AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Instead, my gaze keeps going to the bastard she’s fucking. Whoever it is, I hope he makes her happy. It makes me seethe to think there is a chance he isn’t treating her right.
“Mr. Lewis.”
Shit. I turn off the phone and stow it into my pocket as I turn to face Sean Moore. He stands behind me, an amused look on his face.
“Mr. Moore. Good to see you,” I say, standing and offering my hand.
He shakes it firmly. That amused look is still in his eyes. I ignore the implications of it. So what if he saw Kylie’s painting over my shoulder? He’s half an hour early.
“Let’s start with the penthouse, shall we?” I ask, gesturing to the elevator.
Sean nods once and heads over, his cane tapping against the floor. I give him the papers showing the stats of the building before I take him on a slow tour of the property. There is much that can be done with the space, and I’m hoping that he selects it.
“The entire building has sixty-eight floors. The top two are the penthouse, and there is also a rooftop terrace. If you would like to expand your penthouse further, renovations on the sixty-fifth floor will cost anywhere between one and five million dollars, depending on how extravagant you want to get,” I reply, just as the doors open to the penthouse. “However, the benefit of this building isn’t just its location, Mr. Moore, but the view.” I hold my arms out in a gesturing manner to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city.
“It is impressive...but I’m not sure if it’s big enough.”
“I see,” I reply slowly. “Well, another positive note is that the smaller two buildings on either side are actually for sale as well. So if you wanted, you could buy those out, too, and potentially expand. Perhaps another addition to this as well as a parking garage?”
Moore is quiet for a moment, his eyes searching the skyline as he steps forward and opens the door that leads out onto the rooftop balcony. I follow him, not saying a word as I let him ponder over the pricing and other factors of the building.
“Is this all you have for me?” Moore asks, striding toward the huge windows right ahead of us.
“No sir, I have a few more. It’s just that with the location of this building, and the space it has to offer you, I wanted to show you this first.”
Moore nods, breathing in deeply. A contemplative look comes to his face. “Show me that painting you were looking at.”
I’m completely caught off guard as my lips part and my brow furrows. “Sorry?”
Moore turns to me. “The painting. The features you sent me on this place are exactly what I want. I don’t give two shits about budget and I like this view. So show me the painting. Then I’ll give you my final answer on this place…and my continued work with you.”
He’s got to be kidding. The man’s literally blackmailing me to look at Kylie's painting! “May I ask why you have an interest in it? It’s irrelevant to our business.”
“Young man, I know your type well enough. You show me the best property first. Then you show me the others so it sinks in how inferior they are, and finally, you bring me back here. Now I’ve had plenty of time to think it over and you’ve convinced me it’s the best place.” Moore smirks at me. “I don’t have the time to play these games. I want this building and that painting. I’m not usually into redheads, but that could sure change my mind.”
“Sorry, the painting was already sold,” I say before I’m even aware of the words. I’m instantly possessive of Kylie, and the thought of some old fuck jerking off to her, even if it’s only a painting of her, pisses me off.
“However, I know the artist personally,” I continue, before Moore can start pushing me to give him information about who bought the painting. “I can get you commissioned pieces for a special discount.”
Moore laughs, slapping an open palm against his hip. “Son, I don’t even care about discounts. Get me a few different pieces for my penthouse and a special one for my main office. I’ll be the envy of every fucking man in this city.”
“I can do that,” I reply, shaking his hand. “Is there anything else?”
“No. Send the contract over once you have the agreement with the artist.” Moore strokes his chin as we head for the elevator again. “I want abstract pieces for the penthouse, but the one for my main office… ask the artist to make it as erotic as the one on your phone. No preferences… surprise me.”
My jaw clenches as I nod, forcing a smile to my lips. “I’ll pass it along.”
* * *
It’s not until I’m back at the office and I’ve shared with Lizzie the good news that it hits me. And only because Lizzie asks the question?—
“Would you like me to contact Miss Simmons, or will you bring the proposal to her yourself?”
Fuck. Kylie isn’t going to react well to this.
“I’ll contact her myself,” I tell Lizzie. “You may leave for the night. I’ll finish up my work.”
“It’s no problem, Mr. Lewis. I’m happy to stay for whatever you need me for,” Lizzie assures me.
