Page 63 of To Tango, with Desire

It was beautiful and so tastefully decorated. I couldn’t quite believe it.

“But how did you know what I—”

“I was going to hire my people to do this and spoke to Tilda about possible options you might like. But when I found out you’d had a consultation with Isabella, it all fell into place.”

I grinned. Of course. Tilda would have made sure her best friend was up for the challenge before beginning such a whirlwind renovation.

“She convinced Isabella to sacrifice her spa weekend to be a part of the plan.”

I bit my lip. “I’ll have to send her something to say thanks.”

“Don’t worry, we’ve been planning this for a while. Isabella made sure that she charged me extra given my demand for a quick turnaround.”

I laughed. “Of course she did.”

When I’d had Isabella visit to talk over renovation plans, I’d assumed that the makeover would be a stretch goal. I wanted to pump all the money I was making back into the business rather than to spend it up here.

But now? I had my very own oasis. My little corner of the world to sit and have my lunch or stretch out when my muscles were bunched and sore.

“So that’s why this weekend was so damn busy.”

“I had to get you away from work somehow. And thanks to me, we have our wedding well under way.”

“Uh-huh. So all the outfits I tried on for the engagement photos were necessary?”

“That was just a personal bonus.” Zane winked.

Now that the shock had begun to fade away, I felt overwhelming gratitude for the gesture. I turned to him, brushing my hand down his arm. “Thank you for doing this. I absolutely love it.”

“You’re not angry?”

“No! Why would I be?”

“I know you want to achieve things on your own, but I wanted to gift this to you. And Isabella had some time off between a few clients so it really was the perfect time.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

“Oh, definitely you. I didn’t hesitate to do this.”

I laughed, suddenly charmed by his arrogance. I had a healthy level of confidence, but what would it be like to feel so damn sure all the time? “I’m shocked,” I teased.

“In all honesty, I did contemplate decorating downstairs for you as well. But I let that go pretty quick, as I know you don’t want me interfering in your business. And I figured when you were ready for the next step, you’d take it. But this? Up here?” He looked around the room, and I could tell he was proud. “It’s personal. And I wanted to give you somewhere that was your own. Somewhere you can sit and rest your feet when you’re sick of me or work or wedding plans.”

I tried not to feel touched by his words but given how up and down our relationship had been, it felt special that he’d arranged this.

“It’s gorgeous.” I glanced around the small kitchen that was now fitted with gleaming, top-of-the-range appliances. The sofa, kitchen table, and TV were positioned in such a way to maximize the small space.

“That’s not all.”

I looked at Zane then took his outstretched hand as he led me to the bedroom.

Once again, it was fully furnished, and sitting on the bed was a care package, filled with all the things I could possibly want to make the place my own. Candles and candy, a plush robe and slippers . . . He’d really thought of everything.

I ran my hand over the duvet and knew that everything in this room must have cost an outrageous amount of money.

I turned and launched myself into his arms.

“Happy?”