A New Foundation by Rochelle Alers (philippa perry book txt) 📕

“I want the best for all my children.”

“We know that.” He kissed her again, this time on her cheek.

Taylor left Belleville, his head full of what he’d admitted to his mother about falling in love with a woman who was more a stranger than he’d realized. If anyone had told him he would find himself in love with a woman he was beginning to think of as his counterpart, and, more importantly, a woman with whom he could be himself, he probably would’ve laughed.

He knew if he told Sonja that he’d fallen in love with her she’d probably believe he was crazy, or she would run in the opposite direction. She would remind him of the fact they were strangers and hadn’t known each other long enough to profess an emotion as strong as love. And while he was ready to marry and have children, she wasn’t. That had become his reality.

Taylor realized he had it all, but there was something missing. He’d been adopted into a warm, loving family; had found fame and fortune as a top male model; realized his boyhood dream to become an engineer, and now claimed one-fifth of a mansion appraised at 150 million dollars.

Ten minutes into his drive, Sonja’s number appeared on the navigation screen. Smiling, Taylor answered the call. “What’s up, sleepyhead?” Her sultry laugh came through the speakers.

“Please don’t remind me of that. That’s the last time I’m going to drink red wine when I’m with you.”

“If you do, then there’s one thing you’ll know.”

“And what’s that?”

“That I’ll never take advantage of you.” There came a pause, and Taylor waited a full ten seconds before he said, “Sonja? Are you still there?”

“Yes, I am. And I want to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not taking advantage of me.”

It was his turn to pause. Just what did she think he was? Some pervert who would take advantage of a woman under the influence? “I would never do that, especially with you or any other woman.”

“Why me, Taylor? Is it because I’m your sister’s friend?”

“My sister has nothing to do with what goes on between you and me. I told you before that I wouldn’t discuss you with Viola, because she knows not to get into my personal life.”

“Point taken.”

“Is it, Sonja? Because you keep bringing up Viola.”

“Okay, Taylor. I won’t bring her up again.”

Taylor heard the slight edge in her voice and hoped he hadn’t come on too strong. “Look, babe, I’m sorry if you—”

“There’s no need for you to apologize, papi.”

Taylor grinned from ear to ear when he registered the endearment. “Gracias, muñeca.”

Sonja laughed again. “Look at you speaking Spanish.”

“I’m trying, sweetheart. I figure if we’re going to hang out together for the next few years I could become fluent.”

“How many years of French did you have?”

“Three, maybe four.”

“You told me your mother spoke fluent French, yet you don’t speak the language.”

“I understand and read it better than I can speak it.”

“Well, if you want to learn Spanish, then you have to speak it.”

“Can I hire you to become my tutor?” he teased.

“I doubt if we’re going to spend that much time together once you really get involved in the restoration.”

“How about weekends?”

“Weekends are fine, Taylor, if I’m not working.”

“No one will work weekends, and that includes you, Sonja.”

“Is that an order?”

“No. That’s the company policy.”

“I thought you told me you’re an easygoing boss.”

“I am. But there are certain rules that must be followed, and no-work weekends is one of them. Weekends are for families. During the months of July and August, contractors will be given Fridays off. After the Labor Day weekend, they will resume their Monday through Friday schedules.”

“Isn’t it different for me, Taylor because after all I am a contract worker, and I can make my own hours.”

“That’s true. But wouldn’t you want to spend some time with your parents, or aunt and uncle?”

“I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Well, I have. I can’t have you burned-out before we have our grand opening.”

Taylor wanted to tell Sonja it was something he also was looking forward to. He wanted to schedule the grand opening for late spring when the trees and flowers were in bloom, and host a reception in one of the ballrooms for the press, local, state and national politicians.

“That’s something I don’t intend to miss. Thankfully, that’s quite a way off because I estimate it’s going to take me a long time to catalogue everything, and especially now that you tell me there’s even more crates than the ones I saw.”

Taylor chuckled. “Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that to you.”

“I’m glad you did because I don’t like surprises, Taylor.”

He sobered. “I’ll try and remember that.” He wondered if Sonja would be surprised or even shocked if he told her he was in love with her.

“I just sent you an email with the information you asked for. The guy that owns the restoration company is a doll. I told him what you needed, and he said he’ll get back to me and let me when someone can come out and view the damage. Of course, I’ll check with you to see when you’re available.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

“I’m going to hang up now because I want to finish what I’m working on. Then I’m going downstairs to heat up some of your delicious leftovers.”

“Okay. I’ll probably see you tomorrow at the house.”

“That’s a bet. Later, Taylor.”

“Later, love.”

Love, he thought. How had the single word slipped out so easily when he had made a concerted effort during their conversation not to tell Sonja that not only had he fallen in love with her ?

Taylor drove along the paved path to Dominic Shaw’s cottage. His mother’s warning that Dom’s father had been a pool shark only served to heighten his competitiveness. And if the son was anything like his father, then Taylor wanted to warn the caretaker he didn’t intend to be that easily maneuvered into handing over a bottle of aged single malt scotch whisky.

Dom opened the door