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‘You want the job, I want you to do it. So, you’re hired.’

‘Sylvie,’ Jamie started. ‘That’s really kind, but you should shop around for quotes, consider other designs…’

‘Nonsense. I like this design, and you’re not going to rip me off. I trust Mia and she trusts you.’

‘Umm…’ This wasn’t how business should be done. There were supposed to be negotiations, quotes, formal offers and contracts. He was about to try to explain this to Sylvie, but all those thoughts vanished at the sight of the visitor in the doorway. For a second, he could have sworn his heart actually skipped a beat. She wore a high-necked turquoise jumper that tucked into her jeans, and had dark, silky hair that cascaded in a loose braid over one shoulder, drawing emphasis to her large, deep brown eyes and glossy lips.

She was beautiful. Spectacular. Literally stunning.

‘Sorry.’ The vision spoke. ‘I hadn’t meant to interrupt. I was just in the area and wanted to drop off the wrist splints for you to try, Sylvie.’

‘That’s so kind. Thank you. And you’re not interrupting. We were just about to make another pot of tea, so your timing is perfect. Have you a few minutes to come in and meet my new friend Jamie? He’s going to build my new house! Have a look at the designs. Mia, would you mind grabbing another plate? I’ve got some of Aiden’s elderflower, lemon and apple buns in a tin.’

‘For your son’s baking, I’ll make the time. And I don’t think I’ve ever tried an elderflower bun – so I’m intrigued.’

‘Wonderful. Take a seat. But we’re not telling Aiden about this.’

‘We’re not?’

‘It’s going to be a surprise for him,’ Mia explained, smiling, and Jamie realised he’d never seen his old friend so happy. ‘Is that OK?’

‘I’m here for Sylvie, not Aiden. Besides’ – she grinned as she sat down next to Jamie – ‘after how we met it’ll serve him right.’

‘Did I forget something else?’ Sylvie asked.

‘No.’ She laughed, and the sound vibrated through Jamie, making his magic tingle. ‘He mistook me for Mia and pinched my arse. Keeping this from him will be good payback.’ The vision turned to him and held out a delicate hand. ‘Hello, Jamie. It’s nice to meet you.’

As soon as her hand touched his, the world dimmed around him and his magic flared deep inside – pulling him into the quiet, calm place where his inspiration and focus were strongest. It was the same feeling as when he sketched plans and saw buildings as he drew. But instead of smooth concrete and warm wood, it was soft brown skin and a tangle of cool, silky hair he envisioned beneath his fingers. And when he inhaled, it wasn’t resins, varnishes and plaster he breathed in, it was the soft scent of rose and jasmine and something much sweeter and more intimate.

‘Nguhnugo.’ He swallowed, almost choking on his tongue. ‘It’s mice to neet you too.’

Mia spluttered and, when he looked over, was giving him the oddest look – like he’d suddenly started speaking in tongues. Oh hell. He cleared his throat, wondering why he’d suddenly turned into a crazy fool with fritzing magic, then tried again. ‘I mean, it’s nice to meet you too.’

Thankfully, the exotic beauty ignored his dumb-arsery, behaving with far more grace than Mia – who was now giggling behind a plate. Apparently, she’d heard the squeaky awkwardness in his voice. He guessed he was coming down with something. Or maybe there was more than a little inspirational magic in those too-addictive-to-be-innocent biscuits. No wonder Mia was giggling, if she’d known this would happen.

‘I’m Amrita.’ Her hand was warm and delicate, decorated with a fascinating pattern of swirling tan vines, flowers and diamonds that blossomed and flowed across her palm, over her fingers and the back of her hand to reach up her wrist.

‘She’s in charge of getting me moving again and helping me to kick Huntington’s arse for as long as possible,’ Sylvie added. ‘We’re going to make it sorry it ever messed with me!’

‘Yeah, we are.’ Amrita – even her name was beautiful – smiled and Jamie had to consciously remind himself to breathe. Not that it helped, because it just meant breathing in more of her brain-boggling scent. ‘Sounds like you’ve been co-opted into helping?’

‘Uh huh.’ Jamie nodded. It was far from intelligent speech, but at least it was marginally better than the half-strangled greeting he’d offered. What the hell was wrong with him?

‘Are you really going to build Sylvie’s new house?’

‘Yeah.’ Well done, Jamie Collins, an entire single syllable that was actually vaguely recognisable as English. He did his best to ignore the amused looks Mia was still giving him and concentrated on shuffling his thoughts – and more syllables – so he could try to sound vaguely intelligent.

Amrita leaned forward, light dancing in her dark eyes. ‘Are you planning to do that with just one hand, or can I have mine back?’

‘Sorry.’ He snatched his hand away.

‘I guess that means you’re part of Sylvie’s dream team, too.’

He realised she was still watching him. ‘I… um… I mean, I think I’m going to build it… as of a few minutes ago. I work in construction, and Mia asked if I’d have a chat with Sylvie, and it sort of spiralled from there.’

‘She does tend to be very enthusiastic.’ Amrita smiled again, and Jamie felt like he’d taken a huge gulp of hot tea, with sweetness and warmth gathering in his throat. ‘It makes her a brilliant patient, and a joy to work with.’

‘Thank you, Amrita. But you know I’m only following your very good directions.’ Sylvie smiled as she offered them the cake tin. ‘Jamie, why don’t you show Amrita the plans? I’d value her input. She’s helped with the adaptations here, and things I might want in the future.’