AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Predictable?” he asks. “Never!”
We admire the car for a minute, then the chauffeur comes to meet us and gives us the history of the model. A Rolls-Royce Phantom III convertible, once owned by the visionary who built this magical place.
“Shall we?” Percival asks, extending his hand towards the car door. With a nod, I slide into the luxurious leather seat, my heart pounding with anticipation. Percival follows suit, settling in beside me.
As we glide along the winding road, I steal glances at Percival, trying to piece together the man he truly is beneath his confident exterior.
“Are you having fun yet?” he asks, a teasing grin on his face.
“More than I could have ever imagined,” I admit, my words full of emotion. The tour, the sweatshirt, the car—every detail contributes to this special moment, and I feel my walls crumbling down around me.
“Good,” Percival says, his eyes alight with happiness. “Because there’s so much more to come.”
As we continue towards Hearst Castle, I allow myself to be swept up in the magic of the journey, all the while wondering what other surprises await us—and what that means for the growing connection between Percival and me. The sun kisses my face, warming my skin as we speed towards our destination.
“Is driving really this amazing?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. Percival chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he turns to face me.
“Nothing quite like it,” he replies, his gaze full of exhilaration. “Why? You thinking about learning?”
“Maybe,” I admit sheepishly, feeling my cheeks heat up. “But first, Aunt Orla’s car isn’t in the best shape, and I’m not sure if they’d even let someone like me drive here in California.”
“Someone like you?” Percival raises an eyebrow, a hint of challenge in his gaze. “You mean someone who’s intelligent, independent, and absolutely stunning?”
I roll my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. “I meant someone who’s deaf, dummy.”
“Ah, gotcha.” He nods, looking thoughtful for a moment. “Well, I don’t see why not. You’re more than capable. Besides, driving is all about feeling the road beneath you, the vibrations of the engine. It’s like dancing—feeling the rhythm and moving with it.”
His words stir something within me, igniting a spark of hope and excitement. I never thought of it that way before, and it makes me crave that sense of freedom and independence even more.
As we continue our journey, I steal glances at Percival, admiring the way the sunlight plays across the planes of his face, casting him in an almost ethereal glow. Despite his reputation, there’s a kindness and depth to him that I can no longer deny. My heart flutters with each stolen glance, and I find myself falling deeper under his spell.
“Hey, Spencer,” Percival says suddenly, his hand on mine pulling me out of my thoughts. “If you want, I could teach you how to drive.”
“Really?” My eyes widen in surprise, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “I don’t know about that.” After this trip ends, does he want to spend time with me?
“The offer is open. I’d be happy to do it,” he replies, flashing that charming smile that always manages to disarm me. “Just promise me one thing—no sweatshirts behind the wheel, alright?”
“Deal,” I agree, laughing as we continue down the winding road towards Hearst Castle, our day only just beginning.
Chapter Nineteen
Spencer
Themomentwestepinto the Hearst Castle, my heart races with anticipation. I can see Percival’s eyes light up as he watches my reaction, his charming smile spreading across his face. He planned this entire VIP tour just for me, and I feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of exploring this historic place with him by my side.
“Spencer, you’re going to love this,” he signs, his enthusiasm contagious. “This is Casa Grande, inspired by the Church of Santa María la Mayor in Ronda, Spain. It’s the centerpiece of Hearst’s estate.”
The air around us buzzes with excitement as Percival leads me further into the castle, his hand gently holding mine. The scenery transport me to another world, one where I can almost forget my worries and simply lose myself in the moment.
“Spencer,” Percival signs, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ve arranged something special for you during this tour.”
My heart flutters at his words, and a surge of gratitude for the effort he’s put into making this experience unforgettable fills up my chest. “What is it? More important, how much longer must I wait?” I sign back, unable to keep the curiosity from my expression.
“It’s just right here,” he replies, a playful smirk on his lips.
A tall guy, around my age, come to say hi. It knocks the wind out of my lungs when Ben, our guide, starts talking using ASL. I’m about to say something, but Percival stops me, pointing with his chin to the place where Ben is welcoming us to the Castle.
As we follow Ben through the lavish rooms, I immerse myself in the sensory feast surrounding me. Each room tells a story, from the ornate tapestries adorning the walls to the intricate carvings etched into the stone fireplaces. The tour guide’s hands flow gracefully, painting a vivid picture of the history and architecture that make this place so extraordinary.
