a family to fill it. In the meantime, he had his gate.
If she thought the entrance was impressive, he couldn’t wait to show her the rest of his home. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her further inside. As they rounded the corner, it opened into the main living area and kitchen. Peyton gasped beside him. “Oh my god, this is unreal. This looks like something on one of those designer shows on TV.”
“I’m sure my decorator will be happy to hear that.”
“Of course you have a decorator,” she mumbled.
“Hey, now don’t say it like that. All judgy and shit.”
“Sorry I wasn’t trying to be judgy.” Peyton winced and ducked her head. “I’ve just never really known anyone who lived in a house like this.”
“It’s just a house, Peyton.”
“No, Ryan, it’s not.” She ran her hand along the counter and walked toward the wall of windows that looked outside to the pool and across the valley. “This house is amazing.” She looked over her shoulder at him. “You know when you’re a kid and you have these big dreams about what your mansion will look like?”
“Yeah.” He laughed. His house was big, but it certainly wasn’t a mansion with like staff and shit.
“This is like that kind of house.” Peyton sighed. “This is truly beautiful, Ryan.”
His chest tightened. This was his dream house, and yeah, he’d had to hire a designer to get it exactly right, but it had been worth it to him. And apparently Peyton agreed.
“Glad you like it.” He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as they stood and looked out at the lights sparkling from below in the valley.
“You had a shitty day. What do you say we grab a bottle of wine and head to the hot tub to relax?”
“I didn’t bring my suit.”
“Peyton, there isn’t an inch of your body I haven’t had my mouth on. I’m pretty sure you don’t need to worry about a bathing suit.”
“Well, that’s different. This is your hot tub. Maybe you don’t want people naked in it. It’s communal space.”
Fuck, she was cute. He barked out a laugh. “I’m practically always naked in my hot tub.”
“Ew, like with other girls?”
“Fuck no, I don’t bring women to my house.”
Peyton turned around to face him. “What do you call me?”
What did he call her? The best sex he’d ever had. Beyond that? He didn’t know what the fuck to call her. “I’m hoping you’ll be the first naked woman in my hot tub.”
Peyton stepped away from him, peeled her shirt over her head, and dropped it on the corner of his sofa. “Well, what are we waiting for?”
He took a moment to enjoy watching Peyton standing in his living-room half dressed. God, she really was beautiful. “Not a damn thing,” he replied as he peeled off his own shirt and chucked it on top of hers.
Unlocking the sliding door, he pushed it fully open. Loving the way Peyton gasped in appreciation when the entire wall of windows opened, making the house and outdoor space all blend into one giant room.
“Holy cow, that’s outstanding.”
“Agreed. It’s pretty cool. That’s why I hired a designer,” he laughed.
