Page 51 of Housebroke

“And you obviously did.”

“Eventually, yeah. But I had to save money. I lived at home forthe first five years after college, banking every penny I could save. Then I took the leap and started my investment firm, hoping and praying and lying awake nights scared shitless that I would fail.”

She cocked her head to the side. “You don’t strike me as someone who’s afraid of anything.”

“Thanks for that, but trust me, I was plenty scared. But I plowed headfirst into this dream of mine, figuring I would either succeed fantastically or fail dramatically. I got lucky and the business took off, thanks to my amazing team.”

She loved that he gave credit to the people around him instead of taking all the glory for himself. “I’m sure you had something to do with it, too.”

“Maybe a little, but like I’ve told you before, I have outstanding people working for me. I couldn’t have gotten this far without them.”

“Then you are one of the lucky ones.”

“Don’t I know it.”

Their server brought drink refills, and Hazel stared out at the gorgeous sunset.

“I could definitely live here.”

“In the city?”

“Yes. It’s teeming with life and excitement. I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow and check it all out.”

He laid his glass down. “Yeah, you should definitely do that. San Francisco is an amazing city.”

“I like what I’ve seen so far.”

“What are some of your favorite places you’ve been?”

“Oh... uh...” She swept her hair behind her ear. “I haven’t exactly traveled all that much.”

“That’s okay. Where have you been?”

“My ex and I went to Miami for our honeymoon, and then one year in college I went to the Bahamas over spring break.”

He didn’t say anything right away until he realized she had finished talking.

“You know it’s okay that you haven’t been to a lot of places. Many people never leave their hometown.”

“Well, I’ve definitely done that. I’ve driven all over Florida. I’m pretty sure I’ve been to damned near every beach in that state.”

He leaned back in his chair. “You like the beach, huh?”

“I do love the beach. How are the beaches here?”

“The water on this side of the country is cold. Not like the Atlantic. But the beaches can be really nice.”

“I just like being at the beach, not necessarily in the water.”

“Same. Though there’s good surfing here if you decide you want to take that up on your touring tomorrow.”

She laughed. “I think I’ll leave the surfing to the experts. Not that I wouldn’t want to try it someday.”

“Next trip we’ll hit up Hawaii. Surfing is amazing there.”

“Don’t tease me.”

“With what?”

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