Page 50 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
As we ascended the grand staircase, I couldn’t help but marvel at the splendor around me. Everything from the chandeliers to the intricate woodwork felt like stepping into a bygone era.
I had my own room, right next to Antonio’s, according to the housekeeper who showed me the way. I was almost tempted to ask how many rooms this mansion had—Twenty? Thirty? It was hard to believe people still lived in such sprawling estates.
About an hour later, just as I was getting comfortable, there was a soft knock on the door. “Come in. It’s open.”
Antonio stepped inside, his presence filling the room. He came up behind me and began kneading my shoulders gently. “Is everything to your liking?” he murmured.
I leaned back into his touch, my body melting under his strong hands. “That feels amazing,” I sighed softly. “And yes, everything is perfect.”
He placed a tender kiss on my neck, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. “Dinner’s ready,” he whispered. “Everyone’s waiting for you.”
I nodded, giving him a grateful smile before following him downstairs. At dinner, the conversation flowed naturally. George shared anecdotes about the family business, while Vivian recounted stories from Antonio’s teen years, each tale more embarrassing than the last.
Damon leaned closer, his tone conspiratorial. “I’ll give you the full tour tomorrow, including the vineyard. You’ll love it.”
I smiled back, feeling genuinely touched by their kindness and warmth. But beneath the surface, my guilt churned. How could I face these wonderful people once they knew the truth? When I did what I had to do, would they still look at me with the same welcoming smiles?
“So, Kendra,” Vivian said, her voice cutting through my thoughts. “T.O. tells us you’re a writer. What kind of writing do you do? And where do you work?”
The question landed like a dart to my chest, making my heart skip a beat. I had been enjoying the delicate herb-crusted salmon, savoring each bite, but now a grain of rice seemed lodged in my throat. I swallowed, but it stuck fast. My lungs tightened as panic set in.
I tried to breathe but couldn’t.
The room fell silent.
"Kendra, are you okay?" Antonio’s voice cut through the fog, his face a picture of concern.
I nodded frantically, my eyes wide as I struggled to catch my breath. Antonio sprang from his seat, pouring me a glass of water. The condensation on the crystal glass shimmered under the dining room lights as I grabbed it, gulping down the cool liquid desperately.
The water dislodged the stuck grain, but my coughing fit continued, each spasm racking my body. I pressed a trembling hand to my chest, eyes watering as the room blurred.
"Easy, Kendra. Breathe," Antonio murmured, rubbing my back gently.
The coughing finally subsided, leaving me drained and embarrassed, my face burning. George leaned forward, his expression softening. “Perhaps we should leave the questions for after dinner,” he suggested kindly. “Let Kendra enjoy her meal.”
“I’m so sorry,” I managed, my voice hoarse.
“There’s no need to apologize, dear,” Vivian said, waving away my concern. “Take your time. Just focus on eating.”
Antonio handed me a napkin, his eyes filled with worry as I dabbed at the tears gathering at the corners of my eyes.
Please, just drop it, I begged silently. Don’t ask again.
My pulse hammered, and sweat trickled down my spine as I forced a smile, trying to act calm. But my thoughts were spinning. How long could I keep this up? How long before they saw through my facade?
Mercifully, Damon changed the subject. “So, big bro, think we should show Kendra the vineyard tomorrow?”
The conversation shifted, and I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. For now, I was safe. But as I glanced around the table, I knew I was balancing on a razor’s edge, waiting for the inevitable slip.
The evening eventually wound down. As we made our way back upstairs, Antonio caught my hand, his gaze soft and intent.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered, his voice a caress. “I love you, Kendra.”
His words wrapped around my heart, squeezing painfully. What was I doing? Could I really go through with this when I was falling for him?
“Yeah, me too…” I whispered back, the lie burning on my tongue.
Chapter Twenty
