Page 116 of Mine
Rows and rows of them lined the driveway, their long branches swaying in the evening breeze, creating this surreal, almost dreamlike tunnel. The thin leaves cascaded down like curtains, dappling the pavement in swaying shadows as the driveway curved deeper into the property. The trees were beautiful and slightly eerie, like driving through something out of a fairy tale.
“Holy shit,” I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
Mom smiled, a small curve of her lips that looked almost proud. “Pretty, right?”
Pretty wasn’t the word.
Didn’t come close.
It was…
Massive. And breathtaking. Something straight out of a magazine.
The estate stretched out on either side as we drove, perfectly manicured grounds rolling into the distance. Emerald grass cut with geometric precision. Gardens bursting with late-season blooms. Stone pathways winding up to the sleek house that was all glass, stone, and sharp architectural lines. It should have felt cold, but it was softened just enough by the trees surrounding it.
“Are you sure this is the right house?” I muttered, gaping at the view.
Mom shot me a look, clearly amused by my reaction. “It’s a lot, I know.”
I rubbed my sweaty palms over my jeans. “You failed to mention this guy you are seeing is rich as fuck.”
“Did I?” She shrugged, turning into the circular drive. “I guess it didn’t really matter to me.”
“You’ve been here before?” It was hard to picture my mother hanging out inside this house, so different than the places we’d lived.
“Several times. His bedroom isverynice.”
I made a face, my nose wrinkling. “Gross. I don’t want the details. I hope you saw more than just his bedroom.”
She laughed under her breath as she cut the engine. “Nervous?” she asked, turning in her seat to look at me properly.
I hesitated, my teeth catching my bottom lip. “A little,” I admitted, the understatement of the century.
More than a little.
Way more.
My stomach was in knots.
I’d already made a clusterfuck of my life. I didn’t want to mess this up for her. “What if he doesn’t like me?” The fear slipped out before I could contain it, small and vulnerable in a way I hated.
Mom reached over, squeezing my hand. “Then he’s not worth my time.Andhe isn’t the man I think he is. We’re a package deal, Malibu. There is no me without you.”
I nodded, exhaling slowly. Something about this place intimidated me. This was new territory for both of us.
“Come on,” she said, opening her door. “Let’s go meet the first man I don’t want to kill.”
My lips pressed into a thin line. “Glad to see your humor is still intact.” I took a deep breath and followed her out of the car.
The front door was massive, made of dark wood and modern hardware, and flanked by high windows. It opened before we even reached it.
A tall man, at least six-two, maybe more, with broad shoulders filled the frame. His hair was dark, peppered with silver, making him appear distinguished.Andhe was good-looking, I’d give him that, for an old dude.
The autumn breeze picked up the scent of him, carrying it to me where I stood awkwardly on the porch. Expensive cigar smoke layered with woods, perhaps cedar and leather.
He smiled at my mom first, his light-green eyes twinkling. The color of them and the shape seemed eerily familiar, but I liked the way he looked at her, not creepy, which got him a point…if I was counting. “Mara,” he said, brushing his lips over her cheek.
“Hey,” she greeted, genuine happiness brightening the curl of her lips as she touched a light hand to his shoulder.
