that she’d turn him down. He still wasn’t so sure he could pull off this friend thing, not when he remembered vividly the sweetness of her kisses. But he wanted to give it a try. They’d done the fighting thing and it wasn’t working for him. It was time for a change.
Zoe nodded. “I’d like that.”
“So would I.”
Side by side, they strolled down the beach as the sun sunk lower on the horizon and the water rolled farther up the beach. When a strong breeze rushed past them, Zoe rubbed her arms and he realized she wasn’t wearing a jacket. He slipped off his suit coat and placed it over her shoulders.
After all, that’s what friends do—look out for each other. With a little practice, he just might be able to pull this friendship off. And it felt so much better than arguing.
A PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE had formed.
Dare she call it a friendship?
Zoe had her hands full traveling between Residenza del Rosa, the palace and the beach house. Days turned into a week and then two weeks as rush orders were placed for state-of-the-art office furniture. The pieces were needed for the administrative suite on the second floor of the mansion. Those offices needed to be smart looking as well as functional. That was the easy part.
The common rooms on the first floor would take more effort—more creativity. They would have a different function and hopefully portray a more relaxed mood.
Today, the painting should be underway. She was anxious to see if the shades they’d settled on were the same calming colors once it covered the entire wall. She crossed her fingers for luck. They were running out of time to have additional colors specially mixed and delivered.
The royal sedan pulled right up to the front of the mansion. She immediately noticed that the construction equipment had been removed. New sod had been laid on the front lawn. The end was in sight. When she stepped out of the vehicle, she could still hear some smaller machines as they worked on the back of the building. If she had to guess, she’d say they were working on the landscaping.
Suddenly she got the feeling she was being watched. The hairs on the back of her neck lifted. She looked around as she started up the steps to Residenza del Rosa.
This time, there weren’t any reporters or photographers waiting, but there was something different—the royal security detail was out and about. She was quite certain they weren’t there to secure her safety.
Demetrius was there. Somewhere. Her stomach fluttered with nerves.
She reached the landing at the same moment he stepped out of the front door. He stood there in the early morning sunshine looking quite regal in his navy suit. The top buttons of his shirt were undone giving the slightest hint of his tanned, muscular chest. She knew that chest inch by inch, and she recalled how he had this one ticklish spot on his right side—
She jerked her meandering thoughts to a sudden halt. She couldn’t go there. No way. Not even now that she knew they were legally husband and wife. She didn’t want to jeopardize this brand-new friendship.
Demetrius strode over to her. “Are you that disappointed at seeing me?”
“What? Um. No. Just surprised is all.”
“Well, if you keep frowning like that when we’re together, rumors are going to start.”
“Oh.” She immediately smiled.
“That’s much better.”
He was so handsome. Her gaze moved from his strong jaw, to his kissable lips and up to his eyes that were staring back at her. Her heart tip-tapped. Remember to keep things light. Don’t ruin things.
She swallowed hard. “What’s brought you here this morning?”
“I was just notified that all of the invitations for the Royal Christmas Ball have gone out to the select group of guests. I need to make sure that everything here is progressing as planned. Are there any problems I should be aware of?”
Again, she had the feeling she was being watched. She glanced around. Who was it? She grew frustrated, not being able to locate anyone. Maybe she was just being paranoid after her run-ins with that persistent reporter.
“Zoe, did you hear me?”
“Um, what?” She didn’t want to mention anything and sound paranoid. After all, it was just a feeling. Thankfully, she hadn’t seen the creepy reporter in a few weeks, not since the night Demetrius showed up at her apartment. Surely by now he’d given up.
Demetrius’s brows drew together. “Zoe, what’s the matter? You haven’t heard a word I’ve said.”
She gave the area one last glance before turning her full attention back to Demetrius. “The progress of the mansion is on schedule. As of right now, the administrative suite upstairs is painted and scheduled to be carpeted tomorrow. The furniture is being shipped express. The staff will be able to move in shortly. I know that’s a priority.” She started for the entrance. “As for the common rooms, I’ve been in daily contact with the various contractors. In fact, today the paint is already going up on the walls.”
Demetrius stopped just outside the front door and turned to her. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to tell you that you’ve done a really good job with this project so far.”
“Really?” His compliment made her heart do the tip-tap-tap rhythm again. “But you haven’t even seen it yet.”
“I’ve seen the progression of your sketches and I know that you’ve been on top of the whole project. I’m certain that it’s going to turn heads.”
“Grazie. And I don’t just mean for your kind words. I mean for giving me this great opportunity.”
“It wasn’t altruistic. I needed the best, and you are it. A rising star.”
It felt so strange to talk to him like this, but she eagerly welcomed the friendly words. “Shall we go inside and see how the color scheme is panning out?”
He nodded. He pulled the door open for her.
She stepped inside the foyer and was immediately greeted by the serenity of blue walls with a cloud-white trim. It all blended beautifully with the white marble floor woven with a gray-and-brown mineral pattern. She smiled. So far so good.
A gentle breeze rushed past her carrying with it the scent of fresh paint. She loved the smell. It meant that one of her many sketches was being brought to life. Her hands clenched as a mixture of excitement and worry collided. There were times when projects didn’t turn out quite as expected. Please don’t let this be one of those times.
She couldn’t wait to see the ballroom. It was to be the shimmering jewel of this entire project. She turned in that direction when she heard Demetrius clear his throat.
She stifled a sigh and turned. “Did you have someplace in particular that you wanted to start?”
He nodded in the opposite
