Page 88 of Hate to Love You

Not saying another word, I nibble on my bottom lip and watch the scenery pass by outside the truck window. We’re about twenty minutes away from school when we turn into a high-end residential area and stop at a small brick building that blocks the entrance to a gated community. Brody rolls down his window and waves to the guard sitting inside. Then we’re once again on the move, slowly rolling down a street with multimillion-dollar houses sitting in the middle of massive lots. My eyes widen as I take in house after house. We’re talking huge stone and brick structures with perfectly manicured lawns, neatly trimmed trees, and flowering garden beds. A few have small ponds with water features in the front areas.

These aren’t houses. They’re palatial estates. More butterflies wing their way to life inside the pit of my gut.

Of course, I realized that Brody grew up with money. His dad was a professional hockey player and now runs his own company. But this kind of wealth is beyond what I could have envisioned.

It’s a little overwhelming.

Scratch that, it’s a lot overwhelming.

I clear my throat and try to keep the awe and nervousness out of my voice. “This is where you grew up?”

He shoots me a concerned look. “I know it looks intimidating, but you have nothing to worry about. My dad grew up poor, playing pond hockey in Minnesota. He doesn’t judge people by what they have, only by how hard they work.”

We meander our way through the sub until we reach the very furthest edges backing against the woods. The properties are more spread out, each one sitting on a few acres of rolling land. The very last mansion looks like a fairytale castle with turrets spiraling into the sky. Brody turns into a driveway made up of concrete squares edged with bright green grass, set in a diagonal pattern.

He parks in front of the massive stone house, and we exit the truck. By the time I slam the passenger side door closed, Brody has already made it around the hood and is at my side. He must sense my anxiety because he pulls me into his arms and holds me close. I inhale a big breath of air and slowly release it.

“Everything will be fine,” he whispers. “I promise.”

I nod against his chest. I just want to stay like this forever.

“Ready?” he asks.

As I’ll ever be.

He separates himself and reaches for my hand. “You’re important to me. I want you to meet them.”

His words melt my heart and give me courage to enter the lion’s den. How can I deny him anything when he says such sweet things to me?

“Okay,” I say with a firm nod.

Hand in hand, we walk up the wide stone stairs leading to the front door. Brody doesn’t bother knocking, just turns the handle and pushes it open. We step inside an enormous three-story foyer with a gigantic crystal chandelier hanging overhead. The floors are white marble, and there’s a gorgeous curving staircase with a fancy iron bannister that looks like something out of the movies.

“Dad?” Brody calls out. “Amber?” His voice echoes throughout the cavernous entryway.

There’s the click of heels coming from the hallway before a striking blonde with a warm smile greets us. “Hello, Brody.” She turns green eyes to me. “And you must be Natalie. We’re so happy you could join us!”

Her friendly demeanor instantly puts me at ease. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. It makes me feel silly for getting so caught up in my own head and psyching myself out. My first impression of Brody’s stepmom is that she’s really nice.

“Your father is in his office on a conference call. He’ll be out shortly.” She nods toward the back of the house. “Why don’t we move into the sunroom and get started before everything turns cold? I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Amber spins on her heels, and we fall in line behind her. I glance at Brody, who is still holding my hand. He gives me a wink and mouths, Told you so.

I nod. He was right. I overreacted.

We move from the entryway through a long gallery into a two-story family room. A massive stacked-stone fireplace occupies an entire wall. We continue walking through the family room into the kitchen. Everything is white marble, stainless steel appliances, and chandelier-type lighting. Three glass vases filled with lemons are strategically placed on the massive island.

Mom would have a field day wandering around this place. Even before she got involved in real estate, she would drag me to open houses and get decorating ideas for our own house.

Brody tugs on my hand, and I realize I’ve stopped to take everything in. We pass through the kitchen into another room that is all floor-to-ceiling windows with a set of French doors that overlook a spacious backyard that has a pool and formal gardens.

The table is centered in the middle of the room. Brody pulls out a chair for me and then sits down at my side. Amber has been very gracious, chattering the entire time, but still…I feel out of my element. I hate to admit it, but it’s a relief that Brody’s dad is occupied for the time being. I need a few moments to find my bearings. It’s important that I make a good impression on him. Other than his dad and stepmom, Brody doesn’t have any other family.

Amber flutters around the table, making sure everything has been laid out before taking a seat across from us. It’s hard not to notice how warm and kind her features are. “Brody mentioned that you two have known each other since freshman year.”

I nod, thankful she’s opening up the dialogue and trying to put me at ease. “Yes, we met in a business class first semester.” My throat feels dry and scratchy. I pick up my glass of orange juice and take a large swallow.

“It was hate at first sight,” Brody says almost conversationally. “It took three long years for me to grow on her.”

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