Reese watched as the handsome, newly pregnant couple wandered through the 4,000-square-foot Hollywood Hills home. She had agreed to collaborate with Naomi to help sell the listing, but she couldn't quite understand why there hadn't been more interest in the property. It was beautiful, with sleek modern lines, expansive windows that offered breathtaking views of the city, and an open floor plan that flowed seamlessly from room to room. As she stood in the open kitchen, Reese smiled at the couple, catching glimpses of them through the wide archways, all the while trying to hide her silent yawns. Naomi, however, could tell that something was off.
"Well, I'll let you guys take a look at the rest of the house," Naomi said brightly, smiling at the couple. "Just let us know if you have any questions."
The couple nodded appreciatively and headed up the grand staircase to explore the second floor. Their hushed whispers floated down, discussing how perfect the home would be for their growing family, their excitement palpable.
As soon as the couple was out of sight, Naomi turned to Reese, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice low and probing.
Reese shook her head, trying to dismiss her friend's worry. "Nothing," she replied. "I just had a long night."
Naomi rolled her eyes knowingly. "Ugh, Josh again?" she frowned, crossing her arms.
Reese hesitated, then sighed. "No," she admitted, glancing around to make sure the couple was still out of earshot. "I actually met up with Mr. Grey for dinner to discuss marketing."
Naomi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh?" she said, clearly intrigued. "Was he being stubborn? I heard from Vincent he suggested a masquerade party. I mean, it sounds cool, but I know that's not what you wanted... right?"
Reese allowed a small smile. "I would have liked to do something a little less... extravagant," she confessed, "but it actually might not be a bad idea. He's also thinking of auctioning off some items during the party."
Naomi tilted her head, curious. "Well, that's awfully nice of him. What kind of items is he auctioning?"
"I'm not sure. We didn't really talk about that," Reese admitted, her voice dropping slightly.
Naomi leaned against the kitchen island, her expression thoughtful. "Okay... well, how about the furniture? Did you discuss him selling it with the home?"
Reese nodded. "Briefly. He said he would need to speak to his lawyers first."
Naomi smirked, sensing the tension in Reese's voice. "Sounds like a short meeting," she teased. "So why are you so tired?"
Reese hesitated, her mind racing. She knew Naomi would react strongly to what she was about to say. "Okay, don't overreact," she warned, her tone cautious.
Naomi placed her hands on her hips, a mock look of innocence on her face. "When have I ever overreacted?" she asked, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
Reese laughed despite herself. "Is that a joke?" she replied, shaking her head. "So, Josh did text me last night."
"I knew it!" Naomi's voice rose, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"Shh!" Reese hissed, glancing over her shoulder to make sure the couple was still upstairs. "Keep it down!"
Naomi lowered her voice but didn't hide her frustration. "What did he want? Never mind, I know what he wanted," she said, rolling her eyes.
Reese sighed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "He wanted to come over, obviously," she admitted. "But when I went to text him back, I accidentally texted Mr. Grey."
Naomi's eyes widened in shock, her hands flying up in disbelief. "What? How did you accidentally text him? Wait, how does he even have your number?"
"Shh, calm down," Reese said, grabbing Naomi's arms to steady her. "I gave him my business card after the listing appointment. He contacted me to apologize for his attitude, and we've exchanged a few texts since then."
Naomi's shock turned into a sly grin. "Oh," she said, her tone filled with curiosity. "So, what did you accidentally text him?"
Reese's face turned a shade of crimson. "Oh God... this is so embarrassing," she groaned, handing her phone to Naomi.
Naomi took the phone, her eyes scanning the screen. As she read through the messages, her expression shifted from surprise to shock, and then to something like disbelief. Her face flushed red with second-hand embarrassment. "Oh," Naomi finally managed to say, swallowing hard. "Wow."
"Wow is right," Reese muttered, snatching her phone back.
Naomi's brow raised in curiosity. "Were you expecting him to respond back like that? It doesn't sound like it just came out of nowhere."
Reese sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I mean," she began hesitantly, "he did use some very suggestive language at dinner."
Naomi's eyes widened further. "Suggestive like?" she prompted, her voice trailing off.
"He basically implied that I'm not being satisfied and that he could satisfy me," Reese confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naomi's smirk returned. "Well, he isn't wrong," she teased.
"Oh, shut up. I have Josh to—"
"Josh is a tool," Naomi cut her off, her tone firm. "He was never your type anyway, but I knew you were trying to rebound, so I didn't say anything."
Reese exhaled sharply, feeling a mix of irritation and resignation. "Jeez, Naomi, harsh much? And it's not like Mr. Grey is any better. He's still legally married."
"Not as of," Naomi paused, tapping Reese's cell phone still on the marble countertop, "two hours ago. He's a free man."
"So," Reese replied, her tone guarded.
"Sooo, what's the excuse now?" Naomi challenged.
"You know it's not good to fall for a client... Case in point, Collin," Reese said softly, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Naomi chuckled. "I'm not saying fall for him," she clarified. "All I'm saying is that he's single now and you're... technically single. If he's saying he can satisfy you, I'd let him have a try. What's the harm in that?"
"Uh, lots," Reese retorted, giving Naomi a look that suggested she had lost her mind. "My career, for one."
"You didn't lose it over Collin, so I'm sure you'll be fine," Naomi smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Reese's shoulder.
"Yeah, well—"
"We love the house," the couple interrupted, walking back into the kitchen. "It's a little out of our price range, but we're definitely interested," the husband said, his arm wrapped protectively around his wife.
Naomi's face lit up with a professional smile. "I'm so happy to hear that," she said warmly. "Did you have any questions?"
"No, no," the husband replied, glancing at his wife. "I think it's just a matter of talking it over and making an offer, right honey?"
The wife nodded, her face glowing with excitement. "Yes," she agreed. "Thanks so much for showing us the house. We'll be in touch soon, Naomi."
"Bye. Take care," Naomi replied as the couple headed toward the front door.
As soon as the door closed, Reese turned to Naomi with a grin. "Good job, Naomi," she said, pulling her friend into a quick hug. "You might actually sell this house in this lifetime."
"Cute," Naomi replied, pulling away with a laugh. "So, what are you going to do about Mr. Grey?"
Reese's expression turned serious. "I'm going to sell his house," she said firmly, "and nothing more. Did Scott ever mention to you why they were getting the divorce?"
Naomi's expression darkened slightly. "You know I can't discuss the case," she said, her tone cautious. "Can't risk anything being leaked. Scott would be pissed. He didn't say anything to you?"
Reese nodded slowly. "He did, but not much... something about unrealistic expectations," she said, her shoulders slumping slightly. "He's so vague."
Naomi studied her friend's face carefully. "You like him?" she asked softly, her gaze piercing.
Reese's eyes darted away. "No," she murmured, her voice unconvincing. "I—I just—"
"You just what?" Naomi pressed.
"There's just something about him, but no, I don't like him," Reese insisted, her tone firm.
Naomi smirked, unconvinced. "Whatever you say," she said lightly. "Come on, we should head back to the office."
Reese followed her friend out of the kitchen, her mind still swirling with thoughts of Christian Grey and the confusing pull she felt towards him.