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"Xavier likes to design, too." Antonio tells her with a smile. "He can smell another designer from a mile away."
Her eyes sparkle with fascination. "You're a designer?"
"No, I just like to design things here and there. The dress you're wearing, for one, is my favorite," I shrug, eyeing her over the rim of my glass. I set it down. "At least, it is now that I see it in action."
Her jaw drops "You? You designed this?!"
I chuckle lightly. "Yes, I did design the dress--though I didn't physically make it."
She remains speechless as she takes in my confession, her gaze no longer focused on the dinner table before us but instead fixed solely upon mine. So, as a surprise for her, before I can fully process what's happening or even say anything in response to Mia's surprise and shock at my confession, one of my attendants appear near me ready to fulfill any command of mine when he hears his name from my lips: “Cancel my appointments for the remainder of the day; we’ll be spending time with Mia here today."
"W-What? Oh, you don't- I don't..." Again, she's speechless.
I laugh quietly, pushing back my chair and coming to a stand. I extend my hand towards her. "It's settled then. We can spend the rest of the day here, getting to know each other better."
A shy smile forms on her face and she takes my hand hesitantly as I help her up from the chair and lead us away from lunch; Sullivan and Antonio trailing behind us like shadows, no doubt watching the sashay of her hips with as much intent as I am.
As we step outside, the warm sun greets us with a gentle breeze. I turn to Mia, admiring how her hair flows in the wind.
"So, what do you say we take a walk around the estate?" I gesture towards the vast expanse before us. "I'd love to show you around."
She nods eagerly, her eyes brightening with excitement. "I'd love that."
Without waiting for any further invitation, I lead her towards the gardens. Along the way, we talk about everything under the sun; music, art, politics- anything and everything that comes to mind. It's refreshing to converse with someone so intelligent and passionate about life.
As we make our way through the vibrant gardens filled with lush flowers and foliage, I can't help but feel drawn towards her. Her presence is intoxicating and magnetic; like a moth to a flame.
Suddenly, she stops in her tracks, gazing at a bed of lilies.
"These are my favorite," she murmurs softly.
I smile, taking in the sight of her slender figure standing amidst the sea of white petals. Without thinking, I reach out to brush my fingers against the soft petals of a nearby blossom.
"They're beautiful," I agree quietly. "Just like you."
Her surprise slowly becomes guarded as she looks at me. "You're quite the charmer, Xavier." Mia laughs, breaking me out of my thoughts. "You managed to make canceling your appointments sound like it was no big deal."
I smirk at her comment. "Of course. When you're in my position, you learn how to make things happen with ease."
She nods along in agreement before turning her attention back to the scenery before us. Something about the way she's taking it all in makes me realize that there's more to Mia than meets the eye.
"So, tell me more about yourself," I prompt her, eager to gain some insight.
She shrugs as we start walking again. "I'm a small town girl living it up in the city."
I raise a brow. "Why do I sense there's more to the story than that?"
"Oh, there definitely is," Antonio insists with a grin, earning a sheepish smile from her.
Mia's cheeks flush at the attention, but she takes a deep breath, as if mentally preparing herself to share something personal. "Well, I've always been one for adventure," she confesses. "Growing up in a small town, I always felt like there was so much more out there waiting for me. When I was accepted to a university in Las Vegas for design, I jumped at the chance to chase my dreams."
I nod in understanding, admiring her drive and determination. "You must be quite talented," I remark, genuinely intrigued.
She shrugs modestly. "I don't know about that, but I definitely have a passion for it."
"Passion is everything," I agree with a smile. "It's what drives us forward and makes life worth living."
Her attention shifts around us again. "Your property really is magnificent. And you all live here together?"
