Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 65239 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65239 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
She might.
Only time will tell if she’s the right fit for this company.
Standing on the sidewalk wrapped in the tattooed arms of a black-haired guy wearing glasses, Calliope Morrow gazes at the traffic as it whizzes by on the street in front of our apartment building.
I had my driver drop me off a block away after work so I could step into a floral boutique and pick up a bouquet.
I look down at it before I level my gaze at Champ.
She’s wearing cut-off denim shorts and a black sweater.
She looks so damn sexy.
She left the office an hour before I did.
I know that because I saw her boarding the elevator with Delora by her side. Judging by the smiles on both of their faces, the day went well.
My day has gone to hell because now Champ is looking up and into the face of the tattooed guy.
Suddenly, her gaze shifts to the left and lands on me.
Fuck.
I toss her a wave. “Hey!”
She takes a step back from the guy who has been holding onto her for dear life.
It makes sense that she has a boyfriend. She’s intelligent, spirited, and has an ass that I am struggling to keep my eyes off of.
The guy with her shoots me a look. “Who is that?”
The question is directed at Calliope, but I answer because I have plans, and my dinner date will give me shit if I’m late. “I’m her boss. I’m also her neighbor.”
That sends the guy in my direction with his hand outstretched. “I’m Zeke.”
I don’t need or want to know that, but I’m not a complete bastard, so I take his hand in mine for a brief shake. “Sean Wells.”
“It’s good to meet you,” he says before tugging his hand away from mine. “I need to get going. I just stopped in for a quick visit.”
“I’m glad you did,” Calliope tells him. “Your surprise visits are one of my favorite things.”
He turns back to face her. “Mine too.”
I’ve heard enough, so I take a step toward the glass doors of the building. Lester, the doorman, rushes to open the door. That’s going to cost me.
“Good evening, Mr. Wells,” Lester says in a cheery tone. “How are you tonight, sir?”
I’m irritated as hell, but I don’t put that on him.
Instead, I slide a bunch of bills from the pocket of my pants and shove them at him. “I’m fine, Lester.”
Since he’s blocking my path, I step to the left to get around him.
“This is very generous, sir,” he whispers. “Very generous.”
I acknowledge his gratitude with a smile and a pat on the shoulder.
“It was good to see you again, Mr. Morrow,” Lester says as I walk into the lobby. “It’s a joy having your sister living here.”
What was that now?
I turn to see Calliope give the tattooed guy one last hug. “I’ll call you later, Zeke.”
“I’ll answer.” He chuckles. “Lock the apartment door once you’re inside. Safety first, sis.”
This guy is her brother.
Sensing that she’s right behind me, I slow my pace as I walk toward the bank of elevators.
The soft scent of her perfume wafts through the air as she nears me.
“Those are beautiful flowers,” she says as she steps in place beside me. “Your date will love those.”
Jumping out onto a limb, I turn to look at her. “Our date.”
Her eyebrows perk. “What?”
“We’re having dinner with Mrs. Sweeney tonight, Champ.” I motion for her to board the elevator when the doors slide open. “Get ready to have the best tuna casserole you’ve ever had.”
Her nose scrunches. “Tuna casserole?”
“It’s a hell of a lot better than it sounds.”
Chapter Eleven
Callie
I’m unsure how I was roped into attending this dinner party, but I’m glad I’m here.
When Sean knocked on Mrs. Sweeney’s door, she swung it open with a flourish.
She didn’t seem the least bit surprised to find me standing next to him. She gathered me into her arms and welcomed me into her home without any hesitation.
Her apartment is a carbon copy of my brother’s in terms of its layout, but that’s where the similarities end.
The sofa and chair in her living room are a dusty blue color. The lamps have white shades with gold trim. There’s a record player in the corner, and a silver tray with an elegant tea set on the coffee table.
As soon as I was inside, I felt as though I had been transported back in time to when I was nine. I spent two weeks with my grandma during the summer at her home in Vermont. It had the same feel as this apartment. The same coziness engulfed me there.
“I’ve invited the Durkmans from the eleventh floor to join us tonight,” Mrs. Sweeney says to Sean. “I know how much you enjoy their company.”
He shoots me a look and mouths the words, “I don’t,” before he smiles at her. “The more the merrier, right?”