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“Both.”

Now that she mentions it, I see what she means. “And that’s not the sort of character you want?”

“For me, no. But if you like it, then go for it.”

If Nia is going to live there with me and character matters, then I want her to be happy. I can be comfortable almost anywhere. “What about this?”

She bobs her head a few times. “I can’t fault anything about it. The price tag and size are coming down a little. It just…doesn’t do much for me. The ocean views are insane, I admit. But it’s…meh.”

“What’s your favorite style?” Griff asks.

When I look up, he’s not watching Nia for her reply. He’s staring at me, his expression dissecting. He’s already figured out I’ll let her choose the house. His raised brow also says he thinks that’s very interesting…

“Oh!” Nia stops on a page suddenly, her eyes going wide.

“Yeah, when I looked at that, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. It looks…”

“Totally charming.” A smile lights up her face.

Really? “I was going to say mountain cabin meets tropical cabana.”

She nods enthusiastically. “The rustic wooden beams framing the family room add so much visual interest. But then the carved balusters and iron spindles make it look more refined. The wainscoting around the room ties it all together. Nothing is predictable. The kitchen is transitional with an almost cottage vibe, but it’s definitely big enough. And that Sub-Zero refrigerator!”

Griff warms to the subject. “Four patios, three facing the ocean. An outdoor shower, a library, a home office, a pool…”

“And a fireplace in the master,” she breathes.

“Which you’ll never use in Maui.” Maxon chuffs. “Trust me, you’ll look at it longingly a lot and turn on the ceiling fans.”

“The fans sound practical,” I mutter, wondering why anyone would build a fireplace in a home where the temperature rarely falls below seventy degrees.

The smile disappears from Nia’s face. “You’re right. Never mind.”

Providing well for her is one of the things I can do. So is indulging her. If she wants a fireplace, I don’t understand…but if that will help persuade her to marry me, she’ll have a damn fireplace.

While she’s looking out the window to her left, I catch Griff’s stare and point to the listing in my hand. He nods and thankfully fills the rest of the drive by catching us up on some possible locations they’ve found for my offices.

Finally, we reach Noah and Harlow’s massive place. Noah comes out to greet me, carrying a huge pair of tongs and wearing an apron that reads i turn grills on. He gives me a brief, brotherly hug. “Good to see you, Evan.”

“You, too. Thanks for letting me stay with you for the holiday.”

“We’re family, man.”

I smile. After spending a lot of years without one, having the boisterous Reed clan is a blessing. “I hope you don’t mind one more to the party. Noah, this is Nia. And she’s a fan of yours.”

“Then she’s definitely welcome.” He puts out his hand. “Hi.”

“Oh, my god. Hi. If my mom was still alive, she’d be freaking right now with me. She was a fan, too.”

“Thanks. Sorry for your loss.”

“I appreciate that.”

When she falls a little quiet, I wrap my arm around her, caress her shoulder. It’s my silent way of telling her I’m here for her. I wasn’t there much when her mother died. I gave her whatever time off she needed. I didn’t attend the funeral; Becca didn’t think it would be appropriate or welcome. I didn’t see a reason to disagree. I assumed she had other friends and family to help her along. I didn’t realize until now how alone she must have felt, and I regret that.

“Gorgeous place,” Nia murmurs. “Thanks for letting me crash your holiday.”

Noah takes in my possessive stance and smiles. “Not at all. We’re glad you came.”