“That’s nice. I like to run when it’s not freezing out.” I picked up a small rock and ran my fingers over it.
“We also have horses. Most of the hiking trails are perfect for riding.”
“We have horses?” I looked over at him with a smile. “I haven’t ridden since I was a little girl.”
“Three. Let’s go check out the stables.”
The stables were tidy, and several grooms were tending to the horses. They all stopped what they were doing to bow while Stanley introduced them and I spent some time asking about their jobs. The horses themselves were gorgeous and one of the mares was with foal.
“How many other people work on the estate?” I asked as we walked through one of the gardens.
“We have ten full-time staff and five who work part time. Many of them only work on certain days or on rotation.”
“Wow. That many?” That was intimidating. Fifteen people coming in and out of my property all the time?
“Actually, we run on a very tight ship and those numbers include me and Margie. I was planning on hiring more people now that we have you in residence.” Stanley picked up a rake that had fallen over.
“Why do we need more people?”
“I’m sure you’ll be hosting dinners or fund-raisers.” Stanley stuck his hands in his pockets. “We’ll need more staff to keep up with the influx of people.”
“Dinners? Fund-raisers?” I laughed and rubbed my face.
“Eventually all this will feel normal.” Stanley laughed. “I have to admit, I’m looking forward to what all you do. I think this place is going to be much livelier from now on.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
We spent a lot of time going over the things that were done on a regular basis. It probably felt silly to him, but Stanley answered every question with as much explanation as possible. The more we walked around the property, the more I fell in love with it. There was so much history and one of my favorite parts of the whole place was a little area near a stone wall. The trees overlapped and I could see much of the property. There was a worn stone bench and I imagine it had been used by many over the years.
I checked out the cottage that would be Chadwick’s home and the garage. I took pictures as we walked. I couldn’t wait to send them to my dad and Jess. They were going to love it here. Cathy called to see how I was settling in and said she wanted to come visit next weekend. Once we had it figured out, I spent the rest of the day unpacking the boxes I’d brought with me and trying to make the place feel like home.
I was sitting on the floor in my room and sorting my books when my phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket and smiled like an idiot when I realized it was Alex.
“Hello?”
“Miss me yet?”
“Nope.” I smiled.
“Liar.” He laughed.
“You should be studied for that giant ego of yours. It’s unhealthy.” I set a couple of books on a shelf I had cleared.
“I think it’s well deserved.”
“You would.” I laughed. “Aren’t you breaking some kind of dating rule? Like wait a full day before calling?”
“What can I say? I’m thinking about that shower and wishing I had stayed.”
My breath caught as an image of him covered in water flashed in my mind. “Well, I did warn you.”
“True.”
“Have you made it to Paris?”
“I’m here, have unveiled a plaque, finished a conference call, and am now back at my apartment.”
“You have an apartment there?” I was wishing I hadn’t wanted to keep our relationship quiet. I’d always wanted to visit Paris.
“I do. It’s in the seventh arrondissement.” I could hear him walking around. “I can see the Eiffel Tower from my bedroom.”
“Wow. I thought you’d have to stay at the Lilarian embassy.” I leaned back against my bed.
“I like having my own place. Then I don’t have to explain to anyone when I get up in the middle of the night for a glass of milk.”
“I have no idea how to respond to that.” My imagination went into overdrive at the thought of him walking around naked.
“I do. Come here and keep me warm.” His voice took on a serious tone.
“I just got here, Alex. And your sister is coming in a few days.” I chewed on my thumbnail.
“It’s for the best, I suppose. The press here can be vicious.” He sighed. “Not to mention you’re a blanket hog.”
“I am not!”
“And you make weird noises.”
“You said that was cute!” I laughed.
“And sexy.” He chuckled.
We talked for a while and he explained some of the internal workings of the FBT and I talked to him about the estate. We didn’t run out of things to talk about and it wasn’t until he got another call that we hung up. I couldn’t wait to talk to him again.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Royal Shopping Spree?
—Paris Post
The next day I convinced Chadwick and Margie to run to town with me. Becca came along just in case we needed her, but I felt like it was overkill. The good news was I didn’t have to dress up for something like this and no one was expecting me to show up.
We parked the car in one of the public lots and hit some of the local shops. I wanted to show my support of the family-run businesses, so I avoided the chain stores. When we entered a florist shop the woman inside seemed shocked. Chadwick was laughing to himself while the woman tried to hand me every bouquet I looked at. I ended up buying flowers for my room and a set for Chadwick, but only because I insisted on paying.