The glow of twinkling Christmas lights filled Reese's cozy condo, their reflections dancing softly on the windows as Bing Crosby crooned faintly from the speakers. A fluffy throw blanket covered the couch where Naomi was sprawled, flipping through bridal magazines while simultaneously scrolling on her laptop. The coffee table was cluttered with fabric swatches, sample save-the-dates, and notebooks, all evidence of their ongoing wedding planning session. A steaming mug of hot chocolate sat within arm's reach, the faint scent of cinnamon and cocoa mingling with the pine of Reese's meticulously decorated Christmas tree.

Reese sat cross-legged on the floor, a notebook in her lap, jotting down ideas as Naomi rattled off possibilities. "What about burgundy for the bridesmaids' dresses? Too dark?" Naomi asked, flipping a page and circling a gown with her pen.

Reese looked up from her notes, her expression thoughtful. "I don't think so. Burgundy would look stunning, especially with the candlelit reception vibe you're going for. And it's timeless."

Naomi grinned, her engagement ring catching the light. "I knew you'd agree. You're the voice of reason in this whole process. Oh my gosh," She gasped suddenly, her eyes glued to the screen. ". This venue looks stunning, but is it worth the drive? It's practically in the middle of nowhere."

Reese scooted closer to take a look, adjusting the collar of her oversized cardigan. "If the photos are anything to go by, it's worth it. But you don't want to spend half your wedding day stuck in traffic."

Naomi sighed dramatically, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. "You're right. Scratch that one. I need convenience and perfection."

Reese smiled, her pen tapping lightly against her notebook. "Perfection is overrated. Memorable beats perfect every time."

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Says the woman whose life looks like a Pinterest board."

Reese opened her mouth to reply, but her phone buzzed on the coffee table, cutting her off. She glanced at the screen, her pulse quickening slightly.

7:02 PM 3234933687: The villa is impressive.

Reese hesitated for a moment before picking up the phone. His approval of the villa was expected, but there was an edge to his message. She quickly typed back.

7:04 PM Reese: Glad to hear it fits your taste. Let me know how you'd like to proceed.

7:05 PM 3234933687: I have no plans to pursue the villa further. My interest lies elsewhere—expansion. Grey Enterprises is moving into new territory. I need a few properties in the hills.

Reese blinked, her fingers pausing over the keyboard. Expansion? His sudden pivot was intriguing—and unsettling. She typed carefully.

7:07 PM Reese: The hills is a very competitive market, but there are opportunities if you know where to look.

Naomi's voice cut through her thoughts. "Who are you texting? You're zoning out."

Reese glanced up, forcing a casual tone. "Oh, it's Collin," her voice was shaky, "He has to cancel again."

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

Reese smiled faintly, a mix of guilt and frustration swirling in her chest. "Yea…he's just been busy—end-of-year meetings, lots of deadlines. We haven't seen each other much this week, but we're planning to wrap gifts together in a few days."

Naomi's expression softened. "That sounds sweet. That reminds me, are you staying over at our place for Christmas Eve this year?" her eyebrow raised with curiosity, "I know you and Collin are together, so I didn't want to assume—"

"I think I'll stay home this year. I don't know if he'll be working but if he's not, it will be nice to have him here," she smiled softly.

"Oh, that will be nice," Naomi smiled slyly, "Are you going to be naughty or nice?"

"Naomi!" Reese exclaimed.

"What?! I'm just curious," she laughed.

"We'll see," Reese chuckled, shaking her head.

Her phone buzzed again.

7:18 PM 3234933687: Your expertise is invaluable. Can you manage it?

Reese bit her lip, her fingers tightening around the phone. She could almost hear his voice in the message, low and commanding, leaving no room for negotiation.

7:20 PM Reese: While I am flattered, I still have the Villa to get off my plate and since you have made your intentions clear regarding that, I will need to entertain other options this week.

Her phone buzzed before she even had a chance to set it down.

7:21PM 3234933687: Are you telling me no?

7:22 PM Reese: I'm telling you that I have a job to do. I can connect you with some other agents that would be more than willing to work with you.

7:24 PM 3234933687: No. It has to be you.

Her stomach tightened at his request; the underlying challenge impossible to ignore. She quickly typed back.

7:25 PM Reese: I will do my best to assist you but understand it is not my priority.

Naomi's curiosity broke through again. "Collin still?"

"Yes," Reese said, unable to meet her gaze this time. She tucked her phone under her leg, hoping to shift the conversation. "What about centerpieces? Have you decided on flowers?"

"I have a few ideas but my main focus in location and the color palette for now," Naomi said, turning her attention back to the laptop. Reese took the opportunity to glance at her phone.

7:25 PM 3234933687: Understood. I'm on a very tight deadline. I expect a list of properties by Friday. And Ms. Sutherlin, don't make me chase you for updates.

7:27 PM Reese: As I mentioned, I will do my best to assist you, but I have other business to attend to.

She set the phone down, exhaling slowly as she leaned back against the couch. The tension in her chest hadn't eased—it had only sharpened.

Naomi glanced over. "Hey, you, okay? You look…tense."

Reese gave her a quick smile. "I'm fine. Just juggling too many things at once."

"Welcome to wedding planning," Naomi quipped, holding up her mug in mock salute. "It's chaos, but at least it's festive chaos."

Naomi tapped her mug against Reese's playfully. "Here's to surviving wedding chaos and end-of-year insanity."

Reese chuckled, the warmth of the hot chocolate easing some of the tension in her chest. Her phone buzzed again on the table, but this time, she didn't pick it up. Naomi returned to scrolling through her laptop, humming along to the Christmas carol playing softly in the background. Reese leaned back against the couch, her gaze drifting toward the twinkling lights of the tree, her phone sitting unanswered just within reach.

7:33 PM 3234933687: Business is subjective. You'll come to see that soon enough.