“That’s exactly why you’re here. The anti-boring police.”
He brushed past her and he smelled clean. Was she hearing the thump-thump of his heart, deep and strong, or was she just imagining it?
“Want to see the rest of the place?” he asked.
She caught her breath and nodded.
They passed the little table set with two placemats and silverware, as if he were expecting company.
“You can leave your stuff here, if you want.” He indicated the sofa that was littered with his papers, phone and laptop. Her grommet-studded bag looked at home next to his things. She pictured the two of them squeezed so closely on the couch that her hand could find his knee.
A paneled door merited a quick wave on the way to the back of the apartment. “Powder room, in case you need it. You should make yourself at home.”
Home.Orchid knew from her teen years that she couldn’t take the concept of home for granted. Kind-hearted Phoenix was being generous, as usual.
At the end of the corridor, a doorway opened to a bedroom with a king-sized bed. It was flanked by side tables, both with stylish lamps, and matching bureaus. The hardwood floors were covered by a plush carpet. The room was so large that even the bed seemed small.
He showed her the adjoining bathroom, with its glass-enclosed shower and double sink. More than the marble, what caught her eye was a navy-colored tube of shaving gel on his countertop.
“Don’t tell me you buy the competition!”
He grinned. “Not a Lauder brand, sorry.”
“You don’t sound sorry.”
“I’ll tell you what. When you launch yours, I’ll try it.”
“Good. Now we’re working on naming the new line.”
He led them back out to the bedroom. “That’s fun. What ideas do you have?”
“There’s functional names like One-Step, or ones that are playing up the masculine angle, like Fierce. The one I like best is based on my favorite insight.”
“Oh yeah?” he looked intrigued.
“Acceptance, because the brand accepts wherever you are, and helps you to be the best you can be.”
He paused and looked down at her. “It’s elegant. It’s insightful. I’m not surprised you love it.”
“Oh thanks.” The space around her eyes warmed with pleasure. His opinion meant a lot to her.
He waved around at the pale walls, indicating an end to the tour. “En suite. It’s only a one-bedroom, so that’s it.”
“My place is ‘only’ a one-bedroom, but it’s like a quarter the size of yours. If this is a one-bedroom, mine is a two-bit room,” she mused aloud.
“I almost forgot,” he said. “The realtor was excited about the walk-in.” He flung open a door and revealed a closet bigger than Orchid’s bedroom. Shelves and cubbies lined one wall. On the opposite wall, there were neat rows of shoes. Hanging suits and shirts were ordered by shades of blue and gray. There were weights stacked on a shelf
Orchid released a loud sigh. “Damn, this closet is nicer than my whole place.”
“The sublet’s really affordable,” he joked.
“You’d rent me your apartment?”
“Just my closet.”
She blew out a chuckle. “Karma’s going to get you for all your jokes at my expense.”
“No doubt.”
