Kapitel 14: Here with You

She had no intention of running away, from Carter or the marriage. Her wish was still the same, to annul the marriage. However, her purpose in returning to Saco was also not because she missed Reef. She even still doubts her feelings for Reef. When she fluttered in Reef's arms, when she was swept away by Reef's kisses, she didn't know if it was due to her sincere feelings, or just a past obsession. Similarly, she doubted Reef's attitude towards her. Does Reef really still love her or does he just want to satisfy her heartache by playing with her.

There was one more thing. Red House. She lied to Reef. She had not lost her interest in the house. It was just that the conditions Reef put forward at that time made her angry. However, now she had changed her mind. Maybe she should stay with Reef to test how she felt about him.

"It doesn't matter whether you choose Reef Davis or leave him for a second time. You must learn to forgive yourself for your past, Bella," Christine said yesterday. "After that it will be easier for you to unravel your feelings. I don't want to see you regret dumping Carter who is actually a good guy. I also don't want to see you regret dumping Reef Davis if he really is your true love."

Bella deliberately did not inform Mariel and Brenda about her arrival back in Saco. As before, a car picked her up at the airport. There would be a rental car for her to drive while in Saco. Christine had taken care of everything.

She slept all the way from Portland Airport until the car finally arrived in Saco. The driver woke her up when the car pulled up in front of the Red House and left her as Bella stood on the front porch. The night isn't late yet. She pressed the bell. The sound of steps approaching from behind the door. Bella thought Reef wasn't home. She was already preparing to call a taxi to take her to the motel.

The door opened. Reef appeared from behind the door. At the sight of Bella, the man smiled. "Welcome back, Bella Ross." It was as if he knew Bella would come back, and he was right.

"Sorry. I came without telling you."

"Oh, your surprises are always nice, anyway." Reef took a step forward, his hand reaching behind Bella to grab her suitcase. His body passed over Bella's. His arm touches her shoulder.

"You're still wearing the same aftershave." She don't know why she said that.

Reef's eyebrows raised one side humorously. "Just like you still wear the same perfume."

Reef gestured for Bella to follow him inside. The crystal chandeliers in the sitting room scattered bright white light. Reflecting the colors of the furniture that filled the room.

"You bought a new sofa?" Bella pointed at it. "It was originally black, wasn't it?" The sofa in the room was now beige.

"Yes. That color goes better with something red," Reef said casually.

Bella frowned. "I don't understand."

Reef laughed. "Never mind. Come on, I'll show you your bedroom!"

The man did not lead her to her former bedroom, but to another room on the first floor. Bella remembered that it was a multipurpose room where her father often worked and received guests. It was also a library filled with hundreds of books, mainly novels from her mother's collection. From those novels came Bella's motivation to become a writer. And from the beginning, her mother always supported Bella's aspirations.

Now, the collection of books is at her father's house in New York City, and her old library in Saco has apparently become a guest room.

"This bedroom is better than your former bedroom. It's more spacious and closer to the kitchen. You won't have to go up and down the stairs if you're thirsty in the middle of the night. Or do you prefer your former room?"

"Thank you. I think it's better here. You're right, I don't have to go all the way to the kitchen to get water."

"And food." Reef winked one eye. "If you want to snack, I have plenty of food in the fridge."

Bella gave a small smile. "Alright. I'll keep that one in mind."

"I'll leave you now. Get some rest, okay? I'll call you in half an hour for dinner. I'll warm up the food."

"Thank you, Reef."

Reef nodded and left Bella in the room she will be staying in for the next week.

****

Reef left her in the guest room he had specially prepared, as he was sure Bella would eventually agree to stay at Red House. Still, he was surprised to see Bella standing at the door. Wrapped in a long coat that layered a shirt and jeans on her beautiful body. She had to control herself not to hug Bella and bury her nose in Bella's tangled red hair.

"When do you think he'll be back here?" Mariel asked yesterday.

"Tomorrow," Reef replied.

At that Mariel laughed. "You're so sure."

"Ah, you forgot. I know her very well."

Today, she even deliberately left the office early, much to the surprise of her secretary.

"You have one more meeting with a client, Mr. Davis."

"I know. Can you move the schedule to tomorrow afternoon, Grace? Mr. Kopmann, right? He's a longtime client, usually understands emergencies."

"I think so."

"Good."

Grace gave him a puzzled look when Reef said he would leave early so he could stop by for some shopping. "What? Would it be so weird if I went shopping? My fridge is empty," Reef grumbled

This afternoon, he had cooked and was now warming it up in the microwave. Soon he would go to Bella's room to wake her up. They would have dinner together. And his heart is warmed by it.

Tomorrow morning was Bella's first day at Red House. Reef couldn't wait for tomorrow.

****