Just One Kiss (The Town of Pearl 8)

Lucifer gave her an odd look, as if he were about to ask the same question and she beat him to it.

“I was going to ask the same thing,” he confirmed.

“Well, the lighting has always bothered me, the small window and all, but I really want something unique.”

“What about a larger window with a half-moon inlay at top? Then we can accent this wall with crown molding for a more traditional Victorian style,” Lucifer brainstormed aloud.

“With the scalloped edging and then perhaps taking the half-moon window and doing etched glass and surround the sides with long, thick velvet drapes that extend from ceiling to floor. You could probably add in a richer, darker wide-planked wood that would truly give that old-world charm feeling,” Lucia added.

“Etched glass?” Lucifer questioned.

“Sure, that would look so rich and inviting. Just imagine enhancing the flooring with the wider planks of a dark wood, then the four-poster bed with a thick, rich burgundy comforter and assorted pillows. The canopy atop the posts could almost match the curtains on the window or even bring in some other deep colors like what appeared to be present before the damage.”

“This is going to work out even better than I hoped. When can you both get started?” Mary asked as Lucia stared at Lucifer, who had a small smirk on his face.

“We, Ma’am?” Lucia asked.

Mary smiled as she placed her arm around Lucia’s shoulder.

“Yes, the two of you are going to work together to redesign this bedroom as well as the room below and bring it back to life. I expect it to be done in time for Christmas and all the guests I usually have, Lucifer,” Mary said over her shoulder.

“By Christmas? That’s only eleven weeks away,” Lucifer replied as he followed them out of the room. Lucia chuckled to herself. It seemed Mary had an ability to get people to do whatever it was she wanted. Lucia's impression of Mary had changed. She liked her, and she hoped that Mary would be happy when all was said and done.

“I don’t know, Mrs. Higgins. This is a lot to do in such a short period of time. Plus, what are Lucia’s credentials? How do I know she has a clue as to what her part is?”

“You don’t, Lucifer. But from the small display of knowledge she projected here, I believe her credentials are clear. Now work things out with one another. Exchange numbers, meet to discuss, whatever it is necessary to get things going, and I'm sure this project will be successful. But remember that Lucia is also going to be doing other work for me, so plan accordingly.”

“Well, want to give me your cell number and we’ll touch base on this?” Lucifer asked Lucia.

She was embarrassed as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and looked from Mary to Lucifer.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have one,” she quickly added. “But I’ll be working here, as Mrs. Higgins just said, so perhaps we could take some time to discuss it when I’m not needed for something else?”

Lucifer looked at Mrs. Higgins with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“That will work out fine. You both can leave. I have a conference call in five minutes. Figure it out and I will see you tomorrow morning at nine a.m., Lucia.” She ushered them out the door, the cold, late-afternoon air chilling her immediately. Mrs. Higgins’s house was so warm and inviting. It would be heaven to work from there.

She headed down the sidewalk with Lucifer on her heels, but she came to an abrupt stop when he said her name.

“Lucia?” She turned and nearly collided with his chest. She immediately stepped back, overwhelmed by the attraction she felt to him, as well as the sense of concern. He was very tall, filled with muscles, and had a look in his eyes that meant business.

“What are we going to do about this lack-of-phone business?”

“We’ll talk here at the house, or meet up in town. I don’t know. But I don’t have a phone and I don’t plan on getting one.”

“Why the hell not?” he asked with attitude.

“I don’t need one. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said and began walking down the driveway. Lucifer followed, passing his black pickup truck along the way.

“It’s getting late, are you walking home?” he asked, sounding concerned, but her warning radar went off. She did not trust men. She kept her distance from men. She turned around and looked him over.

“I’m fine, and I will see you tomorrow,” she stated firmly and continued walking.

“I can give you a ride.”

She looked at him. “No thank you,” she said and continued on her way, hoping that he wasn’t some pervert or another man who thought he could take what he wanted from

a woman. The thought made her feel guilty. Lucifer didn’t seem that way or capable of hurting her. But then again, she never would have expected a wealthy, attractive businessman like Derek to drug her, force himself on her, rape her, then render her unconscious.