The CEO Above My Desk (Mckenzie Shinabery) novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221

Violet

I stared out the passenger window while Rowan drove one–handed beside me, his other hand resting possessively on my thigh like he thought I

might somehow disappear if he stopped touching me for too long.

Theo’s SUV followed behind us with Camille hanging halfway out the passenger window dramatically pointing at trees every thirty seconds like

she’d never seen nature before in her life.

“OH MY GOD THERE’S A DEER.”

Theo’s exhausted voice faintly echoed through the open air.

“That is literally a dog, Camille.”

“IT HAS HOOVES.”

H

I snotted quietly.

Beside me,

Rowan shook his head. “Those two are absolutely incapable of surviving alone.”

“That’s why we adopted them.‘

His mouth twitched slightly at that.

Then finally the house came into view through the trees.

I know I just saw early this morning when Rowan surprised me with buying it, but everytime I see it, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It’s like my dream house coming true.

The house sat overlooking the river with massive windows reflecting the morning sunlight while the wraparound porch curved beautifully around almost the entire right side of the property.

It somehow looked elegant and cozy at the same time.

Dark stone.

Warm wood.

Black railings.

Huge covered porch.

And the river behind it…

Jesus Christ.

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Chapter 221

1 was already emotionally attached.

Rowan looked over at me immediately when I went quiet.

And the smugness on his face told me everything. “You like it.”

I turned toward him slowly. “Like it?”

He looked way too pleased with himself now. “Dangerous wording.”

“Rowan Ashcroft,” I whispered dramatically while staring back at the house, “if you don’t buy me a rocking chair for that porch immediately, I

will actually divorce you.”

Theo pulled up behind us at the exact wrong moment apparently because the second he climbed out of the SUV he yelled: “SHE’S THREATENING DIVORCE ALREADY?”

Camille gasped loudly. “Not before the babies are born, Violet.”

“I WAS JOKING.”

Rowan calmly shut off the vehicle beside me. “I’m still buying the rocking chair.”

Correct answer.

The construction team and interior designer were already waiting outside near the front entrance when we climbed out.

A woman named Denise immediately started walking us through renovation plans while two contractors discussed structural additions with Rowan and Theo near the driveway.

I barely listened.

Because I was too busy staring at the porch again.

It wrapped almost fully around the river–facing side of the house with enough room for swings, outdoor furniture, plants, probably twelve emotional breakdowns, and at least three future family holidays.

I was obsessed. Completely.

Camille immediately latched onto the designer while pointing aggressively toward the left side of the house. “I want cozy woodland rich–wife

vibes.”

Denise blinked once. “…I’m sorry?”

“You know,” Camille continued confidently. “Like expensive forest witch.”

Theo sighed deeply before coming to stand by her. “I’m begging you to speak normal for five minutes.”

The inside of the house somehow looked even better.

2/4

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Chapter 221

The entire center section was open concept with huge ceilings and massive windows overlooking the river while the kitchen sat directly in the

middle connecting both sides of the house together.

And immediately… Chaos started.

“I want dark cabinets,” Theo announced.

“No,” Camille replied instantly. “Light cabinets.”

“Dark.”

“Light.”

“Dark.”

“Warm cream.”

“Absolutely not.”

Denise looked exhausted already.

I quietly stepped away before they could drag me into the war. Smartest decision I’d made all morning.

Rowan noticed immediately and followed after me without hesitation.

Of course he did.

He caught my hand quietly before leading me farther down the right hallway. “Our side.”

The words hit me strangely hard.

Our side. Not his. Ours.

The hallway opened into the master bedroom and I physically stopped walking. Floor–to–ceiling windows overlooked the river directly while soft sunlight poured across the hardwood floors.

And the porch access…

Oh my God.

There were double doors leading straight outside.