a chance. Grab your purse and keys.”
I park her vehicle and turn it off, but the little bugger sputters and pops. I look at her sitting in the passenger seat, hugging her books and looking out the window at the beautiful townhouse in Mountain Valley. She’s too quiet, but I don’t want to disturb her thoughts by talking.
“I don’t know where we are or who lives here, but I look less than professional. I’m in a tank top and cutoffs.” She looks down at her clothes.
“You look bloody amazing.” I leave the car and walk around the vehicle. I swear the engine is still gurgling. This thing isn't fit for a sixteen-year-old kid to drive in a field, let alone Sarah to drive daily.
I open the passenger door, and she simply looks up at me, still hugging her books like a life raft. “I thought about it, and it’s probably in your best interest if we don’t spend weekends at the resort, aside from the occasional lunch quickie. So, this is where we’ll spend much of our time together.”
“This place. It’s yours?”
I decide to hold off on telling her it’s actually hers until I get her inside. “Come on. It’s hot as hell out here.”
She slides out of the seat. “I’d strongly suggest you never buy a place in Florida. You wouldn’t survive the summers.”
We walk up the sidewalk and to the door. I slide the key into the hole, something nearly foreign to me, and open the door. I must say, I’m impressed that Julia was able to set it all up on such short notice. This place is impressive. “After you.”
She walks in, and I close the door behind us. She’s looking around at the interior, complete with dark oak paneling throughout the foyer and an enormous wood-burning fireplace in the center of the living room. The kitchen doesn’t look new, but it’s worn in the way only excellent cabinetry can pull off. Surprisingly, it’s even more beautiful than the photos I saw.
The doorbell chimes, and I realize I’ve but five seconds to explain myself. “There are plenty of bedrooms here, four, I believe. The master bed is exceptional.” I open the refrigerator, happy to see that it’s filled. Another point for Julia. “Lots of organic food and many of your favorites.”
She leans against the back of the couch, her arms still hugging her chest. “Are you going to ignore the fact someone is at the door?”
“Whomever it is can wait. This place is leased for six months, which should give your landlord sufficient time to fix the issues with your place, or for you to find other—”
“Um, hold on, Beckett. Back up—”
“You’re a smart woman, Sarah. I’m sure you’re well caught up. When I come over, it will be preplanned. As a matter of fact, you can text me what time I should stop by tomorrow evening. If you like, I could bring dinner before I fuck you on every surface of your current home. I will not interrupt your day or evening. No one who works at the resort lives in the area, so I can be your filthy little secret without the worry of scandal when I head back across the pond.”
“You can’t do—”
“I can, and as a matter of fact, I already did. Now I trust you will consider looking at replacing your vehicle. It’s unsafe, Sarah. You’re contracted with me.” I walk toward the door. “And you are to make sure nothing comes before our time together.”
I open the door.
Julia and Layla walk in casually, with smiles on their faces. Layla can barely contain herself; she squeals with delight. “I love this place!” she exclaims.
“Enjoy your evening, ladies.”
“Bye, Mr. Hawthorne!” Layla grins, waving.
I don’t care for children, but the fact that she’s missing her two front teeth is utterly adorable. “Good evening, little one. Make sure to visit the hot tub.”
Chapter Thirteen
.
Der mentsh trakht un got lakht.
(Man plans and God laughs.)
- Yiddish proverb
Sarah
Before I even have the chance to spell out the words, What the fuck, to Julia, so Layla doesn’t hear the f-bomb, Layla strips off her clothes, showcasing an adorable yellow polka dot tankini.
“I’ll be in the tub!” she squeals, running across the house as if she knows this place. Wait a second.
I turn to my best friend, putting my hands on my hips. “What in the fuck is going on?”
“Well.” She clears her throat. “It goes something like this. Mr. Hawthorne has me as his full-time assistant. It came with