Page 76 of Perfume Girl
I led her back into the kitchen. “Eat anything you like. Down there is the wine cellar. Choose a vintage.”
“From your priceless collection?” she asked, with a smirk.
“Help yourself. But if I see you tucking into my imported Spanish sausage, we’ll have an issue.”
With a snort, she burst out laughing. It made me laugh, too.
The kitchen was one of my favorite rooms and I loved to entertain in here. The long table could seat eight people whenever I had friends over for a home-cooked meal, and the cellar stocked enough wine to keep the conversation flowing.
“Let me show you the other pool.”
She blinked in disbelief. “You haveanotherone?”
“For when it rains.”
I led her down the winding staircase to the subterranean level.
We continued along a hallway and then stepped into the vast chamber that housed the indoor swimming pool. Lights glimmered off the water, and the blue and green tiles and low lighting enhanced its relaxing mood. I’d come up with some of my best ideas swimming laps in here.
I knelt and dipped my hand into the water. “I heated it for you in case you want to have a swim before you head into work.”
She looked suspicious. “How did you know I’d be staying here?”
“I didn’t.”
“But you heated it just in case?”
“I have an app.” I pulled out my phone and showed it to her. “Everything in here can also be controlled by remote. I turned it on before we left the restaurant.”
“Oh, wow.”
“I think you have everything you need, right?”
“Yes, only I feel terrible about throwing you out of your home.”
“You’re not. I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to places I can stay.” I leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Sleep well, Raquel.”
In her presence, the ghosts from my past retreated and the loneliness eased. I’d grown used to a solitary life, but whenever we parted the feeling of isolation grew more intense. It was as though she filled spaces I didn’t know existed within me.
With confidence that Raquel would enjoy her stay, I left her to get comfortable and headed out.
I double-checked the front door to make sure it was locked and then strolled toward the garage. Off in the distance came a rumble of thunder. A storm was headed this way. I’d be caught in the imminent downpour if I didn’t hurry.
I actually loved storms, but I didn’t enjoy driving in them. They cleansed the air and inspired me with their frenetic energy.
An unfamiliar wave of happiness rushed through me.
I’d never allowed myself to get close to any one woman before, but my heart was whispering that there was something special about Raquel.Maybe I was wrong about her.
Love…this wasn’t a sport I pursued or would ever come to know—it just wasn’t in my DNA. Yet with Raquel I was driven to protect her as though that sentiment moved between us with all its flux and mutability.
My fondness for her was my weakness.
My subconscious was warning me I was playing chess with a master, and when she chose to make her move, I couldn’t afford to be distracted by my emotions.
Raquel Wren was an addiction I didn’t need in my life.
I raised my gaze skyward in frustration, realizing that I’d left the keys to the Range Rover sitting on the hallway table. Turning, I walked back to the house and pressed my palm against the panel to unlock the door.
