More Than Anything

“Sounds great. Thanks for taking the trouble.”

“It’s no trouble.”

“Let’s have some of that wine,” I said, turning to Allie, who was looking around. “How does wine sound while I show you around?”

Her lips curved. “It sounds wonderful. I love wine.”

Colleen left us, and a few moments later, Sam arrived with the glasses. He was straight-backed and severe, as tall as his wife was small. He accepted our thanks with a grave nod.

“I like them,” Allie said when we were alone. “They live here permanently?”

I nodded. “A house like this requires constant care and management.”

She shook her head. “I feel like I stepped into an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”

“You are rich and famous,” I reminded her.

She wrinkled her nose. “I’d forgotten all that for a moment. Come on,” she said, laughing as she took my hand. “Show me around.”

Six

Allie

The house was huge, so the tour took a while. I followed Braden from room to room, more enchanted by the sound of his voice than by the unarguable beauty of each perfectly decorated space.

I admired his body even as I took in the large living room with huge north-facing windows, raised formal dining room, large library, study, billiards room, indoor swimming pool, ultra-modern kitchen, and a cellar with rows and rows of neatly packed bottles of wine.

Upstairs there were more rooms: bedrooms, guest suites, and sitting rooms with marvelous views of the beach. We held hands until we finally returned downstairs to the family dining room, where food had been set out–warm biscuits, gravy, grilled chicken, and a fresh salad.

“This is heaven,” I exclaimed as he opened a delicious-smelling dish. “Can I stay here forever?”

His eyes were serious. “If you like.”

I chuckled, even though inside, the words did something to me. I felt like I wouldn’t mind staying anywhere forever if he would be there too. I’d only just met him. It made no sense.

I set down my empty wine glass and dove into the food. Braden watched me, a half-smile on his face.

“What?” I asked him.

“Nothing,” he said simply. “I like looking at you.”

I stared at him for a moment, practically swept off my feet by the simple admission. I swallowed. “I like looking at you too.”

After a moment’s silence, he lifted the bottle of wine. “More?”

“Yes, please.”

Later, we went back to the living room. I curled into the soft couch and pulled Braden down beside me, resting my head on his shoulder.

“I’m glad I ran into you on that stairwell.”

He laughed. “I ran into you.”

“You did.” I smiled. “What were you thinking when you were staring at me?”

He paused. “That I’d never seen anyone more beautiful.”

His eyes burned into mine and I didn’t doubt how earnest he was. The urge to explore my attraction to him was overwhelming, and right there, right then, in a scenario that felt almost like a dream…how could I resist?