Page 82 of Stone Promises

I smile. And then I kiss her ass. Literally.

Chapter Twenty-four

Mallory

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Olive,

We at Canyon Properties truly hope you enjoy your stay. Cleaning will be done every Monday and Thursday. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Next to the note, there is a huge basket of non-perishables along with several bottles of wine. And as I look around, I see Kendra has done her job fabulously, making sure Chad and I have everything we need in our home away from home. Or should I say castle?

I stand in the middle of the expansive home, circling around to take it all in. The impressive great room, the chef’s kitchen, the breathtaking view of the red rock desert. The alluring pool with a waterfall that matches the picturesque landscape behind it. I turn to Chad and raise my eyebrows. “Is the whole cast staying here?”

He laughs. “No, but Cole is. Don’t worry though, he won’t bother us.”

“Bother us?” I say. “He won’t even be able tofindus. How many bedrooms are here, six?”

He looks embarrassed. “Eight, actually.”

Before I can pick my jaw up off the floor and scold him, he adds, “Well, you said you wanted a private pool, Mal. And don’t get your panties in a twist, it wasn’t any more expensive than the Presidential Suite in New York City.” He comes up behind me and wraps his big arms around me, burying his mouth in my neck, sucking on a spot below my ear that makes me moan. “Just think of all the places we can—”

Cole clears his throat behind us and I quickly pull away from Chad as he chuckles that we got busted. “The place looks secure enough,” Cole says, handing Chad a piece of paper. “Here are the instructions for the security pads, there’s one by the front door, back door, garage door and in the master bedroom. The entire property is fenced in, but as the neighborhood is not gated, you’ll have to be cautious when you’re outside, just in case.” He points to an electronic keypad on the wall. “There’s an intercom throughout with a small panel like this in every room by the main light switch. If you need me, you can push the white button and it will broadcast in every room. There is also a safe room in the center of the house, through the kitchen pantry. Instructions for that are written down for you as well.”

“Safe room?” I ask Chad. “What are you, James Bond?”

He shrugs. “Comes with the house. It’s not like I requested it or anything.” He asks Cole, “Did you find a bedroom for yourself?”

“Yeah, I took the one back by the mudroom, it’s pretty out of the way. You won’t even know I’m here.”

“You don’t have to do that, Cole,” I say. “I’m sure there are plenty of nice rooms for you to choose from.”

“That’s okay,” he says, shaking his head and smirking. “I’d prefer to be back there. You know, so I’m not near any of the places you will—”

“Okay,” Chad interrupts, lifting his hand to cut Cole off. “Well then, we’ll just go get settled.” He grabs my hand, dragging me and my beet-red face behind him. “I’ll meet you back here in ten, Cole.”

We take a quick tour of the house before Chad has to go on location to do some last-minute fittings due to costuming changes. They are also going to try and get some shots of him and Courtney at sunset in the desert. “Are you sure you don’t want to go with me?” he asks.

“No, that’s okay. I’d like to get us unpacked. I’d like to call my dad, too. I haven’t talked to him in a few days. And I thought you might like a home-cooked meal when you get back. The kitchen looked pretty stocked.”

“That sounds great. I’ll only be a few hours.” He hands me the piece of paper Cole gave him. “Go over this. And Mal, don’t go outside when Cole and I aren’t around. I’m just not sure how secure it is. Can you do that for me?”

I look at the concern etched into his forehead. I was going to go for a dip in the pool, but I can see that would make him uncomfortable and I don’t want him worrying the whole time he’s gone. “Of course. There are plenty of other things I could do. Take up billiards. Or watch a movie in the theater room. The possibilities are endless.”

“Good girl,” he says, drawing me in for a kiss before he leaves. “See you in a few hours.” He walks to the door and turns around. “I love you, Mrs. Olive.”

No matter how many times he’s said it in the past, it still makes my heart thunder. “I love you too, Mr. Olive.”

I stare at the door he and Cole left through. Then I turn around and shake my head at the absurdity of it all. This home is massive. I’ll bet it’s ten thousand square feet. I hope he knows he doesn’t have to do this to impress me. His heart is the only thing I’ll ever want from him.

I realize I’m still holding the piece of paper he gave me. I glance over it, amused that the security code happens to be my birthday. I wonder if I share that day with one of the owners.

I head to the master bedroom to unpack our suitcases. We’ll be here for a month so we may as well get settled. After I call my dad and text Melissa pictures of my new digs, I walk the house again, deciding what to do to keep myself busy. When I find myself in the kitchen again, I check out the pantry and cabinets, which are loaded with just about everything one could need to cook a gourmet meal.

I come across some pecans and chocolate chips. Once I confirm the rest of the ingredients are here, I commence to making Chad’s favorite cookies. He’s loved them since we were kids. He travels so much that I want him to feel the comforts of home. I smile thinking this should do the trick.

While they are baking, I recall the talk I had with my dad earlier. I wonder if Denise was there when we were on the phone. I could hear the TV in the background and he never watches TV.

Shortly after Julian told me my dad was dating someone, Dad brought Denise home to meet me. It wasn’t nearly as weird as I thought it would be. She’s nothing like my mother. Denise is petite with red hair. She’s also ten years younger than my dad. And she’s as quiet as a mouse. She lost her husband to cancer three years ago, so I guess she and my dad have a lot in common.

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