Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
In the silence, I’m surprised to find that I already miss the Curran brothers. Not in the I can’t live without you kind of way, but I’ve gotten used to being around them, and I enjoy their company. Apparently, drunk me makes pretty good choices.
Before I go exploring, I make a quick call to the CPA firm, thank them for the opportunity, and politely decline. I’m still surrounded with uncertainty about what my future will look like, but turning down the accounting job feels good.
I also peek into the pink bags and boxes, and internally blush at the sexy things I find. There are a few sets of what I’d call practical underwear, but most of it is satin and lace in reds, pinks, and black. There are bras, see-through panties, camisoles, teddies, and nighties. I can’t help but imagine how the men might react when they see me in these things. I wonder if I’ll be brave enough to wear everything.
When I leave the bedroom, I feel a little like Alice in Wonderland. It seems I’ve taken a drink that’s shrunk me down to the size of a rabbit, because the house I’m in is completely out of proportion for a normal-sized human.
There’s so much open space that I’m sure there would be an echo if I were to yell. It’s ridiculous, actually.
There are several more bedrooms on the second floor, along with a study and a room with a full bar and a pool table. Downstairs, I find a small movie theater, a gym full of exercise machines, a sauna, another room with a full bar, multiple sitting areas, and an honest to god elevator.
Nearly every room has a view, and those are stunning. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and from the back of the house, the Vegas Strip is visible in the distance. There’s a large putting green off to one side, and a huge pool that spans the length of the house with rock features and a waterfall.
When I finally stop gaping at the grand size of everything, I start to notice all the beautiful details. The staircase is especially gorgeous with its ornate black railing, and the view of the tops of sun-dappled palm trees through the windows in the towering entryway holds me transfixed for several minutes. Finally, I pull out my phone and take a few pictures just so I can move on.
It feels like I’ve walked for miles when I finally come to the kitchen, and I’ve definitely worked up a thirst. Though the room is immaculate, it looks lived-in, with a big bowl of fresh fruit on the counter, a fancy coffeemaker with a stack of mugs beside it, and a big dispenser that appears to be filled with water with slices of cucumber floating in it.
The oversized refrigerator is well and fully stocked, and there’s a deep walk-in pantry with shelves full of food.
I pour myself a glass of the water, which is incredibly refreshing. After I drink half, I top it off and carry it out with me. Believe it or not, there are still parts of the house I haven’t seen yet, including wherever the men are working.
It turns out that they’re not far away, relatively speaking, as there’s an enormous recording studio here on the ground floor. I’m reminded that Conal said their record label owns this house, and it looks like they’ve invested a lot into turning it into a great place for musicians to work.
I go through a solid wood door to get to the studio area, which is divided into smaller sections. The men are playing a song in one of them, and I watch them through the window. There are sound technicians in an attached booth, along with loads of impressive-looking equipment. The band stops a few times, has some discussions, and starts again. I don’t want to disturb them, but Bron eventually spots me and waves me in.
HAZEL
All three brothers acknowledge me with a nod and a brief hello, but they pick right up where they left off, and launch into a song I don’t recognize, while I stay near the door, not wanting to disturb their creative flow. They play through the song a few times, and eventually get a thumbs-up from one of the men in the booth.
“That sounded so good!” I tell them when they come over to me.
“You liked it?” Bron asks.
“I loved it. It’s for your new album?” When he nods, I say, “That’s definitely going to be a hit.”
Conal slides his arm around my waist and presses a kiss to my forehead. “How are you doing?”
“Good. I’ve been exploring.”
“Did you see the theater? There’s a yoga and meditation room, too, if you’re into that sort of thing.”
“This house is unbelievable. It should come with its own navigation app,” I say, and the three of them laugh.