Sin (Just This Once 3)

Linny: Why don’t you come to my place?

I glance down at my phone again. I’ve read her text message at least a half-dozen times since she sent it to me.

It lit up my phone when I was about to leave Rocco’s place, penniless and anxious.

I was anxious to see her. The need to hold her had only increased after I told Rocco about her marketing skills. I could talk about the woman all day to anyone who’ll listen.

Now, I’m standing on the sidewalk in front of her building.

I called her after I read the message the first time. I asked why she didn’t want to meet at the hotel.

In a breathy voice, she told me that she’d prefer to have me in her bed.

It was only after she assured me that Mitchell was on an airplane headed to Boston for a consultation with a client, that I relented.

I won’t put her at risk.

The CEO job means everything to her and I’ll move heaven and earth if need be to secure it for her.

I type out a quick message after I enter the foyer of the building.

Jeremy: I’m here. Buzz me up, angel.

Linny: I’m 502.

I yank open the heavy glass door and make my way to a bank of elevators across the lobby.

I jab my finger into the call button.

I’m about to see Linny in her apartment. I’m about to fuck her in her bed. It feels like we’re taking a step forward that we can’t retreat from.

Hope isn’t a feeling I’m familiar with, but it’s there, in my chest, inside my beating heart.

I step onto the elevator, push the button marked five and take a deep breath.

Chapter 40

Linny

“Do you want something to drink?” I gesture toward my kitchen. “I have wine and soda. I might have some orange juice.”

“Thank you, but I’m good.” Shaking his head West takes in the open concept space.

I’m proud of my apartment. I purchased it two years ago. My dad was determined to help me with the down payment, but I politely turned him down.

I wanted my signature on the property documents to mean something.

I did this alone. I earned and saved every penny that has gone into making this one bedroom apartment a home.

“Do you live alone?” He shoves his hands into the front pocket of his jeans.

“Just me and my shoes.” I laugh. “I’m not obsessed with nice shoes, but the walk-in closet sold me on the place.”

“You own?” His brows perk.

“Every square foot.” I wave my hand in the air. “All seven hundred and twenty-two of them.”

He looks down at the hardwood floors. “It’s a great space and the neighborhood is good. It’s a solid investment, Linny.”