Rita’s POV

“Those are not suggestions, Rita.”

Ryan stood in the kitchen doorway before I could set my bags down. He did not greet me. He started with the list.

“Quiet after eleven. No guests in the east wing. Laundry labeled with your name. Doors stay the way I leave them. Closed.”

“I live here now,” I said. “Mom told me I could stay for the summer.”

“Mom told you that you could sleep here. I am telling you how this house works.” His eyes went over my tank top and the shorts I had rolled at the waist. “You already look like you came here to test me.”

I...