fortune to visit several times. I so fell in love with it that I bought a villa at the crown of the island. It is where we will be staying,” he announced.
“You’re kidding?’ she exclaimed.
“No. I am quite serious. Of course if you don’t like the accommodations we can make other arrangements,” he offered.
“No! I’m sure I’ll like the villa just fine. You are full of surprises,” she replied happily.
“I try,” he chuckled. “Anything to please you.”
Maddie tossed him a sassy smile.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she teased.
She had noticed that Whit was saying more and more things of that nature and she liked it. He was making her feel as though she was special and she was beginning to buy into it. His words seemed sincere and she wanted to believe him. She hadn’t seen anything to make her doubt him, so why not trust him. Trust. That was a big step. In doing so she was allowing herself to be vulnerable to him. But she couldn’t seem to halt what was happening nor did she want to. She wanted to see where their newfound relationship would lead. She had once said that this trip would be telling and so far it was living up to her prophecy. Soon they were traveling a smooth road that ascended uphill. They drove around a bend in the road and Maddie caught her breath. There at the top of the hill was the most magnificent home she had ever seen. The façade showed gleaming white in the brilliant sun with six columns perfectly staggered along the width of the house. The house was three stories with terraces attached to many of the upper rooms. Maddie thought the house could be a featured home straight out of the Home and Garden magazine.
“It’s beautiful,” she said in awe.
The jeep drove around the half-moon drive and stopped before the grand steps that led to the portico. The driver jumped out of the jeep to open Maddie’s door. She exited the truck and stared at the house in wonder. Whit jumped from the vehicle and slid his arm about her waist.
“Welcome to my home. Come. Let us go inside,” he said softly.
They ascended the wide steps and just as they reached the portico, the double doors opened. A black man stood in the doorway smiling broadly.
“Welcome home, Whit,” he beamed.
“Thank you, Tamblin. Tam, this is Madison McClain,” Whit introduced her. “She will be my guest for the next several weeks. She is an excellent interior designer here to oversee the Edelston project.”
“Hello Miss McClain. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Tam greeted her.
“Hello Tamblin. The pleasure is mine,” Maddie said. “And please, call me Maddie.”
“If you will call me Tam,” he smiled engagingly.
“Deal,” Maddie agreed amiably.
“Please enter. All is in readiness for you,” Tam offered.
Tam stepped aside to allow them to enter. Maddie was thunderstruck by the splendor that awaited her. The foyer was huge with a large round oak table in its center with a magnificent chandelier suspended above it. Bright, dazzling sparks danced from the ornate lamp to bounce off of the Italian marble flooring.
“I’ll show you to your room. Tam will you assist Raul with the bags?” Whit asked.
“Certainly,” Tam answered.
Whit grasped Maddie hands and pulled her toward the circular grand staircase.
“There’s an elevator but I think you could use the exercise after that adventurous ride. Maddie grinned at him then took the steps two at a time. Whit easily kept pace with her. When they arrived to the landing Whit grinned at her.
“Nice. I’ll have to take you hiking. There’s a gorgeous waterfall that I think you will like,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see it,” she smiled.
He guided her down several halls. By the time they reached her bedroom Maddie was thoroughly confused.
“I’ll never remember the pattern of this maze,” she complained.
“Don’t worry. I’ll always come get you,” he responded.
He opened the bedroom door and swung the door wide.
“After