Chapter 50 (1/2)

I hastily pour the wine, gather all three glasses in my hands and hurry back to my knight in distress. Offering a glass to Gia, I deliberately position myself between them. She smiles courteously as she accepts it. I hand the second to Christian, who takes it eagerly, his expression one of amused gratitude.

”Cheers,” Christian says to us both, but looking at me. Gia and I raise our glasses and answer in unison. I take a welcome sip of wine.

”Ana, you have some issues with the glass wall?” Gia asks.

”Yes. I love it - don't get me wrong. But I was hoping that we could incorporate it more sympathetically into the house. After all, I fell in love with the house as it was, and I don't want to make any radical changes.”

”I see.”

”I just want it to be more sympathetic. More in keeping with the original house.” I glance up at Christian, who is gazing at me thoughtfully.

”No major renovations?” he murmurs.

”No.” I shake my head to emphasize my point.

”You like it as it is?”

”Mostly, yes. I always knew it just needed some TLC.”

Christian's eyes glow warmly.

Gia glances at the pair of us, and her cheeks pink. ”Okay,” she says.

”I think I get where you're coming from, Ana. How about if we retain the glass wall, but have it open out onto a larger deck that's in keeping with the Mediterranean style. We have the stone terrace there already. We can put in pillars in matching stone, widely spaced so you'll still have the view. Add a glass roof, or tile it as per the rest of the house. It'll also make a sheltered al fresco dining and seated area.”

Got to give the woman her due . . . she's good.

”Or instead of the deck, we could incorporate a wood color of your choice into the glass doors - that might help to keep the Mediterranean spirit,” she continues.

”Like the bright blue shutters in the South of France,” I murmur to Christian, who is watching me intently. He takes a sip of wine and shrugs, very noncommittal. Hmm. He doesn't like that idea but he doesn't overrule me, shout me down or make me feel stupid. God, this man is a mass of contradictions. His words from yesterday come to mind: ”I want this house to be the way you want. Whatever you want. It's yours.” He wants me to be happy - happy in everything I do. Deep down I think I know this. It's just - I stop myself. Don't think about our argument now. My subconscious glares at me. Gia is looking at Christian, waiting for him to make the decision. I watch as her pupils dilate and her glossed lips part. Her tongue darts quickly over her top lip before she takes a sip of her wine. When I turn to Christian, he's still looking at me - not at her at all. Yes! My inner goddess fist pumps the air. I am going to have words with Ms. Matteo.

”Ana, what do you want to do?” Christian murmurs, very clearly deferring to me.

”I like the deck idea.”

”Me, too.”

I turn back to Gia. Hey, lady, look at me, not him. I'm the one making the decisions on this. ”I think I'd like to see revised drawings showing the bigger deck and pillars that are in keeping with the house.”