Page 104 of Where We Bloom

“Of course, we are,” she whispers, but I catch it.

“Simon and I will bring everything up in a few,” Miller says, and I nod his way as I escort Billie to the private elevator that leads to the penthouse.

“Breathe.” I rub her back in big circles. “It’s just an apartment, you know.”

That makes her bark out a laugh. “Right. I’m sure it’s similar to the apartment I had in college.”

I can’t help but wink down at her as the doors open into the foyer of my place. Linking her hand with mine, I lead her out of the elevator.

“Wow,” she whispers, dropping my hand and immediately going for the windows that offer stunning views of Central Park. I set her bag on the sofa, watching her. She’s full of nervous energy, and I don’t like that. “You own thebuilding.”

“I do, but I lease the other floors.” I shove my hands in my pockets as I stand back and watch her take in my place. It’s not similar to the Montana house in any way. This has a more luxurious feel, and for the price tag, it should. The living room is expansive, open to the kitchen, and everywhere you look is glass because it’s been designed to let in the views of the park and city around us.

I don’t like how quiet she is.

“Talk to me.”

“I mean, it’s—” She props her hands on her hips,takes another look around, and blows air out of her mouth, making a raspberry with her lips. “Gorgeous. Smart. Welcoming. Fucking intimidating.”

“Funny, I think you just described yourself.”

She turns to me with a half smile. “How long have you owned it?”

“About ten years. I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep it.”

“Why?”

“I’m never here. I haven’t been here in months. If I do come to Manhattan, there are four resorts, with another on the way, that I own and can stay in.”

She nods slowly, and I move to the dining table.

“This is your new computer,” I inform her.

“Wait. What?” Billie marches over and opens the laptop, then spins to pin me with a shocked stare when it’s exactly as her old one was. “How did you do that?”

Gliding my hand around her waist, I tug her to me. “You’re cute.”

“Seriously, Connor, how did you get me a new computer and get it already set up for me? We’ve been asleep on an airplane.”

“I know people, bumble. Now, are you hungry?”

“Holy shit,” she whispers, her fingertips ghosting over the gleaming keys. “Yeah, I’m hungry.”

“What would you like? The fridge and pantry are stocked, but we can also order something in if you want.”

“After midnight?”

I grin at her again.

“We’re not in Montana anymore,” she says.

“No, we’re not. We can get food any hour of the day. What’ll it be? There’s a good pizza place around the corner.”

“That sounds good,” she says, kicking off her shoes. My shoulders relax. If Billie’s kicking off her shoes, that means she’s comfortable. “I need a shower and comfies. I’m stealing your clothes tonight.”

“Come, I’ll show you the primary suite, and then I’ll order while you’re getting cozy.” With her hand in mine, I point out the kitchen, a laundry space, my office, a media room, two guest rooms, and then we make it to the stairway.

“Jesus, billionaire, I’m going to need a map for this place.”

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