Page 46 of My Forbidden Billionaire

“I’m going to need you to put this on,” I explain, pulling the blindfold out of my jacket.

“Wait, is this some sort of hostage situation?” Josephine laughs.

We’ve been cuddled up in the back of my limousine for about thirty minutes, but we’re closing in on the top-secret location of our date. I’ve spent the week meticulously planning this date specifically for her, and I can hardly wait to see her face when she realizes where we’ll be eating dinner tonight.

“I just don’t want to spoil the surprise.” I wink. “Do you trust me?”

She looks at me with those captivating eyes, a hint of mischief playing around the corners of her lips. “I do.”

“Good. Because I promise, this will all be worth it.”

She nods, still grinning. “Okay then, blindfold me.”

I carefully tie the black silk scarf around her eyes, making sure it’s not too tight. Then I reach over to take her hand, squeezing it gently.

It’s a short drive, and before long, I help Josephine out of the car and lead her forward a few steps before stopping her.

“Ready?”

“I was born ready,” she replies, and I can hear the excitement in her voice. I gently remove her blindfold and watch as her eyes flutter open, taking in the sight before her.

“Ta-da!” I say, pointing with both hands at the gray house behind me.

The house is old and some of the wood sidings are starting to chip in places, but it’s wonderfully charming. There’s a narrow green door and a romantic window, high in the attic.

“Um … what am I looking at? And where are we?” Josephine asks as she looks around.

“Shall I let you guess, or should I tell you … Jo?”

“Jacob … is this … what I think it is? Could it be? No … please, tell me! Are we …” She gasps, taking my hand.

“Yes! Jo, welcome to the place where it all started. This is Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. It’s the place where your very name comes from,” I say, kissing her hand, which is now trembling.

“Jacob, this is … it’s unbelievable. This is the actual house in which Louisa May Alcott not only lived, but this is where she wrote Little Women. And I’m standing right in front of it!”

“I’ve booked the museum for the entire evening, just for us. Would you like to go inside?” I grin, offering her my arm.

She stares at me in awe, before taking my arm in hers. Just then, she looks up at me and kisses my cheek. My heart flutters at her touch, and I savor the warmth of her lips on my skin. “Thank you, Jacob! This is the best and most wonderful surprise I have ever received in my entire life.”

“You’re welcome, Jo. You know, I had wondered if you’ve ever been here,” I tell her as we make our way inside the old house. “I couldn’t ask you, so I just had to risk it.”

“No, I’ve never been. I knew it was here, of course, so close to Boston. And I’ve seen pictures of it, while I studied Little Women in college. But I guess it was just meant for us to come here together.”

As we step inside, we’re greeted by the sight of the Alcott family’s original period furniture and artifacts. Josephine’s eyes light up at the sight, her hands tracing the edges of the antique bookshelves and chairs.

“It’s like a dream,” she murmurs, her voice full of wonder.

I can’t help but smile at her reaction. Watching Josephine marvel at the history and significance of this place makes it all the more special. We wander around the museum, arm in arm, exploring every corner of this historic house.

I’m entranced by Josephine’s enthusiasm and passion for literature.

It feels like we’re inside a fairy tale. The soft glow of the lamps, the smell of old books, and the cozy atmosphere are so surreal. We stop in front of the fireplace, warming our hands as we chat about the history of the house and our love for literature.

I can’t help but notice how close we are standing. The heat of the fire is nothing compared to the heat I feel emanating from her body. I reach out and brush a strand of hair behind her ear, tucking it away from her face.

“You have a speck of ash on your cheek,” I say, my voice low and husky.

She leans in closer, her face inches away from mine. “Can you get it for me?” she asks, her eyes locked on mine.