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“Wait—right now?”
“Yes, it’s urgent.”
Crap, I’m gonna be late for Evan’s exhibit!
“Look,” Noah said. “I know you haven’t seen my place yet because of the renovation, but if you just get there now, you’ll know which room is my office because it’s the only room I told the contractors not to touch. Once you’re there, text me and I’ll call you back to tell you what I need. It’s just a case file—but an important one. Can you please do that for me?”
I couldn’t say no. He needed my help, and I would not let him down.
“On my way.”
“Thank you so much. You’re literally saving my job here.”
“I’m glad to help.”
“I’m sorry I called at a bad time. I haven’t forgotten about my brother’s big event tonight. I just really need you to get that file, scan it and email it to me.”
“Don’t worry, Noah. I’ll find it.” I signaled a cab and got inside. “I’ll text you once I’m there.”
“Thank you—oh, and Aria?”
“Yes?”
“I love you, baby. You’re mine. Don’t you forget it.”
I would never tire of hearing that. Ever.
??
The cab ride to Noah’s penthouse condo took about twenty-five minutes. I was deep in the heart of the city now, in an upscale neighborhood in Manhattan called SoHo. Paying my fare, I stepped out on the street and couldn’t help but gape at the high-rise building across from me. It looked like a luxury plaza hotel I’d seen in a magazine. The exquisite cast-iron architecture seemed revitalized, which explained why it appealed to commercial clients. Noah wasn’t too far from the townhouse I lived in. A half-hour drive was better than being thousands of miles apart.
Using the key through the lobby door, I let myself inside the main entrance and looked around. The concierge was an elderly gentleman sitting behind a desk. We exchanged smiles as I headed toward the elevator. At the top floor, I walked down a wide hallway with windows leading to a tall brown door. Three gold plated numbers were mounted in the center, just above the peephole:336. Inserting the key, I opened it and stepped into the darkness.
The city lights glittered from the floor to ceiling windows across from me, and the penthouse had a fresh paint smell, though it wasn’t too overpowering. I was pleasantly surprised when I turned on the lights and found a fully furnished living room, exactly the way I had envisioned. It was identical to the way we had planned to decorate it together. All those DMs wehad exchanged back and forth bouncing décor ideas had been so much fun. He must have hired a professional interior designer. I remembered him saying the penthouse was five thousand something square feet, which meant the market price was somewhere in the high millions.
The spacious living room had dark hardwood flooring with an impressive cityscape view. The walls were painted in the same color I had told Noah I wanted: moon mist. I adored the white sofa set. They built a contemporary fireplace across from it. Designed in a simple monochromatic color scheme, it accented the suite with dark shades of brown and green. A giant television was mounted on the wall, and it made me think of all the movie nights we would have together, kissing and cuddling… possibly more. I smiled at the thought.
The ceiling was outrageously high, but it suited the open concept design. I loved the spiral staircase that led to the second level, where the bedrooms were located. I had been expecting to walk into an unfinished renovation, but everything looked perfect: a breathtaking palace in the sky. Standing in awe, I had to remind myself that I had an urgent task to attend to.
I sent Noah a text, and he quickly called me back.
“How come you never told me the renovation was finished?” I asked. “The penthouse looks amazing!”
“The upstairs level isn’t done yet. Where are you right now?”
“In your giant living room.”
“Ourgiant living room. Are you facing the windows?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Okay, do you see a hallway to your right?”
“Uh huh.”
“Walk to the end. There’s a door to your left.”
I did as he instructed and opened the door to his office.
