Page 7 of Lighting Up Christmas

But he needed the light. It was the next step forward. A check off his list.

“You said you know the Tully property.” He swung back to look at her. “You know the south quadrant with the oak savannah. It has the classic old white barn and then the smaller barn fifty yards back in the trees. I’ll be working there all afternoon.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“I want a light like this one. Not a selection,” he warned and waved his hand as if cutting the idea of choice in half. Letting her onto his property was compromise enough.

“I might change your mind,” she said impishly, seemingly not intimidated by his curtness like so many were, even long-term employees. Jackson was always warning him.

“Unlikely,” he said firmly and left the shop before he did anything else out of character, but not before he heard her last words.

“Challenge accepted.”

The door swung shut.

*

“What just happened?”Sophia demanded.

“Opportunity.” Riley bounced on her toes.

“Why didn’t you let me sell him the light?”

“Because it’s yours. It was my gift to you, and it’s perfect for your space. Don’t worry. I’ll split the sales price with you on the new light or lights.” She rubbed her palms together and squeezed, trying to find an outlet for her enthusiasm. The day had gone from a crushing disappointment to this—a chance to get on the old Tully property again, a sale of one of her lights, and a chance to pitch him her electrical services.

If she could pull a contract at his winery, other wineries, especially new ones that cropped up in the valley, would be morelikely to use her services. She’d be building the Flanagan & Sons brand closer to her vision.

“Yeah. That’s what I’m worried about,” Sophia said. “Half a commission. Riley, I’m not sure you should go up there on your own. He seemed…”

“Hot. Sexy. Brooding. Arrogant. Cranky.”

Sophia laughed. “All that and more.”

“Did you see the way the muscles of his quads were outlined in his pants? And his shirt stretched across his shoulders and his pecs? And his tight butt when he turned around? Vineyard work does a body good. It could become the new CrossFit.”

“I was worried about you up there alone,” Sophia said. “But maybe I should go with you to protect him from your assessing eyes and roving hands.”

“I’m a professional,” Riley said. “Hands off the clients at all times.” She made jazz hands. “I won’t even think about trying to pinch anything or bouncing quarters off certain parts of his anatomy.”

“You need to get out more.”

Riley opened her mouth with a retort and then quickly closed it. She hadn’t seen Sophia lighthearted and teasing since Enrique died, and with the holidays coming, she was especially worried about her bestie.

“Well, here’s my opportunity,” she rephrased. Not like her to think before she spoke. She mentally high-fived herself.

“I thought you were all ‘hands off the clients.’” Sophia jazz handed back at her and then pretended to pinch something.

“Imagination only, and not when I’m on the job.” Riley openly laughed.

“Seriously, Riley,” Sophia began.

Riley pulled her into a tight hug. She was so happy to see Sophia smile. It had been such a dark, dark summer and fall, and she knew this wouldn’t be the end of her friend’s grieving,but to hear her laugh, to see her smile without the pain shining through, to see a light in her eyes even if it was just this morning, made Riley feel like the day was shiny with birds singing, flowers blooming, and warm air wafting in the smell of baking bread even though it was late November.

“I’ve got to get to my garage,” Riley said quickly. “See what lights I have to show him. Maybe I can upsell him two.”

“He doesn’t seem open to persuasion.”

“Don’t harsh my fantasy,” Riley objected. “I’m a businesswoman with legendary skills.”

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