Page 9 of Tiago

“Yeah, I’ll probably always do that, too.”He tugs my hand.“Come.We’ll end up roasting out here.They’ll need to send a search party if we don’t pick up our pace.Do you always hike this slowly?”he teases.

“Aren’t you a comedian?”

“No, artist.Weren’t you listening?”he jokes.

“Oh, I’m listening, Tiago.I’m listening to a madman who seems to have my entire life planned out for me, even though we just met.Do you realize how bossy you are?”

“Very bossy.It’s in my blood.Wait until you hear how Ryder speaks to Claire.He keeps her on her toes.You’ll see at dinner.”

“I can’t just come to your house for dinner, Tiago.It would be rude.And besides, I’ve known Gretchen all my life.I can’t sit down to dinner in your fancy dining room and let her serve me.”

“Yeah, Claire has issues with that, too.We’ve all tried to get Gretchen to eat with us, but she refuses.She’s managed the estate for thirty years.There’s no getting her to budge.And for the record, Ryder and I were not raised with servants or any sort of silver spoon.We’ve never had someone cook for us and serve us.We aren’t pompous assholes.We let Gretchen do so because it pleases her.She’s like a mother hen at the estate.She’s been tiptoeing around grandfather’s mental and physical health for years.She’s so pleased to have laughter and youth in the mansion again.It didn’t take long before we realized we were insulting her when we suggested she not serve us.She knows more about that estate than just about anyone alive.Out of respect for her, we’ve learned to let her do her thing.”

I think about his words.It makes sense in a weird way.I get it.“Still, I can’t just show up.”

He winks at me.“You’re not.I told Gretchen to expect you for dinner before I left this morning.”

I gasp.“Tiago… Could you be any more cocky and sure of yourself?”

He shrugs.“Probably.”

Chapter5

Tiago

Our hike was the longest hike in the history of hikes.We stopped fifty times to have serious discussions.It was perfect.I had Reagan’s undivided attention, and I made huge strides toward making sure she knew my intentions.

When we get back to the car, she says, “I should go home.”

I drop the backpack in the back seat and pin her to the car, my hands on the roof on either side of her.“Why would you do that?”

“Because I need to think.You’re smothering me.”

“Think about what, baby?”I know I’m pressuring her.I don’t want to part from her.I dread it even happening later today.I know I eventually have to let her go home, but it’s way too soon.It’s not happening now.It’s not even lunchtime.

“Think about the million things you said and ponder how serious you might be.”

“I’m serious about everything I’ve said.”

“Well, my grandfather is expecting me.”

“Is he?Or are you just saying that?”

She sighs.

“Let’s stop by your house.I’d like to meet him.We can take him some lunch.”

“Lord, no.”She shakes her head.“Not happening.”

“Why not?”

“I haven’t even mentioned you to him yet.”

I shrug.“So?He’ll find out about me when we get there.Text him and tell him we’re bringing sandwiches.We’ll stop at the bakery and pick some up.Roy Kennett makes incredible sandwiches.”

She stares at me.

I’ve got her.I keep talking to drive home my point.“Reagan, I’m not joking about anything I’ve said today.If I’m honest, I knew you were it for me the moment I walked into the bakery and saw you standing at the counter.You knew it, too.”I lift a brow.

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