“No?”
She shakes her head. “I expected open concept and stark white.”
I shrug. “You know, after designing houses for the rich and famous, I realized how much I hated open concepts and loved built-ins.” I point to the wall of built-ins at the top of the stairs where I designed a small sitting space on the landing. “I have so many books, I needed a place to put them.” I guide her into my library room, where the wall of shelves extends over the doorway. “It’s the best use of space.”
“I completely agree.”
We go from the library to the formal dining room, through the butler’s pantry, and finally into the kitchen where the color of the walls is now a gray, with white cabinetry, black marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances. From here, you get your first view of the lake.
“This view is inspiring.”
I stand next to her and wonder what she’s thinking. What could be so inspiring? “I imagine it could be. Come on, let’s go upstairs.” I take her to the front stairs again so she can see the landing.
“You have a reading nook?” She says it’s like she’s surprised I like to read. There’s a lot she doesn’t know about me, but I’m ready to remedy that.
“I do,” I reply.
“I’m in awe.” I laugh and place my hand on her back and direct her up the next flight where I show her the additional rooms, point out which one will be my office and finally into the master. “How many rooms total?” she asks.
“Five bedrooms and seven bathrooms.”
Her mouth drops. “What do you need all this space for?”
I shrug. “I want to get married and have kids,” I tell her honestly. I point toward the last room and let her enter my oasis by herself.
“Holy shit.” She turns and looks at me. “This view, Tanner.”
“I know.” I enter the room and open the French doors. Outside, the pool installers are putting their finishing touches on the inground pool, but it’s the dock, with the small sailboat tied down that gets my attention. “Did I go overboard?”
She shakes her head rapidly. “My God, no. This place is beautiful. I’m so jealous.”
I rest against the railing and tug on a strand of her hair. “Don’t be, Sophie. It’s just a house, waiting for someone to fill it with love.” I don’t know what spurs me on, maybe it’s being in my dream house with my dream girl, but I finally have a moment too good to pass up. My hand cups her cheek and I guide her to my lips and kiss her for the first time.
5
Sophie
The second his lips touch mine, it’s like every nerve ending in my body lights on fire. It’s been so long since someone other than Warren kissed me. It feels right, but I know I shouldn’t get close to Tanner like this. He’s my best friend’s brother. Which means too many complications.
Tanner deepens the kiss and a moan slips out of my mouth, spurring him on more. His grip around my waist tightens, pulling me into his body. I can feel his cock, hard and at attention. From what I can tell, he’s definitely not your average size male. He’s much bigger. The thought sends shivers all over my skin.
Tanner kisses a path down my neck, and I suck in a breath. “We have to stop,” I beg, stepping away from him. All I want to do is fist my hands in his blond hair and let him ravage me. My breaths come out as rapid pants and Tanner smiles at me with that wicked grin of his. He knows exactly what he’s done to me.
“Figured we should get some practice in,” he says teasingly.
Clearing my throat, I nod toward the door. I’m just glad his bed hasn’t been moved in yet. I could see myself getting into some serious trouble. “And we will,” I reply, trying to catch my breath. “But right now, we have to get you moved in. Let’s go get your boxes.”
Turning on my heel, I hurry out the door and I can feel him right behind me as we walk down the stairs. “I’m assuming Warren never kissed you like that?”
That makes me laugh. “Not at all.” Warren wasn’t what you call passionate. Yeah, he was romantic in the beginning, always buying me flowers and gifts, but when it came to the physical stuff, he didn’t know the first thing about what a woman wants or needs. It was all about him.
“Then why were you with the toolbag then?” he asks.
I make it down the stairs and face him. “Because there’s more to relationships than sex, Tanner.” But it sure was a good starting point. Guess I just got used to Warren only thinking about himself when it came to the bedroom.