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“What?” I chuckle at the way his eyes go big.
“I told you I fucked up. He told me I was wasting his time, and I was. When I realized just how completely wrong I was, I pulled some properties out of my ass that I thought he would prefer if he hated the ones I told him he would want. Thankfully, I got it right. He gave me another chance. Maybe I’m wrong, but most people don’t fire the person they want to fuck.”
Russell tilts his head. “Maybe he’s like Cesare and Dante and doesn’t get involved with employees, which technically you will be while you try to find him something.”
“No, it was something else. Like he resented the attraction, he seemed angry.” I’m not hurt. Considering I don’t want Enzo attracted to me any more than I want to be attracted to him, it shouldn’t hurt my feelings. And I’m not hurt. I think.
“Damn, he’s gonna be one of those. He got burned by his ex so he’s making the next woman pay.”
“How is he any different than ninety percent of the population? You did it, I’m doing it. It’s okay, really. I do not want to get involved with anyone. I meant what I said. It wasn’t one bad relationship or two; it’s been man after man since the day I was born. The person in your life should only add to it and make it better, and not one man in my life has done that.”
“I’m a man in your life who makes your life better.” Russell pouts.
“Barely.” I laugh as he smacks my arm. “I’m kidding. Seriously though, Enzo Sabatini has nothing to worry about from me. This is business, strictly business. I’ll find him something, it’ll take a day tops because there are so few homes fitting his wish list, and we go our separate ways.”
4
Chloe
I sip my latte I brought from home, as I read through the properties we’re going to visit today for the eighteenth time. My eyes flick up to the time on the dash: six minutes until eight. I push a button a few times until the soaring notes of Chopin become low background noise. With a deep breath I close the folder, slide it in between my seat and the console and put my car in drive. I’m right around the corner from the front of Enzo’s building, where I’ve been for almost twenty minutes. Driving is more of a pain in the ass than riding the El or bus; however, I spend my day going from one building or house to another so I need my car.
At the light I grab my air freshener and toss it into the glove box. I do my best to keep my car spotless, for my clients and resale. It’s a six-year-old silver Lexus bought pre-owned. I take no pride in it; as far as I’m concerned it’s a business tool. Clients responded well to it, so I figure it’s worth it.
I slide in front of the building, scanning the sidewalk, refusing to check my makeup again. I’m not proud of how long it took me to do my makeup while trying for the bare-faced look, although I gave in to a lipstick in burgundy. It’s two minutes until eight. I fiddle with my long gold necklace with a round diamond circled in gold, a Christmas gift from Nonna. Looking down, I brush nonexistent lint from my dress, the black one Lydia picked out. My hair is long, loose, straight, and I’m dying to run my hand through it even though it doesn’t need it.
The door opens. For a large man Enzo moves fluidly, silently into the car. He takes up the entire car, close, he’s so close. Oh lord, the scent of him floods my senses, leather, rain, and something completely Enzo. Even sitting my knees are weak, air is trapped in my lungs, fighting to get out yet unwilling to exhale him. Those black eyes meet mine, fire hot, bright and I’m melting at the apex of my thighs for him.
His phone pings with a text. The phone in his hand, he sighs as he checks the display. Shaking his head, he looks to me. “Are we going?”
The words are a taunt. Taking a deep breath, I welcome his dickish behavior, all the better to freeze up the crazy heat he causes. I don’t bother responding, simply putting the car into gear. Less than two miles away on Dearborn, we turn and thankfully there are several empty spots to park across the street.
“I said no condos.” The harsh words are loud in the quiet of the car.
Annoyed, I work to keep my tone light. “We aren’t going into a condo. We’re going there.” I point at the large brown, stone building. “Thirteen thousand square feet, six bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, built in 1888. While there have been several updates many original details remain, stained-glass windows, woodwork, hardwood all original throughout.”
He shakes his head. “No, it abuts another building, and there’s no privacy. Next.”
I’m not surprised, not really; doesn’t mean I don’t want to smack him hard across his gorgeous face. I nod, pull out the folder and cross two homes off my already small list. Damn it.
“What are you doing?”
“Well, since you don’t like this one I’m going to guess you don’t want a house that is next door to a Catholic church.” He shakes his head. “I’m also crossing off another on Lakeshore Drive where the door opens onto the sidewalk without any front yard.” He shakes his head again. “Okay, that leaves us with three houses.”
“I said to have five for me to see.” Annoyance flares across his stupid beautiful face.
“I did have five for you to see. You don’t want to see them. I can turn around if you want.”
His black eyes flash hot. “I told you what I wanted. If I said I wanted space around me, why would you pick a home where the house is right against another?”
“Because it’s on one damn side. It’s also a big damn lot, it would have taken a pool, not a huge but one would have fit. You didn’t say anything about privacy, you said room. The house by the church has privacy, but it is right next to a busy over-a-hundred-year-old church. And I’m not an idiot. I have other homes; they aren’t for sale though, so the price will be for the seller to call. I have four of those.”
He doesn’t say anything. At a light I chance a glance. “I’m glad you aren’t wasting my time today after all.”
I roll my eyes. “This is my time too.”
It’s a relief he’s quiet until we’re almost to the next house. “We are turning past Ashland.” He raps the words out until they sting.
“Three blocks, three damn blocks. The house is worth it, there’s a park, a huge backyard, on a corner lot. This is a quiet neighborhood and only a few blocks away you’re in the thick of everything. You gave me a damn ten-mile-by-four-mile radius; if you don’t make even a small allowance then let’s just call it a fucking day and I’ll take you home now.”
