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It’s a relief when the doors pop open, and it becomes clear that we’re on the right floor. It feels like we’ve overcome a hurdle we didn’t even know we needed to.
“Here,” Alex declares as he pulls out his keys to the apartment.
Anticipation claws at me as he swings open the door to reveal a side of himself that I definitely didn’t expect to see. I know I’m writing a lifestyle piece about Alex, but I thought it would be about a man who doesn’t like to share anything about himself. My heart pounds as I see the pristine, clean penthouse suite spread out in front of me.
“Wow, nice place you have here.”
“You like it?” Alex smiles as he leads me into the kitchen. I nod while he grabs a couple of wine glasses for us. “Do you want a drink? I just thought… you know, after everything that happened…”
Is hesweet? Wow, I really am learning a lot about him tonight.
“A drink sounds great, thank you.”
I glance around the home because Alex’s eye contact is getting a little intense and making me feel everything all at once. I’m impressed by the comfy-looking couch, the rich wooden floors, and the cool artwork adorning the walls.
“Oh, you want to take a little tour?” Alex chuckles. “Here, let me show you the balcony.”
Holy shit.The outside somehow is even better than the inside. His balcony stretches out wide with an incredible panoramic view of Central Park. This is like a dream home, the sort of place that most people can only dream of. The view is a painting of its own.
But that’s not the most impressive thing.
“I didn’t know peoplereallyhad hot tubs on their balconies.”
Alex’s eyes shine. “Well, yeah. I thought I’d need one for my party pad… not that my home has really become that. Now it’s just a place for me to hang out when I need some time to myself.”
“Oh yeah?” I cock my head curiously to one side as I envision him sitting out here with a glass of something, just pondering life as he looks out on the city view thinking about whatever’s next.
Although it’s hard for me to imagine him out here in the hot tub without thinking about what he mustlooklike when he’s half naked in the tub. Those rippling muscles, his strong arms, those sparkling eyes of his… mmm, I bet he looks gorgeous.
Notthat I want to think about how good-looking he is.
Uh oh. Am I in trouble here?
As I meet Alex’s eyes, and I see the mischief dancing behind his gaze, I’m pretty sure I am. But that isn’t about to stop me; I’m not going to turn away and go home.
Even if I should.
Chapter 7—Alex
I don’t usually switch the hot tub on at this time of night, but why not? I have to admit, I’m enjoying seeing the twinkle in Riley’s eye. I like impressing her more than I thought I would—especially after seeing her in trouble in the club. I hated that. It doesn’t matter if Riley is someone I haven’t had the best relationship with so far; it doesn’t mean I don’t care.
As she sips her champagne, I flick the bubbles on and watch her light up.
“Nice!” she exclaims. “Shame I haven’t got my swimsuit. I wouldn’t mind a dip.”
Now IknowI shouldn’t be doing this. Honestly, I don’t know what has come over me, but I can’t resist shocking Riley. She seems like quite a sunny person but quite uptight as well. I kinda want to test her, to see what she has going for her.
So, I peel my top off, tantalizingly slowly, loving the gasp that comes out of her mouth. With my eyes firmly fixed on hers, I pull my pants down, too.
“You have underwear, right?” I shoot her a wink. “No need for swimwear.”
I don’t know if I’ve pushed her too far, but I stride over to the hot tub anyway and climb in. The hot water is absolutely deliciously warm against the icy cold air.
“It’s nice,” I call behind me, facing away from Riley, giving her a bit of a chance. “You don’t want to miss out. The view looks a million times better from here.”
There’s a weird tension in the air, but I continue to act normal. I can’t really tell what Riley is doing behind me, but there’s definitely some movement there. I’m impatient, but I do what I can to hold myself together until I hear footsteps.
Then I can’t resist any longer.
