Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 126096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
“Oceania,” he cuts in, turning to me with a proud smile, one that doesn’t send chills down my spine like I'd been expecting. “Of course. How could I forget?”
“Hello, Sir,” I smile. “Please just call me Ocean. My father was the only one who ever called me by my full name.”
Understanding dawns in his eyes and for a moment I wonder just how much this guy knows about us, then mentally kick myself. Guys like this would have a full file on us with background checks hidden in his office somewhere. “Of course. Ocean it is. I just got off the phone with the dean of Bellevue Springs Academy an hour ago and finalized your enrollment. You’re good to start fresh tomorrow morning.”
Rich guy say whaaaat?
“You did?” I question with a grunt before reeling it in and reminding myself to be polite. “I’m sorry, I just … I guess I didn’t expect you to have done that yourself. You seem like a very busy man. Thank you.”
He winks and gives me a knowing smile but I can’t help but feel a slight edge to his gaze. “You know what they say. If you want a job done right, you do it yourself. Besides, the dean owed me a favor.” He chuckles for a moment before continuing. “I have twin daughters roughly your age and I firmly believe a good education is the foundation of a successful future. Especially for young women of the world today. You already have so much to compete against with men being handed their futures on silver platters.”
Well, shit. I think I like this guy. I wasn't expecting that.
“I … yes. Thank you. I really appreciate it,” I tell him, feeling like an idiot for stumbling over my words. Why do I feel so moronic around this guy? He probably thinks I’m a fool for not being able to get a sentence out without stuttering, but there’s something so intimidating about him. Maybe it’s his success compared to my complete lack thereof or perhaps it’s the way he seems to tower over me, silently screaming that I'm a nobody.
I don’t get why he’s being so nice. It’s weird … off-putting. No one is nice for the sake of being nice. It’s simply unheard of. He either wants something from me or my mom, or there’s some kind of ulterior motive. Why should he care about my education? I’m just his new maid’s daughter.
My mind begins reeling with distrust and questions when he steps back and waves his arm out, smiling at my mom. “Shall we? I have half an hour to spare. I’d be honored to complete the tour and get to know you both a little better.”
Mom gushes and I roll my eyes. It's one thing for him to show manners but showing that he cares about the wellbeing of her daughter has captured her heart in one easy swoop.
We’re in trouble here.
Don’t get me wrong, Mom may be a stickler for rules and boundaries, but she’s no stranger to a little crush. I can't imagine her falling for someone so soon after dad's murder, but she's going to be fawning over this guy as though he walks on water.
Charles nods to Harrison and without even a blink, Harrison excuses himself and I openly gawk with how well trained he is. He's like one of those police dogs who obey their master wholeheartedly. I feel like someone needs to ruffle his hair and remind him what a good little boy he is. It’s going to be entertaining to watch.
Charles turns to mom while walking through yet another huge living space. “I’m assuming Harrison filled you in on the pool house situation?”
Mom nods. “Yes, Mr. Whitby was very thorough with his introduction.”
“Please, no need for formalities around here. Just Harrison is fine. He’s fond of formalities but I prefer things a little more relaxed, especially for you two. You’re going to be living here now. You should think of yourselves as family rather than staff.”
“I’m sure that will come as we get to know you.”
“Good,” he says. “I’m pleased.”
He goes on to show us the house and after ten minutes of walking around, I realize that we’re barely halfway through. “This is the main kitchen and living space where you can generally find myself and my son if I’m not working. Otherwise, I will be in my office.”
Mom and Charles remain at the entryway but I walk on through, absolutely astonished with what I see. A beautiful open living space, still with the marble floor the whole way through. There’s no sneaking around this place unless you’re wearing a pair of socks. Every step would be heard.
I make my way through the kitchen first, skimming my fingers over the cool counter. Naturally, it’s marble, just a shade lighter than the floor but equally as stunning. “This is incredible,” I say, glancing back over my shoulder at Charles.