He nodded, just finishing with brushing his teeth. “For the most part, the estate is closed during the year, except for holidays when she likes to wake it back up. Since Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, she’s having it aired out and decorated for the season. Jude and his family will fly out in a few weeks and get their fill of winter while the rest of us remember the good old days at the family house.”

“How many years has the house been in your family?” I asked, obviously interested in the history of it.

“I honestly don’t know. As far back as I can remember. You’ll love it, but that’s all I’m saying. I want you to be thoroughly surprised.”

“You’re no fun.”

“That’s not what you said in the tub.” He winked, smacking my butt on his way out of the bathroom. “Come on, we’d better get going.”

“You never answered my question about how we’re getting there!” I reminded him, snatching my purse and following close behind.

He grabbed a set of keys from the kitchen table and held them over his head, jingling them, as if they provided some sort of answer.

“Is it a rental? Is it safe? Did you look up its stats online?”

He turned around, grinning from ear to ear. “I love that you’re meticulous and you can spout information quicker than Wikipedia, but sometimes, babe, you’ve just got to relax.”

My shoulders slumped. “But do you know if it even gets good gas mileage?” I squeaked.

His laughter filled the room. “It’s not a rental. It’s mine. It’s very safe, it gets great gas mileage, and yes, I did a shitload of research on my own before I bought it. So, see, you and I, we’re not that different. Okay?”

I smiled weakly as he turned around.

My arms folded in front of me. “How much of that was bullshit?”

“Mmm… maybe half?”

“Nice try.” I shook my head, following him out the door.

He waited for me, locking it behind him, and then he wrapped an arm around my waist as we took off down the hall.

“It does get good gas mileage though,” he added before we stopped in front of the elevator.

“Oh, yeah?” I asked. “How good?”

“Extraordinary,” he said, pushing me forward into the tiny space of the elevator. “Phenomenal,” he purred, backing me up against the wall as he expertly reached behind himself and pressed the button for lobby. “Legendary, I’ve heard.” He grinned, and then he kissed me breathlessly until we reached the bottom floor.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” A familiar voice halted our frenzied make-out session.

Roman turned slowly, and I felt my breath stop as Tyler stepped into view.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.