Page 22 of Beneath the Light of the Moon

The words entered into thenamefield of the contact form was one he’d seen before—one he’d recently learned and was currently daydreaming about.

Anika Simmons.

The world was becoming an increasingly small place, and he wasn’t sure if he liked it or despised it. Shehadto be baiting him.

His thoughts raced for a different reason. Again, his name was an advertisement all on its own, but his picture never accompanied his listings. If he really wanted to paste a face up somewhere, Cristiano usually took on that role. The cocky bastard enjoyed the free attention.

Should I send him out to this property?

There was no way in hell Mikko was going himself. While he may be constantly thinking about Anika, he couldn’t face her in person again. Not yet. It was too soon, his mind convoluted. The last thing he needed was to see her and say or do something stupid. Once he had his logic watertight, he’d meet her. If the transaction even went that far.

She might see the property tomorrow and run the other direction. She’d be smart to do that honestly. Quickly, he texted Levi who was one of his more trustworthy employees with the real estate firm. The idea of even using Cristiano in this situation hit too close to home. Levi could handle it and be far enough removed that Mikko wouldn’t chew his inner cheek tissue completely off in the time being.

Are you free tomorrow evening at 5:30?:Mikko

A few minutes later, his colleague responded.

Levi:Yeah, what’s up?

I need you to go to this showing:Mikko

Here’s the address:Mikko

Levi:Sure, I’ll put it into my calendar

Before he could lose his nerve, or even think about what he was doing, Mikko forwarded the email containing the rest of the listing’s information.

8

An Unsettling Curiosity

Anika

To both her disappointment and predetermined expectations, Mikko wasnotthe one who stepped out of the glaringly white BMW the next day. Instead, a man with blond hair and a navy button down greeted her.

In the softening dusk light, his blue eyes were striking, maybe even disarming to some, but Anika kept her guard up. While this wasn’t how her original plan had been, she could make due.

What’s the saying? When life gives you lemons…

Brushing her hair over her shoulder, Anika extended a hand, introductions already rolling off her tongue. “Anika, and you must be…”

“Levi,” he said as his warm hand slid over hers, a loose shake completing the social dance.

“Ahh, and here I thought Mr. Romanov himself would come to greet me for one of his properties”—a lie—“but I assume that’s because he’s a busy man.”

“Indeed he is, but I can assure you, you’re in good hands with me.”

His lowered tone made her think he was referring to somethingelsetoo, but she ignored it, pasting a pretty smile on her face. “I have no doubt.”

“Well, let’s take a closer look, and see if this place is the right fit for you,” he said while they walked. “You said you started a leather goods business?”

Another deception, but what fun was life without a littlespice.

“Yes, I started off in my home studio, making small wallets, book marks, and purses. Now it’s grown into something I need a few more people for and a place to store goods. My house is a mess because of it.”

Nodding, he took it all in, ever the keen listener. “Good to know, if anything, this warehouse might even be one you can grow into as you expand your items.”

“That’s the plan.”Among other things…