Page 4 of Peak of Love
She nearly texted to tease him about his Daddy Warbucks estate when a slim woman slipped out of the wooden doors and waved from the palatial entry.
“Hi! Is that you, Mrs. Whittaker? I’m Lorna! Can I help with your things?”
Celina scrambled out of the vehicle, embarrassed to see the woman try to head down the porch stairs while in high heels and a business suit.
“I’ve got it! It’s just an overnight bag!” she called out. Celina hauled her purse and duffel bag up the stairs.
Lorna remained standing outside with only her business suit, despite the winter chill. Celina was about to caution the woman about getting a cold when she stopped herself. She didn’t need to play mommy everywhere she went, for goodness’ sake. She was away from her boys for a few days, surely the casual scolding could take a vacation along with the stress.
“Welcome! How was your drive?” Lorna asked while walking into the space like Vanna White presenting vowels. And what a space. The entrance reminded her of a hotel ballroom, with a stone fireplace the size of a billboard on one end. Cream furnishings with muted accents in grays and blues offered plenty of soft seating. The ceiling, bracketed by impressive beams, was at least two stories high.
“Mr. Verghese wanted to make sure you have everything you need. We’ve filled the pantry and the wine chiller. The master bedroom is ready for you if you’d like me to bring your bag there. Or maybe a drink first? You must be exhausted.”
Lorna looked at her expectantly. Celina was embarrassed that she wasn’t ready for such a fancy welcome. “Where’s the, um, closest bathroom, please?”
“Right here. Follow me, please.” Her guide went deeper into the house towards a discreet hallway at the side of the living area. The bathroom, when Celina was ushered into it, was wood and slate design, worthy of a magazine spread. The room was bathed in the winter sun cascading from sky lights.
“Thanks,” she managed, before closing the door and slumping over the counter. Celina took a moment to gather herself. It was unlike her to be so struck by wealth. Dane had thrown parties and vacationed with her family before. Asher and he had been friends all their lives. But this was next level shit. And the prospect of spending time by herself in this palace was weirdly overwhelming.
Her appearance, however, was rather underwhelming. Her hair was limp from having been bunched in the beanie. Her scrubbed face was clear, although marred by gaunt cheeks and shadowed eyes. After freshening up, Celina found her way back to the main room.
“Lorna?” she called out. No response. Instead of heading deeper into the house, she was drawn to one of the many French doors that led to massive patios with views as fantastic as a winter postcard.
Mesmerized by the landscape, she didn’t hear Lorna approach until the woman spoke. “There are six separate outdoor seating areas spread over the three floors. You should see the one by the master bedroom upstairs. That’s where I’ve put your bag, by the way. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to carry it for me. Thank you. And no, I don’t mind the help. I’ll need a map, though, before you leave.” She sounded jovial, though she was actually kind of serious.
Lorna laughed. “Is now a good time for a quick tour? So you get your bearings? Or should I lay out some appetizers? Dinner can be delivered every night unless you plan to eat out. It’s all been arranged.”
“You’re kidding. By whom?”
“By me! I take care of all the properties in this subdivision. And with Mr. Verghese being our newest owner, I wanted to ensure he and his guests feel extra welcome.”
“Lorna, that’s very kind of you. I’m not hungry, though I’m thinking a glass of wine sounds perfect. Will you join me?”
“I couldn’t possibly,” Lorna protested half-heartedly.
“If you’re working, I understand… ”
“Actually, I’ll be heading home after this.”
“In that case,” Celina declared, “how about something sparkly?”
“Let me get it!” Lorna piped cheerfully.
So it was with champagne flutes in their hands that the two women meandered through the house. Celina attempted to concentrate on Lorna’s raving descriptions of the chef’s kitchen and home theater, the Persian rugs and imported marble, the twelve-seating dining table and the five fireplaces. More than anything, she was distracted by the views that captivated from every inch of the floor-to-ceiling glass.
When they reached the main bedroom in which she was supposed to sleep the next three nights, the panorama astounded. The room was the most sparsely furnished of all, making her think that everything probably came with the house but Dane brought his own simple style into the bedroom he would normally occupy. It was a king-size bed in clean white sheets with a black headboard in muted velvet. Masculine. Classy. Dane.
“I feel terrible taking the main bedroom when there’s five other ones.”
“This one leads right to a hot tub! That’s the best part!” Lorna protested.
She opened the glass doors and Celina expected the cold to hit them, especially from an even higher plane. Instead, surprising warmth welcomed them into the patio.
“There are heat lamps built into the stone. Here, feel the floor,” Lorna was as giddy as a woman in a business suit could be. Kicking off her heels, she gushed, “They’re warmed. Everything out here is heated, so when you get into the hot tub—”
“No shit,” Celina burst before putting her hand over her mouth. She was used to holding back the swearing around kids so she surprised even herself.
