"That's interesting." Her mind was turning over with ideas. "I must make a note to mention the land potential in my report, as an added incentive. The client could rent out part of it immediately, to gain income while doing the restoration work."
"Sounds great, you're onto a winner."
"I'm so pleased," Abby replied. "Now all we need is Adrianna's okay, and I'm good to go on the auction."
"So, spill, why is this account so important, is it because you're flying solo and concerned it will look good?"
"Yes, and I've set myself a challenge with this account. It was a good opportunity to test myself. I wanted to see how well I could do on my own."
Caroline nodded. "It's been good for you, we can all see that."
"The important thing is that I'll be able to advise Adrianna to purchase Blayne Castle within the profits from the share sale. There are still enough funds left to see the early planning and restoration phases through."
"Nicely done," Caroline replied.
"If I pull it off it will be a real achievement. The portfolio manifesto was weighted toward property but I wanted to do something unique. I'm going to send my proposals through to her this afternoon then contact some architects. I'd better get back to the heritage people too and keep them on board. I'll be pushed for time on this, but I'll try to get a full outline of the proposals ready for the meeting on Monday."
"Have you met her?" Caroline asked.
"The formidable Adrianna? No, not yet."
Caroline laughed. "Good title, she is quite formidable, and a little eccentric. I met her when Tom called me in to look at the special terms in the contract for her account."
"The daily reports?"
Caroline nodded. "I hope I'm like that when I'm her age. Sharp as a saber and easy on the eye."
"I've b
een looking forward to meeting her, I have to say. Ed said that she's a very interesting person." She paused a moment, her thoughts distracted as she saw the castle being whisked away from her hands by its rightful owner. "I do hope the Ashburn account is extended, so that I can monitor its progress after it has passed away from my control." That's if I even stay here.
"Well, you could always watch from afar," Caroline replied. "And go visit the castle when it's all done, knowing it was your idea."
"Yes, I could do that." Abby's mind was drifting to her private image of the castle, with a dark prince and a big white bed.
"Now, you're talking." Caroline chuckled.
From her bag, Abby's phone began to chime.
"I'll leave you to it," Caroline said, grabbing her stack of papers and heading out.
"Cheers. We'll talk more later."
Abby glanced at the display on the phone. It was Zac. Her stomach gave a little flip, her emotions spinning. As she went to answer the call, she wondered how such a little thing could have such a big impact on her. "Hello, Zac, there isn't a problem about tonight is there?"
"No, I just had to speak with you. I was wondering...can you meet me for a half hour, now?"
Yes, her body answered, her pulse racing. She glanced at the clock. It was mid-morning. "I guess I could call you lunch," she replied, with a naughty smile. "Why?"
"Why do you think?" His voice was tight with need.
He wanted her. There was a sense of desperation in his voice that freed a thrill inside her, one that plumed through her entire body.
"Tomorrow I'll be in Paris. I know we're meeting tonight, but if I can grab you for a half hour now...Abby, I'm desperate to put my hands on you."
"Oh, Zac," she murmured into the phone, her womanly center melting in response to his words.
"I'll get a taxi and come for you."