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“Sure thing,” Olivia laughed.

She was easy and interesting to talk to. Smart. She asked good questions and did not make them overly personal, which Grace appreciated. When a text from Chloe landed on her phone to say that the family had all had a think, and decided to accept her business offer, she felt comfortable enough to share the news with Olivia.

“I didn’t think they’d go for it, to be honest.”

“The stubborn kind, are they?”

“Yeah. But good for them, putting business ahead of pride for once.”

“Does that mean you’ll be spending a bit more time in our neck of the woods?”

“I’ll put people I trust on the job, so I don’t have to.” Though when she remembered the wistful look in Charlie’s eyes when she had mentioned Christmas, Grace was moved to temper that reply. “Maybe just a bit more time until the end ofthe year.”

“Right. It would make sense.”

“What are you doing for Christmas?”

“I’ll be on my own. So, just doing a bit of work and chilling in front of the TV with my puppy.”

“No family? Or are you not close to them?”

“It’s just my dad at this point. Last I heard, he lived in New York. We’re not close.”

“I get that.” Grace nodded and moved off the topic.

A full hour and a good laugh later, because Olivia insisted on observing the speed limit that Grace told her she considered as a recommended starting point, they reached their destination and signed in at the Cassidy property.

“The house is fully open to you and your guest for the next two hours, Ms. Michaels,” a security guard informed them. “No other visitors allowed in during your slot.”

“That’s correct,” Grace approved.

“Nice.” Olivia grinned as soon as they were out of earshot. “Private viewing, uh?”

“Insider’s privilege. Janis and I might collaborate at some point, so this is a professional perk.”

“Can I take pictures? For private use only.”

“Alright, yes.”

“Thanks!”

Olivia’s excitement was palpable, and Grace found herself observing her more than she paid attention to the glamorous interiors. Cassidy’s talent was reflected in every lavish detail: rich colors, expensive fabrics, dark polished woods. She made clever use of glass, smooth curves, and elegant shapes. Grace studied the way Olivia moved through the space with her camera. She was interested to see which angles she selected andtook pleasure in discovering the mansion through her eyes.

“God! Will you look at this?”

Olivia stopped in the kitchen in front of the main counter, shaped from a large slab of charcoal grey granite. Deep sinuous grooves carved into the top gave it the appearance of a wind-swept sandy beach.

“It reminds me of a river delta,” Grace remarked.

“Yeah!” Olivia nodded in enthusiastic approval. “Exactly like that, you’re right.”

Tiny shards of crystal embedded into the textured grooves glinted like stars under the overhead spotlights. Grace observed pleasure and emotion reflected across her face as Olivia took it all in, and traced her fingers along the outline of a groove. Long, strong, agile fingers. How would they feel caressing her skin? As Grace wondered, Olivia just happened to glance up. Meeting her eyes, she flashed an intent smile.

“Thank you so much for letting me accompany you today, Grace. Being able to see all this with my own eyes instead of on the web or in a magazine is making me feel incredibly inspired and fired up.”

“It’s a pleasure, Olivia. If you ever come down to Miami, I’ll introduce you to Janis. Your own work would fit perfectly in this kind of space.”

“Thank you.” Olivia looked a little startled at this, a bit shy, and incredibly beautiful. “Wow. That would be great. I’m very… It means a lot that you think this about my work.”