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“I’ll be off-comm until Monday. Only contact me in case of an emergency.”

“Got it.” The woman could not stop her eyes flashing down to their entwined hands. She seemed fascinated.

“Any questions?” Grace almost dared her to ask.

Libby’s gaze snapped up in a hurry. “None whatsoever, Ms. Michaels. Ms. Bianchi.” She nodded to her. “Enjoy your weekend.”

“You too,” Olivia told her.

She felt the eager eyes of the entire office on their back as they headed to the elevator. Grace burst out laughing as soon as the doors closed behind them. “Well, that was fun.”

“You like teasing your people.”

“Sometimes I do, yes.”

???

It seemed obvious, but Olivia appeared unsure. Grace surprisedherself by how much she wanted to make her position clear.

“You know how it is.” She nodded. “People are always very curious about their boss’s private life. This will provide excellent water cooler gossip.”

“I suppose.” Olivia chuckled. “Especially when the big boss does not follow the traditional model, uh?”

“Correct. And even more so because I hate gossip about my personal life. I don’t make it a habit to stroll through the office holding hands with my lover.”

Understanding dawned, sheepish pleasure bringing color to Olivia’s cheeks. Finding it increasingly difficult not to hold her when they were close, Grace pulled her back into her arms.

“I’ve never done this, in fact. You are a first, Olivia.”

“I’m so glad... This weekend is a first for me too. I rarely feel inclined to drop everything; work, puppy, and any other commitments, to jump on a plane and travel to another state for a mini-vacation.”

“Don’t you?”

“Absolutely not. My friend Dana will tell you that I’m always reluctant to take a break from home and work. I just never feel the need, you know?”

“You love your life. And your work is your passion.”

“Totally. It takes a special woman to lure me away.”

Grace experienced a quick flutter in her stomach, a touch of the usual anxiety at this frank admission. But only for an instant, before joy and excitement flooded back.

“We’ll take it easy this weekend,” she promised. “And also make it count. Sound good?”

“It sounds perfect!”

Miami was an art’s lover paradise. From splendid museums to cutting-edge art installations, and quirky neighborhoods filledwith eclectic street murals, the city had it all. And Grace knew all the best spots. They stopped at the new Helix in Wynwood, the area’s first luxury hotel. The complex also housed works by Splash Collective co-founders Alessia Allengro and Jon Milacci, and an exhilarating exterior mural by Miami-based artist, Elyos.

“Very esoteric,” Olivia commented and went still when she noticed the dizzying contrast with the entrance lobby. “Ruthless minimalism in here.”

“Do you approve?”

“Definitely.”

chapter 23

Grace watched her eyes wander with interest over razor-sharp lines and cool edges, exotic greenery to bring a natural balance to almost industrial order and precision, and tiny water fountains hidden in unlikely corners.

“This is a real feast for the senses. It strikes me as a mix of Japanese influence and Miami vibe.”