CHAPTER20
LARISA
Tanner was rightfully proud of the house as he gave me the official tour. Although he seemed to have something else on his mind when he’d walked in, he’d shaken it off and showed me around, being patient and giving me the time to take all the pictures I wanted in every room.
“Congratulations,” I said once we were back in the foyer. “This is one hell of a house. You’re going to be very happy here.”
He chuckled, those eyes of his sparkling again as they met mine. God, they’re gorgeous.
“I won’t be living here full time,” he said. “Maybe someday, but at the moment, it’s more of a weekend property.”
“Are you kidding me?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “If this was my place, I’d never leave again.”
“After I see what you do with it, I might not,” he said, smiling as he bumped his shoulder into mine. “The purchase was actually inspired by our weekend away. I wanted somewhere to go where I could unwind and relax. Breathe some fresh air whenever I feel like it.”
I let out a sigh that sounded dreamy even to my own ears. “That sounds incredible. Have you had any ideas yet about what you’d like to do here, or do you want me to put together some examples of things I think would look good? You mentioned that I’d have a lot of creative freedom, but one of the reasons I wanted to meet with you in person was to find out just how much freedom I have. If I wanted to make one room pink and fluffy, for instance, could I do it?”
He choked out a laugh. “Pink and fluffy? Really? That’s the example you decided to go with?”
“It usually gives me a good idea of what I’m working with,” I said. “Obviously, I would never really make it pink and fluffy, not unless it was for a little girl’s room, but your answer will give me a good indication of whether you really trust me to do what I want, or whether it’s more of a restricted freedom.”
His perfectly shaped lips pursed as he thought. Then he shrugged. “I’m inclined to say yes, go with pink and fluffy if that’s what your heart tells you to do in any particular room, but I’d also like to hear what you’re thinking.”
Tiny little wings of the purest joy fluttered in my chest. “If you’re inclined to say yes and I’d really get to do whatever I wanted, then I’d be more than happy to tell you what I’m thinking. I could put together some idea boards for you when I get back to the city and email them to you as soon as they’re done.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” he said. “I don’t know how this usually works, but how about we go out for lunch and we can talk about it?”
“Lunch?” I hesitated, but then I nodded my agreement. It was a business meeting, not a date. I just have to make a point of remembering that.
“Where do you want to go?” I asked. “I haven’t really ever been out this way before.”
“I’ve been into town a few times,” he said. “It’s got one of the best places I’ve ever eaten. Do you want to follow me, or ride with me and I can drop you off back here at your car after?”
“I’ll follow you,” I replied. As good as it sounded to spend even a few more minutes with him, it was better to take my own car. If I came back here after talking about ideas, there was a chance I wasn’t leaving again until I was done. “Just stay with me or email me the name of the restaurant if I lose you.”
“I won’t lose you,” he promised, seeming oddly determined about it.
Wonder what that’s all about.
As we drove off the property, I took one last look at the house in the rearview mirror and shook my head. I really can’t believe it’s only going to be a weekend place for him.
Tanner drove slowly enough that it was easy to follow him, but I still had to look twice to make sure I hadn’t started following a different car when he pulled up outside one of the best places he’d ever eaten.
A burger joint? Huh?
The guy was richer than the pope, yet he ordered a fifteen-dollar hamburger when we got inside and devoured it like he couldn’t get enough. We made small talk about my business and how he’d found me throughout the meal, but once it was over, it was time to get to work.
“What’s your vision for the place?” I asked.
He frowned. “My what now?”
“Your vision,” I reiterated, smiling. “When you think about what you want it to be, what do you see?”
Drumming his fingers on the tabletop, he narrowed his eyes in thought before he answered. “I haven’t really got anything specific in mind. The most important thing to me is that I want it to be comfortable but still nice.”
I opened the folder with my notepad in it and took down what he’d said. “Okay, that’s doable. Like a space that’s easy to live in but still fancy enough to bring your mother-in-law back to one day.”
He laughed. “I was thinking more along the lines of somewhere that can double as a relaxing getaway but where I can also host events if I ever need to.”