Chapter 1: Introduction
“Dutch houses don’t need doors—just a series of empty window frames covered in graffiti,” Alex remarked as the taxi pulled up to the curb on which a six-foot tall blonde waited.
Alyssa raised a perfectly arched brow, grinning wickedly as she pulled open the cab’s door to kiss him fully on the mouth. “You’re as charming as ever, Alex,” she whispered, causing a flush to rise on his neck. He swallowed hard.
“I missed you. The train ride gave me entirely too much time to think.”
“And what conclusions did you reach in that time?” she asked, leading him by the hand around the side of the ancient stone building that had been her home for the last two years.
Alex shrugged. “Only that the weekend with you and your mysterious housemates might just be the highlight of my summer.”
Alyssa laughed. “Oh, I guarantee you that this weekend will be unforgettable.”
As they entered her mansion, Alex scanned the surprisingly modern interior with a curious expression.
Alyssa silently watched his rapt attention shower over her open-concept living space, soaking in how the sun’s rays streamed through the graciously spaced windows, casting an ambiance that illuminated the place. The age-smoothed cobblestone flooring underfoot, along with the centuries-old beams architecturally exposed overhead, evoked a sense of restoration for this quaint dwelling At that moment, the double-hung doors on their right swung open, and three incredible-looking women barreled into the foyer.
"Alex, these are the lovely ladies you'll be spending the weekend with," Alyssa grandly announced, waving her hand in circles to direct Alex' eyes towards her housemates.
"Charmed," Alex replied, captivated with the first woman's shimmering chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders, and bottomless green eyes.
"Olivia, this is Alex." Alyssa's introduction came with warm familiarity, "Making him the third lucky guy to have spent more than a day at this wonderfully wicked house.
This is Vanessa," she went on, motioning at the girl with the mesmerizing eyes, and adding with a knowing look, "You'll notice her talent for painting almost immediately."
Alex nodded. "Painting? That's amazing."
Vanessa shrugged. "It's just a hobby." She then cast a teasing grin Alyssa's way. "Your newest pet project, I presume?"
Alyssa shook her head, but couldn't resist smiling. "Nope.
Alex and I have some history together," Alyssa admitted, smiling coyly. "And then there's Bella," she continued, as if leaving the most intriguing for last, "the newest addition to our household. Bella, meet Alex."
Bella stretched out her hand and smiled knowingly, those crimson red lips matching the shade of her wine-colored hair. "Welcome, Alex. It's not every day we get a new face around here. Aly's told us so much about you," she revealed, a wicked glint in her eyes.
"Or at least enough to pique our interest."
Alex felt his cheeks grow warm. The past was just that—history, not gossip fodder. He was here for a good time with a woman he couldn't get out of his head.
"I promise you, Bella, that whatever Alyssa's told you about me is likely exaggerated. Or fictional." He quickly added a laugh, hoping that would cover for his defensiveness.
Vanessa, ever the observant, caught his discomfort.