Page 23 of Ignacio

The gate opened, and the guard waved them through.

They had already spent three hours touring homes in Buckhead. Delta couldn’t tell if Ignacio liked any of them, as he kept his communication to head nods and soft grunts. If she were his agent, she wouldn’t have a clue if her client was pleased or not.

She herself had been less than thrilled by the options, but since she wasn’t paying for the rental and would be moving out as soon as their ruse was over, she had withheld her negativeopinions. Unlike Ignacio, she smiled and nodded when the agent pointed out appealing features.

Ignacio’s red Corvette crawled slowly through the streets. Each home was uniquely designed and surrounded by lush greenery, with lawns spread out before them like carpets. Finally, they arrived at a large Mediterranean-style home in a cul-de-sac. With the exterior made of neutral stucco, the house featured arched windows and imposing solid wood double doors at the front.

Ignacio climbed out of the car, and she watched him as he walked around to the front. He wore loose-fitting jeans and a black long-sleeved Brunello Cucinelli T-shirt, the fabric fitting snugly across his broad chest and highlighting his biceps. A black ring adorned his forefinger, and a black cuff encircled his wrist. His brown and blond curls were effortlessly combed into a high-low style.

She had fashioned her own hair into a loose top knot and wore burgundy joggers with a matching sweatshirt. They had both agreed casual dress made them seem like any other couple searching for a place on a Saturday afternoon. It gave the impression that they were comfortable with each other, which was important when the photos were splashed inside magazines and across the Internet.

Ignacio opened her door, his mouth curving into the kind of smile that melted hearts on-screen and stole breaths in real life. Her mind drifted to the kiss last weekend—an undeniable erotic experience she couldn’t forget. The way he had gently tugged her lower lip… teasing, making her wet, making her ache to sit on his face and have his probing tongue slide across her swollen clit.

Casually, he took her hand, and electricity sizzled beneath Delta’s skin. They had already touched several times today at the other houses they looked at, yet she hadn’t become accustomedto his touch. His hand was warm. Firm. Possessive. Exactly the type of message they wanted to convey to their audience of one.

Delta exited the vehicle, her breath hitching in her throat when she looked into his eyes—gray eyes that held hers captive. His gaze dipped to her lips and lingered long enough to make her knees soften in betrayal.

Be strong, girl.

The spell broke when Mandy Howard, the agent, approached them. Delta blinked and turned to the older woman.

“This way,” Mandy said, with a charming Southern accent.

Her rust-red hair barely touched her shoulders. She wore a lightweight teal coat over her dress and a tasteful amount of gold jewelry.

As they approached the door, Delta was acutely aware of Ignacio’s hand around hers. It felt… comfortable. Dangerously comfortable. She was playing a part but worried she was walking into a blazing fire, which had been waiting to consume her ever since her father led her up the elevator to Ignacio’s condo.

Clutching a notepad to her chest, Mandy pointed to the left. “There’s a three-car garage with additional parking in a detached garage in the back. The house sits on an acre lot. With all the trees and shrubbery, you’ll have plenty of privacy without feeling isolated. What do you think so far?”

“Very nice,” Delta said, impressed by the meticulously landscaped front yard and the manicured hedges lining the circular driveway. The entire house was set back from the street, partially hidden by trees that only allowed a glimpse of the driveway and a peek at the second story.

Ignacio kept his opinion to himself but nodded, suggesting he agreed with Delta’s assessment.

“We can walk around outside in a bit. The property has a top-notch security system with cameras. Something the two of you need to keep out the paparazzi and the crazies, I’m sure.” Mandylaughed. “Now let’s take a look at the gorgeous interior. Right this way.”

She opened the front door and gestured for them to precede her inside. Still holding hands, they walked through the interior.

“It’s been empty for a couple of months since the last tenant moved out. The owners live overseas and are anxious to rent it, so if there’s anything you don’t like, let me know, and I’m sure we can negotiate a concession,” Mandy said.

She took them into the kitchen, where there were quartz countertops and high-end appliances polished to a shine. A ceiling-mounted wrought-iron pot rack hung above the massive island with an assortment of stainless steel and copper cookware, adding to the kitchen’s gourmet feel.

For the first time today, Delta experienced an awakening, as if she had just woken up from a long overdue nap. Her lips slightly parted in awe.

The home she had purchased in Buckhead years ago was nice, but it wasn’t really her style. Her father had convinced her to buy it—calling the purchase a good deal at the time. And it was, sold well below market value. But she had neverlovedthe property. She could actually see herself living happily inthishouse, with its elegant arches and tile floor. She imagined sipping wine on one of the barstools while a pot of sauce simmered on the stovetop.

Mandy opened the French doors, and they stepped onto the terrace, where Delta drew an impressed breath. Chairs were arranged in front of an outdoor fireplace, and beyond, a white stone path wound through the garden, where a few lingering roses adorned the bushes.

“You don’t have the full effect now because it’s fall, but during the spring, the garden is filled with roses and creeping jasmine that fill the air with their scent. It’s quite lovely,” Mandy said.

Delta relinquished Ignacio’s hand and ran her fingers along one of the sturdy columns on the terrace. She imagined sitting on the bench down the path and enjoying the sun or simply picking flowers to place in a vase that would rest on the island in the kitchen. If Ignacio didn’t want this place, she might be tempted to rent it herself.

“Do you swim?” Mandy asked.

“We do,” Ignacio replied.

“Well, you’ll appreciate this.” She led them to the huge kidney-shaped pool containing a waterslide and surrounded by flagstone decking, with a covered hot tub nearby. Loungers and a table with additional chairs were neatly arranged to make the space a dream for relaxing.

“Doesn’t that look like fun?” Mandy asked, her eyes sparkling.

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