Page 11

The greenery creates a serene oasis above the bustling streets below, and I take a moment to appreciate the tranquility. The cozy seating areas arranged around the patio invite relaxation, each little nook promising a peaceful spot to enjoy the evening.

My attention is captured by the long blue lap pool that stretches across the terrace. The tiles around its edge gleam under the evening sky, framing the water that holds a glass-like surface, reflecting the twilight in shades of deep blue. The pool looks inviting, a perfect mirror to the sky above, and it adds a luxurious touch to the already stunning terrace.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” The voice startles me, and I turn to see Mr. Penthouse, lounging in swim trunks with a towel casually draped over his broad shoulders.

“Sunsets are breathtaking, but I’ve always been more of a sunrise person myself,” I reply, trying not to notice the way his skin looks golden in this light. If I thought he was attractive in a suit, that pales in comparison to the sight of him now, his physique on full display and demanding attention.

He seems utterly unbothered by my presence… or his lack of clothing. My own hands instinctually pull my robe tighter.

Despite my best intentions, I can’t help but let my gaze wander over him from head to toe.

His brown hair, lightly curled and still wet from a swim, frames his face in a way that accentuates his strong, stubbled jawline and the relaxed confidence in his eyes. Even his feet are gorgeous!

I quickly avert my gaze, not about to let him see how affected I am.

Too late.

“Hmmm,” he says, raising his eyebrows.

“Hmm? What does that mean?” I question, hoping we’re still talking about sunset and not the way I was just openly ogling him.

“Oh, I don’t know, just an observation,” he replies casually.

“Care to share what kind of observation?”

“Well, Sunny, just that the early bird types usually aren’t ones that wander around hotels in robes, carrying champagne… or hang out in hotel bars searching for strangers.”

Is he serious?

“I beg your pardon?” I muster up as much authority in my voice as possible, dressed in a glorified towel. “You don’t even know me. What I do and where I go isn’t your concern. And my name isn’t Sunny.”

“You could’ve fooled me with that sunny disposition.”

“Maybe I came up for a swim like you did?”

“You wearing a swimsuit under that oversized robe, Sunny?”

Well, he’s got me there.

One side of his mouth tips up in a smile.

“Maybe I was meeting a friend,” I blurt out.

Now he has the nerve to smirk at me.

“Well, since you obviously were downstairs earlier too, maybe you’re the type of stranger I should be wary of,” I retort, stepping closer to the wrought iron railing and looking out at Savannah coming to life, one glittering light at a time.

“I was.” That stops me in my tracks.

I turn back to look at him with curiosity.

“Can I tell you a secret?” He sits up, one long leg going to either side of the cushion-covered chair.

I nod, mesmerized that I am even here, on this terrace, having this conversation with him.

“I wondered if I might bump into you again.” His intense gaze holds mine hostage.

“So why didn’t you?” I absently take a step forward.