Page 90 of Maximum Bet

“Then, at Marco’s wedding, you gave me the perfect idea. What about giving you a home? A true home, where we will raise a family, live married life, and grow old together. You made it easy. You picked out the property for me.”

My eyes prick with tears as my hands fly over my mouth.

He bought me a house.

Not only a house . . .thehouse.

“Dominic,” I whisper.

“Come on.” He opens the car door. “Let’s go see it.”

I wait as Dominic rounds the Maserati to open my door and help me out. My dress bunches, and it takes both of our efforts to extricate me from the vehicle. I smooth the gown once I stand, ignoring its state of ruin.

Climbing the front steps, Dominic fishes keys from his pocket. I stare in awe at each intricate detail of the home as he unlocks the door.

“Hold on.” He blocks the entrance, stepping closer to me. “Let’s do this the right way.” Leaning down, he hooks one arm around my back and the other under my knees, lifting me.

I giggle as he carries me over the threshold.

“Welcome home, Cassandra.”

When he places me on my feet, I spin, taking in the rustic tile floors, winding staircase, and chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

“This is beautiful,” I mutter, walking to the staircase and running my hand over the banister.

“It’s an open concept,” Dominic explains. “Come through here, I want to show you the living room.” Grabbing my hand, he directs me toward the back of the house.

I gasp as we step into an enormous room with a series of wide, arched windows facing the backyard and a carved, wooden fireplace on the far side.

As I wander into the center of the room, Dominic tells me to, “Hold on,” and disappears through a set of French doors leading outside.

I walk to the windows to see where he went, but the only light illuminating the night sky is the moon and stars.

Suddenly, the lights flicker on, and the backyard comes into view. Dominic appears a moment later and motions for me to follow him outside.

Smile growing wide, I venture onto an expansive stone deck that boasts an infinity pool, hot tub, and built-in kitchen. “This is amazing,” I say, breathlessly.

“This isn’t the whole thing.” Dominic points past the pool. “There’s a lower level.”

I walk to the edge of the deck and spot curved staircases framing the yard. Below is a lawn with a half basketball court on one side.

“I’m thinking about hanging solar string lights over the grass,” Dominic says. “And maybe one day, a play structure?”

Trapping my lip between my teeth, I try to appear nonchalant as I nod. “I like that idea.”

“You can’t see it well right now, but there’s a beautiful view of the golf course and the hills behind the development. The sunsets are unmatched.”

We take a moment to peer into the darkness. I imagine sitting in a lounge chair on the deck at dusk, sipping on Chardonnay.

“Ready to go back inside?” Energy radiates from Dominic, his expression bright with excitement.

My eyes linger on the beauty of the yard as we head back into the living room.

“Let’s go upstairs,” Dominic suggests. I have no complaint, knowing I’ll have plenty of time to wander the first floor later.

Dominic intertwines his fingers with mine and kisses the back of my hand as he guides us to the second level. The hardwood flooring and cream-colored walls continue into a loft that overlooks the living space we came from.

“We still get the high ceilings downstairs, but don’t lose much space up here,” Dominic explains.