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“Ah.” She blinked, hesitating.
Giving her the time to debate the benefit or harm of visiting his place, he called over the waiter, asked for the bill, and paid it.
“Ready to go?”
She nodded.
He led her to his Porsche and waited until she was seated and buckled in to ask, “So, have you decided if you’re more terrified of having a drink at my condo than dodging the clouds in a copter?”
“You’re not funny.” Her head whipped toward him. “Is it another test? Do you often take out prospective employees for dinner and drinks?”
He considered her for a few seconds before answering.
She stared back, frowning.
“For your information, I only take out the few women I consider dating. No one else.” He snorted. “Soon, you’ll discover I’m dedicated to my job and the patients in my care, but I don’t go out of my way for others.” He dug out his phone from his pants’ pocket and showed her the screen. “I’ll text you the agent’s name and phone number. What’s your number?” She recited it, and he entered the number. “You should have the text now. You don’t have to come.”
Her frown faded. “We’ve agreed that we needed to get to know each other better.”
“Yes, we did.” He grinned. “Should I drive straight to my place?”
She chuckled. “If I’m still invited.”
“By all means.” He grabbed her hand and brushed her wrist with a kiss.
***
Her head slightly turned toward him, Arianna studied Rafael’s chiseled profile as he waved his hands around. “This is my open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen.”
She surveyed the large space where a brown leather sofa, matching recliner, and dark wood coffee table formed the living room. A cabinet with a marble top covered with bottles represented his bar, and a table with four chairs created the dining room. “Very modern.” Too aloof for her taste,with naked walls and nothing to reveal her host’s personal tastes or experiences. She took off her windbreaker and hung it on a chair.
“And practical, considering the bedroom is relatively small.” He opened a door, revealing a smaller room with a king-sized bed and two night tables. “I don’t need more furniture here. The closet accommodates my clothes, books, and knick-knacks. The only bathroom is over there.”
They returned to the living room. “Can I get you a drink?” He listed a few of the liqueurs he had on hand.
“Bailey’s sounds good.” He poured her drink and handed her the glass, and then prepared himself a Manhattan.
She lifted her glass for a toast. “To our good working relationship.”
“Cheers.” He touched his glass to hers. For a second, she thought she caught a sarcastic twist to his lips.
“Let me show you the view from my tenth floor.” He led her to the balcony.
“Oh my God, this is gorgeous. You’re right on the Intercoastal, and you can see the ocean beyond these buildings. How I wish…” She stopped short. “This is probably way out of my league.”
“I’ll call Greg. The guy can work miracles. By the way, he lives three floors below.”
A moment later, a gangly man with long hair and a beard walked in, smiling.
Rafael introduced them. “Arianna, meet my friend Greg Joff. Arianna Garcia, who’ll soon be working at SAMF.” She shook hands with the real estate agent, and Rafael poured him a drink. “Can we count on you to help Arianna find a nice place around here?”
Greg asked her about her requirements.
“I don’t think I can be too fussy since my budget is limited.”
“Renting is more affordable than buying. There’s an apartment like this one on the fourth floor.” He gave her a price.
“Forget it. Way too much.”
