I’d go on about how it’s a modest studio apartment with a fireplace that doesn’t work and a window seat that’s as comfortable as it is cute, but those details only matter to me.
The apartment belonged to the former owner of Wild Lilac. She wanted to unload both in a package deal so she could retire in Arizona with no ties to New York. Jeremy negotiated a fair price. I expected him to turn around and sell the apartment after a few repairs, but he gave me the keys and told me to make him proud.
I’ve never lived alone before. I love it as much as I hate it.
Independence is everything. The loneliness is overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t trade those seven hundred square feet of my own space for anything.
“I live on the Lower East Side,” he offers. “I’ve got a killer view of the East River.”
I’ve got a killer view right now. Sitting across from him is better than any view in this city right now.
Another chime from his phone draws his gaze back to the screen.
This time he lets out a low chuckle. “My mom is still going on about the flowers. I’m officially her favorite son for the day. Thanks again for that, Athena. I appreciate it more than you know.”
This seems like the perfect time to call it a night, so I do. “It was my pleasure and my job.”
He laughs. “You’re damn good at your job.”
I push back from the table to see if he’ll follow my lead. He does.
Standing, I glance down at my half-eaten salad. I’d take it to go, but I won’t eat it.
“Thank you for dinner.” I shoulder my navy blue tote.
He’s on his feet too, sliding his phone into one of the front pockets of his pants. “You’re welcome.”
I wait for an offer to take me home or a promise that he’ll see me soon, but silence fills the air between us.
“Take care, Liam.”
His eyes find mine and for the briefest of moments I see a flicker of sadness. It makes sense given that his relationship ended just days ago.
“You too, Athena,” he says softly. “Have a great night.”
I sigh as I walk away. His heart needs time to mend and my body needs some relief after spending two hours staring at him.
“I will have a great night,” I whisper as I exit the restaurant.
I head home knowing that before I fall asleep tonight I’ll have a hot bath in my clawfoot tub and an orgasm courtesy of wicked thoughts of Liam Wolf.
Chapter 8
Liam
“How’s Wren?”
“Over me,” I say matter-of-factly.
My oldest friend, Keats Morgan, huffs out a laugh. “What the fuck happened? I thought you two would make it to the finish line.”
I rest my hands on the back of one of the armchairs in the middle of my office. “What’s the finish line? Marriage? Kids?”
“Yes, and yes,” he punctuates his answer with two nods of his chin. “You’re the guy who said she had the potential to be the one . Correct me if I’m wrong, but those were your words, right?”
Sliding a palm over my forehead, I shake my head. “I never said that. Audrey is Wren’s biggest fan. Maybe you got that from her?”
“You’re probably right. Audrey does like to chat me up when I’m waiting for you.” He crosses his arms. “So that’s it? It’s over between the two of you?”