“I didn’t go into the security features of the house, because it didn’t seem necessary, but we’re safe here Amelia, look.” He points to the screens.
He walks me through the system, and how every inch within a hundred yards of the house is fully under security monitoring. There are motion detectors, motion activated cameras, shatterproof windows, and all entryways are custom designed to keep out even the most skilled burglar. As well as a security firm that is in contact with his own personal security team to make sure this home is safer than the White House.
“Wow. Do you even need all of this? I’ve never seen you with a security guard before,” I say in awe.
“Exactly. It’s designed that way. Plus, I don’t like being crowded with dudes that are more ripped than I am.” He smirks. “I know we don’t need to beat a dead horse, but I’m worth a lot of money now, which means I can easily be a target for just about anything. Blackmailing, kidnapping, extortion, influencers trying to make me their next baby daddy. Real scary stuff,” he says lightheartedly.
“Wow. I had no idea, Evan,” I say as I scan through all the camera angles.
He still senses my unease and reaches for his phone to make a call. “Hey Rocco. I need you to do a full sweep of my security system up at the cabin. My girlfriend thinks she might have spotted something out by the backyard.” I pinch him at the mention ofgirlfriendand he dramatically winces. “Ok, great. Give me a call when you’re done. Happy Thanksgiving.” He ends the call.
“Girlfriend, really?” I mock.
“Hey, this weekend is to test things out. I haven’t had a girlfriend in a very long time. I had to practice and see how calling you my girlfriend feels.”
“Verdict?” I raise my eyebrows.
“Rolls off the tongue.” He pulls me in for a kiss and I slowly start to relax.
Goddamn authors and their silly antics to stress out their readers.
26
Evan
Amelia was properly freaked out.
I thought about teasing her a bit about overreacting to nature outside of the concrete jungle, but thought better of it once I saw how rattled she was.
Luckily, her anxiety subsided with a luxurious jet tub with bath bombs in her bathroom. Not so luckily for me, she took this bath alone.
I don’t know how I ended up in a trial relationship with Amelia, but I selfishly try not to second guess it since it allows me to be closer to her than I’ve ever been before. And to be honest, she made some pretty valid points.
But now, I worry if she’s using this phantom spotting as a way to pull out of our ill-fated arrangement. I’m just about to get up from the breakfast nook and head to her room when she strolls into the kitchen in a bathrobe.
“Evan, I get it now. All ten bathrooms are very much worth the investment. And these robes?! Do you think these are appropriate work attire?” She sighs as plays with the waist ties.
“Only if you’re working from home. Or this cabin,” I challenge.
“Oh yeah, sure sure. I’ll take all my calls from the middle of nowhere.” She laughs.
“You do know that there’s a New York housewife around here who owns an estate. You may run into some Bravo-lebrities if we ever decide to come back up here in the future.”
Amelia stills. “Evan, don’t you dare talk aboutHousewivesunless you’re one hundred percent sure you want forever with me,” she playfully threatens.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring up Bravo, I know that’s your sweet spot, honey.”
“One of these days, these pet names are gonna get you in trouble Evan,” she says as she tips my chin up with her right hand.
“Is it now?” I pull her into my lap.
“Yes, but today’s not that day.” She plants a sweet kiss on my lips, and I’m reminded to come up with a plan to keep this woman in my life, forever.
* * *
We’re prepping a low-key Thanksgiving dinner when I get an incoming call from Rocco.
“I gotta take this, keep an eye on the oven babe,” I say as I place a quick kiss on Amelia’s cheek while I head towards my office. Once I close the door, I answer the call.
