“The family is traditionally Catholic,” Remi added.
“I don’t know anyone who’s been a practicing Catholic for years,” Morgan continued.
“Your grandmother,” Remi cut in.
“Well, anyone except for Nan. She’s a holdout of times since past.”
“You did say your family was rather formal. This just fits,” Honey contributed to the conversation.
They followed Remi up the ramp. Jinx waited for them at the top of the stairs. “Jinx, if you would show Miss Gould to her room, Morgan and I have some matters to discuss.”
“Is that what I’m in time for?” Morgan asked. He turned to Honey and cupped her elbow, holding her arm for a moment. “I’ll come see you before you go to sleep. Okay?”
Honey expected Morgan to lean in for a kiss. She was disappointed that he hadn’t. Of course, she realized, his family might frown on public displays of affection between unmarried couples.
“Okay.” She watched Morgan follow Remi down a wide hallway.
“Miss Gould,” Jinx spoke getting her attention. Her arm stretched out to indicate Honey should follow her in the designated direction.
She followed as Jinx led her up a flight of stairs and through a maze of hallways. Honey had never been in a private residence so large. They passed by an open sitting room space with overstuffed chairs and couches. It resembled a luxury hotel lobby with conversation areas more than what Honey thought of as a living room.
“So you run the house?” Honey asked nervously. “Are you like a butler?”
Jinx chuckled. “I am exactly like a butler, but my official title is Head Household Manager. I also act as personal assistant and caregiver. I manage all household staff.”
“Household staff? The house has a staff?” Honey was amazed. This was the type of home she had only ever seen on television.
“This place needs a staff. Not counting the children who are here for the school, the family that lives here requires cooking and cleaning. There is also the garage staff. We do have a few—uhm—what would be called ‘footmen’ on the Continent. We call them personal assistants here. They help out where and how they are needed.” Jinx explained.
“Wow. So how big is this place?” Honey asked.
“Plenty big, but I don’t think it’s big enough for this weekend. The wedding is being held in the courtyard out back. Tonight we are full of guests.”
Honey looked around. She was astounded at just how silent it was. “But it’s so quiet. I wouldn’t know anyone was here.”
“Good sound proofing. For a family with sensitive hearing, that is vital. Also, I have regulated all partying to the other side of the south wing where the dorms are located. They are as far away from the rest of the house as possible.”
She stopped in front of a paneled door, turned the knob, and pushed open the door. “Here we are.” Honey wondered how she’d ever find it again since it wasn’t labeled like in a hotel. Jinx stepped into the room with Honey following. The furnishings were dark maple, the walls covered in dark blue floral wallpaper with blue birds in amongst the designs. It was a simple, guest bedroom. She noticed a small pile of folded towels had been set on the bed in anticipated need.
Jinx indicated light switches and outlets. “These lights are on the wall switch. The bedside table lamp has a switch here.” She reached under the lamp shade and snicked the light on.
Honey glanced around the room. Her bags were already on the foot of the double bed, not the large bed she had hoped to be sharing with Morgan this weekend. Then again it was beginning to look as if she would not be sharing a bed with him at all the next few nights.
“I’ll show you where the bathroom is.” Jinx stepped back out of the room.
Definitely not a hotel. She didn’t even get her own bathroom. The bathroom she did get was larger than expected but covered in makeup bags and curling irons.
“JoJo’s bridesmaids are not the neatest young ladies,” Jinx said, indicating the mess, the tone in her voice wasn’t as neutral as Honey thought Jinx wanted it to be. She sounded judgmental and aggravated.
The bathroom featured a bank of two sinks in front of a large mirror. Opposite the sinks were three doors. Two of the doors led to commodes and the last door led to a small shower room. The design allowed for more than one person to use the facilities at the same time without appearing like a public restroom or locker room.
“There is another bathroom at the other end of the hall.” Jinx indicated. “But this one is closer to your room. I’m afraid you’ll have to climb over JoJo’s entourage in either one.”
Jinx guided Honey back to her room.
“Great thanks.” Honey nodded. She knew she was being deposited back at her room.
“Good night, Miss Gould. Breakfast will be served in the morning. I’m sure Morgan will help you to locate that when the time comes.”
Honey closed the door after Jinx left. Definitely aggravated.
Now what? She looked around the room, her hand nervously sliding the pendant back and forth. No television. She couldn’t remember if she packed any books. Probably not. Honey had anticipated spending all of her time with Morgan. There was a small dresser. She opened the drawers. Empty. It was a guest room with no reason for there to be anything inside. She began unpacking her duffle bag. She placed her toiletries in the top drawer of the dresser. Everything else she left in the bag and placed it on the side chair. She unzipped the garment bag carrying her dress. She unfurled the length and noticed that it had gotten a little bunched. She opened the closet and found a garment steamer in the otherwise empty space. Honey hung the dress then began examining the steamer. It was simple enough. Water reservoir, switch, and wand. And the ubiquitous warning label that steam was hot and could burn.
Honey depressed the lock button and pulled the reservoir off the unit. She knocked then entered the bathroom, quickly filling the plastic container. Back in her room, she pushed the container back onto the machine, plugged it in, and clicked it on. She sat back and waited. It had been a few years since she had used one. She knew she needed to wait for steam to begin rushing from the wand end. As soon as steam billowed out of the end, Honey gently guided the wand up and down the folds of her gown. The little wadded up wrinkles relaxed and fell away.
Honey clicked the machine off and unplugged it. She pulled the water tank and padded back down to the bathroom to empty it.
Morgan leaned against her door when she returned.
“I don’t think I can invite you in,” she said tartly, sashaying past him into the room.
Morgan leaned against the open door. “I’m sorry. House rules. At least, for the first visit.”
Honey reassembled the steamer.
“So where can a girl get a drink around here?”
*
Noise. Honey finally believed there were other people in this large mansion. Morgan led her down a series of hallways and staircases. The hall they were in opened onto a large open den full of people. Honey noticed mostly young adults and older teens.
A few people called out to Morgan. He waved. A large screen television was set up at one end of the room with what looked to be a fairly intense video game competition happening based on how many were gathered around watching and the cheers and groans coming from them.
A pool table occupied the center area. An equally intense game took place there but with fewer audience members.
Honey followed Morgan through the room to a wet bar. A double door refrigerator proved to be well stocked with a variety of drink, and frozen snacks. Morgan grabbed two beers and a bag of chips from the counter.
He nodded to Honey, indicating she should continue to follow him. They walked out onto a long patio. Honey noticed a few pit fires and several different groups. Morgan led her to a secluded bench where they sat. He twisted the top from a beer and handed it to her.
“This is quite the place,” Honey said.
“Yeah, it can be crowded at times. Of course, it’s not
normally like this. Most of these people are only here for the wedding.”
“Most?” Honey asked
“Some of the kids inside live here because of the school. But, yeah, people are here for the wedding. Not that many actually live here full time.” Morgan began ticking off his fingers. “My sister Caro and her husband, their kid. Kids. My sister Julia has rooms, but she mostly stays at her place in San Francisco. My grandmother, Remi, Aunt Karen, Dante, Ari, Shane. JoJo, but I don’t know if she’s staying or going to find a place with her new husband. Joe lives over the garage. A few teachers live here. Last count I think we have five staff members who live on the property. I have no idea about the school. Not counting the school or staff, I think twelve or fifteen of us live here with any regularity. Of course, there were more, but people grew up and moved out. As this generation has kids, there will be more again.”
“That’s a pretty big household,” Honey admitted. “I couldn’t imagine living with my entire family all together. But then again, I also could never imagine living in a house like this.”
Morgan chuckled. “The only reason I can imagine living in a single-family home is because of what I’ve seen on television. No, this place is great. It’s big enough you don’t have to be around anyone else. Did you notice how quiet it was upstairs? You really can’t tell there are people here unless you are in the same area as the rest of them.”
Honey watched as lights from the distance fires flickered across Morgan’s profile. “You like it here, don’t you?”
“Of course. It’s home.” Morgan turned to gaze into Honey’s eyes. “You think you could like someplace like this?”
“I think…” She paused, searching his face. “…I would like any place as long as I am with you.”
Honey closed her eyes and leaned into Morgan’s kiss. This kiss felt different. This one felt as if her emotions had clarified, and her heart and her head were in agreement. This kiss felt as if Morgan poured all of the same emotions into her as she was pouring into him.
Honey opened her eyes and looked into Morgan’s glowing ones. She wanted to say something, but words would ruin the moment. She returned her lips to his. She couldn’t speak, but she could kiss. And the kisses felt like they were communicating just fine.
Morgan held Honey’s hand all the way back to her room.
“So are you going to show me where your rooms are?” she teased.
“It’s probably safer not to.” Morgan chuckled. He pointed vaguely off to his left. “I’m over that way.”
“That’s not helpful,” Honey complained.
“No sneaking off trying to find my room tonight. I’m going to be on lockdown too. It’s not particularly fair, and I am particularly annoyed by it. We are consenting adults.”
“In a house full of impressionable children…” Honey finished for him.
“True. And we are unwed, consenting or not.”
“Your Catholic upbringing bites you in the butt.” Honey snickered.
Morgan scoffed. “I still don’t have to like it.”
Morgan stopped outside of Honey’s door.
“Is this me?”
Morgan nodded. “This is you.”
They stared into each other eyes for a long time. A door snicked open. A giggling blur of blond and pink scurried past them down the hall and disappeared into the bathroom.
“I’ll come get you in the morning. The wedding is at one. I’m sure everything will be a flurry of activity until then.” Morgan leaned in for a kiss. They both paused and watched the blur of blond giggle race past them and disappear behind a different door.
Honey kissed him quickly. “I hate this by the way. I’ve gotten used to waking up in your arms.”
Morgan grinned. “I’ve gotten used to you too. Good night, Honey.”
20
Honey opened her door and headed towards the bathroom. She knocked then opened the door to find a gaggle of young women with their hair in large round curlers clamoring for the mirror.
“Oops. Sorry.” Honey muttered.
“Oh, it’s okay,” one of them called out.
“The potty is open,” another one said.
“Christie is still in the shower, so you’ll have to wait.”
“Will there be any hot water left?”
Honey stood in silent amazement of the hive-mind conversation. The curlers and the makeup reminded her of being backstage at a low-budget runway show. The only difference was the lack of clothing racks. There had been many times Honey had to do her own makeup and hair. The memories flooded back. They were good memories, and they brought a smile to her face.
The bathroom door shot open, and another young woman leaned in and yelled that breakfast was almost over and everyone had better have eaten already. Honey stood back as the group in the bathroom squealed in unison, became a flurry of activity, and ran out the door. She could only assume they were headed off to make sure they ate. Honey leaned in and turned off a faucet that had been left running.
She returned to her room after taking care of her morning ablutions. She’d decided that a late morning shower would probably be best, and the bathroom might actually not be so chaotic. After dressing in jeans for the morning, she picked up her phone to text Morgan. She’d just pressed send when a knock sounded on her door.
“Morning, beautiful,” Morgan purred and leaned in for a kiss. “Ready for this?”
“What—breakfast? Definitely. I’m going to need to come back here for a shower and to get ready later. I’m trying to decide when the best time will be to have access to the bathroom. I’m sharing with a bunch of bridesmaids.”
Morgan huffed, “Sorry about that.”
“No, you’re not. You’re laughing at my pain.” Honey sneered teasingly as she followed him down the hall.
Morgan stopped and pulled her into his embrace. He played with the curls by her ear. “I am genuinely sorry you have to share the bathroom with JoJo’s crazy friends.” He stood holding her, gazing into her eyes. “Next time we visit, you’ll stay with me. I promise.”
Morgan’s intense gaze left Honey breathless.
“Okay,” she muttered.
“Come. Food.” Morgan took her hand and led her off.
They walked into a large white and stainless-steel kitchen full of activity.
“Nice to see you this morning, Morgan.” A slightly round, older, woman called out as she chopped a pile of peppers and onions
“Good morning, Connie,” Morgan called back. Honey stopped as Morgan continued into the fray.
“Breakfast is in the big dining room this morning,” Connie announced
“You’re going to make us eat with the masses?”
“Us?” Connie turned from her task. “What us? All I see is you nosing into my refrigerator.”
Morgan closed the door of the large, walk-in refrigerator. He walked over and placed an arm around Connie’s shoulders. He held out his other hand to Honey. “Connie, this is Honey. Honey, this is Connie, queen of the kitchen. She makes the best guacamole and salsa. She also makes a mean blueberry waffle.”
Morgan’s affection for this woman was clear in his praise of her cooking and the expression on his face. Honey held out her hand to Connie. Connie took her hand and covered it with the other. “Now tell me about Honey.”
Morgan leaned down and whispered conspiratorially to Connie, his eyes on Honey. “Honey has my heart.”
Honey blushed. She felt a sting of tears in the eyes. Her heart welled with joy. She felt the same about him, and he had actually voiced it.
“That’s all I need to know about her,” Connie said. “Nice to meet you, Honey. I look forward to getting to know you.”
Honey nodded, still in a blissed shock at Morgan’s confession.
“Now get out of my kitchen. You want food, you get to eat with the masses.” Connie flicked her fingers in air quotes. “I’ve got too much work to do, and the caterers are about to invade.” She pointed out the door. “Go.”
Morgan chuckled.
“Hey, Morgan.” Honey stopped him outside of the kitchen.
He stopped and turned to face her. “Yeah?”
Honey swallowed. All of a sudden her throat felt dry. She hoped she could speak without choking up. “You have my heart too.”
Morgan stepped in close. His eyes flared gold. He took Honey’s hand and kissed her knuckles. His smile dazzled her.
“Come on. Let’s get some breakfast.”
Honey felt as if her face would crack from her smile. This is what in love feels like. It was a very good feeling.
Breakfast was served buffet style. Honey was astounded at the quantity of food prepared, but it made sense when she saw how much Morgan ate. A few others also had their plates piled high. Honey did not shy away from taking her fair share of bacon.
“What?” she asked, chomping on a piece.
Morgan laughed. “You. You’re not afraid of food. I know you told me you’ve had issues in the past, but you are clearly not afraid of food. And I thought you said you didn’t eat pork.”
Honey smiled. “This isn’t pork. It’s bacon. Bacon doesn’t count.”
*
Honey didn’t have access to a full-length mirror. The small mirror in her room was all she had to use. It wasn’t worth her neck to try to get into either bathroom with the various bridesmaids running around. She decided a minimalist approach to hair and makeup would serve her purpose. She did put more cosmetics on than she normally wore on a daily basis. This afternoon, she added shimmery gold eyeshadow and lip gloss with a hint of color. She didn’t want to call attention to her forehead. She slicked her messy curls across her brow to hide the bandage and pulled the rest into a low loose bun, leaving a few tendrils of golden blond curls to frame her face.
She slipped the dress over her head and smoothed the fabric past her hips. The dress fit as if it had been made for her. The bodice, gathered into small tight pleats, swirled between her breasts. Layers of sheer aqua-colored silk fell in graceful waves to the floor. Thin shoulder straps kept the column dress in place. From what she could see of herself, she looked pretty good. Maybe not as good if she had had a team of stylists putting her together but still pretty good.
Protective: Legatum - Book 1 Page 20