Page 51 of Lessons in Touch

“Thank you, Professor. That was so good…”

Maybe too good. Maybe we’re pushing this too far.

Chapter 17

Rose

I check my reflection one last time before leaving my room. The dress Timothy sent me for the Christmas Ball is absolutely stunning. It’s a dark red princess ball gown that is heavy and luxurious. I twirl in front of the mirror and giggle to myself. It all feels like a fairy tale.

My hair is swept up in an elegant chignon, and I'm wearing the diamond earrings that came with the dress. I look like I belong at a high-society event. But it still feels like I'm playing dress-up.

Eagerly, I grab my phone and take a few selfies, then send them to Gabriel straight away.

What do you think?

He answers immediately.

You look incredible! Like a Christmas Barbie doll… I really wish I could go with you to the Christmas Ball.

I type fast, hungry to answer him.

I know, me too. But I would have no way of explaining to my cousin Timothy why I brought one of my professors with me!

He sends me a few laughing emojis back, and then another text.

You’re right. Still… I want to see you. Come to my rooms when the ball is over, Rose, please.

Like Cinderella? Shall I come to see you after midnight, Gabriel?

Like you’ve missed me and hate that you had to go without me.

He answers me sweetly, making me giggle even more.

The limousine arrives exactly on time. The driver opens the door for me, and I climb in, careful not to get snow or salt on the hem of my gown. The ride to the Vanderbilt Mansion takes forty minutes through the Hudson Valley countryside. I watch the landscape roll by, trying to calm my nerves, but don’t really succeed.

I'm about to meet my cousin for the first time. Timothy Devereaux has been running the American branch of the family business since he was twenty-five. From what I've learned, he's brilliant, ruthless in business, and incredibly wealthy. Even by Devereaux's standards.

A few minutes later, the mansion appears just as the limousine drives around a curve in the road. It's massive, of course, but I wasn’t expecting anything else. I can see cars lining the circular drive—Bentleys and Rolls-Royces that cost more than most people's houses.

I take a deep breath as the driver opens my door.

"Miss Devereaux," a voice calls out when I step onto the marble path.

I turn to see a man walking toward me. He's tall, probably six-foot-two, with the presence and authority that draw people in. His curly, light brown hair is perfectly styled, and he's wearing a custom-made tuxedo. But it's his smile that stops me. He seems so warm, genuine, and absolutely charming.

"You must be Rose," he says, extending his hand. "I'm Timothy. Your cousin."

"It's wonderful to finally meet you," I say, taking his hand. His handshake is firm but not overwhelming.

"The pleasure is entirely mine."

“Wow! Our eyes are identical!” I cannot help but exclaim. “The same shade of blue! I guess we truly are related.”

“Ah, yes! Look at that! It’s funny how genetics work, isn’t it?” he laughs. "You look radiant tonight, Rose. This dress is the perfect choice."

"Thank you for sending it. And for inviting me."

"I've been wanting to meet you since we found out about your existence. The family is still reeling from the surprise, in the best possible way." He offers me his arm. "Shall we go in? I have about fifty people I want you to meet."