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‘They’re not plans yet, Sylvie. Barely even concept sketches really. If you could let me have a couple of days, I could come up with something much better.’

‘I’m sure they’re fine.’ Amrita smiled at him again, sending his brain for another loop as his magic slammed him with the image of them dancing, her laughing happily in his arms, his hand on her bare waist as she reached up to stroke her thumb along his cheek… The imagery was so vivid he found himself reaching up to the warm, tingling spot on his face.

‘Well, are you going to hand them over? Come on, it’s just to have a chat about future-proofing Sylvie’s home. Talking about it now – when it’s so early a draft – might be good.’

‘Maybe.’ He hesitated, still not wanting her to see his scruffy scribbles.

He looked to Mia, hoping his friend would be of some help, but she was already distracted and rummaging in her bag. After a couple of seconds she held up her phone. ‘Sorry, got to take this.’ And then she was backing out of the room, leaving him with the new client he hadn’t expected to take on and the quite-literally-stunning woman watching him.

‘Come on.’ Amrita nudged him with her elbow, the simple, usually meaningless movement sending a shockwave through him. ‘I bet your rough drafts are much better than anything I could draw. I struggle with stickmen, so won’t judge!’

‘I guess.’ He had to concentrate just to get those two words out in the right order.

* * *

Amrita wondered what his problem was, and why she was bothering when he was being such a melt. She’d thought Mia – and Sylvie, in the brief time she’d known her – were better judges of character. Yet this Jamie had barely bothered to speak with her, didn’t want to share his drawings, and scarcely acknowledged her existence. Maybe he was a bit awkward, but that didn’t give him any right to be as rude as he was. He’d barely met her eyes, and had done that ridiculous thing some men did where he’d held on to her hand longer than necessary, as if trying to intimidate her. It was almost as if he’d guessed she’d probably have some problems with his plans and was trying to put her off saying anything. As if that would work.

Ignoring his behaviour, she reached over and pulled the designs to where she could more easily see them. She flicked through them slowly, making mental notes over the bits that worried her the most. They were definitely pretty, and she could appreciate that but – as she’d suspected – there were some areas that hadn’t been fully thought through.

‘Aren’t they gorgeous?’ Sylvie trilled.

‘They are.’ Amrita nodded. ‘I can see why you’d be excited about living here…’

‘I know that tone. You’re about to say there’s something wrong.’

‘Not wrong exactly.’ Amrita peered at the designs again.

‘That’s the same tone you used when lecturing me about why I need the Walking Frame of Evil. Are you saying I don’t need it any more?’

‘No, you still do.’ Amrita had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. She didn’t let Sylvie get away with anything, but the older woman more than held her own in return. ‘You’re right, I do have some concerns about the designs.’

‘But they’re beautiful,’ Sylvie insisted. ‘Did you see the stained-glass roof light and water feature?’

‘I did, and they’re lovely, but I’m not sure they’re workable in the longer term…’

‘These designs are what Sylvie asked for.’ Jamie finally found his voice properly – just in time to disagree with her.

She glared at him and was struck by the peculiar blueish-grey of his eyes – almost like a cloudy sky. It threw her for a second. One that he took advantage of. ‘They really are great designs. There’s nothing wrong with them.’

‘Is that what you really think?’ Amrita felt old irritations start to rise.

‘I think the designs are exactly what my client asked for. And I think my client loves them.’

‘Actually, I think Sylvie, who is my patient,’ Amrita replied, super sweetly, ‘said she’d value my opinion.’

‘And what is that opinion?’ As hard as she tried, Amrita couldn’t read his expression or tone.

‘I think they’re really pretty, Sylvie.’ Amrita smiled at the older woman. ‘But I think there are some adjustments that you really should consider making.’

‘Do you know a lot about architecture and design?’ Jamie was tapping his pen against the table, and the sound annoyed her further, fizzing irritation through her veins. ‘Because I do and I think these are something quite special and beautiful.’

‘I didn’t say they weren’t beautiful. I just don’t think they’re going to meet Sylvie’s needs.’

‘I’ve won awards for my work.’

‘Then you do know better; you’re just not doing it for Sylvie.’

‘Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?’ He sounded almost amused, which just irritated her – if it were possible – even more than his relentless pen-tapping.