Free The Crimson Bond by Erika Trevathan Page B

from passionate kissing to a full blown make out session. The dinging of the elevators had us quickly separating and readjusting our clothing. I giggled when I noticed how disheveled his hair had gotten. He ran his hand through his hair in a haphazard attempt to correct the mess and smiled over at me showing the dimple I had never noticed in his cheek. My heart did a double skip and I struggled to compose myself as the doors slid open and we stepped out. 
            Alex led the way to his car and opened the passenger side door for me. I gave him a questioning look, wondering why he hadn't walked me to my car; and he grinned back, his eyes twinkling.
            "Just trust me." He motioned me into the sporty black BMW and I slid onto the gray leather seat. Deciding I wasn't giving up, I looked over at him as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the busy downtown streets.
            "So where are we off to?"
            "You don't like surprises, do you?” He glanced at me as he zipped the car in and out of traffic.
            "I do. I'm just impatient. How bout a hint?”
            He rolled his eyes. "Not happening. Just sit back and relax, because we've got about a twenty minute ride."
            I made an exasperated sigh and plopped back against the seat. I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye and saw him holding back a grin. He was getting way too much satisfaction from keeping me in suspense. 
            As much as I was anticipating this surprise, the rest of the ride flew by as I tried to figure out where he was taking me. I had no idea what this was about, but judging by the way things had gone since my arrival in Charlotte, anything was possible. The busy streets became country roads and I realized we were heading away from the city and towards more rural landscape. The car slowed as I saw a rod iron fence up ahead with a lit guard house. It was obvious whoever owned the house standing at the end of the guarded driveway, was not hurting for money. I don't know why, but it didn't occur to me that we would be turning into the beautifully gated driveway until we pulled up to the gate house.        An intimidating man with a shaved head and a ton of muscles pressed a button inside the small stone building that caused the gates to open. He threw up his hand in greeting at Alex as we drove by, and I noticed a flicker of curiosity as his eyes passed over me. The driveway cut through a heavily wooded area and as we broke free of the trees, my jaw dropped at the huge mansion surrounded by a sprawling and perfectly manicured lawn. It was a gorgeous craftsman style home with gray shake shingles and stone foundation and chimneys. There were a ton of windows, all sparkling in the sunset.
            "Is this your house?" I couldn't keep the awe from my voice.
            "It is. And your house soon too." My eyes widened at the thought of Alex and I sharing this house together. I'm not sure if I could ever get use to living here. It was so huge, I'd probably get lost. Alex parked in the circular driveway in front of the house and walked around to open my door. I stepped out and couldn't help but stare openmouthed at the enormous mansion in front of me. He grabbed my hand, but instead of taking me inside, he led me around the side of the house and towards the wooded area some ways off. I tried my best to keep my questions to myself as we walked away from the house and into the shadows of the tall pine trees. Just as I was about to question him again, Alex gave me a smirking glance and said, "Be patient." Slightly peeved that he had read my thoughts so easily, I sent him a withering glance. I wondered if he was really keeping his promise to not read my mind. His lips curved up but he kept his eyes trained ahead. It was rather suspicious if you asked me.

                As we trekked