Page 41 of Shark’s Edge

“Hello. You found the place, I see.”

“Jesus. Christ. Sebastian.” Abbi walked through the doorway and continued right past me, turning in a full circle in the foyer. Her mouth hung open as she took in her surroundings.

Seeing the house through her eyes was a whole new experience. It was a large home. Everything about it was over-the-top. The sweeping staircases, one off to each side of the entryway, that seemed to float up to the second floor with no support system beneath, were the first thing to capture a visitor’s attention. An ornate wrought-iron banister lined each flight, topped by gleaming walnut that echoed the front doors. The stairs’ risers and treads were polished rust-colored marble, the same stone found in the pattern of the flower on the foyer floor. Malachite and Carrara came together to make the other parts of the floor’s design.

She finally met my eyes, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “God, I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?”

“I’m looking around like I’ve never been inside a house before. But seriously. This is incredible. How long have you lived here?” Her gaze darted from one place to the next, trying to decide where to settle.

I thought for a moment, trying to remember how old Vela was when I moved in. I could remember being terrified of the pool out back, and with the home being over fourteen thousand square feet, how could we keep track of her all the time and be sure she wouldn’t wander out to the pool?

“Five years. Give or take.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She looked radiant with her hair hanging freely around her shoulders and down to the middle of her back.

“It’s enormous. Do your sister and niece live here too?”

I smiled. “No, but not for lack of trying to convince her. Trust me. Vela is all for the idea. She loves the pool. Can’t keep her out of it when she’s over. But surprise”—I rolled my eyes dramatically—“my sister wants her own life.”

Abbi laughed.

“Let’s go out back, if you don’t mind? I have the food going in the outdoor kitchen, and I can’t keep my eye on it standing here in the foyer.”

“Lead the way. Where can I put this?” She held up a Tupperware type of container, which I assumed had the dessert inside.

“Does it need to be refrigerated?” I called over my shoulder as we strolled straight through the living space to the sliding glass doors that made up the far wall. I had all four wide open to catch the evening breeze. We stepped out into the backyard.

“Oh, wow. This just gets better and better. Sebastian, this is unreal.”

A rush of pride filled my chest as I watched her take in the pool, guesthouse, gym, outdoor kitchen, spa, and patio.

“This is probably my favorite part of the property. I spend as much time as possible out here. Especially since I spend so much of my day cooped up in the office. When I’m not there, I’m usually out here.”

I walked over to where she stood, rooted to a spot in the middle of the patio. “Let me take that.” I held my hands out for the dessert. “Can I get you a drink? Wine? Something else?”

“There were promises of wine and steaks, were there not?” Her green eyes always glowed a certain way when she was mischievous. I could picture her as a child in those moments.

“Indeed there were,” I said, letting her mood infect me.

“Well, then? I’ll have the wine.”

“Good choice. It’s decanted and chilled to the perfect temperature.”

“Of course it is.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I walked over to the wine cooler and pulled out the decanter.

Abbi followed me and took a seat at the terra-cotta bar of the outdoor kitchen. She accepted the glass of Bordeaux I handed her but waited to sip until I had my own glass poured.

“Just that I’d venture to guess you do everything perfectly.” Her eyes darkened to a different shade of jade, and she shifted restlessly in her seat. Maybe I wasn’t the only one feeling the spike of sexual tension.

“Well, I endeavor to. But I don’t always get it right.” I held my glass aloft, offering mine toward hers in a toast. “To new endeavors.”

“I like that.” She smiled softly, and a warmth swept through my body—and I hadn’t even let the wine touch my lips yet.

“I like you,” I said quietly, my glass obstructing my mouth.

“You’re very smooth, you know that? And this wine is outstanding. Mmmm.” She took another eager sip.