Page 55 of Why Not Both?

My face heats as Sam leads us into the open-concept living room/kitchen. As soon as I see the kitchen, I come to a dead stop.

“Are there two ovens?” I ask.

Sam offers us a smile. “Why, yes, there are. You like to cook?”

“I’m a chef.”

I go into the kitchen, trailing my fingers over a pristine, white counter. It’s not stone, but I don’t really like stone counters, anyway. They can be porous, they require special care, and if they get damaged, they’re expensive to repair. This counter is much more practical as well as being pretty.

I open one of the ovens, peering inside.

“What are you looking for?” Spencer asks.

I turn to him with the most serious look I can muster. “It’s important to look inside your oven.” Then I move to the refrigerator and open it as well.

I know Spencer is fighting to keep from laughing at me. But kitchens are serious things.

“Check all the cupboards, firecracker. Make sure there’s enough space.”

I flash him a quick smile. “Don’t worry. I was planning on it.”

As I’m checking through every single cupboard and drawer, Spencer and Sam discuss the space including the patio and the living-dining area. They discuss the building in general including the rooftop garden and the gym and how to access them and if Spencer is allowed to invite guests to join him in the gym.

I spend a lot of time checking out the kitchen so when I’m done, he’s already looked at everything else.

“So?” he asks. “Is it your dream kitchen?”

I laugh. “Hardly. But you couldn’t fit my dream kitchen in a condo in Downtown Vancouver. That’s why I work at Blue Vista. That said, I could be happy with this kitchen and so I think you could also be happy with it.”

“May I remind you, I don’t actually cook,” he says.

“I know. But you need to have a good kitchen if I’m going to come over and cook for you.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t be moving in as well?” Sam asks.

Spencer’s smile slips a bit. “No. Lis and I are just friends. She offered me her opinion. And there’s no one whose opinion I’d trust more when it comes to kitchens.”

“What did you think about the rest of the place,” I ask, trying to get the conversation away from our relationship status. Or lack thereof.

“It’s great. The view is stunning. But I kind of wish we were a few floors up and facing the other way. Otherwise, it’s got pretty much everything I want.”

“But what do you feel about it?” I ask. “You want to buy a place that you think can feel like home. Not just a place that checks off all the boxes.”

He considers for a moment. “I think this place could feel like home.”

“Well, we should get to work,” I say.

Spencer nods and shakes Sam’s hand again. Then he does something surprising. “I wondered if you’re open to new clients?”

Sam grins and hands him a business card. “Of course. Call me and we can discuss what it is you’re looking for.”

He nods and we leave the apartment.

“So, what did you think of it, really?” I ask as soon as we’re outside again.

“I don’t know.” He seems lost in thought as we walk to Blue Vista.

“Feeling a little overwhelmed, maybe?”

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