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It was aed, Ryan could practically feel an ice-cold wave of horror pour out of the woman and slam into him Oh, she totally minded, and he suddenly wished he could disappear into a puff of smoke Damn it Why the hell did he offer to come here?

"Oh, how nice" Sandra’s voice was polite, but the fury under the surface was un discreetly nearby "Magdalena, why don’t you show Mr Evans up to one of the guest rooet ready for dinner I’d like a ith hter"

Ryan reluctantly followed the dark-hairedhis jaw to stay closed as he stared at his surroundings Pieces of art,on the cream-colored walls in the hallway, and he could have sworn he saw one that looked a hell of a lot like one of the Monets he’d seen in a book once He followed the maid, and they passed nearly a dozen doors before she paused in front of one and opened it for hiht this way, sir," she said politely

"How many rooht," she said in a brisk voice "And fifteen bathroodalena pointed to a door a few feet away "The restroom is in there Enjoy your visit, sir"

After the uest roo rooe ared in Queen Elizabeth’s bedroo house, a little voice said Relax

Okay, he could relax Taking a breath, Ryan headed into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face He wished Annabelle would hurry the hell up and come find him, because he had no clue how to find his way back downstairs The second floor was a freaking maze

Fortunately, he heard footsteps just as he left the bathroo extreuess," Ryan quipped "She’s not happy"

"Not happy at all," Annabelle confirmed "But she’s also the best actress on the planet, so don’t worry, she’ll pretend to adore you during dinner"

He laughed "I can’t wait"

Annabelle stepped closer and lifted her arh, don’t worry," she said softly "My parents are all bark and no bite And I’m so happy you came here with me My mom just told me Bryce and his parents will be here in an hour"

"Do your families know you broke up yet?"

She nodded "Apparently Bryce told them last week My mother didn’t even call me to find out what happened"