Page 24 of Eternal Hoptimist

The flooring had a chevron pattern in pale wood with large windows letting in as much light as twilight offered. The elevator was immaculately clean, with mirrored walls as shiny as the lobby floor. I couldn’t imagine how much the HOA fees were.

When the elevator doors opened on the fifteenth floor, Parker stood there. He looked delicious in his suit, a shade between navy and royal blue.

“Damn, you look good.” Parker’s gaze traveled my body.

That’s one hell of a way to greet someone.I’d hoped my charcoal suit would work. “I could say the same to you. That color is amazing with your eyes.”

A relaxed smile crossed his face as he gestured for me to follow him to his apartment. “Welcome. Can I get you anything to drink? We’ve got a bit before we need to leave.”

I stepped inside and took in his place. It leaned more staged Zillow listing than a lived-in home. It was clearly professionally decorated with neutral tones and furniture so pale I’d forever live in fear of spilling something. It lacked personality, which didn’t fit since Parker had plenty.

“Actually, how about a tour before drinks so you can drop your bag in the guest room?” He fidgeted. He walked me through the open-concept living area, dining area, and kitchen before taking me down a hallway.

“This is the guest room. I’ve never slept on the bed, but my brother says it’s comfortable. The bathroom is next door, and I’m across the hall.” He pointed out the doors.

I set my duffel on the luggage rack next to the all-white bed. It was nice in a boutique hotel sort of way with a wooden headboard, greige walls, and matching wooden nightstands and dresser.

He chatted about how the location made it easy to get to work quickly while he led me back to the living area. Next to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room was a sliding door that went onto a balcony overlooking the Willamette River. The view was incredible. It was one of those beautiful winter evenings with a completely clear sky and a perfect view of Mount Hood in the twilight. The type of clear night that could only happen in winter because warmer months often had the haze from forest fires blocking the views of the region’s mountains.

He stood next to me as I admired the view, shifting on his feet. “Ready for that drink?”

Maybe giving him something to do would help his nerves. “A drink would be great. Whatever you’ve got.”

He smiled, already seeming more at ease. “Coming right up.”

I noticed an armchair angled toward his balcony windows. It was the most worn piece of furniture in the place, and I wondered if he bought the condo for that view. I sure as hell would if I could afford it.

Several minutes later, he returned with two amber drinks in coupe glasses with orange rinds on the edges.

I took a sip. “Palmetto?”

His eyes widened. “It is. Fan of cocktails?”

“I’m more than a beer guy. I know my way around some bitters.”

“I should’ve known by what you ordered at the speakeasy.”

We stood in comfortable silence for several minutes as the evening left Mount Hood in darkness. It was nice simply being there with him. I’d enjoyed our increasingly frequent texting, but it wasn’t the same as sharing a space. His presence put me at ease.

“Right. Before we leave, I should tell you about my coworkers.”

CHAPTER 9

PARKER

“Are you okay?” Ethan’s eyebrows drew together as he grabbed my forearm and pulled me to the edge of the sidewalk as we walked from the streetcar stop to the hotel.

I blew out a harsh breath. “Sorry. Yeah.” I shook my hands to release some tension. “I’m normally far more put together, but being on the verge of possibly getting this promotion has me out of sorts.”

I hated Ethan seeing me like that. It wasn’tme. Firm events were usually a breeze of balancing kissing ass and showing off. I knew how to handle myself, but the stakes of the last major event before the firm anniversary gala had me unusually nervous as we approached the hotel. It was my one chance to show all the equity partners that I was in a happy, successful relationship.

“I get it. You’ve got a lot on the line, especially with your firm seeming to care far too much about stuff that shouldn’t matter. Not only do you have to impress them with legal stuff way over my head, but it’s like you have to be this perfect person outside of work too.”

I stared at him. “Exactly. How—” I shook my head. It unnerved me how clearly he’d gotten to the heart of it, but it also made me feel safe. Seen.

Ethan continued a soothing commentary until we reached the hotel on the next block. His praise relaxed me.

Last night, while tossing and turning and worrying about the fundraiser, I’d worried that bringing Ethan would be the wrong move. Making sure he was comfortable at the event might pull my attention from where it needed to be—impressing the equity partners and schmoozing clients. After Ethan easily calmed me, I knew he would keep me grounded and focused.

---