Page 217 of The First Time

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Now, it's worth a thousand times that.

And he owns a lot of it. It's not clear how much, but it's enough that he could pay off the mortgage and finance Lizzy's degree.

But marrying him?

It's ridiculous.

I hide his card in my desk drawer.

* * *

For a week,I ignore Blake's card. I go to work. I hustle my ass off. I smile at assholes who leer at my chest and hint that they're staying nearby.

Sunday, I get home late. And lacking tip money.

My shower fails to wash away the tension of the day. Usually, I'm good at grinning and bearing it. But now that I'm considering the possibility of not waiting tables…

Of being able to breathe?

I find Blake's card.

If he's really willing to make all my problems go away…

That must be worth six months of my life.

I have to ask.

Kat: It's Kat. I'm considering your offer but I'm not particularly negotiable.

Blake: I'm at the office.

Kat: I'll take the subway.

Blake: I can send a car.

Kat: I'd rather do it my way.

Blake: As you wish.

He sends the address.

* * *

Blake's buildingis all steel and glass. It's little pockets of yellow light framed by silver metal.

It's the tallest skyscraper on the block.

And it's beautiful. Downtown is always quiet at night. It's always still. The only movement is the wind.

I step into the old-money lobby. My heels squeak against the marble floor. My reflection stares back at me from the mirrored walls. She looks tired. Worn.

At least my boobs look good. This is the most flattering dress I own. I dig my lipstick from my purse and apply another coat. It helps add color to my face, but it does nothing to chase the exhaustion from my eyes.

The security guard behind the desk waves me through. I step into the massive elevator and press the PH button. Penthouse. Blake's office is the penthouse floor. The entire floor.

I've never been to a penthouse. Do they really exist?

I'm not convinced.

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