A Friendly Engagement by Christine Warner Page B

front door and ushered them inside.
    “Love it.” Devi stopped inside the doorway, taking in the two-story foyer with the Gone with the Wind staircase. “Wow,” she whispered. “I was in awe driving up, but that staircase… I’m speechless.”
    Pride etched William’s square shoulders and his smile. “Thank you, again. I wish I could spend all of my time here. Maybe someday.” He winked at Omar. “I also just had a tennis court installed. Do you play, Omar?”
    “I’m no pro, but I’ve been known to hit a few tennis balls around. You name the time, and I’ll be there.”
    William’s genuine laugh filled the space around them. “Believe me, I’m not a pro, either, but I do like the exercise. Devi, do you play?”
    “The closest I’ve come is badminton, but I’ll try anything once.”
    “And she means that, William.” Omar wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to his side. The familiarity took her by surprise, but only for a second. She better get used to their contact. At least this week. She relaxed against him and breathed in his light cologne. Another piece of heaven.
    “I like that. Come on. I don’t want to hold you up from settling in so you can join the others. Let me show you to your room.”
    “Sounds good,” Omar said.
    They followed William upstairs. Devi had a good feeling about this man. She’d overreacted earlier. He liked her and Omar, and she instantly liked him and was confident Omar felt the same. If Esterly won this contract, William Bartow would be an amazing client to have on board.
    They ventured down a long, spacious hallway with a variety of artwork from modern to Renaissance to traditional. She made a mental note to put aside some time and check them all out at greater length. At the end of the hall they stopped before an impressive set of dark-stained double doors. A field of flowers was carved into the wood.
    “I’m sorry I had to put you at the end of the hall. I wanted everyone to enjoy a suite, but they were all taken. With most of the others having families, I thought it best to give them more space. Not that your room isn’t spacious, by any means, but it doesn’t include a separate living space with additional bedrooms.”
    “Understandable.” Omar stood aside after William opened the doors so Devi could enter first.
    “I’m sure you’ll be comfortable here. And to be honest, the views from this wing are spectacular.”
    “Oh my goodness. That’s putting it mildly.” Devi’s hand flew to her throat, and she fingered the rose locket that had been her mother’s. She couldn’t take her eyes off the bank of windows and the view beyond.
    Swaying trees with sweeping glimpses of the ocean filled the wall of windows before her. She barely noticed the California King, the vase of roses on the bedside table, or the soothing shades of blue on the walls, rugs, and furniture.
    She made her way across the room and pulled open the French doors, breathing in the clean air that gently swam into the room. “I think you gave us the best room in the house.”
    The men joined her at the window as the man who’d been instructed to grab their luggage stepped into the room and discreetly placed their bags beside the narrow table inside the door.
    “Well, I’ll leave you two to it then. I’m glad you’re happy with the room.” William shook Omar’s hand again and squeezed Devi’s hand briefly. “When you’re ready, just follow the staircase to the foyer, turn right, and you can’t miss the French doors that’ll take you onto the veranda and the pool.”
    “See you soon.” Omar followed him to the door.
    “Thank you, again.” Devi released a breath as the door closed.
    She twirled around and landed on the bed. “I didn’t expect a room like this. Of course I had no clue what I expected. But this is luxury at its finest.” She sprang off the bed and held the shimmery fabric of the drapes aside. “This view rivals a postcard.”
    Devi could