The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains of Reese's living room, casting golden rays that softened the sharp lines of her decor. The glass coffee table sparkled under the warm light, reflecting hints of the succulent centerpiece and the mug of tea sitting atop it. Reese sat cross-legged at one end of the couch, her favorite oversized cardigan draped loosely around her shoulders, and a well-worn throw blanket covering her legs. Loki was sprawled at the other end, his fur glinting like polished silver as his tail flicked rhythmically against the cushions.
The condo was unusually quiet. The muted hum of a cooking show played in the background, filling the silence with bursts of applause and cheerful commentary. But Reese wasn't paying attention. She had settled in with a cup of chamomile tea and a book, determined to take advantage of the rare free afternoon. No client calls. No urgent deadlines. No tightly packed schedule to race against. It was a novelty she barely recognized.
Loki stretched, his tail thumping against her thigh before curling back into himself. Reese reached over, her fingers trailing lightly along his fur. "You've missed this, haven't you?" she murmured, scratching behind his ears. He purred in response, leaning into her touch. "Don't get used to it. Unfortunately, tomorrow, it's back to the grind."
Her phone buzzed on the glass coffee table, interrupting the peaceful moment. She glanced at it, half expecting a message from Naomi or finally a text from an interested client with an offer. But the unsaved number that appeared on the screen made her pulse quicken.
4:20 PM 3234933687: Running into you this morning... unexpected. But not unwelcome.
Reese stared at the message for a moment, her chest tightening. She had spent the rest of the morning trying to forget the brief encounter at the coffee shop, convincing herself that it was just an innocent coincidence. But now, with his message lighting up her screen, she wasn't so sure.
She hesitated before unlocking her phone, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
4:23 PM Reese: Yes, very unexpected.
The reply came almost immediately.
4:24 PM 3234933687: What do you have planned for today?
She sighed, setting her tea down as she leaned back against the couch. Ignoring him was tempting, but Reese knew that would only fuel the fire when she saw him tomorrow.
4:27 PM Reese: Nothing in particular. I'm moving some things around on my schedule. I have a really formidable client tomorrow.
Her lips curved slightly as she hit send.
4:30 PM 3234933687: Oh, is that so? I'm sure you can handle anything thrown at you.
She smirked, shaking her head as she typed back.
4:32 PM Reese: Oh, I'm definitely capable.
There was a pause this time, long enough for her to think the conversation might be over. She picked up her tea again, taking a slow sip as she watched Loki stretch out across the couch, clearly enjoying the rare company. But just as she began to relax, her phone buzzed again.
4:40 PM 3234933687: I know exactly what you're capable of. You just need the opportune moment to show it and I can create space for that.
Reese's heart skipped as she read the message. She could almost hear his voice in her head—smooth, low, and laced with that maddening confidence. He always knew how to phrase things just right, pushing her boundaries without crossing them completely.
4:41 PM Reese: Opportunity for what? Mr. Grey, I'm not sure where you're trying to get at, but I will send you the details for tomorrow shortly.
She placed the phone back on the coffee table, determined to leave the conversation there. But the phone buzzed again before she could even exhale.
4:42 PM 3234933687: Don't insult me by pretending this is strictly about the listing.
Her breath hitched as her eyes scanned the message. The directness of his words sent a wave of heat coursing through her, and she clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stay composed.
4:45 PM Reese: That's exactly what this is.
The pause before his next reply felt heavier, almost deliberate. Reese drummed her fingers against her knee, trying to ignore the way her pulse raced as she waited. When his response finally came, it felt like a challenge.
4:48 PM 3234933687: For now, perhaps. But we both know you're lying to yourself. I'll play along but don't expect me to play fair.
She set the phone down harder than necessary and leaned back against the cushions, exhaling sharply.
Loki stirred at her sudden movement, blinking up at her with sleepy green eyes. Reese reached out, running her fingers along his fur. "You don't care about this nonsense, do you?" she muttered. Loki let out a soft trill, his tail flicking against her thigh as if to say, Why should you?
Her phone buzzed again, but she hesitated this time. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of a reply. But curiosity—and something else she didn't want to name—won out.
4:55 PM 3234933687: I'll see you tomorrow, Ms. Sutherlin. And I hope to have your undivided attention.
Reese let out a shaky breath as she read the message. She locked the phone and tossed it onto the coffee table, leaning forward to cradle her head in her hands.
Tomorrow would be fine, she told herself firmly. Professional. Focused. Entirely about the villa. Christian could push all he wanted, but she wouldn't let him gain the upper hand.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon and the room filled with soft shadows, his words refused to leave her. The thought of his presence, his piercing gaze, the way he could make her feel completely seen and entirely unsteady all at once—it stayed with her, no matter how hard she tried to push it away.