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Even as I climbed the stairs, I could see just how incredible the light pouring in was.

“These new windows make such a huge difference.” I gawked at them as I reached the second-floor landing. Crossing to the lake-front view, I stared out at the glimmering water.

Distorted by the brand sticker protecting the glass, it wasn’t a pristine view just yet. The landscapers were just getting started on the yard, which mostly meant tearing out all of the overgrown mess that had festered over the last two decades.

“So, what do you think?” Robin cleared her throat.

Nodding, I took a deep breath. “You’ve done a good job. We’re still on schedule?”

Robin took a look at the small spiral notebook that usually hid in her back pocket. “I don’t want to jinx us, but we’re technically ahead. As long as Sarah’s ready to go, we’ll be ready for the Labor Day party.”

A smirk took over my face. The invites had already gone out with a scenic picture of the lake front. But actually finishing the project on time would all depend on a smooth collaboration with Sarah.

The gold band of my Rolex jostled as I checked the time. Sarah was supposed to arrive at the house in about half an hour for lunch out on the dock.

“Thanks, Robin. I’m going to check on my lunch plans. If you need anything, shoot me a text.”

With a nod, Robin tucked her notebook back into her work pants. “You got it, boss.”

I strutted past her and back down the stairs. The drywall made the entire house feel brighter. My mind started to run wild with design ideas as I looked at the place. Hopefully, Sarah would be open to a few slight changes. If she was as good at her job as I knew she was, it shouldn’t cause any problems with our timeline.

But my nerves weren’t really about the change in plans. No, it was much more about the fact that I hadn’t seen Sarah in over a week; that I had been thinking about her soft, stunning face every time I closed my eyes. Lake Como had nothing on a woman like Sarah.

But I had to keep my cool. I was a tech billionaire for god’s sake. I’d had everyone and everything I’d ever wanted. And still, Sarah felt different.

Shaking myself out of it, I sauntered outside toward the guest house.

I needed to make sure everything was exactly right before Sarah arrived.

Just as the clock struck 3 pm, I took a seat at the small bistro table my staff had set up on the dock. Leaning back in the upholstered, oatmeal-colored chair, I tapped my fingers against the pristine, white table cloth.

A small charcuterie board sat at the center, untouched.

I looked over to the gate as the minutes started to tick by. Nothing.

Did she forget?The thought made my stomach turn, disappointment bubbling to the service.

From the corner of my eye, I could see my wait staff on hold. A bottle of champagne sat on ice just inside the guest house, ready to be carried out the moment Sarah settled in.

But thirty minutes later, my head was in my hands. It was time to give up.

I pulled out my phone, drafting a text that read:

Hi, shall we reschedule our lunch for another day?

My finger hovered over the blue arrow. Just as I was about to let my finger drop on the button, I heard rubber tires on asphalt.

I whipped my head to the gate where I saw her minivan rolling into place. Through her very untinted windows, I could see Sarah scrambling to collect herself. A giggle rose in my chest as I watched her. Even in a panic, she looked unbelievably gorgeous.

She threw open the driver’s side door and waved down at me. Over the front yard, she hollered, “I’m so sorry!”

Standing from my chair, I shook my head. “No need.” She was basically running down the dock to meet me.

“I hope you weren’t waiting long.” Sarah sighed.

I waved her off, swallowing the truth. “Not at all, I was running late too.”

Chuckling, Sarah came in for a hug. “It’s hard to imagine you being late for anything.”