Hearts and Estates

By Emma Nate

A passion for real estate, a professional rivalry, and a secret romance that could threaten everything.

Growing up, Erica quickly developed the fearlessness and independence needed to create her own business-breaking down glass ceilings in a male-dominated real estate industry.

And she isn't j

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma Nate
• Release date: Apr 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869287458

Book preview

Prologue

Prologue

A crowded networking event at the heart of New York City was the place where our heroes first met. Erica Hayes and Henry Blackwell almost instantly felt a spark between them, which ignited into a fire of passion. This venue was a congregation of a plethora of professionals in the real estate business, but for Erica and Henry, there was more to that.

Miss Hayes’s biography spoke for itself. A self-made real estate mogul, she had climbed her way up from the edge of poverty. She could impress anyone who saw her long, straight brown hair, pale, easily blushing skin, and cat-like blue eyes shining with curiosity. That evening, she was in a navy-blue gown, flattering her petite and curvy figure and demonstrating her great taste in clothes. Notwithstanding the global commitment to equity, the cutthroat real estate society still frequently underestimates women’s achievements—a reflection of gender discrimination or any other covertly operating issues. However, Erica encountered all the challenges on her path with sarcasm and dignity. In his turn, Henry came across as quite a charismatic person in this room. Wearing a sharp suit was the right choice, for it accentuated his well-built physique as well as his mesmerizing smile. He had the acumen to draw a lot of people to him by means of this smile. Moreover, Henry’s ocean-blue eyes and coal-dark hair have underlined the mysterious atmosphere of his presence at the gala.

The businessman’s professional excellence was beyond doubt in the real estate society he belonged to; a host of people appealed to him when they needed reliable and highly professional advice in the domain. Traits Henry possessed that distinguished the man from the other experts in the field were not solely his pretty face and stature, but his humility and sincerity while dealing with various types of clients. All of them felt they were not mere customers; they felt they were people who were respected and whose opinions were valued.

Serendipity was a word used to describe the unanticipated meeting of Erica and Henry at the gala. This event was arranged to honor the achievements of elite-level realtors and enterprises across the Big Apple, and while the master of ceremonies was announcing the next person to receive an award, Erica made her way to the sofa with a glass of wine in her hand. Then suddenly, she collided with Henry and spilled a drink on his shirt. Taken aback, both exchanged worried glances, and after a pause, the man uttered amiably and lightheartedly, What a beauty stumbled upon me in this crowded yet lonely place. You certainly have your ways of making an impression. The gentleman’s humor and good-natured smile always bailed him out in tough situations.

After Erica’s first mortification impulses transformed into apologetic amusement, the woman uttered, I assume it was a rather expensive shirt. Accept my apologies. The sarcasm in her words was not anything else but a way to mask her sincere concern for the mishap. The extent of the spill being immense, Henry gazed at the lady with a playful glint in his eyes.

I agree with you. Let’s make a quick detour to the bathroom now. I guess this shirt deserves a fighting chance, he offered with humor in his voice, inviting the unexpected camaraderie.

At this very moment, the businesswoman found herself more intrigued than she might have fancied before, and thus agreed to the charming stranger’s proposal.

Yes, you’re absolutely right. I just wanted to offer you the same after the drink. Lead the way; I think some water and salt will help here, Erica said in a dulcet tone, which she applied this tone only when she found someone really attractive— this man knew how to turn a simple accident into an engaging encounter.

As they appeared in the bathroom, the task at hand to remove a wine stain seemed easy, but both of them knew there was more to this than that. That instant connection they felt now was radiating even more tangibly; it was charged with the incredible energy of mutual attraction. Erica dabbed at the stain on Henry’s shirt with care and tenderness, a rarity she allowed others to witness. You’re an expert at this, the gentleman remarked, the joy breaking through this well-rehearsed phrase.

Standing closer than necessary, the female realtor felt like drowning in his gaze. Earth to Erica, Henry declared, trying to bring her back to reality.

I’m just thinking, she said. I’m an expert in other things as well, except clearing off stains because of my outstanding style of doing business. And what about you? I reason that one doesn’t get to the top without learning how to clean up a few messes, Erica quipped, now regaining her always self-manifesting resolve and confidence.

I’m only a hardworking person who tries to treat people well. You know, what goes around, comes around, Henry answered. However, it is hard at times to feel like you’re always on, always chasing the new deal. The man’s confession was laced with a meaning that Erica grasped very well.

Tell me about it, the lady responded in a sincere tone. It’s like you’re in a room full of people, but it’s just me and my shadow. Such loneliness is depressive. Upon saying that, they looked deeply into each other’s eyes, and a silent understanding had settled between them. This, ordinary although exquisitely decorated baroque bathroom, became an unlikely sanctuary for the unraveling of their mutual recognition of one another’s struggles and ambitions to unravel.

They finished rinsing Henry’s garment, and the man turned back to his newly found friend, Erica. Thank you for your help, he whispered in a gentle murmur.

The air between them felt electric and tension was palpable. Since people were going in and out of the bathroom, dwelling in the intimacy of the moment, the business lady finally said, Maybe we should get back until others have noticed our absence and begun spreading some rumors.

Henry nodded. Yeah, we should. And they head back towards the bar, taking the glasses of Caliveda Pinot Noir from the waiter’s tray.

While sipping the new beverages, the two recently formed comrades switched gears to the laugh-out-chapters of their stories, particularly within the context of their disastrous attempts at dating.

So, could you share with me what your most disastrous dating experience was? Erica addressed Henry, the sparkle in her eyes getting extremely menacing.

The man chuckled. After a pause, he ran a hand through his disheveled black locks and exhaled. The dimples on his face looked amusing. Where can I even start? Hmm… There was one date with a woman I considered charming while chatting online. We met at the upscale seafood restaurant of her choice.

Sounds quite fancy. So, what’s happened? Erica giggled.

Our date was ruined by her continuous bragging about her exes and how each of them wanted to reunite with her during the first half of the date, Henry commenced. The kicker is that halfway through the dinner, she noticed her recent ex at the restaurant. Right off the bat, she pops up and darts to his table to start a full-blown squabble. There was shouting, crying, the whole scene.

Despite her strong nature and character, Erica looked shocked. Get out! Then what?

Then, while the restaurant staff had to intervene, I just paid for our meals, apologized to the employees, and left the place, Henry admitted with a visible grimace. What about you?

The situation you described is a hard one to top. Anyway, I’ll try, the business lady proclaimed. The date I want to tell you about was with a magician who thought performing magic tricks during the entire date was a pretty good idea. He was pulling flowers out of the hair, committing endless handkerchief tricks, and even disappearing trips with our napkins.

Henry couldn’t help laughing. I am torn between whether that’s cute or awkward.

Trust me, it was a total nightmare, Erica assured him. Particularly when he made the bill magically disappear. It was as funny as strange.

Their shared stories revealed that they had much more in common than just their professional fields, which broke the ice between the two. As the night drew to a close, they exchanged numbers, happy that they had found someone who could understand and share the absurdities of their lives.

This unanticipated meeting, sparked by an accidental spill of drink, infused their time at the gala with laughter, empathy, and heartwarming intimacy of souls. That evening turned their worlds upside down, and who knows what the promise of a budding friendship would bring to them?

Chapter 1: Erica

Chapter 1: Erica

The night air was fresher and cooler on the balcony than inside Henry’s warm apartment. After inhaling a fresh breath of air, Erica stepped back inside and immediately gave in to the cozy ambiance of the luxurious quarters. Neat and with a lived-in feel, the place featured a large, comfortable couch, perfect for lounging and slumbering. It seemed to invite deep conversations, so our realtors got comfy on this quintessential piece of furniture, each with a cup of coffee this time. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like