Page 31 of Arrivals & Assets

“Sure,” Dylan replied.

I led them to the elevator, though the stairs were still available. Then we stepped out to the top-floor waiting area. A smaller version of Ellie’s reception desk sat outside the big office—which stretched the width of the building.

“There are sixteen offices up here,” I said as Dylan and Connie fanned out. “The one in front of us is the biggest. The four flanking it are the next largest. The far side is split into three. Then four standard offices on each side. Every office has windows, and all the standard offices have smart glass fronts sothat light gets to the middle. Then the core has a small break room, the elevator, and the restrooms.”

“So the executive and larger offices are the only ones with brick fronts?” Dylan asked, turning to take it all in.

“That’s right.”

He moved to one side and peeked into an office, then he strolled from one to the next.

It was my turn to admire his ass as I followed behind, basking in his pleased scent.

“Almost fully furnished,” he murmured as he opened one of the doors to the large offices at the far end.

“Assuming you get the landlord’s approval,” I said. “We can probably make a good deal if you want to take it all.”

He turned to me and smiled. “Even if your landlord doesn’t approve, I’d like to discuss prices. I’m going to have to furnish an office anyway, and if you’re competitive…”

We rounded the floor and were soon back in front of the big office.

“May I?” Dylan asked, motioning to the door.

“Of course.”

He opened the door. “Wow…” he breathed as he walked inside.

And probably right into a cloud of my scent since I’d taken over that office.

Tall windows were on either side and wrapped around the corner, flanking a brick accent wall behind the desk. The wallitself was blank but had once held a large art print, so there was still a light pointing at the brick.

“What do you think?” Connie asked as Dylan rested his hands on the back of a plush guest chair.

“Let’s start the process,” Dylan said. “I want the building as-is.”

“Really?” Connie asked.

He turned to us and nodded. “Let me put it this way. I’m not going to have to pull a single permit, at least not for a while. Everything I need is already here, and I’d like to get the paperwork going.”

“Ok,” she replied.

I rounded the desk, then pulled out a folder from the landlord and passed it over to her.

She opened it, skimmed, and nodded. “It looks standard, and I think I’ve already got all the financial information. The lease is within the range specified, so I think I’ve got everything I need.”

“Great,” Dylan said.

She stood. “I’m going to head back to the office to pull everything together.” She turned to me. “What time can I drop by in the morning with it?”

My gaze flicked to Dylan, then back.

I was hoping to spend a good chunk of the next morning enjoying his knot.

“Eleven?” I finally offered. “I was thinking of taking a bit of personal time in the morning.”

“Eleven. Perfect,” she chirped. “I’ll call William and let him know how everything went and that you’ll be passing the application to the landlord.”

“Thank you.”