private gates feels somewhat surreal and intimidating.
“What model is your car?” I ask, changing the subject.
“It is an Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish, do you like it?” I remember he also drove an Aston Martin in Tuscany; he obviously favours them.
“Yes, it’s great. Very flash. When I’m cleared for driving again which I think will be soon actually, I’ll need to get my car back. I need it for work.”
“I think I will get you a new one.”
“You’re not buying me a car. My car is just fine, thank you. I love my little fokey. It does me just fine,” I say assertively, straightening in my seat, shocked he would even suggest that I need a new car.
He laughs. “You would be safer driving a golf buggy than that toy car. I intend to get you two cars. Something suitable for Doris, and something sleek just for you.”
Hmmm. We’ll see about that!
My mouth drops in awe as we approach the gigantic house. Oh my goodness. It looks like a castle—a fortress—and absolutely stunning. I had no idea that this is all behind those gates. Lucca told me that it’s a category B listed building dating back to 1802 and that he has spent years carefully restoring and renovating it. I knew his house would be impressive, but I’m astonished as I didn’t expect this.
The house is made of traditional red sandstone and stretches over three levels with a separate coach house at the side of the building. There is a large, landscaped circle with a beautiful fountain in front of his home and several parking bays.
The cobbled driveway leading to the house is bordered by gravel at both sides with lush green trees and a large, vivid green lawn on either side. The trees and hedges start along the wall at the front gate’s edge and continue around the perimeter of the property. Ivy climbs along the tall red sandstone walls and towering trees make it very private indeed.
“Wow, you live in a mansion,” I say, looking out the window in awe.
“We live in a mansion,” he corrects.
“Who lives in the coach house?” I ask, a little awed by the scale of everything.
“My housekeeper and gardener, Rose and Peter Smith. They are very loyal and good people. There is a granny flat out the back as well for any family or friends who stay over, and an extension onto the back of the main house. Anna’s known to show up from time to time to take advantage of my pool, so feel free to warn her off if she pesters you.”
Lucca effortlessly swivels the car around the circular fountain centrepiece and swiftly brakes in front of the main entrance. My stomach twinges with nerves and anticipation as Cameron pulls up behind him. Lucca gets out, opens the car door for me, and takes my hand. He presses a code on a panel near the front door allowing the main entrance gates to close behind us.
Cameron opens the jeep trunk, and Doris catapults out the back and bolts off exploring. I giggle watching her but nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a smash. She’s gone and knocked over a huge stone plant urn near the front door.
“Lucca, I’m so sorry. I think she’s a little excited.”
Laughing, Lucca adds, “It is only a pot, so do not fret, but we are going to have to get her to obedience classes.” I release his hand to go and pick up the shattered stone. “What are you doing? Leave it. Peter will get it.”
He drags me back to his side while Cameron shakes his head in amusement. “Told you, mate, the mutt is a fucking liability. That dog is going to wreck this place.” Lucca nods his head and rolls his eyes in agreement with Cameron.
A tall, sandy-haired man wearing a cable knit red sweater and brown cord trousers walks out of the house. Walking over to Lucca, he shakes his hand, then holds both his hands for a moment before patting his shoulders. “Well, young man, you going to introduce me to your beautiful new lady?”
Blushing, I stay close to Lucca’s side.
“Peter, I would like you to meet my beautiful fiancée, Lexi
“What model is your car?” I ask, changing the subject.
“It is an Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish, do you like it?” I remember he also drove an Aston Martin in Tuscany; he obviously favours them.
“Yes, it’s great. Very flash. When I’m cleared for driving again which I think will be soon actually, I’ll need to get my car back. I need it for work.”
“I think I will get you a new one.”
“You’re not buying me a car. My car is just fine, thank you. I love my little fokey. It does me just fine,” I say assertively, straightening in my seat, shocked he would even suggest that I need a new car.
He laughs. “You would be safer driving a golf buggy than that toy car. I intend to get you two cars. Something suitable for Doris, and something sleek just for you.”
Hmmm. We’ll see about that!
My mouth drops in awe as we approach the gigantic house. Oh my goodness. It looks like a castle—a fortress—and absolutely stunning. I had no idea that this is all behind those gates. Lucca told me that it’s a category B listed building dating back to 1802 and that he has spent years carefully restoring and renovating it. I knew his house would be impressive, but I’m astonished as I didn’t expect this.
The house is made of traditional red sandstone and stretches over three levels with a separate coach house at the side of the building. There is a large, landscaped circle with a beautiful fountain in front of his home and several parking bays.
The cobbled driveway leading to the house is bordered by gravel at both sides with lush green trees and a large, vivid green lawn on either side. The trees and hedges start along the wall at the front gate’s edge and continue around the perimeter of the property. Ivy climbs along the tall red sandstone walls and towering trees make it very private indeed.
“Wow, you live in a mansion,” I say, looking out the window in awe.
“We live in a mansion,” he corrects.
“Who lives in the coach house?” I ask, a little awed by the scale of everything.
“My housekeeper and gardener, Rose and Peter Smith. They are very loyal and good people. There is a granny flat out the back as well for any family or friends who stay over, and an extension onto the back of the main house. Anna’s known to show up from time to time to take advantage of my pool, so feel free to warn her off if she pesters you.”
Lucca effortlessly swivels the car around the circular fountain centrepiece and swiftly brakes in front of the main entrance. My stomach twinges with nerves and anticipation as Cameron pulls up behind him. Lucca gets out, opens the car door for me, and takes my hand. He presses a code on a panel near the front door allowing the main entrance gates to close behind us.
Cameron opens the jeep trunk, and Doris catapults out the back and bolts off exploring. I giggle watching her but nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a smash. She’s gone and knocked over a huge stone plant urn near the front door.
“Lucca, I’m so sorry. I think she’s a little excited.”
Laughing, Lucca adds, “It is only a pot, so do not fret, but we are going to have to get her to obedience classes.” I release his hand to go and pick up the shattered stone. “What are you doing? Leave it. Peter will get it.”
He drags me back to his side while Cameron shakes his head in amusement. “Told you, mate, the mutt is a fucking liability. That dog is going to wreck this place.” Lucca nods his head and rolls his eyes in agreement with Cameron.
A tall, sandy-haired man wearing a cable knit red sweater and brown cord trousers walks out of the house. Walking over to Lucca, he shakes his hand, then holds both his hands for a moment before patting his shoulders. “Well, young man, you going to introduce me to your beautiful new lady?”
Blushing, I stay close to Lucca’s side.
“Peter, I would like you to meet my beautiful fiancée, Lexi
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