Page 23 of The Widower
“Of course.”
“I’ll leave you two alone.” I took a step back, but James gently touched my arm.
“Please, stay. I don’t want you feeling out of place.”
I glanced sideways at Colin, who nodded, clearly irritated. Naturally, he didn’t want a chatty woman like me tagging along—but he didn’t seem to have much choice this time.
“All right.”
The two of them started talking as they strolled through the mansion. Colin paid close attention to everything James said, and I followed along silently. He’d made it clear he didn’t want me to interfere, and I was trying my best to respect that.
Kind of.
“You know,” James said, “I want something different. I’m tired of this mansion. The architect who designed it wasn’t exactly… well-known.”
Colin smiled faintly.
“I see. So you’re looking for something bigger, flashier.”
“Yes. Twice the size, at least. More rooms, more leisure spaces… more everything.”
“Well, I think we can create something like—”
“Excuse me, Mr. James. Are you serious about that?”
I realized too late that I’d interrupted Colin mid-sentence as he was about to make his pitch. One look from him told me I’d stepped right into trouble—but it was too late to take it back.
“Please, don’t call me Mr. I don’t need to feel older than I already do,” James said with a warm smile.
“Got it. So, James,” I continued, “I think your mansion is gorgeous, and honestly, I don’t know if Colin could actually outdo this one.”
Both men looked at me, surprise written all over their faces.
If Colin was already annoyed with me before, I couldn’t even imagine what was going through his head now—but honestly, he deserved it after the way he’d treated me all night.
I really don’t know when to shut up…
“Look, I didn’t mean anything by it. I don’t know who designed this mansion, and I know Colin’s good at what he does. I just meant that I—I don’t know—I really like this place, and I can’t imagine a prettier mansion, and… I’m so sorry for interrupting your conversation,” I mumbled the last part under my breath.
“What do you think, Colin?”
He turned his eyes on me again, and for once, I didn’t immediately spot anger there.
“She might be right,” he said.
“I just meant that whoever designed this mansion is… freaking amazing.”
Great. There I was again—using slang in front of important people.
I noticed Colin closing his eyes and shaking his head in silent disapproval.
“I like you, kid,” James said, laughing as he pulled me into a quick side hug. “Now tell me—what makes this place so special to you?”
“Oh, I’m not sure exactly. The way everything’s arranged, the lighting, how the interior and exterior flow together—it all feels so balanced. I didn’t notice any structural flaws, either. I fell in love with the main hall and that staircase design… Honestly, I could spend all night talking about how much I love this place.”
James studied me curiously before asking, “So, do you just enjoy admiring mansions, or are you actually interested in architecture?”
“I want to be a famous architect someday. I haven’t had the chance to go to school for it yet, but I’m sure I’ll make it happen soon. It’s been my dream since I was a teenager.”
