billion book
34
“You have no idea what hearing you say that means to me,” he said huskily and Elena almost grinned at the emotion in his voice, “Do you think we should give the date another try? I promise I won’t screw it up this time,”
Elena smiled, “Maybe, but not yet. I’m not letting you off easy. Besides, It’s Elijah and Lexi’s wedding… I don’t want us to take the attention away from them,”
Chandler nodded, but the desire in his eyes as he stared at her told a different story. It seemed to burn away her clothes and Elena shifted in her seat, unable to deny the fact that she wanted the same thing and felt the same way.
“Fine,” said Chandler finally, “We’ll let them have their wedding, and then I’m all yours.”
————
Grayson Kendrick was a handsome man, Elena observed when they finally arrived at their destination. His head was filled with mostly white hair and so was his beard, but he was still strong and good looking. He was tall with broad shoulders, a strong nose, and a wide smile. Apparently, the Kendrick family had good genes. Even if there was no striking resemblance between Chandler and Elijah, she couldn’t say the same for their father because Chandler completely took after him. Eyes, nose, lips and even their facial structure were the same.
Elijah clearly took after his mother, Laura Grayson and Elena could see now why he and Chandler looked so different. Laura was incredibly happy to see her son and would not stop hugging and kissing him. She smiled broadly at Lexi and welcomed her into the family with open arms.
“It’s nice to see again, my dear,” Laura said to Lexi, “I knew you and my son were meant to be together the first time I saw you,”
Lexi simply smiled shyly and thanked her, “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs Kendrick,”
“Please call me Laura. I’ve told you that before,”
Elena observed the exchange and the welcome Chandler received too. She watched him hug his father, and watched Grayson pat his first son on his back and asked him how he’d been, to which Chandler replied that he was fine. Laura Grayson didn’t share the same sentiment as her husband. She did smile at Chandler though. They exchanged greetings, and that was it.
Chandler and Elijah clearly came from money, judging by the beautiful sight before them. Elena couldn’t stop looking around as they took the grand cobblestone pathway leading to the Kendrick family estate. Towering oak trees stood sentinel along the winding drive, their lush leaves rustling in the gentle breeze that carried the scent of freshly cut grass. As they approached the main entrance, Elena’s eyes widened in awe at the sprawling mansion nestled amidst meticulously landscaped gardens
The exterior of the Kendrick estate exuded timeless elegance. A housekeeper swung open the ornate double doors, and the foyer greeted them with an air of opulence. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns on the polished marble floors. A sweeping staircase adorned with an intricately carved banister curved elegantly upward, leading to the upper levels of the house.
The interior was a blend of modern comfort and old-world charm. The spacious living areas were adorned with antique furniture, plush rugs, and intricately detailed chandeliers that bathed the rooms in a warm, inviting glow. A grand piano sat in one corner, inviting music to fill the air, while a crackling fireplace offered a cozy respite from the world outside.
“Welcome,” Laura Kendrick said cheerfully when they were all inside. Clearly she was very proud of her home and took pleasure in showing it off, Elena continued to observe. She sneaked a peek in Chandler’s direction, and noticed that he didn’t look very impressed with the show his step mother was putting up.
Grayson Kendrick on the other hand had one of his hands around Elijah’s shoulder, and Elena could see that they were very close. Chandler and his father were not on bad terms, but she could see that their father’s bond with Elijah was stronger, and she understood a bit why Chandler felt out of place. She felt like reaching out to him, to hold his hand, so she did without giving herself the opportunity to think about it. Keeping her eyes glued on Laura who was still speaking, she slid her palm gently into Chandler’s.
Chandler stiffened for a second when he felt her touch him, he wasn’t expecting it, but he didn’t pull away. He liked the gesture a lot, so he clasped her hand even tighter. Feeling the warmth and silent assurance and he was glad that she was there with him.
The housekeeper showed them to their rooms. Lexi and Elijah had Elijah’s room, Emily and Daniel took another. Chandler had his already, and Elena was glad when she realized that she, Beth and Charlotte didn’t have to share a room. She loved Beth and had no problems sharing a room with her, and although she and Charlotte had never had any issues, she didn’t feel quite comfortable with her, especially since she knew how Charlotte felt about Chandler. Sharing a room with her would have been quite uncomfortable.
Emily settled in quickly, but when she looked out her window and saw the beautiful garden, she knew she had to take a tour of this beautiful house she found herself in, so she decided to take a stroll.
She wandered downstairs and found herself in a hallway. On the walls were family photos and Elena took some time staring at each of them. She recognized Chandler easily in most of the pictures because apart from the tattoos and muscles, his facial looks didn’t really change much. As she stared at them she tried to imagine what it must have been like for Chandler, growing up without his mother and having to deal with a step mother who didn’t really care much for him. Amidst the family photos there were also some large black and white photos displayed artfully. They weren’t family photos, but paintings and photographs by an artist.
Elena’s steps slowed as she reached the second photograph, and she froze. It was beautiful and sad. Strangely appropriate for what she’d just been thinking about.