Page 45 of Diego

“It’s also a gift,” she says. “No obligation attached.”

“Now I definitely like the seller.”

We end up back in the main living room, and for the first time all day, I do not feel the need to keep moving.

I stand near the windows and look around again.

The lake house was beautiful. The mansion was impressive. Several of the other properties Blair showed me today were places I could easily imagine owning.

This one feels different.

Maybe because it doesn't feel like I would be changing too much of myself to fit it.

I would still have the privacy I like. Still have a view. Still have the convenience of living in the city and the ability to leave the building without worrying about grounds, gardens, a pool, a beach, or any of the other things that come with owning an estate. There is enough room for family to visit, enough separation when I need it, and security that can be strengthened without tearing down and rebuilding half the property.

Blair stands a few feet away, watching me, giving me time to think.

I smile and turn toward her. “You saved this one for last on purpose.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

She looks around the penthouse before answering. “Because I wanted you to see the alternatives first.”

I wait.

“You already know you like penthouse living,” she continues. “If I brought you here first and you liked it, you might have compared everything else to it and dismissed the houses before giving them a chance. I wanted you to see what you could have if you decided you wanted something different.”

“And now?”

“Now you know.”

I look at her for a moment.

That is smart.

Almost annoyingly so.

“You planned the order of the showings too.”

“Of course.”

“Most people would have put the most expensive one first.”

“Most people are impressed by price. You're not.”

“And what am I impressed with?”

Her green eyes meet mine. “My ability to find you the right home.”

I smile slowly.

She has.

Chapter Ten

Blair