“Yeah,” I reply, for the first time actually picturing myself living here. Being here every night. Can I do that?

“So the launch on Friday evening,” Chris says. “The developers wanted to showcase it before signing off. You know, get investors interested in their upcoming projects. It’s also a good opportunity for all the contractors and companies who have worked on the project to network.”

“Yes, Sarah mentioned it.” I pull up, thinking. A launch. Showcasing. Networking. She’ll be here.

“You should come.”

Chris reads my mind, and I turn a smile onto him. “You know, I think I will.” I back up into the open-plan lounge, looking up the back-lit staircase. The detail she’s put into this. It’s incredible.

“Actually,” Chris says, pulling my attention back to him. He smiles, and I know what’s coming. I laugh under my breath and head out the bifold doors onto the terrace. The jacuzzi, the limestone slabs, the sun loungers. All this would be wasted if I didn’t stay here. The view over the docks. I didn’t give that the time of day either. It’s stunning. I feel like my eyes are open for the first time in as long as I can remember.

Chris follows me out, joining me to take in the view. “I noticed you’re . . . well . . .” He can’t locate his words, and I find it highly amusing.

“You been looking into me?’ I ask, slipping my hands into my pockets.

He chuckles. It’s awkward as fuck. “We have to check the financial stability of anyone who offers on our properties, of course.”

“Of course,” I murmur. Come on, Chris. Spit it out.

“Well, anyway, it came to my attention that you own . . . run . . . have . . .”

This is getting embarrassing. I cast my eyes over to him. “The Manor,” I say. “It’s called The Manor.”

“Yes. The Manor. And what would one do to become a member of The Manor?”

“One gets endorsed.”

“How?”

“By other members who can vouch for them.”

“Oh. I don’t know any other members.” He frowns at the view, and I smile.

“You know me, Chris,” I say, putting him out of his misery. I’m done playing with him. “And lucky for you, I’m not just a member, by default, of course. I also own it.” I reach into my pocket and pull out a card, handing it to him. “Call Sarah. She’ll fix you up.” The look on his face. Anyone would think I’d just given him a free pass to paradise. Yes, it’s paradise for many. But it certainly won’t be free. Perhaps his commission on this place will cover it. At least, for a while.

He takes the card and I head back inside. “I won’t be too long.”