I pursed my lips.
“Why don’t you look at both and decide?” Bentley offered. “You may not like either, and if that’s the case, no pressure.”
Aiden chuckled. “They’re one of the most well-made condos around, and the management is top-notch.”
I laughed along with them. “I’d heard that.”
BAM only built the best. There was no cutting corners with them—ever. This project had been a massive undertaking for them, and I was proud to have been associated with it.
“If you don’t like them, Jordan, what about the new project? The fifty-five-plus compound we’re building?”
“Those won’t be ready for a while, and I want to move fairly quickly, Bentley. I like the idea of the individual houses, but it’s also a little out of town while I’m still working. Maybe once I think of retirement.”
Bentley regarded me for a moment, his intense blue eyes meeting mine steadily. “First off, I hope that’s a long way off, Jordan. Second, we plan on holding back a few places for lease only. There are always those who prefer not to own, so we cater to those individuals as well. If you decided you wanted one of those places, you could buy direct from us.”
I smiled. “Knowing you, Bentley, by the time I retire, you’ll have a dozen other places I can pick from. But for now, I would like to see the units you have at Ridge Towers.”
“I’ll take you there today myself. Maddox will come with us since he has all the numbers and can answer any of your questions.”
Aiden piped up. “I think I’ll join you.”
I waved my hand. “Not necessary. I know you’re busy.”
“I insist.”
I stood, knowing Bentley wouldn’t move on this. “All right.”
“Two o’clock.”
“Fine. I’ll meet you there.”
I almost made it to the door when he asked.
“Will Sandy be joining us?”
Such an innocent question. Asked casually as if it was an afterthought, when I knew it was anything but.
I glanced over my shoulder. “I hadn’t asked her, but perhaps I will. She can offer me an objective opinion.”
Bentley nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
Aiden leaned back in his chair, grinning like a loon. I left the office before I started to laugh.
Sandy was right—overgrown, curious children. All of them.Sandy and I walked around the two units, opening cupboards, listening as Reid, who’d found out about the trip and insisted on joining us, blathered on about the technical wonders he’d added.
As part of the company, I had watched these towers being built. Attended design meetings and looked over the blueprints many times. Toured the buildings once they were complete. But looking at the units as a prospective buyer was a different experience.
I opened the patio door and stepped onto the balcony, staring at the vista in front of me. This unit was on the side of the building that overlooked the water. I liked that, plus the fact that there was a small marina being added. I could walk to my boat. The drive into the office would take a little longer, but given the early hours I usually went in, it would be worth it for the ease of access to my boat.
Sandy stepped out beside me, laying her hands on the rail. “It’s surprisingly quiet.”
“They’ve designed this very well.” I swept my gaze over the landscape. The wooded area with a trail leading down to the water. The outside pool and tennis court. The feel of a small resort while still being at home. “It’s amazing.”
“Is it for you, though?”
“It would be a big change. I need to think it over carefully.” I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. “How vigilantly are we being watched?”
She peeked over her shoulder, then chuckled and turned back. “Desperately trying to act casual and failing.”
“I can’t believe they’re all here.”
“They’re trying to act as if all the partners show off units all the time.” She snorted softly. “As if.”
“What are they expecting?”
“I have no idea. I think they wanted to see us together. See how we act?”
“I imagine they’re pretty disappointed.” I snickered. Sandy and I had acted as if we were in the office, discussing details of the units in a businesslike manner, standing apart, not touching.
She laughed softly. “Serves them right.”
“Do you think they know what I really want to do is hold your hand?” I asked quietly. “Pull you down on that bed in the master bedroom and lie there with you so I would know how it felt to open my eyes in the morning and not only see that view but see it with you beside me? Kiss you in the kitchen and see how you feel pressed against that imported marble?”
Her breath caught, but she didn’t turn her head. “Jordan…”
I slid my hand along the rail, covering hers. “Can you see yourself here, Sandy? Coming for dinner, spending time with me?”