Landon headed out about thirty minutes ago, saying he was going to start the day coffee shop hopping. More like getting mobbed by fans, as he tries to drink coffee. Pass.
I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I have on jeans, tennis shoes, and a long blue flannel shirt. I braided my hair over my shoulder, and I have sunglasses to use that will hopefully stop anyone from realizing it's me, not that I’m as recognizable as the guys.
I'm finishing my hair, as the bus door opens, and Dallas steps in. He runs his eyes over me, and it feels more intimate than it has in the past. Things have shifted, since our night of watching the movie on the couch. It's more intense. He flirts and chooses to spend time with me over the crowd, like Landon is.
"You look beautiful." He looks me over again, and then clears his throat. "I rented us a car for the day." He nods his head towards the door.
I smile and grab my purse, as we head out. When I see the car, I just laugh.
"They didn't have an older one, I tried." He says, as I take in the brand-new Corvette. I shake my head and look over at him.
"This is perfect."
Dallas opens my door for me, before moving to his side and getting in.
"Top up or down?" He asks.
"Up on the way there; down on the way home."
He nods and revs the car, before heading out. I take in Asheville, as we go. Dallas drives a bit slower, almost like he knows I want to see everything. As we pull into The Biltmore gate, it's like being transported back in time. The long winding driveway pulls you away from town and down into the rolling countryside. I can imagine horse-drawn carriages making this drive and later the cars from the 1920's.
I look over, and Dallas's smile is as big as mine. We skip the visitor center, because he bought our tickets online and head in scoring a parking spot that’s close enough to walk.
The views of the front of the house with the large fountain are exactly like the pictures.
"We have to get a picture," I say. We turn our backs to the house, as I pull out my phone to take a selfie with the massive house in the background. Dallas wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me to his side. He leans his head to the side on top of mine, and we both have huge smiles.
"This is my new favorite picture,” I tell him.
"Don't post it online, until after we leave, or we’ll be mobbed." He says.
"Yeah, I'll wait until tomorrow to post it, but I’ll send it to Landon to show him what he’s missing," I say, as I send a quick message to him.
Me: You could be here, but no, you’re too busy stuffing your face right now.
I send a winking emoji with it, and instantly, those three dots pop up, letting me know he's typing back.
Landon: Have fun, and it's not just any food.
A photo comes in of him at a table with coffee, a donut, French toast, and some egg dish.
Me: Minute in the lips a lifetime on the hips. Got to keep your figure, until you land a sugar mama and get a ring on it. Then, you can let yourself go.
I laugh out loud at my own joke. Dallas leans over my shoulder and reads the text and laughs, too.
All I get back from Landon is a middle finger emoji, so I put my phone away and turn back to Dallas.
"Let's do this."
We make it all the way into the house without being stopped once for Dallas being asked for an autograph. We walk the main floor, which is an indoor winter garden, the dining rooms, a sitting room, the back porch, and my favorite room, the library.
I stand in awe, looking at the huge two-story library with a massive fireplace.
"I love the look on your face," Dallas whispers next to my ear.
"What look?” I glance over at him.
"The look of pure wonder. I knew you'd love this room."
"Someday, I want a library like this. More shelves than I can fill with classics, rare books, and all the dirty romance novels I can get my hands on. Complete with a huge fireplace and the most comfortable couches."
"I'll make sure you get it." He whispers, almost like he doesn't want me to hear. I don't push it, because I want to hold on to the dream. Maybe someday.
Before we move on to the second floor, we head out to what used to be the stables, but they’re now shops and a few places to eat. We go sit down for lunch at the restaurant, which has all the family's recipes, so I'm really excited about trying some of them.
We get seated at a booth, and Dallas sits beside me, instead of across me.
"Oh, you’re Dallas McIntire!" The hostess squeals.
Great.
"Yeah, listen, we want to have a low key lunch. I'm happy to sign something on our way out, if we can eat in without being bothered." Dallas flashes her his smile all the magazines have dubbed his 'pantie dropping smile,' and she melts.
"Oh, of course. I’ll keep the girls away. You got it."
She gives me a once over, and must decide I'm not a threat, and places her hand on his arm, before walking away.
"Well, she seems fun." I laugh, as I open the menu.
"Hey, we’ve been lucky all day. It was only a matter of time, before someone recognized us." He says.
"You. She has no clue who I am. You’re the
