Page 16 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast
He gave me a playful pout. “I thought we were friends.”
“We’re not, Gavin. We’re acquaintances.” Why would he not get the hint?
“You hurt me, sweet Lily.” He pressed a hand to his chest and looked up like he was truly wounded by my words. “Ifeel like we’re friends. What can I do to change your mind?”
I frowned.
He didn’t even wait for a response to his question. “Come on, Lily. Just tell me where you’re going.”
“It’s for the university. I don’t know who it’s for.” I managed to get out past my clenched teeth.
“That’s odd that they didn’t tell you. Are you sure you’ll be safe going alone?” Gavin’s eyebrows pulled together. “Maybe I should request to go with you, as a buffer. Besides, with the two of us working together, we’d get done much faster.”
For all that is holy, no way did I want Gavin-the-jerk to go with me. Never mind that he did shoddy work. He would not be helpful in the least. “That won’t be necessary. I’m accompanying my father.”
I hated having to lie, but I didn’t have a choice. My father’s contract ran out in a year. After that, I could relax and be more open about Dad’s illness. Until then, I had to act like nothing was wrong. That would be impossible if Gavin was there, too. Good thing I was leaving early tomorrow morning. There wasn’t enough time for Gavin to petition the department and ask to come with me.
I hopped off the stool and gave Cece a hug. “I should run so I can finish packing.”
Her light brown eyes blinked at me from behind her glasses. I squeezed my eyes shut, praying she wouldn’t cry. If she did, then I would, too. She sniffed. “Call me as soon as you get there.” You would think I was traveling to another part of the world the way she was acting.
I nodded.
Her lips quirked into a tiny smile as she turned to Gavin. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“You are? I mean, of course you are.” Gavin turned his brilliant smile to my friend.
“Yes.” She moved to the other side of the counter and placed a firm hand on his arm. “The book you requested came in.”
Thank you, I mouthed as she pushed Gavin further toward the back of the store. Cece was a good friend. I appreciated her giving me the opportunity to get out of here without Gavin on my heels. He’d only delay me further.
***
MY HANDS TRACED THEsame pattern over and over on the soft black leather back seat of the limo. This was the most luxurious car I’d ever been in. In any other circumstance, I would have curled up and dozed the three hours, Paul the driver said it took for us to reach our destination.
I hadn’t slept at all last night. Instead, I fought nausea and a tension headache that pinched my neck and shoulder blades so tight I thought I’d never get the knots out. I hated wondering what the individual who retained my service would say when they realized Dad had not accompanied me.
I kept up a steady stream of chatter with Paul so he wouldn’t call ahead and notify his employer. There was no way I could chance letting anyone know before I arrived, or I wouldn’t be able to pull off my ruse. Thankfully, he seemed to accept my brief explanation about why Dad wasn’t with me.
“We’re almost there, Dr. LeBeau,” Paul said cheerfully from the front seat.
My eyes widened as we pulled up to an immense wrought-iron gate that seemed to go on for miles. I wondered if it encompassed the entire property.
The enormous gates swung in toward the property, allowing us entrance. Once we pulled through, they immediately closed. A shiver worked through me and my stomach tried to rebel once again. I felt trapped. It was strange and unnerving that I couldn’t drive myself here or know the address until I arrived. According to Bev, it was to protect the owner’s privacy.
I clenched my hands together and placed them in my lap to control their trembling.I can do this. Stay calm,I repeated to myself over and over. I was so inwardly focused that it took a moment for me to realize the soft click I heard was Paul’s driver’s side door closing. The car had come to a complete stop, and I hadn’t noticed.
That wasnotlike me at all. I was observant by nature.
As he reached my door and whisked it open, I offered him a smile. I scrambled across the seat, grateful I wore pants instead of a skirt.
Outside the vehicle, my eyes scanned the beautiful property and landed on the grand front steps. The empty front steps. Confusion swirled around me, and I looked to Paul. “Uh, I thought my employer would meet me?” It was the proper thing to do after all.
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be along shortly,” Paul answered with a smile. “The house manager, Ms. Ketill, can escort you to your room.” He gestured to the silver haired older woman who had just stepped out of the front door. She had on a tailored navy blue skirt, a pale purple blouse, and a jaunty scarf tied around her neck.
With only Ms. Ketill’s inquisitive gaze, I allowed myself to take in the grandness of the home I’d be staying in for the next few weeks. I snorted. Home was probably an entirely wrong word for this place. The structure in front of me was slightly smaller than the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, Rhode Island and just as grand.
Who lived like this?Not the average person, that was for sure.
