Page 47 of Obligation
She went straight for the floor-to-ceiling window on the far side of the living room. The view of downtown Phoenix was astounding, and one of the main reasons his father had chosen this particular building.
“This view…” she said, stunned.
Her face was reflected back to him in the window, and her eyes were wide, the brown and green flecks twisting among the city lights. Her face was still a little red and puffy from crying, but she was a vision to him.
“Incredible, isn’t it?” He joined her at the window and gazed out at the city skyline.
“If I lived here, I’d never leave.” She laughed. “I’d spend all my time right here.”
Bradley stuffed his hands into his pockets. “And you could, too, if you wanted. The glass is tempered so the sun shining through isn’t so brutal.”
“Smart.” She turned toward him. “So, do I get to see the rest of this place?”
“Sure. C’mon.” He motioned behind him. “This is obviously the main room. There’s the kitchen.” He nodded toward the sleek, modern kitchen to his right.
The penthouse had a very spacious and open floor plan and utilized furniture as opposed to walls to divide the rooms. A long island separated the kitchen and living rooms. A medium-size dining room with a modest table that sat six was set off in an alcove directly across from the kitchen.
He led her down a small hallway that extended from the living room. “Here are two of the three bedrooms.” He opened a door on his right and another on his left, flicking on the lights as he did. “And the bathroom.” He swung open the door directly in front of him.
Carissa peeked into each room, but she didn’t offer any comments. Was she still impressed? Or overwhelmed? He’d been to her house, and that place was a veritable mansion. No way was this penthouse too much for her. Maybe the opposite, though. Maybe she thought this place was too small, too cute and cozy for her tastes.
He didn’t want to believe she was anything like his ex, but then again, he’d never dated anyone who could rival the balance in his bank account. For all he knew, Carissa thought he was poor compared to her. Not that he cared. His money—nor hers—mattered to him.
Shaking off the thoughts, he said, “The master suite is this way.” He spun on his heel, strode back through the living room and kitchen, and down another small hallway that ended at hand-carved French doors. He grabbed the brass handles and yanked them open.
Carissa didn’t waste any time moving around him and striding into the room like she owned the place. A double king size bed sat in the middle of the room, the custom-designed headboard the focal point. Matching nightstands with Tiffany lamps adorned either side of the bed.
“Let me guess… the master bathroom?” she asked, pointing at a door within the room.
“Complete with the largest jacuzzi tub my mother could fit in there.” He laughed.
Carissa grinned. “This place is gorgeous. So, which room is yours?”
His eyebrows shot up at her question. “When we’d stay here as kids, my brother and I would share the first bedroom I showed you. My sister had the other, and my parents stayed in here. But now when I’m here, I pretty much sleep wherever I want.”
“Right.” She nodded. “Where are you planning to sleep tonight?”
What was her obsession with where he was going to sleep? Was she worried he’d try something or force her to be too close to him? She had to know he’d never do that. Or was she trying to ask him to stay with her but was too afraid to come right out and ask?
Bradley shrugged. “Why don’t you tell me where you want to sleep, and then I’ll take one of the other rooms?”
She hesitated and shifted on her feet, clearly uncomfortable.
“First, though, there’s one more thing I want to show you. C’mon.” He left the room, and she followed. Stopping in front of a door in the hall, he punched in a security code on the keypad, and the otherwise hidden door slid open to reveal a small service elevator. “Ladies first.”
She glanced at him, eyes narrowed. “Is that thing safe?”
“Yes,” he said around a laugh. “We use it all the time. Just trust me.”
Keeping her gaze on him, she stepped into the elevator, her distrust evident in her expression. Bradley pressed the up button. The door slid shut with a softwhoosh, and then the elevator lurched. Carissa clutched the handrailing and gave him a “you’ve got to be kidding me” look.
A second later, the door once again slid open, and Bradley held his arm out for her to go. Reluctantly, she did as he wanted, and then she stopped abruptly, nearly causing him to bump into her from behind.
“Whoa,” she breathed out in awe.
“Pretty neat, huh?” He rocked on his heels and grinned.
The roof was his favorite place to spend his time whenever he was here. Not only was the roof quiet and peaceful, it housed an in-ground lagoon style pool. Lounge chairs were scattered around the pool, along with an umbrella table, a grill, and bar—all encased in hand-laid brick.
