“Oh, really? You think! Who could be worse at degrading you than my father? He’s done a pretty good job of it so far,” I say, resting my hand on my hip and tilting my head, waiting for his reply.
“The paparazzi. They degrade me all the time. For each lover out there, baby, there are twenty haters. I’ve heard it all. So don’t worry, you’re stressing over nothing.”
I shake my head because he has no fricking idea!
Not long after, we are driving, and Colt’s at the wheel, which is weird, since we always have a driver, but Colt’s car is gorgeous, a black XKR Jaguar Convertible. We are making our way to Norman Manor much faster than I would like. Actually, I would prefer it to take a year or so to get there. Colt knows Daddy’s rich,but I don’t think he expects my family home to be a manor in the heart of Oxfordshire.
My heart is thudding ridiculously fast in my chest, and I can’t help but be concerned that today’s luncheon with my parents isn’t going to run as smoothly as Colt seems to think it will.
We pull up on the cobblestone driveway too soon, and I exhale loudly as the engine’s roar stops abruptly.
“Baby, I know you’re worried, but it’ll be fine,” Colt says, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles before getting out and walking around to my door.
I have to say, I’m impressed with the effort Colt’s making today. He swapped his everyday distressed jeans and black tank top for a polo shirt and black slacks. He even wore a polo shirt with longer sleeves to cover his tattoos. To top it off, he doesn’t seem the least bit nervous.
Colt opens my door, and I step out, exhaling loudly. He takes my hand while carrying a bunch of flowers in his other hand for Mummy. I told him not to bother, but he insisted.
“You nervous, baby? Your palms are all sweaty,” he says.
I scowl. “You know I’m nervous, you bloody idiot.”
“Hey,” he exclaims, stopping and turning me to face him. “I got this. You know how I feel about you. That’s not going to change. Will you stop worrying and enjoywhateverhappens? You haven’t seen your parents for a long time.”
“I’m sorry. And you’renota bloody idiot. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m just so fucking anxious, is all.”
He pulls me into his arms and holds me tightly. “Stop swearing, Dee. Or I will have to take you behind the house for a quickie.”
I laugh and take a moment, wrapping my arms around his waist.
The door to the manor opens, and George stands there, trying to hide a smirk.
I let go of Colt, taking his hand, and walk toward the front door. “George, how are you?” I ask and lean in to give him a one-handed hug. As always, he tenses and pats my back awkwardly.
“Miss Norman, it’s good to have you home…finally. We’ve all missed you,” he says as I pull away.
“Thanks, George. I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Colter Slade. Colt, this is George, our butler. He’s been here since I was, what? Five or so, George?” I ask, trying to remember.
“Yes, Miss Norman. You had just turned five one week before I started,” he replies with a bright smile. “You’d better come in…” The more he smiles, the more his wrinkles become prominent. “Mr. and Mrs. Norman are expecting you in the rose garden.”
“Okay, thanks.” I nod and walk inside.
“Nice to meet you, George,” Colt calls out as we step away.
“You too, Mr. Slade.”
We walk through hell, I mean, the great hall, toward the back garden.
Colt’s looking everywhere, taking everything in. “This place is massive,” he whispers in my ear.
“Wait till you see out back,” I reply, wiggling my brows at him.
He smirks, and I lead him through the back doors and out to the patio. His eyes widen as he takes in the lush lawn that carries on forever and all the trees lining the driveway out back. Tugging on his hand, I pull him toward the garden, and we walk down the stairs, then along the little cobblestone path leading to the rose garden gazebo.
“Seriously, Dee, this is where you grew up?” Colt asks, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
He looks utterly amazed, and my only response is a giggle.
“I wanna live here. Why the hell would you want to leave?” he asks with a chuckle.
