Page 58 of Worlds Collide

I walk back to where Wolf is still looking at the majestic mountains bordering the lake, and settle in to do some admiring myself. Enjoying the moment is something I don’t do too often either, so maybe this could be good practice for both of us.

Soon enough, Rich is steering us expertly against the dock and I handle securing the ropes. We all work in silence while we carry the bags up and then stare at the house in the dimming light of the day.

“Wow,” Wolf whispers.

“You said it, man,” Rich agrees.

“It is a bit over the top,” I admit. Though I do love how elegant it is. And that might be the snob in me, but it’s sadly how I was raised no matter how hard I’ve tried to get rid of that part of me.

“Sure it is, but nothing wrong with that.” Rich pats my shoulderthen takes the handle of the two biggest suitcases—Wolf’s. “Now, how do we get inside? I need to check the security, the cars, and the entrances.”

“You should rest,” Wolf tells him.

“You know damn well there’s no way I’m sleeping until I know that if there’s some crazed groupie looking for you an alarm is going to let me know at the very least.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Wolf mutters. Then, like they practiced it or something, they both turn to look at me.

“Oh, right.” I snap into action and lead them around the house to the front door. There I find the print scanner, and the password pad pops out after. I put the password in and let Rich see it. He nods at me seriously, and then the door is open.

Inside, I show Rich the security panel while Wolf walks around the foyer. Then I show Rich all the entrances, and finally, I lead him outside where the cars are parked.

“And who has access to this place?” Rich asks.

“Well, there’s a housekeeper, Alessia, she’s the only one who has the password to get inside the house. And the gardeners come twice a week. She lets them in. I didn’t tell her we’d be here, but I’ll text her now so she’s not scared tomorrow morning. Otherwise she would’ve been here. I should’ve thought of that. There’s probably nothing to eat, and the rooms might not be ready?—”

“Okay, breathe,” Wolf says, suddenly beside me. “I bet this is your socialite side coming out, isn’t it?”

“A good host always?—”

“Shh,” he tells me. “Don’t depress me with all that fancy talk. We’re all perfectly capable of making a bed and cooking some pasta, and if there really is no food here, then we can go somewhere in that fancy boat of yours.”

“Oh, we should go to Bellagio for sure.”

“Isn’t that in Las Vegas?” Wolf asks.

“Ugh, peasant,” I tease.

“Look at that, you’re an elitist asshole,” he grumbles.

“I knew Bellagio was a real place in Italy, actually. And all I’ve got is a high school diploma,” Rich backs me up.

“Thank you, Rich.”

“The peasant comment was still a bit much.”

“Oh, shut up. I’m gonna buy you the best meal you’ve ever had in your life so just give me a break.”

“Awesome. Then where do we put all this?” He gestures at the bags.

“Let me show you the rooms.”

“If there’s a room down here then that’s the one I want.” Rich looks around as he speaks.

“There is one, just past that hallway actually.” I point to the left and then gesture for him to follow me. We find the bed perfectly made and fresh towels in the bathroom—seems Alessia is way better at her job than I will ever be at being a host.

After Rich dumps his one bag there, we collect the rest and climb up the stairs to my room. There’s no way in hell I’m sleeping in the master since it’s my parents’—it’s not their bedroom anymore, but it still feels like it is—so I show Wolf my room. It only occurs to me when we’re all standing inside that Wolf might not want to stay in the same room as me.

I mean, I did invite him, and we have had sex three times, technically, but what if?—

---