“Mate?” Orene said, looking at Leo with enlarged hazel eyes, which then returned to me. “Well, I’ll be d*mned. It’s a pleasure to meet you both, and we’re so happy to have you. Come with me, you have to meet Gwenna. She’s been driving me crazy waiting for you to return.”

We followed Orene through the living room, which perfectly fit two long sectionals and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, into the central kitchen.

Behind the black cabinet double island ...