Page 60 of The Library on Plum Island
“Those you can divert to her oldest and favorite cousin.” Harley grinned. “I’m too old to turn into a spoiled brat.”
“I don’t know about that,” Alex exclaimed, laughing. “Let’s get the rest of the bags from the car, and I’ll show you where Daniella will be staying.”
Fifteen minutes later, Alex was standing in the room that was once a nursery for the house’s former owners. It wasn’t as big as most of the rooms in the house, but it had its own small walk-in dressing room and bathroom. Alex had also had a balcony added that joined his. Harley carried in the last of Daniella’s luggage while Daniella and Harriet were looking around the room.
“This is gorgeous, Alex,” Daniella told him. “That bathroom looks brand new.”
“It is,” Alex admitted. “It was put in when I bought it last year.” He explained that the room was once a nursery. “It only has a queen-sized bed due to space limitations, but I think you’ll like the mattress.”
“It’s perfect, thank you.” Daniella’s smile took Alex’s breath away when their eyes locked.
“Well, now that you’re settled,” Harriet broke the spell and their eye contact. “We’d best be going.” She looked at Harley. “Are you sure you’re up for this drive?”
“I’m good,” Harley assured her, glancing at his wristwatch. “I agree we’d best get on the road.” He looked at Alex and Daniella. “Be careful.” He kissed his cousin and hugged her. “I’m just a phone call away, and I’ve increased Alex’s security detail.”
“We’ll be fine,” Daniella assured him as she and Alex walked him and Harriet to Harley’s pickup. “We’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
They said goodbye and watched the car pull out of the driveway with Harley and Harriet. When Alex and Daniella were finally alone, they walked back into the house, and Alex locked the front door. He noticed Daniella wrapping her arms around her waist and shivering.
“I had to get used to that empty feeling as well,” Alex told her, leading her into the living room. “The house feels huge when there’s no one here.”
“What made you buy such a big house when you’re a bachelor?” Daniella asked.
“This house caught my eye the first time I came to Plum Island,” Alex explained. “When I saw it was up for sale last year, I had to have it.” He gave her a tight smile. “You may not believe this, but I do want a family and to settle down.”
“Why wouldn’t I believe you?” Daniella sat on the sofa, and Alex flopped down beside her, pulling out his phone. “I believe deep down most people want that.”
“Are you hungry?” Alex asked her, scrolling through his phone. “I want to order pizza for the men and something for us to eat.”
“That’s so sweet.” Daniella’s brows creased, and her eyes flashed with admiration. “I bet a lot of other people with security wouldn’t do that.”
“The men are out there risking their lives to make sure we’re okay,” Alex pointed out. “The least I can do is ensure they are fed and have hot coffee. I asked Harriet to set up a coffee station in what’s supposed to be the shed.”
“Oh, the little hut that faces the driveway?” Daniella asked. “I wondered what that was.” She frowned. “It’s a strange place for a shed.”
“I know.” Alex laughed. “I’m not sure what the previous owners used it for. When I came to view the house, the shed was empty and sparkling clean, as if it had never been used.”
“It didn’t smell like bleach, did it?” Daniella’s eyes glinted with a teasing light.
“Now that you say that…” Alex laughed, playing along and enjoying the conversation’s effortless flow. “So what’s it going to be?”
“Sorry?” Daniella looked at him, confused for a few seconds.
“For dinner.” Alex held up his phone.
“Whatever you’re having, I’m fine with it,” Daniella assured him. “Pizza sounds good.”
“Please don’t tell me you like pineapple on your pizza.” Alex’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, gosh, no!” Daniella shuddered. “The only fruit I’ll have on pizza is an olive.”
“Great minds!” Alex sighed and called in the order. “It’s going to be forty minutes as they’re busy tonight.”
“Should we go for a walk on the beach?” Daniella glanced outside, and Alex followed her gaze. “Before it gets too dark?”
“A sunset walk?” Alex stood and offered her his hand. “That sounds good to me. Then we can eat and have an early night as we have a big day tomorrow with an early start.”
Daniella put her warm hand in his, sending an electric spark down his arm to zap his heart. Alex pulled her up and led her downstairs. When Alex opened the glass door, one of the security guards greeted them.
