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have there.”

    After they dressed, Rachel led him into her backyard. Mark scanned the area then flipped up the clipboard in his hands. He quickly sketched a rough drawing of her yard before turning his attention back to Rachel. “Alright, so give me a basic run down of what you’re looking for.”
    Rachel had imagined her dream backyard so many times she could practically see it in front of her. She couldn’t believe she was finally going to be able to make it happen. She walked down the steps as she talked. “I think a bluestone path, or some type of real rock, would look great curving towards the back.” She swept out her arm and pointed to the back fence.
    “Then sort of out in the back area, I would love some type of wood—I don’t know teak maybe—gazebo that I could put some lounging furniture in. You know the type, metal frame with huge cushions that you just sink into?” she asked, looking at him for understanding.
    When he nodded, she continued walking. “Then maybe back here in the corner, one of those great Italian plum trees.” She closed her eyes, imagining the fresh fruit she could have in the summer. She opened her eyes and grimaced when she saw Mark watching her. “Sorry, got kind of lost in my own imagination”
    “No, don’t apologise. I think it’s great that you have this so thought out. It’ll make my job easier.” He turned his attention to the high, cedar fences. “I love your fences. Twelve feet. It already gives you great privacy. Ever suntan naked back here?” he asked, quirking his eyebrow in question.
    Rachel ducked her head down, sure that her face was beet red.
    “You do! Nice!” He looked around the yard. “Alright, I think I get what you’re looking for. You want a place to just kick-back and relax in complete privacy.” He turned back to look at her. “A sanctuary right?”
    She smiled. “That is exactly what I’m looking for. But I would love it if you could keep my little garden over there.” She indicated the side of her house where she had her vegetable garden tucked away.
    He nodded as he added more drawings and notes to his clipboard. “We could definitely keep that.”
    Mark’s stomach rumbled loudly, and he smacked his hand against his belly. “We’ve got to go eat. I think I have an idea of what you’re looking for. Now that I’ve seen it, we can talk some more over dinner.” He grabbed her hand and steered her towards the deck. “I’m in the mood for pizza. Does that work for you?” Mark asked.
    “Sure.”
    “Great, I know the best pizza place. You’re going to love it,” he told her confidently.
    She nodded. Something about the powerful way he carried himself made him seem so much older than he was. The man was so completely self-assured. Every decision, every movement seemed to be made with such effortless confidence. She envied that.
    While Mark ordered pizza, Rachel opened up a bottle of wine and poured two glasses, then handed Mark one. She inhaled the fruity bouquet, enjoying the aroma of fragrances that combined into one delicious flavour. Her appreciation for wine was the only thing she really had taken away from her marriage.
    Mark placed his wine on the island and wrapped his arms around her waist. “So do you have plans for tomorrow?”
    She glanced over her shoulder. “Not really, why?
    Mark shrugged. “I don’t know. I was thinking maybe it would be fun to check out the flea market.”
    Shock raced through her body. He didn’t just want this to be a one-night stand? “So you want to see me again?”
    “Of course. I don’t know about you, but I don’t generally have that kind of connection with a woman in the bedroom the first time we are together. Do you?”
    She shook her head. “No. But I just kind of assumed it would be a one-time deal with you.”
    “Why would you assume that? Did you want it to just be a one-time thing?” His voice laced with disappointment, he sighed.
    “No, of course not, but I don’t know.