“Bathroom’s through there,” Rowan says, nodding toward a door on the far side of the room. “Closet’s on the left. Make yourself at home.”
I walk over to the long bank of windows. These ones offer a different, but equally stunning view, of the city. “This is the guest room?Seriously?”
“Is it okay?” There’s a hint of uncertainty in his voice that makes me turn to look at him.
“It’s perfect.” I shrug off my jacket, tossing it onto the bench at the foot of the bed. “Though I am kind of afraid to touch anything.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Leaning against the doorframe, his chuckle is low and sexy. “Everything in this house is meant to be used.”
Trying not to let my gaze linger on the sexy bulk of his biceps, I make an attempt at snark instead. “Even that ridiculously expensive-looking painting in the hallway?”
“Well, maybe not that,” he concedes with a grin. “That’s a Basquiat. It’s worth more than this house.”
My eyes widen. “Holy shit.”
“There’s a robe and fresh towels in the bathroom,” he says, pushing off from the doorframe. “My room is down the hall. If you want, we can go swimming later? We’ve got the rest of the night to relax. Tomorrow, however, is another story.”
“Right. The party at the gallery.”
He nods. “I’ve got some things lined up to help you get ready.”
“What kind of things exactly? I brought a dress.”
“It’s not a big deal. Just a couple of stylist friends of mine who are coming over to help with hair and makeup. The party is going to be pretty upscale.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I do know how to dress myself, you know. Been doing it for years.”
“I know,” Rowan says quickly, holding up his hands. “I just thought... it might be fun to pamper you. But if you’d rather not?—”
“No, it’s fine,” I cut him off, feeling like a bitch for snapping at him. “That would be... nice. Thank you.”
As an awkward silence descends, I’m suddenly fully awarewe’re standing in a bedroom with a massive bed just a few feet away. My mind flashes back to our time in the shed, his hands kneading my flesh, his mouth on my?—
“I’ll let you get settled,” he says, mercifully interrupting my train of thought. “Come down whenever you’re ready.”
forty
It’s takingeverything in me not to invade Lizzy’s personal space. I know I need to give her some time to acclimate to her new surroundings, but all I want to do is touch her.
Grabbing my bag, I trudge down the hall to my bedroom. After putting my stuff away, I head back downstairs to the kitchen and grab a beer from the fridge.
Popping the top, I take a long sip and walk over to the wall of windows in the living room. The view never gets old, no matter how many times I look at it. But somehow, having Lizzy here makes it feel different—more like a home than just a few glass walls and a great view.
I can’t believe she’s actually here. In my house. After all these years.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs makes me turn around. Hair pulled up into a messy bun, face freshly washed, Lizzy’s changed into a pair of black leggings and an oversized T-shirt that slips off one shoulder. Even dressed down, she takes my breath away.
I hold up my beer. “Want one?”
She nods, padding across the living room in her bare feet. “Yes, please.”
I head to the kitchen and grab another bottle from the fridge. When I return, she’s standing at the windows.
“I can’t seem to get over this view,” she says, taking the beer. “Do you ever get tired of waking up to this?”
“Not yet,” I admit.
She takes a sip, keeping her green eyes on the skyline. “Your life is so different now.”
