Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
“Not the first one that you bid on! You liked that one.”
I shrugged. “It wasn’t as important to me as getting this statue for you was.” I strolled closer and grinned at the interesting abstract piece. “Besides, you remember that violinist statue in my office?”
“Yes, he’s adorable. I like to imagine you got that because it reminds you of me.”
“I did. And now we both possess a piece of art by the same sculptor. I like that even better than the painting.”
Simon stared up at me, his smile so big it nearly filled his entire face. “Pierce Sutton, I had no idea you were such a romantic. You’re going to make me swoon.”
Chuckling, I lightly grabbed Simon’s shoulders and turned him toward the couch positioned near the windows. “That’s why you have this couch and chair right here. Perfect for swooning. The windows face south, so you’ll get plenty of indirect sunlight during the day and a pleasant view of the flower gardens beyond,” I explained. “There are speakers hidden around the room that you can connect to using Bluetooth, so if you want to play a recording of your music, you’ll be able to. And look over here.” Simon spun and hurried to a medium-sized lilac box, which I opened to reveal an assortment of drinks and snacks, including boxes of pre-sliced cheese and some crackers. “Hilda and Mrs. Cantrip have been instructed to keep an eye on this refrigerator. They are to keep it stocked with drinks and snacks so you don’t have to leave the room while you’re working.”
“Poor Hilda and Mrs. Cantrip. There’s no way they can keep up with my cheese consumption.”
I closed the door and placed a finger under his chin, tilting his head up so he had to meet my gaze. “But if you eat too much, you won’t want to join me for dinner.”
“Ah. That is a good point. I will try to control my snacking a little bit.”
“Thank you.” I hesitated, the air seeming to tingle between us. My lips parted, and I longed to close the short distance between us to take his mouth in a sweet kiss. I forced myself to step back, my smile weak and unsteady. Not yet. Soon. But not yet.
“There is one thing that’s missing in the room,” I announced, crossing to the center of the room.
“It looks like you thought of everything to me.”
“There’s a tall case that I’m having made to hold all your violins. It will be hermetically sealed so that temperature and humidity can be monitored. I want to make sure your violins never come to any harm over the years.”
Simon stood near me, shaking his head. “Pierce, I…I don’t know what to say. My parents and brother sacrificed so much when I was growing up so that I would always have the best teachers and could compete in any competition. But this…this really is a sanctuary where I can bask in my love of music. Where I can escape from the demands of my profession and just peacefully be. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I opened my arms, and he fell into them. His head rested on my heart as it raced wildly. I’d created a space for him to always belong, but standing in his arms was the only place I would ever belong.
“I love it,” he whispered, the words coming out slightly choked.
“There is one indulgence I included for myself. Would you like to see it?”
Simon nodded, but it still took him another few seconds to release me. Taking his hand in mine, I led him to a corner by the doors that held a simple pale wood desk and chair.
“A desk?”
“I discovered I enjoy working and listening to you work at the same time. I thought if you didn’t find it too distracting, I could catch up on my work reading while you composed.”
“Yes! That’s what’s missing from this room. You! You have to be in here with me. I never want to be parted from you again. I’ve chased you for so long, Pierce.”
Gently, I cupped his upturned face with both hands. “You’ve caught me. I think you firmly caught me that night at Declan’s birthday party. I wasn’t willing to admit it, but since that night, you’re all I’ve been able to think about. Let me stay by your side, Simon, no matter where it takes us in the world.”
He blinked, his eyes becoming so wide. “You’d leave Cincinnati for me?”
I wasn’t willing to leave for my parents to trudge through a life previously lived by my father and grandfather, but I’d go travel the globe for Simon. “Anywhere you want. And each time we settle, I swear to build you a room just like this one, so you always have a place to escape to and be yourself.”