Not flashy.It’s thoughtful.
“This place is amazing,” I whisper.
“Want the two-dollar tour?”he asks.
I nod.
He shows me everything—gourmet kitchen, a large dining room, wide windows overlooking the property.
We step back outside for a moment so I can see the full wraparound deck, the hot tub steaming faintly in the night air, and the outdoor fireplace.
Then my eyes land on something moving in the yard.
“Is that a goat?”I ask.
He rubs the back of his neck, almost sheepish.
“Yep.Three of them.Got some chickens, too.An old mare in the stable.And a small pond behind that with an old pair of swans.The female can’t fly anymore after she was injured, and the male refuses to leave her.”
I blink at him.
“Seriously?”
He shrugs like he didn’t just casually describe the most unexpectedly romantic thing I’ve ever heard in my life.
“Maddox used to collect injured animals.That turned into wanting some pets.Not the usual kind.What can I say?I have a soft spot for little things.Anyway, his place in town’s too small, so I keep them here.”
My heart stutters inside my chest.
I just… stare at him.What else can I do?
Because this man—this powerful, commanding, take-no-prisoners construction magnate—just told me he houses injured swans.
Swans.
And not just that.
A bonded pair.
The male staying because his mate can’t fly anymore.
My chest does something funny.Tight.Achy.Warm.
“You keep them here,” I repeat softly.
He shifts his weight like he’s suddenly uncomfortable under my scrutiny.
“They’re not hurting anything.And the mare’s too old to rehome.Goats clear brush.Chickens lay eggs.It’s practical.”
Practical.
Yeah, right.
That must be why he sounds faintly defensive.
I step closer without thinking.
The night air is cool, but he radiates warmth.Strength.Solidity.
