The crisp late-November air settled over the Mediterranean villa, the sunlight filtering through the bare branches of the estate's gardens. Inside, Reese paced the living room, the soft clicks of her heels against the polished floors echoing through the expansive space. 11:15 a.m. She checked the time for what felt like the hundredth time since the open house began. It had been underwhelming, with just three visitors so far. Three visitors. Three halfhearted compliments. Each had admired the vaulted ceilings, marble finishes, and infinity pool, but none had lingered long enough to suggest serious interest. She was used to a slow market this time of year, but something about this property—her inability to move it—was digging under her skin.
Reese perched on a velvet armchair by the grand fireplace, crossing her legs as she reached for her planner on the coffee table. The empty pages for the week ahead felt like a taunt, a reminder that the listing hadn't generated the momentum she needed. Her phone sat next to the planner, silent.
It had been four days since she texted Christian Grey, pitching the villa. The lack of response gnawed at her, though she told herself it was just another professional hiccup, something she wasn't a stranger to. Although the silence from him felt more personal than she cared to admit.
She rose again, restless, and wandered toward the sliding glass doors that led to the patio. The sprawling Los Angeles skyline sparkled in the late-morning sun, but even the view couldn't distract her. She crossed her arms, resisting the urge to look at her phone.
Her phone suddenly buzzed in her blazer pocket, and for half a second, her heart leapt. Christian? She reached for it quickly, but when Collin's name flashed on the screen, her anticipation deflated, replaced by a small flicker of warmth.
"Hey, stranger," she answered, stepping back into the living room.
"Morning, Reese," Collin's familiar voice came through, calm and warm. "How's the open house?"
Reese sighed heavily, "It's been a ghost town, honestly."
"That bad, huh?" Collin teased, though his tone carried genuine sympathy.
"I've had three people come through in over two hours," she replied, "They love the view, love the pool, and then walk out without so much as a question about price. It's like they came for a Sunday stroll and nothing more."
"You're working too hard," Collin said. "Take a break. Come have lunch with me."
Reese glanced at her watch. She had less than an hour left for the open house, but at this rate, it wasn't like anyone would miss her. "Tempting," she admitted. "But don't you have work? How are the markets today?"
"You're asking about work?" Collin chuckled softly. "It's quiet today—holidays slow things down, which means I have time to save you from stewing in an empty mansion."
"Save me, huh?" she teased, though her tone softened. "And what's the catch? You're not dragging me to one of those places that has gold flakes in the food, are you?"
"No promises," Collin shot back. "Meet me at The Pine Grove—12:30. It's casual, I swear."
"The Pine Grove?" Reese arched a brow. "That sounds like a Collin Haynes spot."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," he replied, feigning offense. "Don't leave me hanging."
Reese sighed, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. I'll meet you there."
The Pine Grove was nestled high in the hills, its stone exterior and oversized windows blending perfectly into the surrounding landscape. Inside, it was warm and inviting, with wooden beams stretching across the ceilings and tables arranged to offer sprawling views of the hills below.
Collin was waiting at a corner table when Reese arrived. He stood as she approached, smiling that easy, familiar smile of his. Dressed in dark slacks and a light sweater that showed just enough of his athletic frame.
"You look nice," Collin said as she slipped off her blazer and sat down across from him.
"Thank you," she replied, smoothing her sleeves. "You look pretty put-together yourself. A slow day at Goldman doesn't mean you dress down, I see."
"It's all about appearances," Collin teased, signaling the waiter. "I have a reputation to maintain, after all."
They ordered quickly—Reese opting for a caprese panini and sparkling water, Collin for steak frites and his usual whiskey neat.
Once the waiter left, Reese leaned back in her chair, taking a moment to look at him. "So, Mr. Haynes, what's going on in the world of investment banking? You're suspiciously relaxed."
Collin laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Quiet markets mean fewer fires to put out. Clients are holding their breath until the new year. It's nice to have a moment to breathe."
Reese sipped her water. "Lucky you. I could use a market like that."
"Still no bites on the villa?" Collin asked, his brows knitting with concern.
"Nothing," Reese admitted, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I've tried everything—frequent open houses, contacts, tapping into Redwood's network. But nothing's landed."
"Well," Collin began cautiously, "if you want, I know a few people who might be interested. I can make some calls—"
Reese shook her head firmly, though her tone was gentle. "I appreciate the offer, Collin, I really do. But I don't want to mix business and... us. We've just started seeing each other again. I don't want anything to jeopardize that."
His eyes softened, understanding her hesitation. "I get it. I just hate seeing you stressed."
Reese smiled faintly. "It's not exactly a good look on me, is it?"
"You always look good," Collin replied without missing a beat, his smile widening. "But maybe what you really need is a break."
"A break?" Reese lifted a brow. "Collin, I'm not exactly in a position to take time off. I really want to get this house off the market before the new year."
"You can't pour from an empty cup, Reese," he said simply. "How about this—come away with me next weekend. Tahoe."
Her smile faltered. "Lake Tahoe?"
"Yeah," Collin said, leaning forward. "Like we used to. Skiing, ice skating—it's the perfect place to decompress."
Reese hesitated, her hands tightening slightly around her glass. "Collin, I haven't been there since... you know. Since our engagement."
He held her gaze, his voice softening. "No big romantic gestures, I promise. Just a weekend to clear your head. We'll ski, get some air, and you can come back to the city with a fresh perspective."
She studied him for a long moment, her chest tightening at the familiarity of his offer. A part of her wanted to push back, to say it was too soon. But the thought of the snow, the quiet of the lake, and being away from the chaos of LA was tempting.
Finally, she relented. "Fine. But if I end up on my face in the snow, I'm blaming you."
Collin grinned, his eyes lighting up. "That's fair. I'll even help you up—after I take a photo."
"You're the worst," Reese said with a laugh, shaking her head.
"You love it," he teased back.