AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Stefan
“I’m impressed,” Naomi says, setting her mimosa down on the table. Her bright red hair sweeps over her shoulders as she leans in with a grin, her nose scrunching, peppered with light brown freckles. “Leave it to Stefan Grenalds. You’ve only been in this city for half a year, and you’re already buying 300 units.”
“Because of your generous investment,” I say, saluting her with my glass of whiskey. She smiles, looking down to close the folder of documents I prepared with a full rundown of everything we plan to do with the First Avenue Apartment Project, the state they’re in currently, and how much we estimate repairs to be based upon the report we got from our inspectors and our general contractor.
“Here are rent rolls–” I start, ready to slide another stack of papers to her across the table.
“I trust you. I don’t need to see rent rolls. You have the contract. I will wire my investment. I have to say, I’m pleased to be doing business with you again, even if it’s in Alabama.” She turns her nose up, glancing out of the thick windows behind our table.
“It’s not so bad once you get used to the heat and the mosquitos.”
“I don’t see how anyone could get used to this heat. Arizona is hot, but it’s dry. Here, I feel like I’m breathing in water.”
I chuckle. “That’s actually a great analogy.”
Her bright green eyes pierce into me, her ever attentive gaze as observant as always.
“You seem… different,” she says, narrowing her eyes.
“How so?” I hide behind the rim of my glass avoiding her watchful gaze.
“I can’t put my finger on it. I feel like I’m seeing those dimples more than usual.”
I laugh.
“Stefan Grenalds! Are you blushing?” She gasps. “Who is it? You met someone? Oh my God! What’s her name?”
“Slow down! I never said–” I stop, rolling my eyes.
Naomi is like a sister to me. We grew up together, literally across the street from each other. There’s no one in the world who knows me better. Denying it is pointless.
“Name!” she demands, trying to frown and failing completely as her face splits in a grin. I sigh, sipping my drink to stall for time.
“Stef! Come on!” she whines, slapping at the hand I have resting on the table.
“Ow!” I snatch my hand away. “Fine. Stop being crazy. Her name is Lily.”
I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face when I say her name. Naomi gasps again, grinning conspiratorially.
“Oh, this is good. I have to meet her.”
“Absolutely not!”
“Why? You’re the worst! Come on!”
“No,” I say firmly. The things she’d tell Lily. I shudder at the thought.
“You can’t stop me,” she grumbles, folding her arms and glaring.
“You’re such a brat. Leave it alone.”
“Nope. I’m going to stay in town until I meet every Lily here. I’ll withstand all the mosquitos I have to.”
I suck my teeth. “Yea right, like you could leave my nieces for that long.”
“Well, can you at least tell me about her?”
I bite back a smile, looking down at my glass.
“You’re blushing again!” she cries.
“Will you shut up?” I groan, aware of every head that turned to us to see why she raised her voice.
“I will if you tell me about her.” She smirks, raising a red brow.
“Fine,” I sigh. I recall everything I can remember, Lily’s attitude, her hair, the way she smells, the sound of her laugh, the way she blushes when she’s lost in her thoughts, the way she bounces her leg when she’s nervous, everything that’s not sexual. When I stop talking, my face is hot.
“Wow,” Naomi sighs. “I think you’re in love.”
