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He’s not playing fair.
Me: Alright, Mr. Mysterious.
I type, rolling my eyes playfully.
Me: I’ll trust you… for now.
Him: Good. See you soon, Butterfly.
He teases, sending another wink before signing off.
My heart flutters at the nickname, and despite Orla’s concerns, a thrill of excitement coursing runs through my veins. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a leap into the unknown—but maybe, just maybe, this adventure with Percival Hills is exactly what I need to rediscover my inner fire.
~~~
I stand in front of my open suitcase, unease creeping up my spine as I fold the last of my clothes into it. My fingers brush over the new jeans Gianna helped me pick out. They feel foreign against my skin, like a reminder of how different this is going to be from my usual quiet life.
“Spence, you’re going to have a great time,” Gianna assures me, sensing my apprehension. Her face is full of excitement as if she’s the one about to embark on this journey.
“I know,” I respond, forcing a smile onto my face. “It’s just… I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Exactly!” Gianna exclaims, her eyes lighting up. “That’s what makes it all the more thrilling! And besides, you deserve to have some fun after everything you’ve been through lately.”
Fun was not exactly the word I would use to describe my impending getaway with Percival Hills. A self-made man with countless admirers and an infinite supply of charm, he was practically a different species compared to me—a deaf woman who finds solace in the silent world of furniture restoration.
“Gianna, he’s only doing this because he owes me,” I remind her, my stomach twisting at the thought of how little we truly have in common. “He’s not really interested in someone like me.”
“Spence, don’t sell yourself short,” Gianna says firmly, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You saved his life, remember? And if he didn’t want to spend time with you, he wouldn’t.”
“Maybe,” I concede, biting my lip. “But I feel like I’m stepping into a world I don’t belong in.”
“Hey,” Gianna says softly, squeezing my shoulder gently. “You are an incredible woman, Spencer O’Hagan. Don’t let anyone—not even yourself—make you believe otherwise.”
Her words stir something within me, and I find myself nodding in agreement. “Thanks, Gigi.”
“Anytime, girl,” she grins, giving me a quick hug before stepping back. “Now, finish packing. You’ve got an adventure to embark on!”
With a newfound sense of determination, I zip up my suitcase and take one look around my room. It’s filled with the familiar scents my existence has been filled with, remnants of countless projects that have kept me grounded over the years. But for the first time, I feel ready to step beyond these walls and embrace the unknown.
Chapter Thirteen
Percival
Theearlymorningsunglistens on the hood of my car as I pull up to Spencer’s home. The anticipation of our day together sends a surge of excitement through me, making my heart race. I glance at my reflection in the rearview mirror, ensuring my smile is charming enough for her. Today is going to be special.
As I step out of the car and approach the door, I notice the dilapidated beauty of Spencer’s home—much like her own unique charm. I can see the places where she tried to do some repairs, but not nearly enough to accomplish the task. This home needs a lot of money and TLC. I knock gently, my pulse quickening even more when the door swings open to reveal Spencer. Her green eyes sparkle with curiosity, and she’s dressed comfortably in leggings and a sweatshirt, her preferred attire. An outfit designed to torture me.
She smiles at me cautiously. I know she’s not used to grand gestures, but her genuine spirit draws me closer.
“Good morning!” I say cheerfully, my eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. “Are you ready for our day?”
She replies with a nod, donning a small, shy smile that tugs at my heartstrings. As we walk back to the car, her movements are graceful yet reserved, a testament to her quiet determination.
“Fantastic,” I say, opening the passenger door for her. “I promise, this will be a day to remember.”
As Spencer slides into the seat, I marvel at how different we are. She seems so content in her simple world, while I’ve always been drawn to luxury and extravagance. Yet, despite our differences, I find myself captivated by her presence. There’s just something about her that makes me want to explore her depths, to truly understand who she is beneath the surface.
“Thank you,” she signs, fastening her seatbelt.
