I have a trench coat on, which he offers to take as I step into the house. I have to consciously stop myself from looking around in awe. I’ve only just seen the foyer of this house but it looks magnificent. Plush. Luxurious. Tasteful. Mary had to have gotten it wrong when she told me the family I’m supposed to be researching isn’t an illustrious one.
“Right this way, Ms. Davies,” the man says, and I follow him through the foyer into a larger hallway. It is very quiet in here, and there’s an ethereal scent of sandalwood everywhere. The art on the walls looks expensive, and I’m afraid of tripping and breaking something invaluable.
My guide is now standing at a door at the end of the hall. I join him there before he knocks on it.
“I’m certain you have been made aware of the importance of discretion here,” he says before opening the door.
Everything about this process has been so mysterious that I can feel my heart beating fast in my chest. Who is behind the door? The President of the United States? At this point, I won’t be surprised if it is.
The door opens and I look in, breathing in deeply at the sight of the luxurious study room. It’s an enviable library with ceiling-to-floor bookcases filled with leather-bound books along one wall.
I can see a desk and a leather chair but it's empty.
“You can go in now. Mr. Silvers is waiting for you,” I hear him say, and I step in. The door shuts almost immediately as I look around the room. My gaze lands on the large window near the end of the bookcases. There’s a sitting-area, with armchairs and a coffee table.
My heart stops for a few moments when I see him stand up from one of the chairs.
It’s him. Dark hair, dark stubble, very blue eyes. He’s wearing a navy sweater today but has the same broad shoulders and athletic build. I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m going to choke.
He must have seen the look of horror on my face because he doesn’t take a step towards me but holds his hands up.
“Ella, I don’t want you to panic.” When he speaks and I hear his voice, I feel the blood rush up to my head, and for a moment, I’m sure I’m going to collapse. My feet have turned to jelly. I didn’t think I would ever see him again. This has to be some kind of dream.
“How did you…how did you?” I have lost my words.
Reed’s face is stony and dark. It seems like he’s trying to assess what he’s going to do next. He can’t decide.
“You…you tracked me down. You tricked me into coming here!”
“No, I did not. This is an actual job. I have not tricked you into anything. I got in touch with the college and they recommended a few names, and yours was one of them. I requested you because it seemed like too much of a coincidence to ignore. You can leave right now if you want. You are under no obligation to stay.”
My nostrils are flared, my shoulders are heaving. I’m not sure what I’m feeling exactly. Anger? Joy? Complete confusion?
All I can do is just stare at him and feel my insides turning to mush. If only he wasn’t this hot. This damn sexy! It would be so easy to walk away right now. But I don’t. I can’t. I have to find out what happens next.
“Are you serious?” I say. Reed runs his fingers through his hair and nods.
“I’m sorry if you feel persecuted, but that was not my intention.”
I gulp and slowly walk towards him. My heart is beating fast. I still can’t believe it's him. It’s really him standing here in front of me. Looking even more handsome than he did that night in London.
Also…this is his house? I had a feeling he was well-to-do, but I wouldn’t have guessed this level of it.
I gaze around the room as I approach him. I feel a bit easier now since he hasn’t made a move towards me.
When I meet his eyes, I get the sense that he’s been staring. I blush because I feel flattered. That kiss…the two kisses we shared that night were incredible. I feel the urge to tell him that.
“How have you been, Ella? It’s been a while. How was the rest of your trip?”
We’re standing so close to each other now. Is it crazy that