Page 87 of It Starts With A No

He laughed, wishing his other hand was free so he could brush his thumb across her cheek, since he wasn’t letting go of her hand. “Yes. Maybe you should leave the questions until tomorrow morning, after you’ve gotten some sleep.” He continued down the hallway.

“So you painted the walls.”

“Yes.”

“Why this color?”

Seth glanced around. “Dark-colored things require less maintenance. Holly hated it when we dirtied her walls.”

“Makes sense. You have a bunch of guys staying here.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “So when you said you fixed up the light, you actually did it yourself.”

“I’m not understanding your confusion. You’ve seen the things Movement is developing.”

“Right. No offense, but you’re not actually the one building them.” She frowned at the lock on the door.

“I built the first device that I sold in order to buy this building and start Movement.” Seth pressed down on the door handle and opened the door.

“So you fixed up the doors on your own.”

He sighed.

“It’s just so …”

He waited.

“Inconceivable.”

“Why?”

She shrugged and entered the apartment. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve always just seen buildings as they are.”

“Someone built the buildings.”

“But you’re not a builder.”

“I’ve always been able to figure things out.” He’d had no choice. “I spent all my money on buying the building and construction materials. I didn’t have money left over to hire anyone.”

“That’s crazy. I think I’d probably just …” She shrugged. “I can’t even imagine what I’d do.”

“And I’m glad you don’t have to.”

She gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry you had to.”

He cracked a smile.

“You have to show me every inch of this place, and I’m probably going to ask you over and over again if you actually built and installed everything yourself.” She took a step back and studied the door as he closed it. “I was wondering why the lock was on the wrong side of the door. You installed the digital lock on the inside instead.”

“It’s to keep Oliver in.”

“Will it keep Elton out?”

“Zane’s the only one with the key.”

Clary blew out a breath. “So Zane may just give Elton the key.”

“He won’t.” He glanced over his shoulder before activating the lock. “Do you want me to add your print?”

She shook her head. “I want a tour.”

---