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“I’m just upset at him. That’s all.”
His jaw tightened. “I know.”
“Let’s go home and take care of our luggage. I think I need a little breather before we do dinner.”
Derek nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”
She sat silent in the car on the way to Derek’s house. She regretted what she’d said in the elevator, but didn’t know how to make it better. The worst part was looking at Derek’s stony face and not seeing that small hint of a smile she’s grown used to. It tore at her insides.
He turned and drove down a street she didn’t recognize. “Where are you going?”
He gave her a weird look. “Home.”
“Did you move?” She was so used to Derek’s house being the one he grew up in, she couldn’t imagine him in any other place.
“Four years ago.”
Dang, why didn’t she know that? She watched as the houses grew larger in size the further he drove, until he turned into a circular driveway. The home that came into view startled her. It was made of brick and looked like a castle. Not that it was massive in size, it wasn’t. But it had a huge corner turret on one side, a smaller one on the other, and decoration in the brick that mimicked the notches you see in historic castles. Even the front archway had a castle-like appearance.
Nara blinked, unable to believe the home. She’d always said she was going to live in a castle someday. “This is where you live?”
“Yep.” Derek’s face flushed. “Too much?”
“No. I love it.” She meant every word.
Derek pulled up to the front of the house and parked. “I’ll grab the luggage in a second. Do you want a tour of the house? I’m hoping you don’t think it’s too pretentious.”
Pretentious? Everything about it was gorgeous. “Uh, no.”
He opened her door for her. She climbed out of the car and walked with him up to the door. It had a stained-glass inlay, a vine with flowers budding on it. She sucked in her breath as she walked in the foyer and saw the chandelier above them, and the three large black and white photographs on the walls. They looked like they could be Ansel Adams prints. “This is amazing.”
“Really?”
“It’s like you reached into my mind and pulled out my dream home.”
Derek’s smile surprised her. It was full and genuine. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I can’t stop staring.”
He showed her the kitchen, walk-in pantry, and dining room, all of which were modern and open. More framed photographs lined the walls. He had amazing taste. She could totally see herself living in this house for the rest of her life. The thought made her stomach sour. She pushed it away, not wanting to taint the tour of what was quickly becoming her dream home.
Derek pointed to a door. “This is the family room, in the large turret. I hope the massive television won’t make you think I don’t do any work around here.” He opened the door.
Brielle was sprawled out on the couch eating popcorn, a large blanket covering her. She shrieked and jumped up, popcorn spilling on the floor. “Derek! What are you doing here?” she yelled, her hand on her chest. “You scared me to death. You’re supposed to be on your honeymoon.”
“We were.” Derek’s eyebrows pulled together. “Why are you here? Is everything okay?”
“I’m…yes. Everything is fine.”
His gaze fell to the popcorn now littering the floor. “You’re not still really upset about that guy, are you?”
Nara nudged him, trying to get him to shut up.
Brielle’s mouth popped open. “No. I mean, I’m over that. He was a jerk anyway. I’m not here because of him. I was just staying here a little while because my apartment is getting fumigated.”
Derek raised one eyebrow. “A little while?”
“Just a week.” Brielle twisted her arms together and batted her eyes. “Or two.”
