For the next few hours, Brad walked her through three apartments in various buildings, each having different amenities and things to offer. He was good company, knowledgeable about the property and rental details, and they spent an enjoyable afternoon despite the big decision she needed to make.
The snow had picked up, and by the time they made it to the last unit, she knew she was looking at a heavy downfall and it would be smart to head back home soon. They had left the Upper East Side and were now on the West, and she still had to grab a cab or subway back to Penn Station.
She stood in the recently remodeled kitchen. “I have to say this one’s my favorite.”
“Because of the kitchen? Do you like to cook?” he asked.
“I enjoy it when I have time. I’m sure I’ll have more of it once I live in Manhattan and my commute is cut down,” she said, thinking about the positives of this upcoming change.
Because one thing was for certain, she’d have a lot less space. She’d have to store much of her furniture and things, and the thought made her sad. She hadn’t realized how lucky she was living in the guesthouse as opposed to a small New York City apartment. She could, if she wanted, buy a house, but she wasn’t ready to make that kind of leap.
She turned to Brad. “I need some time to think about which one I want though.” Because one on the East Side had more space.
“I totally understand. Nobody expects you to make a decision right away. He gestured toward the door, and she walked to the exit, with him close behind.
He turned to face her. “I realize you need to get home now,” he said, pushing open the door. “But would you like to go out some time?” he asked, taking her by surprise.
“Oh. I—”
“Ms. Storms isn’t available for the foreseeable future,” Derek said from outside the door.
She glanced over to see him standing there, ready to enter as they were walking out. Snow dusted his dark hair and jacket, and he had a scowl on his handsome face.
“Derek!” At this point, she hadn’t expected him to show.
“Hansen, I’ll take it from here,” he said, dismissing the other man.
His cheeks flushed a ruddy color. “Sorry, boss. Didn’t realize it was like that.” He glanced from Derek to Cassie and back again.
She hadn’t realized it either. Nor was she sure how she felt about him staking a claim she hadn’t known he’d made. She hadn’t planned on saying yes to a date with Brad, but that was something she should be able to decide for herself.
“Brad, thank you for showing me around today. I appreciate it,” she said. She’d deal with Derek when they were alone.
“You’re welcome. When you make a decision—”
“She’ll call me,” Derek said.
Cassie blinked in surprise. This possessiveness was a new side to Derek, one she hadn’t seen before, and it annoyed her as much as it—surprisingly—turned her on.
She waited until Brad had left and headed for the elevator before turning his way. “You didn’t need to be rude to him! Besides, I think I can decide for myself whether or not to accept a date.”
He raised an eyebrow, looking aggravated and tension-filled, a muscle pulsing in his jaw. “Some things need to be clarified … man to man.”
“What are you, a Neanderthal? The man works for you and deserves some respect.”
“And now he’ll continue to work for me because he knows not to hit on you.”
She didn’t know whether to be flattered or angry. She settled for annoyed. And a whole lot pleased that he was interested in her enough to stake a claim.
Not that she could let him know that, so she rolled her eyes at his comment. “You didn’t have to rush over here. I’ve seen all the apartments, and Brad was very thorough,” she said, complimenting the building manager just to get under Derek’s skin.
“Bravo for him. I’ll give him a raise,” he muttered.
She shook her head. “Okay, caveman,” she said, unable to hold back a laugh that broke the tension.
He shoved his hands into his jacket pocket and grinned. “Guess I got a little carried away.”
“I’d say so.” She met his gaze and turned to a more serious subject. “I hope your family emergency turned out okay?”