[Lockhart Brothers 01.0] Deep Down
Page 21
Once we were upstairs, she guided me through the enormous, newly renovated kitchen, fitted with white cabinets, stone countertops and stainless steel appliances. The adjoining dining room had a long, dark wood table with twelve chairs and modern art on the walls. The living room had two couches, a couple of large chairs, a television hanging over the fireplace and several bookcases full of books.
On the second floor were five fully furnished bedrooms, three with two single beds in each room and two containing just one bed and a white wood crib. Two large bathrooms and a small lounge finished off the floor.
“I love this,” I said, running my fingertips over the wood frame of a photograph of a sprawling oak tree. “This place really feels like a home. You did a great job with it.”
She smiled proudly. “Thanks. The girls seem happy here.”
“When will they be here? I’m so anxious to meet them.”
“All three of them will be home from school in an hour or so.” She took my arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come see the ballroom.”
A dark wood staircase brought us into a cavernous room that made my mouth drop open in awe. The floors were the same wood as the staircase, and the walls were adorned with intricate lanterns and carved wood moldings. Three crystal chandeliers were spaced evenly across the tall ceiling.
“It’s . . . incredible,” I said softly, walking across the floor to examine the dark eggplant-colored curtains hanging over a window. “Velvet. So pretty.”
“Doesn’t this room just make you want to dance?” Ivy spread her arms wide and twirled around the middle of the massive room.
“If I knew how, it definitely would.”
Her gaze flicked to mine. “You don’t know how to dance?”
I shrugged. “Nope.”
“Reed and I are planning to take lessons from Miss Dee Dee when her next session starts. You should come with us!”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “Three people can’t dance together.”
“But I’m sure Miss Dee Dee has male students in need of a partner.”
I cringed hard. “That sounds absolutely awful. You guys dance, and I’ll hang out with Noah.”
“He’s coming with us. His little friend Ava from preschool is coming, too.”
I melted a little. “Noah dancing? I’ll come just to watch that. But not to dance. I’ve got two left feet.”
“April.” Ivy gave me a pointed look. “You’ll never meet Mr. Right if you don’t put yourself out there. The man of your dreams could be waiting at Miss Dee Dee’s Dance Depot.”
“I seriously doubt that.”
We both headed back toward the top of the stairway. “Well, we’re having dinner at Reed’s parents’ house this weekend and I want you to join us.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but she held up a hand. “I won’t take no for an answer. Grace is already expecting you. She’s making a Texas sheet cake.”
“I do love Texas sheet cake,” I conceded. “Does Reed have any other brothers who are single?”
“Here in Lovely, there’s just Mason. What’d you think of him, other than your comment about his height?”
I held back a snort. “I think he’s arrogant and shallow. He’s a big no for me. Can we move on to Reed’s friends?”
“Mason’s actually really—”
I cut her off. “Nooooo.”
“You never know if you don’t give people a chance.”
“He doesn’t even want a chance, and he and I are like night and day, Ivy.”
She gave me a questioning look, but I turned and walked down the stairs before she could ask me to elaborate.
Anyway, I needed to settle into my new job and home before I even began to consider my social life. And when I did, I wouldn’t be thinking about Mason Lockhart.
In Deep is Available Now
Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres. She loves to hear from readers.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Newsletter | Goodreads | Pinterest
This book is first and foremost dedicated to survivors. Whatever your struggle, you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out until you find the support you need. You’re worth it.
My village continues to grow, and I’m blessed beyond words to know every person who plays a role in my work, be it big or small. This book challenged me, and I needed more feedback than usual as I wrote it.
For helping me shape my open, I’d like to thank Christine Borgford, Carrie Jones, Pam Million, GP Ching, Stephanie Reid and Karla Sorensen. These women have my back and came to my rescue when I needed it most.
For reading and providing feedback on the entire book, thanks go to Denise Sprung, Janett Gomez, Michelle Tan and M.E. Carter. Their honesty and enthusiasm pushed me when the writing was hard. Thank you hardly seems enough for what they’ve all done for me.
Editor Valerie Gray partnered with me to bring this book to life. From concept to completion, she was there every step of the way. She didn’t just share my excitement, but also my frustration and anxiety over whether I could do this story justice. And her attention to detail is just scary good.
Christine Borgford of Perfectly Publishable is more than just a formatter. She came to the rescue when I needed her, encouraged me and listened to me when I needed it. And when it comes to formatting, she’s the best.
My assistant Pam Million is one in a . . . um, you see where I’m going with this, don’t you? She’s there through the ups and downs. A friend who gets your crazy and stays around is a friend indeed. Everyone should have a Pam in their life. But not my Pam. You’ll have to find your own. (Sorry.)
Speaking of awesome Pams, Pam Carrion has infused new life into my social media. Her energy and optimism make me smile every day.
Rosarita Reader is my beta reader extraordinaire. MWAH!
The members of Rothert’s Readers are my constant support of friendship and inspiration. I’m so grateful for every one of them.
To the many bloggers who work so hard at what you do simply for love of books, thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you.
My husband and three boys are my biggest motivation. You may have noticed that family plays an important role in my books. That’s because my family reminds me every day that truly, nothing matters more.