Chapter 52: Welcome to Lakeview

Paige smoothed out Simon's wrinkled shirt with her shaky hands as they stepped out of the car. He lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss on her nose causing her to jerk in surprise. "It's all right." He reassured her. Let's go in." He said as he gently pulled her alongside him.

Paige couldn't help but admire his house. If the Kentley's Mansion was extremely gorgeous then Simon's house was a masterpiece. Once they stepped into the house, she couldn't hide the surprise on her face as her gaping mouth betrayed her. Shaking her head in appraisal, This is wonderful Simon." She whispered. Oh my god!!!

The outside wall of the house was made of glass which gave them a clear view of the ocean from inside. The blue centre rug and royal blue chairs gave the white sitting room walls an extra touch of color. There were no curtains as a result of the glass outer wall. Everything about the house was exquisite and classy. Faux flowers with German embellished vase were positioned at the edge of the walls. Lounge chairs were placed at the side lounge just outside the house facing the ocean.

"This place must have cost you a fortune." She said looking at him.

"It sure did." He replied smiling. "I'm glad you love it. Can I ask the cook to serve you something to eat?" He asked helping her to a seat.

"I'll have another glass of raspberry juice if you have one." She said crossing her leg still admiring the house.

"I once read that raspeberry boost sexual drive. Are you sure you need another one?" He asked smiling.

"You don't mean that, do you?" Paige asked surprise cause she have never heard of such before.

"You can check it on the internet." He replied sitting beside her. "So, do you still want a raspberry juice?" He asked.

"I.., I'll just settle for an orange juice." She replied.

"Fine, I'll have her get one for you. I'll be back in a bit. I need to speak to someone urgently." He told her standing up.

"You're leaving?" 

"No, not at all. I need to speak with my house keeper. He should be outside or in his room. I'll be right back." He told her.

"Okay." she nodded. Simon called the cook and had her get an orange juice for himself and Paige while he quickly stepped inside to speak with Charles. Paige who couldn't get enough of the house stood up from her seat and walked up to one of the paintings hanging on the wall. There were a couple of paintings on the wall but one caught her attention. It was the painting of a young girl with a very long hair who was trying to run but was being pulled back by lots of people that held unto her hair. The painting felt so odd out of the rest. It reminded her of someone she knew, it reminded her of herself. She traced her fingers on the painting heaving a deep sigh. Stepping away from the painting, she went to the glass wall and stared out at the ocean. It was indeed a beauty to behold.

"Awesome right?" Simon whispered against her ears and she turned abruptly facing him.

"I didn't hear you come in." She said.

"You were engrossed with the beauty of the ocean to notice." He replied. "I can't wait to be finally home. We might have to stay here after my sister's wedding. That is if you love it of course." She shivered as he stood silently close behind her, too close to her if she must say. She wanted to melt against his solid body but she held herself together. Moments ago in the car, she acted way out of line and context. But right now, she was determined to show him that she was obviously not herself back at the car. Maybe she'll blame it ok the raspberry juice she took earlier.

"What about your work?" She finally managed to ask him.

"What about it Sunflower?" He asked her in reply. He swiped his fingers on her arm. His soft voice, closeness and the fingers on her skin only succeeded in bringing out the feelings she thought were successfully buried just minutes ago. She turned to him and couldn't help but read the unspoken emotions I'm his eyes.

"Won't you have to spend more time at work if your family leave.

"I can decide what time to spend or dedicate to work. I have employees who are capable of keeping things moving in my absence. Employees that make sure everything is moving smoothly. I do check up on them once in a while too." He replied. His moved his gaze leisurely and stopped at her lips and his smile widened. "I have a feeling we're going to enjoy each other's company soon enough, Paige Patterson." He told her. Just then, the cook walked in with two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice and ice.

"Thank you so much." Paige told her and she bowed in acceptance. Paige and Simon walked to their seats, picking up their glass of juice before seating down.

"When you call me by my name, it feels so awkward and sounds so inappropriate to me. I guess I've gotten used to being referred to as Sunflower."

"And I'm used to calling you that as well. Do you by chance have any special name for me maybe?" He asked with a fat grin. 

"How about Cactus?" She asked laughing out loud.

"What? That's not even a sweet name." He told her. "I think I prefer Simon. Please let's stick to Simon instead of that." He laughed.

"There are lots of sweet names, but I can only call you a sweet name of you were my boyfriend. But, you are not. So, I can't call you a one." She said coyly. "Besides, Simon Kentley is a big name. It is a name that can give one access to anything at all. You should always choose your name to any other name."

"Could you believe that there was a time I almost changed my name and surname?" Simon asked smiling.

"Why?" She asked sitting up.

"I wanted to have nothing to do with my father and the family name anymore. I was hurt." He replied in a distant voice. Paige drew closer to him and touched his hand. 

"Tell me about it." She urged him squeezing his fingers.