Page 24 of Ignacio

Ignacio’s gaze met Delta’s. “I can imagine her lounging poolside in one of her bikinis,” he said.

Delta’s cheeks heated at the comment. If she didn’t know better, she’d believe he meant that.

Mandy looked away, as if giving them privacy. Little did she know, this was all for show.

Back inside, they strolled through the open-concept living room with a two-sided fireplace and exposed wooden beams above. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave an unobstructed view of the outdoors, which meant she’d have a great view of the garden when spring arrived—well, she wouldn’t be here that long.

The rest of the floor included a half bath, a separate dining room, and a bonus room. There was a gym and media room one floor down, as well as an in-law suite that would allow Ignacio’s live-in housekeeper to have her own space. The media room contained sizable plush seating, and Mandy pointed out that it contained a state-of-the-art sound system.

“You could conduct private screenings here if you like,” the agent pointed out. “Now for you to see the upstairs. There are five bedrooms, five baths, and a bonus room upstairs. The master suite is todiefor.”

Knots tightened in Delta’s stomach in anticipation of seeing the room, but Mandy led them to the other rooms and bathrooms first before she took them to the end, where double doors opened into the primary suite.

“This is the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day,” Mandy said.

The room was empty of furniture, but Delta envisioned a king-sized bed, dressers, and other items in the expansive space. What she saw, she loved, including an area with a built-in bookshelf, where she could place a chaise lounge and turn the space into a cozy reading nook.

There was a fireplace made of sleek marble and stone, perfect for chilly winter nights and falling asleep to its warmth as the flames flickered and cast shadows throughout the room.

“His and hers closets,” Mandy said, pointing.

Then she led them onto the private balcony where a sliding glass door opened to a seating area with the pool and garden visible below. Natural light poured in through the large windows, and Mandy demonstrated how the motorized blackout curtains worked.

“Heated floors in the bathroom. I forgot to mention the floors in the kitchen are heated too.” She strolled across the carpeted floor and pushed open the door to the bathroom.

Inside was a huge shower with a bench and dual rainfall showerheads, as well as a separate jetted tub in front of a frosted window.

“This is lovely,” Delta breathed.

“You like it?” She heard the excitement in the agent’s voice.

“I love it. Everything about this place is… exceptional… calming.” Yes, that was the word she was looking for.

Then she caught herself and froze.

What am I doing?

Choosing this house wasn’t her decision to make. Sure, she’d spend time there over the next few months because of her agreement with Ignacio, but they were looking for a place for him.Hehad to love it, and so far she couldn’t tell if he did or not.

“Mr. Santana?” Mandy prompted, her expression hopeful.

“Do you mind giving us a moment alone?” Ignacio asked.

“Certainly. Take all the time you need.” Mandy left the bedroom and quietly closed the door behind her.

Ignacio looked around the room. “Do you like this house?”

“It’s gorgeous.”

“So you could see yourself living here?” His gaze rested on her. She had the impression her answer was important to him.

“Sure. Not just living here but being inspired here. I love the serenity of the location.”

“We should rent it, then.”

“We?”

“I like it too.”

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