Page 78 of The Grump

“Five.” I cleared my throat. “Okay, seven. But they were little! You saw how small they are.”

Xander just smiled. “Do you have a favorite?”

“I can’t say anything definitive because they do have a few more kinds. I just have no room left.”

“Well, if you’re ready, we can go.”

We rose from the couch at the same time. The main room was still fairly crowded. We didn’t bid goodbye to anyone but the host, thanking him for throwing the event.

“What are we doing now?” I asked Xander.

“I believe I promised you a fire in my penthouse.”

“Yes, yes, yes! I’ve been looking forward to your fireplace.”

He brought his mouth to my ear as we left the venue. “And I’ve been looking forward to having you at my place.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Xander

It didn’t take us long to arrive in the business district. I lived in a modern building, and one of the amenities I appreciated most besides the concierge was the underground parking.

Bailey looked around as we rode the elevator.

“Why are you so quiet?” I asked her.

“I’ve always wondered what it’s like to live in one of these buildings.”

“What’s the verdict?”

“Judging by the parking lot and the elevator, I like it so far. I truly love modern structures.”

“Wait till you see the penthouse.”

The doors of the elevator opened a short while later, and we stepped out on the top floor. I unlocked the door to the penthouse with my fingerprint.

“I like that too,” Bailey said. “Very safe.” Then she giggled. “Very Bond, James Bond.”

As I opened the door, the lights inside turned on one by one.

The entire place was mostly one huge open space. The bedroom was separate, as was my office, but the living and kitchen areas were merged.

“This place suits you,” she murmured.

“What do you mean? Heartless?”

“Hey, I said you’re a Grinch, not that you don’t have a heart. There’s a huge difference. What I meant is that it seems very efficient. Very streamlined. I really like it.”

“Does that mean you like me too?”

She looked at me, narrowing her eyes. “Not sure. I might decide after tonight, depending on...”

I wiggled my eyebrows. “My prowess in bed?”

“I was going to say how good your fire was, but that works too.”

We left our coats and shoes by the entrance, then went into the living room. I led her directly to the couch, which faced the fireplace.

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