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A car pulls up, and I recognize Antonio's car. Cassidy and Antonio step out of their vehicle. I watch Cassidy walk into the building. Her movements are graceful, and her auburn hair glows under the streetlights. Cassidy's luggage was delivered by my driver Matthew earlier today.
A few minutes later, I hear the front bell ring.
"Antonio," I say when I open the door and usher them into the foyer. "It's good to see you."
Cassidy steps in and looks around at the dark hardwood floors, coffered ceiling, and expensive artwork.
"Welcome," I say to her.
She smiles.
Cassidy is wearing a casual sundress that hugs her curves perfectly and hits her at the knees. She looks stunning.
Fuck, this is going to be hard.
“Would you like a tour?” I ask, trying to distract myself from her beauty.
"Yes, please," she says with a smile.
"Yeah, I've seen it before, but I'd like to see what's changed," Antonio says.
We start the tour in my living room, which is flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line one side. A grand piano sits in one corner, facing a white rug and gas fireplace with a decorative stack of wood.
My attention turns to Cassidy, and I take her in. She catches my eye and quickly looks away. Memories of what happened between us on the beach and the last night of our vacation linger in my mind.
We continue the tour, heading to the gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and a large island in the center. As my chef was cooking earlier, the smell of garlic and onions lingers in the air.
I can smell Cassidy's light floral perfume as we pass by her.
From here, we make our way upstairs to the second floor. On one side of the second floor are my bedroom and office. The office has two large bookcases filled with books and a large glass desk with a laptop. I have an overstuffed sofa pushed against the wall. I've fallen asleep in my office many nights after a long day of work.
On the other side of the second floor is the guest room, which Cassidy will be occupying. The walls are painted a soft blue, and the ensuite bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower. The bed is queen-sized with crisp white linens.
I can feel the tension between us when I show her around, but we keep up the polite conversation in the presence of Antonio.
"You've done a good job with the place. It looks like you've remodeled since I was last here."
I nod. "I like variety." I point to the closet. "Matthew has placed your luggage in the closet. The bathroom is stocked with toiletries, but if there is anything you need, let me know."
"Thanks," she says and goes into the closet.
Antonio looks at his watch. "I should get going. I have an early day tomorrow."
"Stay the night. It doesn't make sense to drive back to Boston this late."
He shakes his head. "Thanks, but I have a meeting in Brooklyn in the morning. I'll be staying in a hotel there."
Cassidy hugs her dad, and I walk Antonio to the front door.
When I return to the guest room, I watch Cassidy as she unpacks her luggage.
"You don't have to stay in the guest room, you know." I lean against the door frame. "I have a California king, and we can resume what we didn't get to finish the other day."
Cassidy stops unpacking and looks at me, her gaze intense. I can see the internal struggle on her face - she's fighting with herself about sleeping in my bed. The sexual tension between us crackles like electricity.
I take a step forward and gather her in my arms. I lean forward, her lips part for mine, and she leans into the kiss. The heat rises, and a groan reverberates in my chest as I hold her in my arms. For a moment, I forget about all the reasons why this is wrong and focus on the chemistry between us.
But then she pulls away. "I can't," she whispers. "Dad has set me up with one of his friends, a guy named Damian."
