my mother before she died. It’s mine now.”
Abby lifted a brow. “You own a mansion with a helipad? And you say it as if it’s nothing.”
I shrugged. “It’s just a house.”
She snorted. “Of course it is. To you, Prince Bryce.”
I chuckled. “Prince?”
She smirked. “Never mind that.”
I study her with suspicion. I really hoped that isn’t what people call me in Oak Valley. How embarrassing. I’m nothing like my father. I don’t flaunt my position or money. I don’t care all that much that I have money, to be honest. However, it does come in handy when one is trying his damndest to impress a woman.
“Is our date...here?” She asks.
“Yes. You wanted far from Oak Valley and privacy.” I wave to the house. “Here you have it, distance and privacy.”
That seems to brighten her some more. She lets out a breath. “Oh, this is good. I feel like I can relax.”
My brows dipped. “I feel like you’re ashamed of being seen with me, Abby.” I’m kidding around...but not really. “You aren’t, are you? Just making sure.”
“That’s funny. If anyone should be ashamed to be seen with anyone it’s you. You should be ashamed to be seen with me.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Damn it, Abby, you’re killing me here. You haven’t known me long enough to fully know my character but you even thinking that is insulting.”
Her shoulders noticeably drooped under the heavy coat. and I instantly wanted to kick myself in the ass. “I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that you are who you are and I’m...who I am.”
“You’re the incredibly sweet and funny woman I met on the beach. The woman who I’m insanely attracted to. That’s all that matters to me about who you are.”
Her troubled eyes are fixed on me as if she’s searching for the slightest sign that I’m lying. She’ll find none. “I’m sorry. I’m ruining the mood, aren’t I?” Hanging her head, she mumbles, “I’m not very good at this. Dating. I haven’t dated much...okay, ever. I’m a bit nervous. A lot nervous. And I’m babbling. I do that when I’m nervous.” She lets out a little laugh that rings with uncertainty.
I instantly soften. Grasping her chin, I force her to meet my gaze. “So, we’re dating, are we?”
Her cheeks already pink from the cold, brightens. “Well...no... I just meant…
Chuckling, I tell her, “I know what you mean. You don’t have to be nervous. You’re safe with me.” Hope she fully understands what I mean. She doesn’t have to worry about her family’s reputation with me. I’d never hold that against her. “Relax.”
“Okay.”
Resisting the urge to kiss her again, I drop my hand and smile. “Let’s get inside.”
Abigale Knight is one hell of a woman and I have my work cut out for me to show her, to prove that I don’t care about what her father did.
I care about her and who she is.
But damn it, she isn’t making it easy.
Chapter Seven
Abby
I hope I don’t look like a fool gawking at everything in Bryce’s house... mansion. The inside is doubly more impressive than the outside. I feel out of place and so out of his league but I’m trying to play it cool. I believed him when he said he didn’t care about my name. The sincerity was there in his eyes. The more I get to know him, the more I realize he’s genuinely a nice guy. Peeking at his profile through my lashes, I decide that I want to get to know him better.
I eye the expensive furniture and paintings as we make our way to wherever we’re going. My hand is resting on the arm that he’s offered again. He’s so thoughtful, such a gentleman. They don’t make many of those on my side of town.
“Your place is nice.” I’m feeling incredibly timid in his domain.
“Thanks. My mother loved the seclusion it offered. I didn’t know she left the place to me until she died.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I come here at least once a month for a weekend away from everything.”
“And everyone?”
He glances at me with a smile. “Precisely.”
That sounds nice. Having the luxury of getting away so often. I’d love to run away from Oak Valley at least one weekend every month.
“Maybe you can join me sometime.”
His offer catches me off guard and my steps falter. He’s talking as if he already knows we’re going to be all that serious. “You said one date to see how things go.”
“I’m an optimistic guy.”
He shrugs, and I can’t