Page 58 of The Bargain
I wrap my arm around Sofia and guide her into the building, which is more hotel than residential building, with shiny white tiles that walk all the way up to a security desk. A short, Black man waves our direction. “That’s Eric. He’s a great guy. He owns the security company and has contracts with most of the high-end buildings, and yet, he still works and covers shifts. You won’t see him that often, but you can always ask for him. He says it allows him to stay in touch with what is needed to continue to do well.”
“There’s a lot to be said for seeing how customers react to things. Hearing what customers love in my store helps me define my brand.”
We step onto the elevator, and I punch in the top floor. “You have the penthouse?” she asks, turning to face me.
“Is that a problem?”
“I just… I keep getting reminded that you have a lot of money.”
“Is that really a bad thing?”
“No. No, but I want to make money. I want the Zoey brand to do so well that I can at least afford a place in this building, even if it’s not the penthouse.”
I catch her hand and walk her to me. “Or, you could just stay in the penthouse with me.”
“You’re not stuck with me because you bring me here a few weeks, Ethan.”
“And you’re not stuck with me, either. Staying together is a choice.”
“Yes,” she agrees softly. “I suppose it is. I guess we’ll see.”
The elevator dings with our arrival. “Yes. We will. I, for one, already know what I want.” But I don’t say the words. I don’t ask her to move in with me. It’s too soon. And forever is just a series of days we’ll still be living. Instead, I lace my fingers with hers and lead her into my apartment, where she will share my bed for at least two weeks.
We’ll see where that leads.
Chapter Forty-Two
Sofia
Ashortwalkfromtheelevator and we’re in his apartment, and his place is stunning.
Rich wood floors. Brown rustic leather furnishings. Gorgeous double-pane windows set between dark wood and stretching high and low. But the bar in the center of the room is the show stealer. It’s the same wood as the walls, slightly darker than the floor, and the center is a tan color with a backlight. On either side, there are rows and rows of different kinds of whiskey. To the right is a thick beam that is a rich dark brick with varied colors: orange, tan, green, and brown. The chandelier above the seating area is massive, round, and bronze. As for the kitchen, the room is open concept, and it is, of course, equipped with a giant island that is a wood plank.
“It’s stunning,” I say as he steps behind me.
“Masculine. Too masculine?”
“No. Of course not. It’s beautiful. Did you have a designer?”
“I did. She showed me samples and photos. I was busy at the time and pretty much just told her to do it.”
“She did a great job.”
“She charged me a fortune.” He captures my arms and turns me to face him. “This is your home, too. Treat it that way.”
“Ethan—”
“I’m not kidding. Nothing is off limits. Open it. Shut it. Look inside it. I have nothing to hide from you. And I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” I whisper, emotions welling in my chest. He makes me feel as if I belong with him, and I warn myself to be cautious. Once two people really get to know each other, what feels like forever can become one more day.
He motions up a set of steel steps. “Gym’s upstairs on that side, along with an indoor pool. The bedroom is the door right beneath the stairs. Downstairs is my office and some extra rooms.”
There’s a knock on the door. “That will be our bags and maybe our pizza. There should be water in the fridge; can you grab us some? We’ll need to order groceries in the morning.”
“Yes. I got it.”
He walks to the door. “And there should be napkins,” he calls out.
