Page 55 of Mr. Hook-up

And that just so happened to score us more time together.

“I think you’ll see a few of the team members trickle in a little late tomorrow,” I said as we made our way to the end of the block. “Don’t feel like you have to rush in. We’re not sticklers when it comes to arrival and departure times. Work from home, at the office—wherever, as long as the work gets done.”

“I’m an early bird. I’ll be up anyway.”

“Oh yeah?”

She attempted to slide up the neck of her sweater, covering her bare shoulder for just a moment before it fell back down again. “I used to go into Faceframe around five.”

“Shit, that is early.”

“I’m nuts, right?” She laughed, anddamn it, I loved that sound. “But yes, I liked to get there before my team, so I could actually get work done.”

“That’s admirable.”

“And certifiably loco, I know.” She glanced at me as we reached the stop sign and smiled. “Why do I feel like you live around here too?”

I raised my arm and pointed at the high-rise on the next block. “Right there.”

Her eyes moved across my chest and arm, slowly following my finger. “You’re kidding?”

“No ... why?”

“That’s where my bestie lives. Her apartment is on the fourth floor.”

“Then your bestie has good taste in buildings.”

We made our way past the crosswalk, her bare shoulder rubbing against my arm as she neared to avoid a crowd of people. We stayed that way for a few paces, until we got closer to the curb, where she added space between us.

“I’m assuming you have a penthouse?” she asked.

“I bought it three years ago. Three months after I went into escrow, Grayson purchased the penthouse right next to mine.”

“Best friends, partners, and neighbors. Do you ever get sick of each other?”

I chuckled. “It hasn’t happened yet, but give it time—we’re only thirty.”

“You know, we’re also neighbors.” She nodded toward the upcoming street, where a building stood at the beginning of the block. “That’s me right there.”

I liked the idea that she lived so close to me.

What I didn’t like was that this walk would be over in a few minutes.

But I just wanted to keep her talking.

I just wanted to know more.

“How’s your apartment?” I inquired.

“I love it. As soon as my lease ends, I’m hoping to buy one in the same building.”

“You really do want to stay in Boston.”

She rubbed the sleeve of her sweater, like she was trying to warm herself up, the wind making the chilly air even colder. “I suddenly feel ... married to this town. So why waste money on rent when I can afford to buy.”

Married.

A word that hit me and ricocheted in my chest.

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