to know that even though they’ve been given a life sentence, that doesn’t mean they can’t live life to the fullest. I want them to know that it’s okay to be different.
This is the first time in so many months I feel like I belong.
A smile is etched on my face as I close my door, thankful I listened to my gut and came here. However, a yelp replaced that smile when I turn without looking and bump straight into something hard.
At first, I’m certain it’s the wall, but that’s impossible, considering I’m standing in the open corridor. That only leaves one other option. I’ve just rudely slammed into someone.
“I am so…” The words die in a gargled mess when I peer up, and up, and see the striking face of a man who emanates sheer masculinity. The first thing that catches my attention is the vibrancy of his blue-gray eyes. They are crystal clear, mesmerizing beneath his black, horn-rimmed glasses. His dark brown hair is slicked back with short sides.
His face is complete perfection, and I’m staring like a total creep.
Mortified, I look down, which is a bad idea because I see that perfect face is attached to a perfect body. I now understand why I believed I bumped into a wall—a brick wall, that is—because he has muscles where I didn’t even know muscles existed.
“Sorry,” I choke out, finishing my sentence spoken a lifetime ago.
“No problem,” he replies a moment later. His voice is deep, honeyed. I suddenly wonder why my arms feel like they’re on fire. Peering down, I see his strong fingers are wrapped around my biceps. The gesture was to stop me from falling, which I’m grateful for because I’m certain I’m about to collapse in a messy heap.
He is the most handsome man I have ever seen. I can’t help but wonder who he is.
Zoe answers the question for me. “Hello, Dr. Archibald.”
Her voice seems to snap us from whatever bubble we’re in because he smoothly removes his hands while I physically shake my head, hoping to knock some sense into it.
He clears his throat before turning to look at her. “Hi, Zoe. Keeping out of mischief, I hope?”
She chuckles, and I’m thankful I can breathe again. “Shh, I have a reputation to uphold.”
He’s a doctor? I suddenly feel beyond mortified for slobbering all over myself.
“Okay. Your secret is safe with me.” There is a weighty silence before Dr. Archibald spins slowly. I hold my breath. “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Dr. Archibald. I’m one of the many doctors who work here.”
“Hello, Dr. Archibald. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lola. Lola Van Allen.” I give him a small wave, thankful I managed to spit out my sentence in one attempt.
“Likewise.” He places his hands into his pressed pants pockets. “Did you just arrive?”
His innocent comment snaps me from my hormone-fueled episode, and I nod. “Yes. Zoe was just about to show me around.”
A dimple kisses his right whiskered cheek. “Well, you’re in good hands. I’ll see you around, Lola.” I nod, incapable of speech.
He lingers for a moment, clearly sizing me up. He gives me a once-over before those stunning blue eyes rest on the bandana in my hair. Can he see the significance? How I tied it with love and care.
He appears to want to say something else but changes his mind at the last minute. The air shifts.
A second later, he walks off before I can question my temporary insanity further.
A small giggle has me turning over my shoulder, raising a brow. “What?” I’m surprised I can speak.
Zoe shrugs mischievously. “Nothing,” she replies, dragging out the G.
“Spit it out.” I’m curious to know what’s going on.
“Oh nothing, other than the fact you’ve just been infected with the Dr. Roman Archibald love bug.”
“The what?” I scrunch up my nose.
She bursts into fits of laughter. “You’ve got a lot to learn.” She wraps her arm around me playfully. “What do you want to see first?”
“I want to see it all.” And for the first time in a long time, I mean it.
Zoe shows me the gardens first as the sun is too beautiful to waste. The earth feels liberating beneath my toes; so much so, Zoe also kicks off her sandals halfway through the tour.
The luscious greens extend as far as the eye can see. Numerous water activities take place on the lake as the still waters run along the edge of the entire property. Many rowboats are tied to the