Page 52 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
I heard Jake hiss dramatically on the other end, and I’d bet a thousand bucks he rolled his eyes too. “What if I’d chased her out of the building as you wanted?”
“Alright, alright. Maybe youkinda, sort ofhad a role to play,” I said, chuckling.
“Maybe, kinda, sort of?”
“Fine! Thank you very much, Jake. None of this would have been possible without you.”
“Better. That’s more like it.”
“Uh, is there a reason you called?”
“Actually, yeah. I sent a business plan to your email.”
“What business plan?” I asked, confused.
“The friend I told you about—the one interested in starting a winery. You said you’d review his plan.”
“Oh, yeah... I’ll check it out later.”
“Alright. Catch you later, lovebird.”
I pocketed my phone, my thoughts drifting back to the woman still sleeping peacefully just on the other side of the door. I could’ve stayed there all day, just watching her. But when I opened the door quietly to return to my seat, Kendra was already sitting up, eyes on me.
“Oh my, did I wake you?” I stammered. “Was I loud? I tried to be as quiet as—”
“It wasn’t you,” she replied softly, covering a yawn.
“You’re breathtakingly beautiful,” I breathed, walking over to the bed.
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, like the first light of dawn spreading across a summer sky. Kendra’s eyes sparkled, and her lips curved into a shy, heart-stopping smile.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small box. “I brought you something.”
Her eyes widened. “Another one? You already gave me so much yesterday. Now I feel bad for only getting you one thing.”
“Just having you in my life is a gift nothing could compare to. So please, let me.” I opened the box, revealing a charm bracelet.
Kendra’s gasp filled the room as she gazed at the delicate silver chain. It shimmered in the dim light, adorned with intricately crafted charms shaped like grapes, leaves, and tiny wine barrels. A small diamond hung from the center charm, catching the light.
“Oh, Antonio, it’s stunning!” she exclaimed, tracing the charms gently with her fingertips.
I leaned forward, fastening it around her wrist. The soft clink of the charms against her skin sent shivers down my spine.
“The family is waiting for breakfast,” I reminded her reluctantly, not wanting the moment to end.
She sprang out of bed, her hair tousled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ll be right down. Just need to freshen up.”
I laughed as she chased me out of the room, both of us grinning like children.
“Don’t be long,” I called over my shoulder.
***
Later that morning, I helped Kendra into a pair of sturdy boots in the estate’s mudroom.
“Perfect fit,” I murmured, adjusting the laces, then straightened, letting my hand linger on her knee for just a moment longer.
