Chapter 1
Dexie
“I don’t understand why you haven’t invested in window coverings for this place.”
I turn to see my friend, Sophia Wolf, standing next to one of the large windows in my new apartment.
“I like the light,” I answer quickly. “Besides, in my rental agreement it says that the building’s superintendent will supply blinds and install them. The man is busy. I don’t want to bother him about it.”
“You pay rent which means it’s his job to keep you happy.”
Spoken from the lips of a woman who lives in a luxurious apartment with her novelist husband and daughter.
“Don’t worry about it, Sophia.” I put a cardboard box on the kitchen counter. “I really like this place. It’s cheaper than my last apartment and there’s a lot more room.”
“I can’t argue with that.” She takes in the sprawling space. “Are you thinking of setting up your workstation over there?”
I haven’t given it any serious thought yet because my time is limited. I work full-time in the marketing department for a cosmetics company and part-time helping Sophia with her clothing line.
My purse design business has yet to take off, but I’m determined to change that. I’ve put out some feelers to try and find a private investor for my company.
Supplies aren’t cheap and even though I have a steady stream of customers willing to pay for my one-of-a-kind handmade purses, there’s not enough cash coming in to take my business to the next level.
“I’m going to get all my stuff unpacked and then I’ll figure that out.”
She taps her heel on the hardwood floor. “That makes sense.”
I point at a lamp on a table near where she’s standing. “Can you turn that on? It’s getting dark.”
She hits the switch on the lamp and it instantly fills the room with soft light. “I have one more concern and then I swear I’ll shut up.”
I don’t look at her as I open a box filled with dishes. “What?”
“Your bed is right in front of that window. Aren’t you worried that your neighbors will watch you while you sleep?”
I picked this apartment because it has a loft feel to it. My bed is visible from my kitchen and the main living space. The only area that is separated by walls and a door is the bathroom.
I’m not shy. I’ve slept here for the past four nights and I haven’t bothered to look out any of the windows to see if the people in the building next to mine are looking in.
“This is Manhattan.” I stop what I’m doing and scan the exterior wall and the arched windows that face the building next door. “People are too busy to stare in here.”
“What if you bring a guy home, Dex?”
“A guy?” I pause as I tuck a lock of my pink-streaked blonde hair behind my ear. “You’re worried that my neighbors are going to watch me having sex? Is that what you’re asking?”
She laughs. “It’s a possibility, no?”
“Not right now.” I give an exaggerated shrug. “I don’t have time to meet men. You can rest easy tonight knowing that my neighbors won’t be getting a free show.”
Her dark brown hair sways as she crosses the room to pick up her purse from where she tossed it onto the corner of my bed when she got here. It’s one of my latest designs. Sophia is my walking talking billboard and so far, I’ve had a few customers seek me out because of her.
“I have to get home.” She shoulders the navy blue bag. It’s a perfect complement to the red blouse and white pants she’s wearing. “I need to make dinner. Do you want to come by for a bite?”
I look around the apartment. I have too much to do tonight. There’s no way I can spare the time it would take to get to her place, eat, visit and then trudge back here. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“I’ll talk to you later in the week.” She hugs me tightly. “Call me if you spot any peeping Toms.”
“Will do.” My reply is swift. “I’m not sure what you’ll do about it, but I’ll shoot you a text if I catch one.”
***
I arch my back in a stretch as I finally put away the last of my dishes. I don’t own a lot, but my mismatched collection of plates, bowls and glasses is enough for me. I’ve never thrown an elaborate dinner party. I only cook the basics. All of my spare time is devoted to my passion. If I'm not working on one of my handbags, I'm thinking about elements for the next design.
I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner after Sophia left, taking a spoonful in between unpacking boxes.
I’ve accomplished more tonight than I thought I wou
ld. I glance at my phone sitting on the worn laminate countertop and realize that it’s nearing midnight.
Since I need to be at my office at Matiz Cosmetics nine hours from now, sleep has to be next on my schedule.
I hurry toward the bed. It’s not the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, but it’s large and right now it’s calling my name.
Just as I’m about to tug my pink T-shirt over my head and unbutton my jeans, I turn to the windows.
The building next door is close. It’s also home to many apartments with dozens of windows.
Several of the windows are shuttered with curtains and blinds. Subtle hints of light peek around the edges. A few apartments don’t have any window coverings and they’re backlit enough that I can make out what’s happening in the homes of my neighbors.
Television sets flicker, a woman dances past a window, and then my gaze settles on the apartment directly across from mine.
I know that the low light coming from the lamp in the corner makes me visible to the person standing with their back to me.
There’s a light on in their apartment too. It’s not too bright, more of a gentle glow that casts just enough warmth that I can see the shape of a man. He’s tall with broad shoulders.
When he turns, I lean closer to the window to get a better look.
He does the same. His gaze locks with mine and a shiver of excitement runs through me.
He’s gorgeous. He has dark hair and a chiseled jaw.