“Huh. Weirdo. At least there are no plastic covers on the furniture.”
“I’m neat, not neurotic.”
“Debatable.” I wandered over to a bookshelf, examining the titles. Lots of business books, some classics, and, surprisingly, a substantial collection of fantasy novels. “A Song of Ice and Fire? You’re a Game of Thrones fan?”
“The books are better than the show,” he said, moving to the kitchen. “Water?”
“Yes, please.” I continued exploring, finding more unexpected details: a collection of vintage vinyl records, a well-used chess set, framed concert tickets on one wall. “You’re full of surprises, Gable.”
“How so?” He returned with two glasses of water, handing one to me.
“This place. It’s not what I expected.” I took a long drink, suddenly realizing how thirsty I was. “It has... personality.”
“You thought I lived in a sterile white box, didn’t you?”
“Something like that.” I sank onto his couch, which was even more comfortable than it looked. “Oh my god, this couch is amazing. I would definitely fuck with this couch.”
“Thank you? I think. I’m not sure.” He sat in an armchair across from me, loosening his tie further. “The guest room is down the hall on the left. Bathroom is across from it. There are fresh towels in the cabinet and a new toothbrush in the drawer.”
“Of course there are,” I said, but there was no bite to it. I was too comfortable and still too buzzed to muster any real snark. “Always prepared.”
“I try to be.”
We sat in silence for a moment, me sipping my water and him watching me with an unreadable expression.
“What?” I finally asked.
“Nothing. Just making sure you’re not about to pass out or throw up.”
“I told you, I’m a dignified drunk,” I protested. “I don’t do either of those things.”
“Everyone says that until they do.”
I kicked off my heels and tucked my feet under me on the couch. “You know what I think?”
“I’m sure you’re about to tell me.”
“I think you like taking care of people. That’s why you’re so controlling. You think if everything is perfect, everyone will be happy and safe.”
“That’s quite an analysis from someone who drank an entire bottle of champagne at the event tonight.”
“See? Deflection. Classic defense mechanism.” I finished my water and set the glass on a coaster—of course he had coasters—on the coffee table. “I’m right, though.”
“If you say so.” He stood, taking my empty glass. “More water?”
“Yes, please. See? Taking care of me.”
He returned with the water and sat back down. “It’s basic hospitality, sweetheart.”
“Mmm-hmm.” I took another long drink. “You know, I remember that night.”
“Hm?”
“Our night. Before we knew who each other were.” I observed his expression, saw the slight tensing of his shoulders. “You were very... take-charge then too.”
His jaw tightened. “Mari?—”
“Relax, I’m not propositioning you,” I said, waving a hand dismissively. “Just making an observation. It’s interesting, that’s all.”
