“I like the low population, the clean beaches, the slow pace. I will say that I never come here in the height of the summer. It’s too packed.”
"I get that. I loved California beaches and the mountains. The outdoor activities were great, but there were way too many people. I couldn't take the traffic even to get to a grocery store. If I wanted to go to the mountains to hike, it would take hours, not because of distance, but just the number of cars on the road."
“Yeah, that area of the country is packed. Kind of like New York or Boston.”
"Oh goodness, that would be too much. I mean, at least Boston and New York have subways that get you to more places than the one in LA. I tried doing the Metro, and it sucked compared to the subway in New York. The trams they have in Europe are much better, too, even though those are on surface streets."
“Yeah, big cities aren’t my thing, but I do appreciate a good tram system. Out here, the traffic is only bad on crunch weekends like Easter, summer holidays, and Thanksgiving.”
“I think I’ll like living where there are fewer people.”
The car slowed, and Link turned on the blinker. The condo was painted in pastel blue and yellow with white accents.
“Is this it?”
Link nodded. “Yes. I think it looks good.”
"Absolutely. It looks so nice." Across the street from the condo were a few restaurants and a small grocery store. Everything was within walking distance. She could tell they were going to have a good time here.
Link wasproud that he’d been able to purchase the condo in such a great location. He didn’t have to drive to get food or go outto a restaurant if he didn’t want to. If he decided to put the place up for sale, he knew he would make top dollar.
"The management repainted a few years ago. It made a difference. Also, the restaurants opened four years ago, and the grocery store opened last year. This area is great now."
“How close is the beach?” Ansley asked as he parked the car.
"Just over the berm. So not far. It's a short walk." He wove his fingers with hers and kissed the back of her hand. "Let's get everything inside, then we can go out there if you like."
She nodded. “Sure, that sounds great.”
The condo needed a little airing out and dusting. He should have had someone come to clean. Not that he minded cleaning, but he didn’t want Ansley to think she had to dust his place or pull out the vacuum.
They set their bags down in the entry, and he moved to the windows and opened the first one.
“Want me to get the ones in the bedroom?” Ansley asked.
“Sure. I need to dust a little and run a vacuum.”
“I can help.”
“You don’t have to.”
She moved to him and placed her hand on his arm. “Link, I can help clean. I don’t mind.”
He held her face in his hands. “I know. I just don’t want you to think you have to. You’re my guest.”
“I like a clean place as much as you do. And no, I don’t think you brought me here to clean up your condo.”
“I really didn’t.”
"Let's go out to the beach, then we can clean the place this afternoon before we get food for dinner."
He nodded as he studied her. This woman was much more down-to-earth than the other women he'd been with. Maybe it was because he wasn't just attracted to her body, but her personality.
“Do you want to slip on your sandals?” Link asked.
“Yes. Great idea.”
“Let me run up and open the window in the loft.”
