Page 73 of Elevator Pitch

Aileen wasn’t open to kink and preferred to keep things simple, both in and out of the bedroom. I pushed it down to go along with what made her most comfortable but, it stifled me. I’ll admit that I took to working more because I didn’t feel safe expressing myself sexually with my wife at the time. I didn’t enjoy making her uncomfortable, but she didn’t compromise on anything with me when it came to intimacy. I attribute it to thefact that we were young and didn’t know ourselves. I don’t fault her anymore nor do I feel ashamed for wanting to be in control.

The elevator dings and I exit down the hall. I spot Selah’s neighbor, Estelle King, as she leaves her apartment, locking the door behind her. She’s lived in this building for a few years and she’s quite the character. I can’t tell her age, but I’m sure she was a heartbreaker back in her day and still is. Estelle is a flirt and known to give you a confidence boost because she’s not shy in the slightest. If she likes what she sees, she will not hold her tongue about it.

She recently stopped coloring her roots and is embracing the gray. Her long hair is styled in loose curls that frame her face, and her makeup is light while drawing attention to her eyes. She dons a cream-colored pantsuit with gold accent jewelry. It compliments her brown skin beautifully. Always dressed to kill and full of sass.

“Good morning, Mrs. King,” I say.

“Morning, Greyson. And we’ve talked about this, call me Estelle.”

I nod in understanding.

“Where are you off to this morning?”

“Brunch with my girlfriends.”

“Well, I hope you have a great time. You look lovely.”

“I always do, but thanks. You can take me out another time,” she adds with a wink.

I can’t help but smile at her.

“I’d be delighted, but I’m kind of seeing someone.”

She gives me a knowing look.

“I’ve suspected that.Let the girl get some damn rest,”she chuckles.

“I will. See you around, Estelle.”

“Have a good one.”

I ring the doorbell and moments later, Audrey emerges. She’s fresh-faced, wearing sweatpants and an oversized tee. Her long, curly hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. She leans againstthe doorframe with coffee in hand. With raised brows, she says, “I could’ve sworn I’d run you off yesterday. Good to see you being persistent.”

I chuckle and hold out the bag so she can see if I brought sweets. She peers down and sighs contentedly.

“I love a man who follows my orders. Agood boyindeed. Come on in,” she advises, opening the door wider.

Here she goes with that again. I don’t know how to feel about being called a good boy.

I usually am the praiser, but I don’t hate it?

I follow her into the apartment and settle in. She asks me if I’d like anything to drink and I let her know that coffee is fine. She pours me a cup and places it in front of me. The mug has the phrase ‘thanks for coming, now leave,’andI can’t help but laugh. This screams Selah.

“Hand over the treats, I’m starving.”

I slide the bag across the counter, and she helps herself. I wash my hands and when I’m drying them off, the deep rumble of a man’s voice startles me. A large man enters from the hallway looking as if he just woke up. He musses his blond hair and scrunches his face in frustration. I’ve seen him before with Selah. I had believed that he was her boyfriend before she went out with me.

His tone is laced with irritation when he asks, “Audrey, what have I told you about not looping me in on your new ‘friends?’” He makes air quotes around the wordfriends. “Everyone needs to be vetted prior to being alone with you and this isn’t a new conversation.”

“Oh, stop it. I have already vetted this man. He lives in the building and passed a background check. He’s harmless,” she assures.

“Background check?”

“I own this building, honey. I investigated you after our little visit yesterday.” She pauses to sip her coffee. “However, he’salsothe one who was bending Selah over this island last week,so your concerns are valid.” She adds, pointing to the countertop.

“Thisis the guy?” His brows shoot up as he motions to me, speaking as if I’m not even there. “Alright, Selah.” They both nod at each other in agreement.

I’m not sure what I should say, so I opt for just watching this play out instead.

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