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A few moments later, as they stood there before the sign at the end of the driveway, she dialed a number and heard a voice.
“Kathryn? Hey, how are you?” she began easily, trying to sound professional as she glared at Ian. “Yes. I know it’s getting late, but I’ve got an issue. I have a client that is in town for a very limited time frame, and he’s asking to see the house you have listed on College Street in the District.”
She listened as the other woman rambled on, giving her the spiel regarding how the ‘owners loved the home’, ‘hated to move’, ‘very particular on appointments’… and then she heard those magical words.
“…They are already in Seattle waiting to sell this house so they can close on their new one,” and June turned away from Ian, letting the powerhouse within her take over.
“Yes, my client is extremely interested and already preapproved for his loan. The house is in the right location, right neighborhood, and he loved the essence of the home from the street. He wants to see it immediately, and is quite adamant on it. I know your clients are concerned about it going to a good owner, but rest assured – if he bites, it would be.”
“You bet your sweet, shapely…” Ian muttered behind her – and she threw out a hand behind her to silence him.
“The house is empty,” Kathryn said hesitantly. “I normally like to be there when it’s shown…”
“I can call you the moment we leave. Ten minutes, Kathryn. I’ll give you the scoop on what he says so we can close this deal, okay?” June promised, already thinking of ways to back out. Needs more space, not enough bedrooms, too big, too small, wanted a pool, etc…
“Alright. I’ll make my notes and talk to you soon.”
“Perfect. I’ll get the lockbox and call you in a few.”
Hanging up the phone, she whirled around on Ian and put her finger in his face.
“Do not make me do this again,” she snarled in a hushed voice – only for him to lean forward and kiss her fingertip.
“Thank you,” he said softly, completely disarming her. “Let’s go daydream.”
“This is ridiculous, and I don’t know why on earth…” she grumbled, digging in her purse for her key box to get inside the lockbox to fish out the front door key. Digging it out, she quickly opened it, inserting the key in the door, while still muttering hotly. “… I let you talk me into all these foolish things. You aren’t buying a house, and I’m certainly not. This is just being nosy, and crossing so many lines right now it’s not even…”
Her voice trailed off as she opened the front door and stared in awe.
“Oh wow…” Ian volunteered in a soft voice, over her shoulder.
“Realtor…?” she called out and hesitated, waiting for an answer – just in case there was a maid, cleaner, or anyone else here showing the house.
Silence.
“Indulge me,” she heard, and felt Ian scoop her up into his arms, stepping into the house as she looked at him in disbelief. It was not lost on her what he was doing… carrying her over the threshold, just like a groom.
June immediately wiggled to get down and heard him laugh as he set her down on the pristine wood floors. She kicked off her heels and sank downwards to her bare feet encased in stockings… only to see Ian’s smile widen.
“Awww.”
“Hush!”
“It’s cute.”
“Your timer is going.”
He grinned and took her hand in his – and she didn’t pull away. Instead, she let herself slip into this fantasy he’d talked her into, pretending they were looking at the place, and imagining what would never be.
The house was breathtaking.
As she entered, there was a small office to the right and a formal dining room to the left, with an entryway that passed under a ‘bridge’ for the upper floor. It emptied into a formal dining room that was full of windows overlooking a courtyard, like something out of a dream.
“Oh look,” he smiled, teasing her. “A doggie door for Gigi.”
“I’m sure this place has everything,” she retorted, but her eyes were touching all the elements that caught her attention. Cornices, the wrought iron twisted railings, carved kitchen cabinets against the dark granite countertops.
This was so incredibly beautiful,she mused, and swallowed silently as they moved about the house. There was a large washroom with a built-in pantry just off the kitchen, complete with cubbies for a mudroom.
