As the playback ends, I press “save” with a shake of my head.
That woman can talk. Especially when it comes to my personal life. She knows no bounds.
It’s so typical that she would miss the major news headlines which clearly named Olivia as the winner of the sweepstakes. But instead, she’d picked right up on something petty a gossip rag had no doubt posted online as clickbait.
Though I love the lady dearly I’m not calling her back to discuss this over the phone. It’ll just have to wait for the visit I have planned on Sunday.
Despite my Tennessee roots, I don’t visit often because my mother moved to California years ago. One of my first big purchases had been her house in Calabasas. After my father passed suddenly from a heart attack, she saw no reason to remain in Tennessee so far from her only child.
Relaxing into my chair, I settle in for the long flight. Thoughts of Olivia and my mom dance around in my head.
If I play my cards right, I’ll be bringing Olivia home to meet my mom sooner than later.
That’s my final thought before sleep claims me.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
OLIVIA KING
A week has passed since Sebastian’s surprise visit and I still can’t wipe the dreamy smirk off my face.
Because it was so brief, it feels like something I dreamed up in my overactive imagination.
I still can’t believe he’d dropped everything only to be with me for a few hours. No one has ever made a gesture quite that big for me before. Not that I usually date men wealthy enough to pull such a stunt. But still, you catch my drift. It’s the thought behind it that counts which is why I can’t stop grinning like a fool.
Currently, I’m in the kitchen cleaning up Arnold’s breakfast. We’re going to do some exercises together once I finish tidying. It’s a part of our morning routine.
“Your smile is pretty bright considering it’s not even seven,” a male voice calls from the entrance of the room.
I know it’s Gavin so I don’t even bother looking up. Gathering plates and a glass from the table, I mosey over to the sink and throw a greeting over my shoulder.
“Hi, Gavin. How are you this morning?” I ask politely.
It’s a Saturday so he has the day off. His mood has improved only marginally since our tense encounter and Sebastian’s pop-up visit last week hadn’t helped at all.
“When you’re done in here, come to my office. We need to have a word.”
Frowning, I turn to face him now.
“What about your father’s exercises? You know I like to maintain a routine.”
Gavin shrugs flippantly. “The exercises can wait. I’ll be expecting you,” he says turning to leave.
Somewhat peeved, I place the dishes into the dishwasher and wipe down the table and countertops. After popping my head into the living room to tell Arnold I’m coming shortly, I journey to the back of the house to meet Gavin as he requested.
“Have a seat, Olivia,” he commands with his gaze focused on the chair across from him.
“What’s going on, Gavin?”
Eyes trained on me, he starts speaking.
“I wanted to tell you how much my father and I love having you here.”
Praise? From him? Given the last month or so, I definitely hadn’t been expecting that.
“I love being here. You know I have a soft spot for Arnold and I enjoy taking care of him,” I tell him.
“Yeah,” he nods slowly before looking at me.
What is this about? I can’t stop the suspicious thoughts flitting through my head because something about this just feels off.
“You’re pretty special,” he remarks, meeting my eyes. Something in his look sets off my internal alarm bells.
Standing, I try to bow out gracefully, “If it’s all right with you, it’s time for your father’s exercises and I hate to keep him waiting long.”
“Not so fast,” he says practically sprinting around his desk to stand next to me. “There’s something else I wanted to discuss.”
I gulp audibly, afraid of what it will be.
“Such as?”
Please don’t be a creep, please don’t be a creep.
Chanting that repeatedly in my head doesn’t change the wary feeling rising in my gut.
“Watching you with my father has made me realize just how special you are. To the both of us,” he says significantly.
No, no, no.
“It’s no secret that you’re attractive but your patience and kindness with him makes me crave you even more.”
He did NOT just say that!
“Gavin, please don’t do this.”
“It’s time you know how I feel.” He leans in to me. “I want you, Olivia.”
Taking two steps back, my head is shaking furiously. “I have to go, Gavin.”