If you want a job done right, you do it yourself. Besides, the dean owed me a favor.” He chuckles for a moment before continuing. “I have twin daughters roughly your age and I firmly believe a good education is the foundation of a successful future. Especially for young women of the world today. You already have so much to compete against with men being handed their futures on silver platters.”
Well, shit. I think I like this guy. I wasn't expecting that.
“I … yes. Thank you. I really appreciate it,” I tell him, feeling like an idiot for stumbling over my words. Why do I feel so moronic around this guy? He probably thinks I’m a fool for not being able to get a sentence out without stuttering, but there’s something so intimidating about him. Maybe it’s his success compared to my complete lack thereof or perhaps it’s the way he seems to tower over me, silently screaming that I'm a nobody.
I don’t get why he’s being so nice. It’s weird … off-putting. No one is nice for the sake of being nice. It’s simply unheard of. He either wants something from me or my mom, or there’s some kind of ulterior motive. Why should he care about my education? I’m just his new maid’s daughter.
My mind begins reeling with distrust and questions when he steps back and waves his arm out, smiling at my mom. “Shall we? I have half an hour to spare. I’d be honored to complete the tour and get to know you both a little better.”
Mom gushes and I roll my eyes. It's one thing for him to show manners but showing that he cares about the wellbeing of her daughter has captured her heart in one easy swoop.
We’re in trouble here.
Don’t get me wrong, Mom may be a stickler for rules and boundaries, but she’s no stranger to a little crush. I can't imagine her falling for someone so soon after dad's murder, but she's going to be fawning over this guy as though he walks on water.
Charles nods to Harrison and without even a blink, Harrison excuses himself and I openly gawk with how well trained he is. He's like one of those police dogs who obey their master wholeheartedly. I feel like someone needs to ruffle his hair and remind him what a good little boy he is. It’s going to be entertaining to watch.
Charles turns to mom while walking through yet another huge living space. “I’m assuming Harrison filled you in on the pool house situation?”
Mom nods. “Yes, Mr. Whitby was very thorough with his introduction.”
“Please, no need for formalities around here. Just Harrison is fine. He’s fond of formalities but I prefer things a little more relaxed, especially for you two. You’re going to be living here now. You should think of yourselves as family rather than staff.”
“I’m sure that will come as we get to know you.”
“Good,” he says. “I’m pleased.”
He goes on to show us the house and after ten minutes of walking around, I realize that we’re barely halfway through. “This is the main kitchen and living space where you can generally find myself and my son if I’m not working. Otherwise, I will be in my office.”
Mom and Charles remain at the entryway but I walk on through, absolutely astonished with what I see. A beautiful open living space, still with the marble floor the whole way through. There’s no sneaking around this place unless you’re wearing a pair of socks. Every step would be heard.
I make my way through the kitchen first, skimming my fingers over the cool counter. Naturally, it’s marble, just a shade lighter than the floor but equally as stunning. “This is incredible,” I say, glancing back over my shoulder at Charles.
He grins proudly and follows me into the kitchen. “You haven’t seen the half of it,” he chuffs like a kid in a candy shop as he strides toward a cabinet and opens the floor to ceiling doors. He steps inside the cabinet and my brows furrow.
What the hell is he doing?
I walk over to the cabinet and peer inside only to find it’s not a cabinet at all but a secret door that opens into a private bar. “Holy hell,” I whisper, taking in the massive array of choices behind the bar, the mood lighting, and the seating area. “This is freaking awesome.”
Charles nods, also looking around. “We had it installed last year though I don’t use it as much