Page 36 of Out of Bounds
He smirks and runs a hand over his beard.
“You’re one of my applicants?”
“Yes, except you won’t get my application because someone outbid me.”
“I’m aware of that. I’m just wondering how you’re going to talk me out of accepting a million dollars in cash. I’m sure I don’t owe you that much.”
“Yes, you do.” I’m sure if we were quantifying things it would add up to more than that, but I don’t say that. I need to get on his good side.
“What do you want the house for?”
“Is that relevant?”
“It is if we’re talking, and you want me to listen.”
“I want to turn it into a day spa. That’s my dream.”
“Your dream?”
I nod and pray he doesn’t laugh.
What happens next, however, is worse than him laughing because he doesn’t say anything.
He just looks at me in that weird analyzing way like he’s trying to figure me out.
“I completely understand why you would accept a million in cash,” I add when the silence extends for far too long. “But I figured since you have so many houses maybe you’d be willing to hear me out.”
Everything I say sounds crazier than the previous thing. Who wouldn’t accept the million in cash? I would and I don’t know anyone who would have to think twice.
“Okay, let’s talk.”
“Really?” My eyes snap wide. Maybe Shelby was right, and I haven’t been paying attention to her lessons about men.
“Yes really. We’re not talking here though.”
“Where are we talking?”
“Come with me.” Mischief lights up his eyes. It dances around his iris’ and turns into a sinful smile when it hits his lips.
The smile sparks my own mischievous thoughts so when he puts out his hand for me to take, as if we walk around holding hands all the time, I take it.
Next to him I feel like a midget even in my little kitten heels and walking out of the foyer holding his hand is something I might have to write about in the journal I’ve been meaning to get for the last decade.
Ethan leads me into the hotel bar. It’s a really classy hotel so I expect nothing less than what I’ve seen so far, but I’m shocked when he speaks to one of the security guards and asks for a room in the VIP lounge.
Moments later we’re taken to an actual room with a glass floor, black swanky leather sofas and stylish coffee table in the center.
It could be like he planned this, but there’s no way he could have because he didn’t know I’d be here. And besides Ethan wouldn’t do something like this for me.
It’s beautiful. I’ve never been anywhere so elegant and cool at the same time. I’ve never been anywhere like this full stop.
He releases my hand and motions for me to sit.
“Can I get you anymore drinks, sir?” A bartender says coming up to us.
It’s then I see the private bar in the corner.
“Yes please. Can I have a bottle of your finest wine.”
