Page 54 of Mr. Red

“San Diego, California?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Do you know another San Diego?” He stands up and grabs the bags he left inside. “Come on, let’s go.”

We walk down the stairs of the plane, then Matt flags down a driver in an SUV. Matt loads our stuff into the car, not letting me lift a finger.

“I have a car at the house, but I didn’t think the luggage would fit. Hence the SUV.” He nods towards the vehicle.

Was that a jab at my huge luggage?

“Someone has jokes today.” I lift a brow.

He opens my door for me, signaling me to sit down. I get in with a, “Thanks.”

He goes over to the other side and puts his hand on my thigh once he’s settled. I look down at his hand on my leg with widened eyes; he usually keeps to himself in the car. I like vacation Matt.

Pine trees are replaced by palm trees as we drive, the sun shining overhead. We start over a bridge passing a marina and the bay. Then we pass a roller coaster overlooking the ocean as my stomach flips with anticipation. The drive continues, where snippets of the ocean appear through gaps between homes. Everything isclose together with coastal touches and winding roads.

The driver pulls up to an older-looking home in pristine condition. It’s all white with a flat, gray roof, a curved path leading to a Dutch door, and there are flower boxes on the windows. I think you can sit up on a section of the roof too—maybe an added development to the house.

“My grandparents needed a place to invest their money. They bought this in the forties as a vacation home. We used to come here for summers to get away.” Matt looks lost in thought, then he clears his throat. “It’s been updated, but I tried to keep the character.”

“It’s like a modern storybook home.” I smile.

He starts walking towards the house, luggage in tow.

“You’ve never brought anyone here?” I ask, even though I know the answer.

“I’ve brought my friends, but no one I was seeing.”

I’m thinking he likes me more than he’s letting on. Why would he want to bring me here unless he sees more between us? Does he feel this connection too? Oh geez, I sound like a lovestruck fool.

Get it together Scarlett!

I walk up the hill towards the house. If you look down, you can see the ocean. It’s easy to go to the lake or the bay at home, but I haven’t been to the beach in a long time. The ocean waves crash in the distance, leaving a salty smell.

Matt has walked through the front door, leaving it open, so I follow. Dark wood touches in the window frames, exposed beams, and built-in shelves greet me against the light wall color. There are still separated spaces. I walk down the hall, stopping mid-step at a pocket-door.

“Oh my gosh! I love these! Keeping the house just for this feature is worth it,” I remark.

“I didn’t know you were such a fan of old architecture.”

“It feels so cozy and happy, you know? Instead of modern and cold.”

“Modern doesn’t always have to mean cold.”

“Cozy isn’t what you think of first when you think of modern.”

He shrugs his shoulders and walks into the main living area.

“The living room is here, with the study. Behind that door is the dining room.” He points. “Out here is the pool, and just down the walkway is access to the beach. Our room is the one at the end of the hall. I added an ensuite to make it feel more comfortable. Let me know if you think it’s too modern,” he teases.

I had no idea there would be a pool. I had no ideawherewe would be either, but I wasn’t expecting a pool! I smile ear-to-ear.

I head to the backyard; it’s landscaped with palm trees, azaleas, and tall shrubs outlining the property. It feels private, even though I know the neighbors are close. There are big cement stepping stones leading to the pool. I’ll just sleep on a raft in the pool tonight...or right now. Screw staying inside.

Matt joins me. “If you’re hungry, the housekeeper stocked the kitchen. We’ve even got that disgusting excuse for ‘meat’ you like.”

“That’s nice, thank you.” I grin.