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Devon
No reply. She could be a keeper
Still, it’s unsettling she hasn’t told him to fuck off. Does she plan on texting him when we’re back from the country? Or is she just one of those girls who avoids replying to assholes that sneak into her DMs? Hoping it’s the latter, it only further sours my mood as we take the drive. I’ve taken Monday off — a rarity for me — because I wanted Charlize to really enjoy this weekend.
This whole thing doesn’t sit well with me, but it isn’t like Charlize has to know. She’ll only know if she replies and wants to meet up with him. Then she’ll be hearing about it.
The idea haunts me. It rattles me to my very core and it makes me realise that in a few short weeks of spending time with her, I’m head over heels.
I don’t even remember a time when I’ve smiled and laughed so much. Never, I don’t think.
The more time that passes by where Charlize doesn't reply, the more my mood plummets. I thought I could do this weekend without having this hang over us, but now it’s all I can think about. Her with another man. I mean, she did what she did with me and got paid for it, why wouldn’t she do that with some other prick who’s offering more money?
Because that’s not who she is. The funny thing is, the more I seem to tell myself that, the more I doubt myself. Maybe that’s all this was about after all. The money. I played a part in it because I like the idea. Who wouldn’t want a woman like Charlize at my beck and call. I still want that. But I also want her to want it. I want her to also have a choice. That’s important to me. She hasn’t replied to Devon because she’s either disgusted with him — which I find hard to believe because the Charlize I know would’ve told him to fuck off no problems — or she’s considering it. And if she’s considering it then we have no future. We have nothing. Nothing but lies.
She gasps when I open the front door to the manor. I told the staff who look after the place to make themselves scarce. I don’t need them hanging around. And before my mood soured, I wanted to take Charlize in every single one of these rooms any which way I pleased. For that I need privacy.
“Oh, far out!” she cries, clapping her hands together. “This place is amazing, Alistair. If I had a house like this, I’d never leave.”
I brighten momentarily. “What’s wrong with my apartment?”
She gives me a side eye. “I love your apartment, but this? A renovated period cottage with this much character? A country garden with roses. Views that go for miles? What’s not to love?”
I can’t help but feel pride swell in my chest. I’ve worked hard for what I have and I like the idea that Charlize approves.
Of course, she has no clue this little period cottage, that I’ve extended over the years, is worth over two million pounds, and has stables at the back where I keep my horses.
The porch leads to a welcoming entrance; the main sitting room has a wood burning stove and comfy couches. Beyond the bespoke kitchen with a real Aga and wooden beams, I kept most of the original elements of the home, but with a complete renovation to restore it.
Each of the six bedrooms has its own ensuite. The rooms all have exposed beams, stonework, and hardwood floors with wool rugs.
My favourite part is the back sitting room that has another wooden fireplace and bi-fold doors that open out onto the grounds with wonderful views across the countryside. In the summer, I love nothing more than sitting out there and just enjoying the quiet. Not that it happens very often.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“It’s cosy, without being snobby.”
I chuckle. Trust Charlize to be straight between the eyes.
She turns to me as I settle the luggage down in the entryway, catching me off-guard.
She throws her arms around my neck and I stumble off balance. She kisses me over and over.
“What’s all this for?” I laugh, trying my hardest not to sweep her in my arms.
“Does there need to be a reason?” She kisses me chastely.
“I suppose not.”
“Do you even know how to relax?”
I’ll relax when you tell Devon to fuck off.
“I’m sure you can teach me?”
She smiles against my mouth. “What about that old saying; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”
“So now I’m an old dog?”
