Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Georgiana let out a delighted scream when her parents, Jeff and Callie, came walking into the restaurant shortly after we got there.
“Mom! Dad!”
“Now the party can begin,” my father said fondly, kissing me on my cheek.
And party we did. The meal was delicious, the wine perfect, the laughs many. But despite my happiness, I couldn’t help noticing that something seemed off with Ryan. He was putting on a good show, yet I could tell something was bothering him. I went over after chatting with Rose and sat down beside him.
“You know, I can’t find my phone. I must have left it in the office at the shop.”
He smiled and pushed a loose piece of hair back behind my ear. “I have your phone. I put it in your bag. I’m so proud of you, Morgan.”
I took his hand in mine, studying him. “Thank you, but…what aren’t you telling me, Ryan?”
His eyes darted over to where my two brothers were talking with my father. When I glanced at them and then back at Ryan—I could see it.
“Something happened.”
With a shake of his head, he replied, “Don’t ask me anything right now, Morgan. Let’s enjoy dinner, and when we get to the cabin, we can talk.”
My heart started to pound. “Is everyone okay?”
“Yes,” he quickly assured me. “Yes, sweetheart, everyone and everything is okay. I want you to enjoy this evening.”
“Why do I suddenly want to be alone with you, safe in your arms?”
Placing his hand on the side of my face, he leaned in to kiss me, but we were interrupted by Bradford calling for everyone’s attention.
“A little bird told me our two guests of honor both love crème brûlée. So, to honor their successful first day, I give you…dessert!”
A few waitstaff appeared, carrying trays full of my favorite dessert. Ryan tapped my nose with his finger. “I love you.”
And just like that, all my worries seemed to float away. “I love you too.”
Ryan drove up a long driveaway to a stunningly adorable cabin that was lit with some amazing outdoor lighting. He parked, and I looked at him. “We’re staying here?”
“We are. Rose told me about it…and made all the arrangements.”
“What kind of arrangements?” I asked.
He winked. “You’ll see.”
Jumping out of the truck, Ryan jogged around and opened my door, then got two bags out of his backseat. Taking my hand in his, he led me to the front door. It was a small cabin, and I loved the idea that we would be all alone here, with nothing and no one to bother us.
Ryan typed in a code on the electronic lock and opened the door. One step inside and my hand flew to my mouth and I gasped at the sight before me. White lights were strung up all the way around the one-room cabin, with small LED tealights and candles placed throughout the room. Next to the bed were huge bouquets of flowers that filled the space with the most beautiful scents. It reminded me of my mother’s flower garden back on the ranch.
Tears pricked the back of my eyes as I scanned the room. A small table sat near the kitchen area, and on it were two champagne flutes and a bucket of ice holding a bottle of champagne. Soft music played in the background, and I stepped farther inside to take it all in.
That’s when I spotted a box on the bed with a large red bow. I turned to face Ryan. “I get a present?”
“All the way from London.”
My eyes widened. “London?”
“From Lady Mary Douglas. She sent something to both you and Georgiana. It was delivered to your parents’ house, and Rose brought it with her when she decorated in here earlier.”
“When did you plan this?”
He chuckled. “A week or so ago. I told Rose I wanted to take you somewhere special to celebrate, and she happens to know the guy who designed and owns this cabin. He rents it out.”
I rushed over to the box and gently untied the bow. If this was something from Mary, it was either going to be stunningly beautiful or very naughty. Maybe both. I slipped the lid off the box—and drew in a sharp intake of air.
It was a black lace bodysuit with a plunging neckline. Swarovski crystals were placed in small heart-shaped patterns across the bodice, and they seemed to catch every bit of light possible. The lingerie actually shimmered in the candlelight.
“What is it?” Ryan asked as I quickly shut the lid.
Facing him, I felt my cheeks heat, though I wasn’t sure why. Over the last two weeks, the things Ryan and I had done would make a nun beg for forgiveness. Let’s just say he was a good teacher, and I was an eager student. “It’s lingerie.”
His brows rose. “Do I get to see it?”