Page 31 of Diego

“That's what I'm here for.” Her smile is easy as she gestures toward the rest of the deck. “You'll be a converted morning person before you know it.”

The flirtation is light and easy between us as she continues toward the far side of the deck.

“There’s a full outdoor kitchen here.”

That gets my attention.

The setup is built into a stone wall beneath a covered section of the deck, with a large grill, refrigerator drawers, storage, sink, and enough counter space to actually use the area instead of merely admiring it.

“State-of-the-art grill system,” Blair says. “There’s also separate ventilation under the covered section, weather-protected storage, and everything is built for year-round exposure.”

I run a hand along the stone counter. “This I like.”

“I thought you might.”

“You seem very pleased with yourself.”

“I’m a real estate broker. I’m supposed to be pleased when you like something.”

“Is that what this is? Professional satisfaction?”

“Entirely.”

I look at her.

She smiles and keeps walking. After taking me around to a few more of the sitting areas and letting me admire the view a while longer, she walks back to the far end where a gated staircase leads down toward the yard.

Blair opens it and starts descending, one hand resting lightly on the rail. I follow, taking in the property as more of it comes into view.

The lawn below is manicured without looking overly formal. Flat stepping stones form several paths through the grass, one leading toward a sitting area closer to the edge of the property, another toward a covered patio beneath the deck. From down here, I can see that the basement is a full walkout with doors opening directly onto that sheltered space.

“There’s another entertaining area here,” Blair says, gesturing beneath the deck. “Completely covered, which gives you somewhere outside even when the weather isn’t cooperating.”

A little farther across the lawn is a fire pit surrounded by built-in seating. Beyond that, close to the edge of the property before the land drops toward the beach, is a pool.

I stop.

“Of course there’s a pool.”

Blair laughs. “You say that like you’re offended.”

“I’m trying to understand how much property one man is supposed to use.”

“You haven’t seen all of it yet.”

“I don't think that's helping your argument.”

She walks toward the pool, and I follow her. It is large without taking over the yard, positioned so the water seems to blend with the lake beyond it from certain angles.

I look back toward the house.

From here, the scale hits me again.

“This is a lot of house for one person.”

“It is.”

“And a lot of maintenance. I come from a penthouse. If something broke, I called someone and forgot about it.”