Checking Every Box

“You can do anything you like,” she said as we crossed a busy street. “You’re the client.”

“Considering that you’re really the first person I’ve spoken to at length in my new home city, I hope that you’ll think of me as more than a client,” I winked.

The tiniest spot of pink touched her cheeks, then she pointed to the right. “I’ve only been there twice, but that restaurant is amazing,” she said.

Two buildings later, she led us into an even more impressive lobby. “Double wow,” she said, looking around. “This building is brand new, I think.”

“Completed four months ago,” I said, “According to Joel.”

As we got into the elevator, my skin suddenly prickled. For all I knew, Heather was with Joel. It could be a husband and wife operation. Although she looked a little bit young to be married, she was probably at least twenty-three. She might avoid wearing a wedding ring at work for any number of reasons.

“How did you end up working for Joel?” I asked as we rose to the forty-seventh floor.

She gave me a sly little smile. “We don’t discuss it at work, or in front of clients,” she said. My heart began to crack. If this gorgeous girl wasn’t single, and I didn’t have a shot, I didn’t know what I would do. “He’s my older brother. He hired me fresh out of school, and is teaching me the business.”

I breathed an audible sigh of relief, to which she raised an eyebrow. “I might pepper you with personal questions about my potential new home,” I explained with a grin, “And I’m glad he’s not your husband.”

Heather shook her head as we walked down the hall and she unlocked the door, leading us into another large condo. She made a little spin, surveying the room before flashing me that magical smile. “I really like it,” she said. “What do you think?”

It was impossible for me to resist any longer. Walking up to her, I held up my hand. She took it cautiously, seeming confused, but she didn’t pull away as I wrapped my other arm around her waist.

“Do you hear the music?” I asked as I began to slow dance with her, pulling her against my chest. “I think it’s a sign.”

Had she pulled back or stiffened, I would have released her immediately and apologized. But she instantly melted against me, as if she’d been thinking about this moment for the past hour as well.

As we slowly circled to imaginary music, I heard her tiny sigh of contentment. Her hand in mine felt so right. Then her head tipped up. “You realize this is terribly inappropriate?” she whispered shyly.

I nodded. “Terribly, yes.” Releasing her hand, I placed my finger under her chin, tipping her face up to mine. “It’s going to be even more inappropriate when I kiss you.”

I was crossing every l

ine, but watched her eyes carefully. Thankfully, she seemed completely delighted.

CHAPTER FIVE

* Heather *

Over the past hour, I’d been thinking about whether Steve would be a good match for me. So far, without having a chance to consult the list that was on my phone, he already was checking every box.

He was handsome, polite, and made me laugh. He obviously took care of himself. Although he seemed extremely well off, it was good enough that he was established and doing well for himself. I’d also hoped for a guy with an abundance of confidence, to make up for my lack of it.

It was one of those things that one dreams about, but it was very different in reality. When Steve began dancing me around the dining room of this impressive condo, I thought that he was just being charming.

Suddenly I was faced with the choice to either kiss him, or pull away. It was sweet that he was giving me the choice, and wasn’t actually being pushy. But I was torn.

Then I felt the tiniest twitch of his fingers tighten around my waist, and my body answered for me. Stretching up very slightly, our lips brushed together softly, sending an instant shock wave of tingling desire through every inch of my body.

He pulled me against him gently, his arms slipping around to hold me, making me feel tiny and precious with the simplest gesture. The electricity of our kiss took over, equal parts sweet and sexy swirled together. I didn’t want the moment to ever end, but my phone beeped from my purse.

Stepping back, I whispered, “Sorry. That’s Joel, I have to take it.”

“Of course,” he smiled gently. Good grief, his face was so beautifully sculpted it was a complete distraction.

“Hello, Joel,” I answered.

“How’s it going so far?” he asked.

“We’re just starting to check out the second property.” Steve flashed me a grin, then began walking around the space. “The first one is okay, but I think the second one has more potential,” I told my brother.