<em>Good lord,</em>Cooper thought,<em>she's blushing. That's so cute! She's actually as nervous about this as I am. Hell, maybe more.</em>So Sarah was as new to this as he was. The thought went a long way to calming him. Putting her at ease gave him something to focus on, and by taking his mind off his own discomfort dispelled it.<br/><br/>He led the way up the slope of the lawn to his room, opened the French door that let onto the patio, and ushered her inside. "Why don't you sit down," he said, gesturing to the long leather couch that was positioned to look out over the grounds. It really was a breathtaking view, broad expanse of lawn leading to the riot of color in The Place's gardens, then over the high white walls to the azure sea in the bay beyond. "I'll get you a glass of water. You must be parched after your flight. I know I always am."<br/><br/>A pitcher of water stood on the long banquette that supported the TV. Cooper picked a tumbler from the assortment of glasses that sat next to it - a pair for just about every cocktail you might want to mix, he noted - and rummaged in the small fridge for ice. The room was definitely well stocked, as well as stylishly furnished. That was a plus. That probably meant there wouldn't be an awkward pause at a critical moment as he hunted for crucial supplies.<br/><br/>He returned to Sarah and handed her the glass.<em>Okay,</em>he thought,<em>you know what she's here for, she knows what she's here for, but you still don't want to be tactless. So ease her into it.</em>He gulped mentally, then took her free hand and began massaging her palm with his strong, nimble fingers.<br/><br/>"And like I said before, anything I can do for you ... anything at all ... I'm ready and willing to oblige."