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He takes it in his hands. “That I love these things.”
“Cactuses?” The word comes out muffled in a slight chuckle.
He steps aside and motions for me to enter his apartment.
The last time I was at his door, I caught a glimpse of the expansive space over his shoulder, but this is incredible.
The living area alone has to be twice the size of Grady’s entire apartment. The view of the city beyond the wall of windows is spectacular, as are the furnishings. I would have expected dark, intense tones from a man like him, but everything is crisp, white, and polished.
The warmth of vibrant potted plants everywhere sets it all off perfectly.
I lose count when I reach twelve. He must have at least double that just in this room alone.
“You have a green thumb?”
The question sends his gaze to mine. “Damn right I do. I’ll add your contribution to that table by the window.”
He sets off in his dress shoes, tapping a soft beat of his footsteps against the floor.
I glance to the left and then the right expecting to see the rest of his dinner party guests, but I come up empty.
When I look back at Sean, he’s smiling at me. “The rest of our crew is on the way. When you’ve lived as long as they have, you shouldn’t be in a rush to get anywhere.”
Nerves spark somewhere inside of me. I try to brush the feeling away by silently convincing myself that this is just a dinner party between neighbors. This isn’t the start of a date.
Sean walks toward me with his hands sunk in the front pockets of his pants. “In my excitement over the cactus, did I neglect to mention how goddamn beautiful you look tonight?”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “You smell great.”
Both of his brows pop. “Thanks, Champ. It’s the new Matiz cologne. It costs a fucking fortune, but it was worth every penny if you’re into it.”
A squeak of a giggle bubbles out of me. “I meant that the dinner smells great.”
He nods. “Sure you did. It’s a rack of lamb, risotto, and grilled asparagus. Durkman is bringing dessert. Don’t expect much. I’m betting on rice cereal treats.”
“I like rice cereal treats,” I admit.
He taps his forehead with the tip of his index finger. “I’m making a mental note of that.”
I glance around the living area again. “Your apartment is gorgeous.”
His eyes don’t leave my face. “It’s all right. You, on the other hand…”
His voice trails when there’s a sudden, soft knock at the door. “It’s show time. Just so you know, I asked Mrs. Fields from the third floor to join in on the fun. She’s a hoot.”
I turn and watch as he approaches his apartment door. When it’s opened, I spot Mrs. Sweeney with another gray-haired woman by her side. Both are sporting broad smiles on their faces.
Sean wraps his arms around them. “I’m a lucky bastard tonight. I get to spend time with the most beautiful women in this city.”
They embrace him before the three of them part.
“Mrs. Fields, this is my new friend, Calliope.” Sean steps aside to give me access to both women. “She lives next door to me.”
“Calliope is a dream.” Mrs. Sweeney reaches for my hand as I approach her. “She’s one of the best neighbors I’ve ever had.”
“Hey, now,” Sean says in a low tone. “I’m standing right here.”
Both women turn to glance at him, but it’s Mrs. Sweeney who pats his cheek with her palm. “You’re the best neighbor I’ve ever had, Sean. You’re an incredibly special young man.”
