I pull into the garage, which can be converted into a ballroom if I ever lose my sanity and decide to hold a party with hundreds of guests. The space is mostly filled with sparkling cars, all chosen for beauty, power and performance. I don’t collect carslike some of my clients, but when something catches my eye, I buy it.
We get out. “Wow,” Klein says softly, her cheeks pink. She’s so pretty as she takes in my fleet.
“See anything you like?”
“That one’s gorgeous.” She gestures at a silver Aston Martin convertible as sleek and beautiful as herself.
“Smart choice. You can take it.”
“What?” She pulls back like I just tossed her a snake. “No! I have my own car.”
“But no fob,” I remind her, unsure what her objections are after calling it gorgeous.
“Which the dealer can replace.”
“I think you’re wounding the pride of British engineering.”
She shakes her head with a laugh. “No need for British engineering’s pride to be hurt. It’s just that my car is very dependable. And, uh, cheaper.”
“Sounds about as exciting as property,” I mutter, thinking back to a class at Harvard Law that never failed to put me to sleep. “Look, just enjoy the ride until you get a new fob. You’ll look totally cool driving around with the top down. The weather’s great.” And her curls will blow gloriously in the air.
Her eyes dart everywhere as she searches for something to say. “But what if something happens to it?”
“Do you drive recklessly?” I already know the answer. But I want to remind her she’s a safe driver, somebody I can trust with one of my prized cars.
“No, but other people do. And my luck hasn’t been the greatest in the last twenty-four hours.”
Guess finding out all the crap about Chad was shocking. Although it’s better that she found out now, before she wasted more time on that unworthy piece of shit. It probably doesn’t help her optimism that her apartment burned down, but it’slikely somebody else’s bad luck rubbing off on her. “Then we’ll call the insurance company and have them take care of it. It’s no big deal.”
Her eyes widen. “But it’s an Aston Martin!”
“It could be God’s personal chariot, and I’d say the same. Don’t worry about it. If I didn’t want you to drive it, I’d say so.”
“But—”
I place my index finger over her mouth. Her breath, hot and slightly moist, fans the skin. A prickling sensation spreads all over me, and suddenly my pants are too tight again. Her lips are soft and malleable under my finger. It’s all I can do to not push it into her mouth, feel the wet heat of her tongue gliding over… “Just say thank you,” I order her, my voice a tad rough and low.
Her lashes flutter as she looks at my finger, then my face. Her cheeks flush, and she swallows. “Thank you.”
She murmurs the words against my finger. Excitement sparks along my spine, but I rein myself in. I know better than to pounce on her in the garage. It’s a luxury garage, but for a first time with Klein? Not worthy.
It feels a bit oddly vulnerable to invite Klein into my home. I don’t bring women over. Normally we either go to their place if they insist—or ideally, we hit the hotel because that’s convenient and impersonal. Homes are too intimate and prone to unrealistic expectations.
I show Klein my place—from the foyer to the vast living room where my brothers and I hang out, smoking cigars, drinking good Japanese whiskey and playing poker. It’s furnished for comfort and lingering conversations, with plush leather couches and armchairs. Contemporary crystal chandeliers from Sweden—a gift from my Japanese uncle—are suspended from the high ceiling. A few postmodern art pieces hang on the walls. I don’t know much about them, but they add interest to the space and they’ve appreciated significantly over the years.
Klein trots over and stares up at them, her eyes bright.
“Enjoy art?” I ask.
“Uh-huh. But I’ve never seen any originals outside of museums.” Her entire being seems focused on the paintings. “These are original, right?”
“Yeah. I got them at auctions in Japan. If you want, we could hit a local one or two.”
She pivots fast, her attention really on me now. “Seriously?”
“Of course.”
“Oh my God. I’d love to go, just so I can see what it’s like. I’ve only seen them in movies.” She beams. “Your home is beautiful.”
