I yanked it open, stepped inside, removed my sunglasses, and headed toward the elevator.
The ride up took mere moments, and I stepped out to find Ulysses waving from a unit down the hall. I strode his way and brushed past him, sweeping into his condo.
And coming up short.
“Oh, wow.”
He chuckled. “Yeah. That.” He shut the door. “Can I take your jacket? Are you staying?”
I removed my jacket and handed it to him. Then I headed to the floor-to-ceiling windows. “You can see Baker.”
“Yep. Want to step onto the balcony? View’s even better from there.”
“Will I need my coat?”
“Nah. I installed the glass last week when the nip in the air appeared permanent for the winter. I can still open the windows, but it’s not cold unless I do.”
“Ah, so the balcony becomes a solarium?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Okay, let’s go. I mean, I could’ve gone out without my jacket on regardless.” Because I didn’t want Ulysses to think I was a wimp.
“Of course you could’ve.” He patted me on the back. Humoring me.
We stepped onto the balcony and headed right to the edge. “Yeah, what a beautiful day.” Nothing like this view at my little cabin.
“We’ve had a run of those.” His voice softened. “I’m not looking forward to the rain—but it’s a small price to pay.”
“What do you mean?” I turned to him.
“Just that we live in Canada, and most of the rest of the country deals with snow for the winter. We only have a handful of snow days.”
“And maybe this year we won’t get any.” I grinned.
“Highly unlikely.” He brushed his hand against mine. “But I don’t think you came here to talk about the weather—or to see my spectacular view of Mount Baker.”
“Given I didn’t know if you’d be home, and I certainly didn’t know about the view, you’d be right.”
He cocked his head. “What’s up?”
“You got something to drink? I’ve just come from the animal shelter, and my throat is dry.”
I needed to tell him what I’d learned. But I also still didn’t completely trust him.
“Water? Soda? Coffee?”
I blinked. “Uh, cola would be good.”
“Great.” He headed toward the fridge. “How about some grilled cheese? You hungry?”
“Sure.”
“And tomato soup?”
“Sounds great. I, uh, need to wash my hands. And maybe take a leak?”
He pointed. “Guest bathroom. Whatever you need.”
