LITMIR.BIZ

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If she had to guess, she’d say they were working on the landscaping.

      Suddenly she got the feeling she was being watched. The hairs on the back of her neck lifted. She looked around as she started up the steps to Residenza del Rosa.

      This time, there weren’t any reporters or photographers waiting, but there was something different—the royal security detail was out and about. She was quite certain they weren’t there to secure her safety.

      Demetrius was there. Somewhere. Her stomach fluttered with nerves.

      She reached the landing at the same moment he stepped out of the front door. He stood there in the early morning sunshine looking quite regal in his navy suit. The top buttons of his shirt were undone giving the slightest hint of his tanned, muscular chest. She knew that chest inch by inch, and she recalled how he had this one ticklish spot on his right side—

      She jerked her meandering thoughts to a sudden halt. She couldn’t go there. No way. Not even now that she knew they were legally husband and wife. She didn’t want to jeopardize this brand-new friendship.

      Demetrius strode over to her. “Are you that disappointed at seeing me?”

      “What? Um. No. Just surprised is all.”

      “Well, if you keep frowning like that when we’re together, rumors are going to start.”

      “Oh.” She immediately smiled.

      “That’s much better.”

      He was so handsome. Her gaze moved from his strong jaw, to his kissable lips and up to his eyes that were staring back at her. Her heart tip-tapped. Remember to keep things light. Don’t ruin things.

      She swallowed hard. “What’s brought you here this morning?”

      “I was just notified that all of the invitations for the Royal Christmas Ball have gone out to the select group of guests. I need to make sure that everything here is progressing as planned. Are there any problems I should be aware of?”

      Again, she had the feeling she was being watched. She glanced around. Who was it? She grew frustrated, not being able to locate anyone. Maybe she was just being paranoid after her run-ins with that persistent reporter.

      “Zoe, did you hear me?”

      “Um, what?” She didn’t want to mention anything and sound paranoid. After all, it was just a feeling. Thankfully, she hadn’t seen the creepy reporter in a few weeks, not since the night Demetrius showed up at her apartment. Surely by now he’d given up.

      Demetrius’s brows drew together. “Zoe, what’s the matter? You haven’t heard a word I’ve said.”

      She gave the area one last glance before turning her full attention back to Demetrius. “The progress of the mansion is on schedule. As of right now, the administrative suite upstairs is painted and scheduled to be carpeted tomorrow. The furniture is being shipped express. The staff will be able to move in shortly. I know that’s a priority.” She started for the entrance. “As for the common rooms, I’ve been in daily contact with the various contractors. In fact, today the paint is already going up on the walls.”

      Demetrius stopped just outside the front door and turned to her. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to tell you that you’ve done a really good job with this project so far.”

      “Really?” His compliment made her heart do the tip-tap-tap rhythm again. “But you haven’t even seen it yet.”

      “I’ve seen the progression of your sketches and I know that you’ve been on top of the whole project. I’m certain that it’s going to turn heads.”

      “Grazie. And I don’t just mean for your kind words. I mean for giving me this great opportunity.”

      “It wasn’t altruistic. I needed the best, and you are it. A rising star.”

      It felt so strange to talk to him like this, but she eagerly welcomed the friendly words. “Shall we go inside and see how the color scheme is panning out?”

      He nodded. He pulled the door open for her.

      She stepped inside the foyer and was immediately greeted by the serenity of blue walls with a cloud-white trim. It all blended beautifully with the white marble floor woven with a gray-and-brown mineral pattern. She smiled. So far so good.

      A gentle breeze rushed past her carrying with it the scent of fresh paint. She loved the smell. It meant that one of her many sketches was being brought to life. Her hands clenched as a mixture of excitement and worry collided. There were times when projects didn’t turn out quite as expected. Please don’t let this be one of those times.

      She couldn’t wait to see the ballroom. It was to be the shimmering jewel of this entire project. She turned in that direction when she heard Demetrius clear his throat.

      She stifled a sigh and turned. “Did you have someplace in particular that you wanted to start?”

      He nodded in the opposite direction. “I thought we’d take a look at the garden. I know you weren’t in charge of it, but your vision for the interior greatly influenced the approach they took.”

      She had to admit that she was anxious to see the garden. Her mother had a fondness for them. In fact, Zoe thought her mother would approve of Residenza del Rosa. Now, if only Zoe could figure out how to get her mother a room in the exclusive and expensive center. She had a feeling a deep and honest conversation was on the horizon between her and the administrator of the facility. She wasn’t above begging if that’s what it took.

      She followed Demetrius down the hallway to a doorway that led to the courtyard surrounded in the distance by a low wall. They stepped out onto the freshly laid mosaic tiles. They were of earthy red tones offset by a bright blue-and-white pattern.

      The walkway led to a center patio with an old fountain that had been lovingly restored. The tiles there contained seashell outlines. Someone had the foresight to continue the theme by surrounding the edge of the patio with crushed shells.

      Demetrius pointed to the edge of the patio. “There will be benches added so people can come out here to enjoy a bit of the day or to entertain company.”

      “I love it.” Her gaze met his. Her heart picked up its pace. “They’re doing a fabulous job.”

      “I’m so glad you approve. I told the gardener that the courtyard would have to be extra special so it didn’t detract from the interior design.”

      Heat warmed her cheeks over his compliment. She turned away, glancing around as a few men were hard at work digging spots for a variety of plants, from olive trees to medium palms and citrus trees. There was other foliage that Zoe couldn’t name. But she liked it...a lot.

      Zoe’s gaze lingered over the potted plants with brilliant red, lemon yellow and spicy-orange blooms. All were waiting to be transplanted into the rich soil. She could already envision the garden completely finished. It would be wonderful. She would definitely spend some time here if given the opportunity. She hoped the residents would find it just as appealing.

      Demetrius turned to her. “I take it you approve of the decision to refurbish the fountain.”

      She nodded. “You can’t find that sort of detail these days. And the fish and seashell design will go splendidly with what I’m doing with the inside.”

      “I thought you might approve. There’s still quite a bit of work they need to do out here, but it should be completed in time for the big reveal.”

      “Good.” She glanced up. His gaze met hers causing her heart to thump rapidly.

      Ever since she’d learned that he was still her husband, it was as if she was seeing him differently. He was no longer the impulsive guy that she’d initially fallen for. There was so much more to Demetrius than she’d noticed before. And she found herself falling for him all over again.

      He had quite a brilliant head for business.

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